Liberty Newsletter Volume 22
January 15, 2019
Liberty High School
Email: kibby.scott@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/LibertyHS
Location: 1400 South Dubuque Street, North Liberty, IA, United States
Phone: 319-688-1350
Twitter: @LibertyHS_Kibby
Liberty's Smore Newsletter
Welcome to my smore newsletter. The goal of these twice monthly newsletters is to keep Liberty families in the know. As always feel free to email me with suggestions on how to improve my communication. Additionally, I appreciate items for inclusion in the newsletter.
Thank you
Scott
Scott Kibby
Principal
Liberty High School
Iowa City Community School District
Family Teacher Conferences
Our Winter date is approaching on Wednesday, January 23 from 4:15-7:45pm in the Liberty commons. There is no need to schedule an appointment. Simply show up during these times and your child(s) teachers will be available to discuss their academic progress.
If you are interested, there is an AP and College informational meeting on this same night from 7pm-7:45 in the Auditorium. We are trying to merge the two events to be sensitive to your busy lives. For more information on this event see the blurb below.
Open the Door: AP and College Options
During Parent Conferences on Wednesday, January 23 from 7:00 - 7:30 pm, the Liberty Counselors will be presenting Opening the Door: AP and College Options in the Auditorium.
This is a great presentation to hear about the many benefits that AP (Advanced Placement) courses have for students. AP classes are courses that present college level curriculum and students can elect to take an exam at the end of the school year to earn college credit. Besides just the college credit, students develop study and time management skills, as well as an array of other academic skills that can help them be successful not only at Liberty, but in their post-secondary endeavors as well. Liberty offers a wide variety of AP courses in nearly every content area for students in grades 9-12.
Additionally, through a partnership with Kirkwood Community College, students at Liberty have the opportunity to take academies at the Kirkwood Regional Center located on Oakdale Blvd in Coralville. These classes offer high school elective credit as well as transferable college credit. There are approximately 20 different academies students can choose from that range from liberal arts transfer credits, to more hands-on academies focused on advanced manufacturing, transportation, nursing, graphic design, and computers. These academies are only available to Juniors and Seniors, but it’s a great opportunity for parents of underclassmen to learn more about the opportunities that will be available in the future to start making plans now.
We hope that you can attend our presentation and learn about the wonderful opportunities students have for advanced coursework at Liberty. If you are unable to attend, or have any questions please contact your child's counselor.
Weighted GPA's
In a weighted grade system the cumulative GPA is calculated differently for honors and AP classes.
In traditional classes the gpa is calculated with a A=4pts, B=3pts, C=2pts, D=1pt, F=0pt.
In a weighted system the gpa is calculated with an A=5pts, B=4ps, C=3pts, D=2pts, F=0pt.
The primary motivation for this move is due to our research that found many Iowa colleges and universities offer awards, such as scholarships, “based on the incoming GPA of the students they enroll” without taking into account whether schools weight GPAs or not.
Regional Center and other University PSEO classes will not be weighted. Only AP and Honors classes taken within the ICCSD system will be weighted. Grades earned prior to the 19-20 school year will not be "recalculated" as the rules take effect for next year and beyond.
This change will alter some of our end of the year awards like Academic Honors and Valedictorian. Administration will be working with the Instructional Leadership Team to develop those new rules in the coming weeks.
Counseling Office Corner (Registration)
The following information was shared with Students regarding registration
Attached is a copy of the registration video shown in Liberty Time on Monday, January 7, 2019. Additionally, we have attached a copy of the ICCSD Program of Study that has a listing of the graduation requirements, descriptions of courses available for next year, and four year planning sheet.
A copy of your registration sheet will be provided to you by your Liberty Time teacher. If you do not have a Liberty Time, please stop in the Counseling Office for a copy of the registration form.
Counselors will be in English Class next week on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 for to be Seniors and Wednesday, January 16, 2019 for to be Juniors to complete the online registration process.
Teachers in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language will be signing off on your courses for next year, so please be sure to have your registration sheet with you in classes this week.
