Liberty Newsletter Volume 25
March 1, 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
Over the next 5 Smores I'm going to share more about our BOLTS matrix and our core values around what it means to be a BOLT. As a reminder B is for Belonging, O is for Ownership, L is for Leadership, T is for Teamwork and S is for Safety.
As always if you have suggestions for my twice monthly newsletter you may simply email me. I am open to feedback and am always looking to get better and grow our Liberty Experience.
Thank you
Scott
Scott Kibby
Principal
Liberty High School
Iowa City Community School District
The B in BOLTS is for Belonging
The B in Belonging resonates with me for several reasons. Counseling 101 would tell us that the 2 core needs every human has is "nourishment" and "love". Belonging speaks to our work of trying very hard to connect kids to our school. We are working to challenge our kids, but also care for them and LOVE them. We believe to get the best out of our kids they have to have those 2 fundamental needs met.
Last year it is well documented that we had students from 77 different schools that joined us. That caused us to really focus on getting kids and families to feel that THIS IS THEIR SCHOOL and YOU DO BELONG AT LIBERTY. Recently my staff passed the 1700 mark for sending out positive emails and postcards. This work again is trying to build that Liberty culture.
I appreciate the amazing community support that I hear and feel from all of you. Thank you for supporting our educators and our mission at Liberty. At Liberty Everybody Belongs.
Please Be Careful around snow and ice
Please be careful while walking around the Liberty campus. There is still a lot of snow and ice on walks and parking lots. ICCSD partners with the City of Iowa City in the purchase of salt and sand to treat our parking lots and sidewalks. Unfortunately, with the winter we are having the City has run low. We are working to locate more to supplement what we can get from the city. In the short term we have less ability to treat our parking lots and sidewalks than we would like.
District Plan for loss of school time
Reminder:
Below is a review of the ICCSD's actions in regards to the loss of school time due to weather.
1) On February 11, the school day became 10 minutes longer. High Schools added 5 minutes to the beginning of the day and 5 minutes to the end of the day. Classes now begin at 8:45am and conclude at 4:05pm. The Thursday early dismissal schedule similarly moves and will now be 8:45am to 3:05pm
2) Monday, March 4 is now the teacher records day (no classes for students) to work on winter trimester grades. The Spring Trimester begins Tuesday, March 5
3) Friday, April 26 will now be a full day of classes.
4) Friday, May 31 will be a 1/2 day of classes running from 8:45am-noon
African American Families and Children Conference
On Friday, February 22, ten Liberty High School students attended the African American Families and Children Conference at the University of Northern Iowa. Students attending included: Npatanishi Byrd, Amirah Butali, Demani Dunson, Shahaad Elnour, Thadieus Goods, Michael Gwenigale, Quincy Jagnow, Ecklas Khalil, Rimal Naveed, and DaRhonda Washington.
The group participated in excellent sessions.
Keynote speaker Dr. Hilton Louis, a Social Justice Advocate, spoke of how all lasting transformation must begin with self.
The Youth Group session is best described by the students. “We played telephone and realized that we actually have to take time to listen to others. We must be better than people expect us to be and work to know our purpose in life. We talked about not always following in line, but being our own person.”
The Chosen session left students greatly impacted. DaRhonda and Rimal said the information they learned about human trafficking made them think about the horror of the experience to the point of tears.
Black Girls Do Matter was a panel discussion with two social workers, a counselor, and a pastor who work with assault victims. .
Youth Speak challenged the question “What impact does social media have on our lives inside and outside of school?”
Dr. Gail L. Thompson’s session based on her book The Power of One discussed the problem of people having negative core beliefs about young people, especially those of color. She emphasized how one person truly makes a difference in a child's life by sharing her own story.
The Specialized Session consisted of a panel of a juvenile court judge, a juvenile justice advocate, a police officer, and an assistant principal from Waterloo East. Presenters discussed their roles in restoring and advocating for students.
The students look forward to attending again next year and growing the size of the group for more participation. Thank you to Ms. Dolson and Ms. Gwenigale for chaperoning the trip.
