9th Grade Welcome Info
Liberty High School Summer 2023
Greetings Eagle Families!
Dr. Ed Nelson has been the Building Principal at Liberty HS since 2015 and can be reached by e-mail at edgarnelson@wsdr4.org. The following listed names make up our administrative team here at LHS.
Assistant Principals:
Steve Pryor, AP (Last Names A-E) ext. 28228 stevenpryor@wsdr4.org
Lindsay Kiely, AP (Last Names F-K) ext. 28230 lindsaykiely@wsdr4.org
Matt Kiesel, AP (Last Names L-R) ext. 28232 matthewkiesel@wsdr4.org
Stan Schumacher, AP (Last Names S-Z) ext.28258 stantonschumacher@wsdr4.org
Activities Director:
Cary Eldredge, ext. 28238 caryeldredge@wsdr4.org
What does Liberty have to offer your student?
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff - Our Faculty/Staff are Amazing! They are committed to supporting students throughout their high school years and routinely go above and beyond to assure student success.
- Rigorous Academic Offerings - LHS provides students with several Advanced Placement Courses, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) courses, and an array of Dual Enrollment courses through St.Charles Community College. In addition, our course of studies is filled with rich opportunities for students to challenge themselves academically and fulfill their college/career goals.
- Co-Curricular Activities - LHS is proud to have many MSHSAA-sanctioned varsity sport programs. In addition, we have numerous clubs, award-winning musical groups, and a strong theatre program.
- Lewis & Clark Technical School - L&C provides a large selection of career & technical pathways for students to prepare for college/career. Some examples of courses include Law Enforcement, Auto Service Technology, Health Occupations, and more!
We look forward to working with your child next school year. If at any time you have questions, please contact Liberty HS at 636-561-0075.
Important Dates for 9th Graders
Freshmen Orientation
The transition from middle school to high school is a big one, and it comes along with many challenges. To help ease apprehensions and set freshmen up for success, Liberty High School's Link Crew will be hosting a voluntary freshman orientation on Friday, August 18 at 9 a.m. in our main gymnasium.
Link Crew's junior and senior members were chosen to represent the many academic and social groups present at Liberty, and all have joined to assist freshmen in their time at and beyond orientation. Following a fun kickoff in the gym, students have an opportunity to meet Link Crew students and ask questions they may have about classes and school life. The event will conclude around 11:00 a.m. Please plan to pick up/drop off your students at the main entrance of the school, as buses will not be running.
We are aware that some freshmen will be unable to attend. Those students will be contacted by our Link Crew students following orientation, and they can look for any Link Crew student in a Link Crew t-shirt on the first day of school to ask for help.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Matthew Eversole at mattheweversole@wsdr4.org.
We hope to see you there!
Fall Sports Start
Monday, August 7, 2023 - Fall Sports Tryouts
Student Welcome Back Day
Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 8 am - 3:30 pm- Staff available for scheduling issues, lockers, activity information, nurse's office open for medicine drop-off, and students may walk their schedules.
First Day of School
Monday, August 21, 2023 - First Day of School
Picture Day
Friday, August 25, 2023 - Throughout the school day, students will be called down to get their photo taken for the yearbook.
A note from your Activities Director
Class Of 2027 Students & Parents,
I hope you and your family are having a great summer. In order to keep you better informed and also so that your incoming Eagle is prepared and has the correct information for our activities and sports, I have included some important information for you below. I hope you find the information beneficial and it helps prepare your incoming freshman for the 2023-2024 school year and involvement in activities, clubs, and sports at Liberty.
Currently at Liberty, we have nearly 73% of our students participate in an activity, club or sport and have an average G.P.A. of 3.57. These students that are involved and attached to Liberty have higher attendance rates, higher G.P.A.'s and report more positive high school experiences than those not involved. As you and your student begin a great four years at Liberty, we hope that you choose to get involved and enjoy the many benefits of being involved in our Liberty family outside the normal school day.