Registration Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx9uT_YNWZU&t=3s
Liberty Counseling Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Page/17153
Attachments:
ICCSD_Program_of_Study_High_School_19-20_(2).pdf (6.5 MB)
You can follow the Counseling Team on Twitter at @BoltCounseling and sign up to receive the Counseling Smore for more detailed Career and College Readiness information: https://www.smore.com/fcn1v
Who's My Counselor? (by students last name)
A-G Troy Bergmann, bergmann.troy@iowacityschools.org
H-N Jenni Naughton, naughton.jennifer@iowacityschools.org
O-Z Mayra DeVries, devries.mayra@iowacityschools.org
Kirkwood Regional Center Academy information
Information on Kirkwood Academies
Attached is a copy of the 19-20 Program of Studies for the Kirkwood Academies next year, as well as a brief video with information about what the academies are, their benefits, and how to register.
19-20_KRCUI.POS_FINAL.pdf (1237.5 KB)
Informational Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsCD3mRY-fY&t=10s
Link to Kirkwood Academy Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu/johnsonacademies
To read a little more about each academy, the courses that you will take, as well as potential careers in those fields, click in the individual academy below.
CAREER ACADEMY OFFERINGS
*Denotes STEM based program
Full Course Packet (Download PDF) | Companion Courses
Advanced Manufacturing/Engineering Technology Academy*
Want to learn more? Watch the video!
- American Welding Society MIG Welder qualification
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills
(NIMS) machining certificate
Architecture, Construction & Engineering (ACE) Academy*
Arts & Sciences: Pre-Business Administration Transfer Academy
Arts & Sciences: Pre-Criminal Justice Transfer Academy
Arts & Sciences: Pre-Education Transfer Academy
Arts & Sciences: Pre-Liberal Arts Transfer Academy
Arts & Sciences: Pre-Social Work Transfer Academy
Computer Programming & Web Development Academy
Energy, Electrical and Automation Academy*
Want to learn more? Watch the video!
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Academy*
- EMT & CPR certification
Hospitality Management Academy
Networking & Computer Support Academy*
Patient Care Academy
- Nurse Aide certification
Pharmacy Technician Academy*
- Pharmacy Technician certification
Pre-professional/Exercise Science Academy
Transportation Academy*
- Snap-on Shopkey, Meter and Ethos Scan tool certifications
Visual Design Academy*
Water Environmental Technology Academy*
Girls-The Road Less Traveled Conference
9th and 10th Girls Interested in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics)
If you are young woman in the 9th or 10th grade and are interested in STEM Liberty has 30 spots open to attend the Road Less Traveled Conference at Iowa State University in Ames on Thursday, April 11th. This engaging conference allows students to explore STEM majors and careers through interactive presentations and hands-on activities. Registration is $15/person (some financial assistance available if needed), and transportation is provided. Students are responsible for their own lunch. Please contact Mrs. Ellickson if interested by Thursday, February 28th (ellickson.sakinah@iowacityschools.org).
Flier attached below.
Staff Spotlight-Peggy Dolson, English/Language Arts
Peggy Dolson is an English and Reading Instructor and the English Department Chairperson. Mrs. Dolson received her bachelor's degrees from Loras College, her master's degree from the University of Dubuque, and her Reading Endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa and Morningside College. She completed National Board Certification in 2003. Along with her classroom duties, she advises the IN SHOC Service Club, coaches the Liberty Sophomore Volleyball Squad, and co-directs the school intramural program. Mrs. Dolson is constantly amazed by the power of her students' stories; she loves to read their compositions and listen to their tales. She also enjoys students' extracurricular talents by watching sport, theater, and music performances. Her mother always told her that "Teachers are rewarded in heaven." She hopes that is true.
Staff Spotlight-Kate Jacobson, English/Language Arts
Kate Jacobson is an English teacher at Liberty High School. She teaches English 9, Honors British Literature, Honors U.S. Literature, and a trimester elective strand that includes Essay Writing, English Grammar and Usage, Short Story, and Bible as Literature. A native of Cedar Rapids, Kate earned a B.A. at Clarke College and her teaching certification at Mount Mercy. She also holds an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Francis, as well as an M.A. in Folklore and Ethnography from University College Cork. Kate believes teaching is the best job in the world because it is a privilege to work with amazing and inspirational people from all walks of life. In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and travelling.