Liberty offers a wide array of activities, clubs, and sports. You can find a list of all of these great opportunities here - Https://Www.Wentzville.K12.Mo.Us/Lhs. Many of these activities begin prior to school starting this fall. If you plan on being involved in a MSHSAA-sponsored sport or activity this fall there are several important pieces that are necessary prior to competing. These pieces can be found on the Liberty website - click on athletics. Also, watch for important emails from the LHS Activities Office. Here is the latest email: Https://Www.Smore.Com/Ftdcs
Additionally, you can stay informed by utilizing any of the resources I have included below. These resources will help you navigate any questions you may have coming into your first year at Liberty. The Liberty Activities Department takes pride in its many forms of communication to stay informed and its promotion and recognition of student participants involved in our over 50 activities, clubs, and sports.
Thanks again for your interest in Liberty activities and we look forward to having you be part of our Liberty family.
Sincerely,
Mr. Cary Eldredge
Liberty Activities Director
Website: Https://Www.Wentzville.K12.Mo.Us/Lhs
Twitter: @Eagleslibertyad
Liberty Activities Office
Cary Eldredge - Ad - Caryeldredge@Wsdr4.Org
Debbie Wilke- Admin Asst. - Deborahwilke@Wsdr4.Org
636-561-0075 Ext 28239
Summer Office Hours - Mon - Thurs 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mrs. Alicia Sheffield
Mr. Chad Cunningham
Mrs. Mary Ellen Riley
Mrs. Paige Blackford
Mrs. Shelley Gerringer
Collin Miller
Educational Support Counselor
ext. 28240Cell Phone Policy Notification
Key Updates and Important Information
Buses Arrival and Dismissal take place on our back lot near the auditorium. Teachers will review bus lineups with students on the first day of school.
Student Drivers - Student Drivers are only permitted to park in the Parking Lot with a Parking Permit.
Parent Pick Up/Dismissal - Students must be in their classrooms by 7:15 am in order not to be counted as tardy. We recognize that our lot/Sommers Rd. becomes very busy between 7:05 - 7:15 am. We HIGHLY recommend all car riders arrive by 7 am or earlier in order to be on time for class. Below is a photo depiction of how parent drop-off and pick-up will work for the 23/24 school year.
Athletics Webpage - contact the Activities Administrative Assistant Debbie Wilke at deborahwilke@wsdr4.org with questions.
Attendance Procedures - When possible, please email attendance.liberty@wsdr4.org with any absences or attendance needs. E-mailing is a quicker method than leaving voicemails that often pile up. If you choose to call your child out please dial (636) 561-0075 opt. 1.
As a reminder...
Students showing up to school late are counted as tardy. Please be in class by 7:15 am.
95% Attendance is Required for A+
Booster Club - Featuring volunteer opportunities, spirit wear information, events, social media, membership application, and more!
Academic Help
Soar Time (OFFICE HOURS)
What is it?
- Soar Time is a 60-minute opportunity where students can choose to get extra help from their teachers during their scheduled office hours.
When is it?
- Monday - Friday during Soar Time. Each teacher's individual office hours are posted outside of their classrooms.
Where is it?
- In the individual teacher's classroom, unless otherwise noted.
Why should I participate?
- This is an opportunity during your school day (great for students who cannot stay after school) to garnish extra support in classes you may be struggling in or simply have an individualized question.
Who will be there?
- The teacher and any student who needs help.
How do I know where to go?
- Check with your individual teachers to find out their office hours or the posting outside their classroom.
Nest Time
What is it?
- A 65-minute opportunity weekly to gain guidance on a project, complete a quiz, or get help from a specific teacher.
When is it?
- Weekly on Thursday during "9th Period".
Where is it?
- Individual teachers' classrooms
Why should I participate?
- Another in-school opportunity to collaborate with your teacher.
Who will be there?
- The teacher, the students assigned to the teacher's nest time, and any students the teacher has requested.
How do I sign-up to see a specific teacher?
- Work with your teacher and they may sign you up as needed prior to 2 pm the Wednesday before Nest Time.
Academic Assist
What is it?
- Academic Assist is a free tutoring service offered to all students.
When is it?
- Monday - Thursday each week from 2:25 - 3:25 pm
Where is it?
- The program is held in the LHS Library.
Why should I participate?
- Academic Assist provides a quiet place to complete your homework with all the resources a library has to offer. It also provides a place for students to work on projects, make up tests or quizzes they missed, study for exams, ask their teachers questions in a smaller setting, and much more.
Who will be there?
- At least two staff members work each day. Students working on A+ hours may be present as well and many of your fellow classmates will be in this quiet environment working on various projects.
How much does it cost?
- It is 100% FREE!
How will I get home?
- Parents can pick up students at 3:25 or students (if eligible) may drive home.
LHS Bell Schedule 2023-2024
Supplies Needed for 9th Grade
- A positive attitude ready to learn and grow
- A willingness to get involved
- A charged Chromebook (new students to WSD will receive their Chromebooks on the first day of school)
- Pens/Pencils
- A notebook
Anything additional or class specific will be addressed by your student's teacher during the first week of school.
How to Purchase a Yearbook
Parents Get Involved with our Booster Club
Happy summer everyone!
We wanted to send out a quick message to introduce ourselves. There have been a few changes within the Booster Club Board. President, Matt Foeller and his wife, Renee, Director of Concessions, have passed the baton. The new board will transition over the summer. They have done a fantastic job of leadership, dedication and commitment to Liberty High School and the students they’ve helped in the past few years.
We will continue to review requests the same way and strive to approve as many as we can. One major focus of the new board will be on volunteers. Our Mission Statement in part, says, the Liberty Booster Club is 100% funded through its independent fundraising efforts and is in no way funded through Liberty High School or the Wentzville School District.
This can only be accomplished by volunteers. The more we involve our parents with their students, cover as many events as possible, the more money will be brought in and in turn the more we can approve. One important point to make about volunteering, Sign Up Genius is not approved for students to sign in and use their WSDR email address. They must use an outside email address and phone number. We must be able to reach people in the event of a cancellation. This is a constant discussion on ways to improve this method.
Things with the Booster Club will continue to run in a similar manner, just with different people doing it and we are looking to add a few new committees, new fundraisers, student photographers, monthly newsletters with updates and an active presence at as many events as we can get to. I will be introducing myself to as many coaches, assistant coaches, faculty and staff as possible. We are here to work together to make next year, year eleven, just as great as the first ten and help as many student programs as possible. All student clubs, programs, and athletic teams are eligible to benefit from Booster Club dollars.
Here’s a list of our new board members, their positions, and some helpful website, contact, and social media information for you.
Cindy Arras/President/Website cindy@libertyboosterclub.com
Shannon Queen/VP &Director of Concessions shannon@libertyboosterclub.com
Karry Bahr/Treasurer karry@libertyboosterclub.com
Christen Michel/Secretary christenmichel@libertyboosterclub.com
Kara Roberson/Spirit Wear & Social Media
Tara Cullivan/Spirit Wear spiritwear@libertyboosterclub.com
Jacky Theodore/Director of Fundraising jackyt@libertyboosterclub.com
Our general email address is: info@libertyboosterclub.com
Our website is: http://libertyboosterclub.com
Funding Requests, Volunteer Opportunities, and the Member Application are located on the LHS Booster Club Website. We also have social media on platforms…
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/libertyboosterclub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lhs.boosterclub/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lhsboosterclub
We are working diligently to keep our website updated, as well as our social media. We have also enlisted two student photographers to help us. I am also reaching out to teachers and students for a few other projects to be named later this year.
Our first official meeting of the 2023-2024 school year will be August 7 @ 7 pm in the cafeteria/library, feel free to attend and see the process. Look for our next newsletter around the same time.
Thank you for your time today. Enjoy your summer!
Updates about Liberty High School
These e-mails will be used throughout your student's entire high school career for important updates about class events, school activities, and other important items.