Spaghetti Dinner
The Booster Club is running a SPAGHETTI DINNER prior to Friday's basketball game.
Details:
Liberty Boys Basketball hosts Iowa City High
Friday, January 18, 2019
Sophomore game: 6:00 p.m.
Varsity: 7:30 P.M.
WHAT: Spaghetti, Salad, Bread, Drink
COST: ADULTS $8.00, CHILDREN $5.00
Booster Ball
Thank you to the parents and friends of Liberty that contribute to the positive experiences for students.
Peer Tutoring Available
National Honor Society students has begun providing tutoring available to all Liberty students!
WHEN IS IT? Liberty Time (3:05 Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
WHERE IS IT? Library
WHAT DO THEY OFFER TUTORING IN? The tutors have been trained in the areas of:
- Helping students with practice problems
- Writing Papers
- Organization and Study Skills
- Test Prep Help or Quizzing
- Public Speaking Assistance for Class Presentations or Speeches
- Help in any subject area! Math, Science, Social Studies, Business, English, Foreign Language, etc!
The Liberty Fund Path of Recognition Program!
If you'd like to recognize a special senior, your family/business or a a memorial gift, then the Liberty Path of recognition may be for you.
We will be engraving the bricks in front of the main entrance to raise money for the Liberty Fund when the weather warms. The Liberty Fund's purpose is to help underfunded student groups or to provide access for students that may have financial needs to participate in our programs.
Summer Internship Opportunities
The Workplace Learning Connection Internships program is a more in-depth, "on the job" experience. Students complete a 45 hour or a 90 hour internship in the field of their choice and receive elective high school credit upon completion. Current Junior and Senior students are eligible to apply for Fall, Spring or Summer internships. Sophomore students may apply for a summer internship.
Internships for 10th, 11th and 12th grades
Summer 2019: (Please note early due date, this is to accommodate large summer requests)
Intern Portal opens – December 10, 2018
Applications due – February 8, 2019 (interviews TBA)
Go to www.workplace-learning.org or see Mr Spear in the main office or email him at Spear.Rick@iowacityschools.org
PSTO
PSTO meets at 4:45 on the third Wednesday of the month in the Liberty Library.
2018-19 dates and guest speakers
· January 16-guest speakers Sakinah Ellickson and Jonna Hall on National Honor Society
· February 20-guest speakers Jenny Saylor and Beth Long on the Garden Club
· March - No meeting due to Spring Break
· April 17-guest speaker Marge Hartman on the North Liberty Summer Meals Program
· May 15-tba
The PSTO has done wonderful work to support the students and staff at Liberty. They'd love to have you join them for meetings. No signup is necessary If you'd like more information you can contact them at libertyhspsto@gmail.com
PSTO board members for 2018-2019:
· President: Sandy DeSchinckel
· President Elect: Marisa Keeney
· Secretary: Deb Wagner
· Treasurer: Shawn Eyestone
· Volunteer Coordinator: Lyse Strnad
Liberty Food Pantry
We would like to thank ALL the families who supported us in starting a food pantry at Liberty High School. Your generous donations of food, hygiene products, and gift cards have helped many of our students and their families already! You have made a real difference in the lives of the kids we serve and we are so grateful for the wonderful community that we have.
The Liberty Food Pantry is open every week on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the Student & Family Advocate, Heba Nabhan, through email at Nabhan.Heba@Iowacityschools.org or by phone at 319.688.1354 ext. 3019.
SEIBA Honor Band members
Sam Ross, Megan Uden, Spencer Knight, Jennifer Ho, Tyson Baker
Liberty Bots finish their season at the Regional meet on 1/12
Standing L to R:
Drew Burkart, Kyle Dominy, Abhishek Aryal, Drake Torrance, Lexie Lukes
Kneeling L to R:
Aayushma Aryal, Razan Karar, Promise Elnour
Liberty Storm Show Choir makes finals at Muscatine
Harrison Voigt, Scott Dill, Ben Kruger, Nolan Frey
Front:
Cole Tuttle