You can also follow us on Twitter @WSDLibertyHS
Tips from a former 9th Grade Student
Hello Parents and fellow Eagles, I am a former 9th-grade student at Liberty High School. 9th grade is approaching sooner than later. It is quite an eye-opener. When I first entered the high school, I was quite excited. I quickly adjusted to the building as well as my teachers. This may cause some to feel nervous and others to feel excited. Do not worry! Liberty High School is a great school to be in. But despite how you feel, being successful at the high school is extremely important. Your high school years are some of the most important four years of your life. They aid in the process of determining your future. To help guide you on how to be successful in high school, I have created a guideline that I have used since I was in middle school.
1) Set your Priorities Straight
Being concerned with how many Snapchat friends you have should not be at the top of your priority list. Sure, you may have had your fun at the middle school, but high school is the time to get grinding. Credits matter! You actually need a minimum of 25 credits to graduate high school. In addition, to remain eligible for MSHSAA activities you have to pass at least three credits per semester. How you start your freshmen year can greatly impact your future. Think about opportunities like the A+ program (yes, FREE college, mom and dad), CAPS, Lewis & Clark, and many more! Grades matter!
2) Extracurricular Activities
You have most likely been told this ever since you were in middle school, but join any extracurricular activities of your interest. These may include in-school activities like an art club, or an after-school activity like soccer. The memories I have made so far in high school have greatly been shaped by my experiences in both clubs and sports. I HIGHLY recommend at least joining one early in your freshmen year. If you are unsure of what clubs, activities, and sports Liberty has to offer I have linked the webpages below.
3) It is NOT too Early to Start Planning
I often hear "It's too early to talk about college/future career". It is never too early! High school is preparation for our future. Write out a realistic life plan like...
- Take all of the pathways to teaching courses offered at Liberty HS
- Complete the A+ Scholarship requirements
- Attend two years (FREE) at the community college
- Complete Bachelor's Degree at the University of Missouri
- Become an Elementary Teacher
This will show that you have an idea of what it is that you really want to do, BUT It is okay if you are not at the point where you know what it is that you want to do in the future. Start by making goals, no matter how big or how small, setting goals will set you up for success in all aspects of your high school career.
4) Study....Study...STUDY!
I cannot stress this enough. Use your time wisely!
Taking advantage of all of the below suggestions would lend you over 12 hours of extra help a week!
- Meet with the teacher before or after school. Even 10 minutes every day adds up to an extra 50 minutes of learning for you each week. Many times it is a one-to-one ratio with the teacher during these times.
- Visit your teacher during their office hours throughout Soar Time.
- Ask to see your teacher during Thursday Nest Time (pre-arrange prior to 2 pm on the Wednesday before Nest Time).
- Attend after-school Academic Assist in the library from 2:25 pm - 3:25 pm Monday - Thursday.
- Email your teacher to ask specific questions about assignments that you are struggling to complete.
Getting extra help during the above-mentioned times the day before a big test, or even something as small as a quiz could greatly benefit your grades. This extra time allows you to better comprehend the subject, help with your grades, and will also help with your learning habits. Use your surrounding sources!
5) Challenge Yourself
I am currently taking three honors classes and I will also be taking an advancement course during the summer. Set the bar high and always strive for excellence. Do not be too easy on yourself. Test yourself to see that you are capable of doing the best that you can.
6) Surround Yourself with Positivity
In high school, you are going to see people do unkind things. Do not follow their lead whether they are seniors or even fellow freshmen, it does not matter. Surround yourself with mature students that understand what it is that you would like to achieve and that share similar interests. High school will determine who are your REAL friends from the ones that like to use you for your status, athleticism, or intelligence.
Parents, I hope that these tips will help ease the transition from middle school to high school. The time spent in high school can be viewed as the final “incubation period” in which students can learn, explore, and prepare for the future higher education, professional career, and adulthood that is to follow. High school is the perfect opportunity to figure out your strengths and interests and set yourself up for a future of success, for those who use their time wisely.
Best Regards,
A former LHS 9th-grade student