Voltage
Voltage, Liberty’s premiere vocal jazz ensemble, has already had an incredible 2019 competitive season, and its about to get even better! In addition to having clinics with esteemed jazz singers and arrangers like Gayle Bisesi, Jeremy Fox, Linda Vanderpool, Fred Kiser, Tyrone Jackson, and the incomparable Carmen Bradford, Voltage also won the Solon Vocal Jazz Festival for the second year in a row—this time in Class 4A.
Voltage still has a busy month of performances before their season comes to a close with performances on March 4th with the Wartburg Castle Singers, March 7th at the Liberty Jazz Night, and March 11th when Jeremy Fox and the SWICC jazz choirs come to Liberty!
Voltage also qualified for the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships by placing in the “top 8 of the state” with their video submission and will be competing for a state title in class 4A on March 26th at West Des Moines Valley High School.
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Liberty had 10 students attend the Spring Leadership Conference/State BPA Competition in Des Moines.
The following individuals qualified for the National competition in Anaheim, California in May.
Individual Events:
Harrison Voigt - Personal Financial Management
Ian Horswill - Medical Office Procedures and Interview Skills
Idris Kecira - Digital Marketing and Digital Communication/Design Concepts
Samuel Nicklaus - Information Technology Concepts, Digital Marketing, & Digital Communiction/Design Concepts
Team Events:
AJ Meyer, Evan Swartzendruber, and Idris Kecira - Video Production
Eric Colony and Paarin Rastogi - Global Marketing
Wintergrass String Festival
On February 20-24, members of the Liberty High School String Theory orchestra were guest performers at the Wintergrass Festival in Seattle, Washington. With their teacher Annie Savage and String Theory Co-Director Craig Klocke, these students performed an average of 10 hours a day and participated in the internationally renown Wintergrass Youth Orchestra, directed by Bob Phillips and Andy Carlson. The kids performed on stage w Joe Craven (Jerry Garcia Band), Peter Rowan (Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys), Don Vappie's Creole Jazz Trio, Laurie Lewis and "Hills to Hollers" as well as many others. They provided music and instruction for 4 days and enjoyed a very positive reception wherever they played- whether it was busking in Bellevue or jamming with fellow Seattle fiddle clubs. Congratulations Aubrey Leavenworth, Iris Savage-Webster, Amelia Rios, Anja Rumping, Theo DeSchnickel and Kailin Wedmore.
String Theory will perform at the Iowa City Friday Night Concert Series on May 24 and at all school orchestra performances throughout the spring. For booking inquiries, contact Ms. Savage at savage.andria@iowacityschools.org
Staff Spotlight-Tristan Sievers-Student Advisory Center
Tristan Sievers is Liberty's Student Advisory Center Coordinator. Mrs. Sievers has a gift for connecting and building relationships with students and adults a like. She is an Iowa City native and graduated from West High school in 2007. She attended Kirkwood Community College for two years and continued her education at The University Of Iowa. She graduated with a BA in Sports Studies and a minor Sociology. She enjoys working with the students here a Liberty, especially those who need an extra boost to stay on track during the day. She loves working here at Liberty because every day is different! In her free time she enjoys playing sports, and spending time with friends and family, especially her three year old daughter, Ainsley.
Staff Spotlight-Mark Lowe-Student Advisory Center
Mark Lowe joined the Liberty staff this fall and supports the work in our Student Advisory Center. He has made outstanding connections with students throughout the building. In addition to his day job in the SAC, Mark is an assistant basketball coach for the Lightning.
Mark shared, "I am dedicated and fully committed to preserving the morals of the community which I was raised." Mark, is an Iowa City native and a graduate of West High. He spends a his time away from school finding ways that he can make contributions to his community. Basketball specifically gives Mark an outlet to do so. After an Iowa high school basketball historic run, Lowe spent his next couple of years at North Iowa Area Community College where he received his AA degree in Sports Management with a minor in Journalism.
Lowe looks for opportunities to increase his platform to mentor kids. Currently, he trains individuals of all ages and skill levels under his own company, Complete Player Evolution. He uses this as his main outlet to reach kids, keep them motivated, mentor and keep kids going in the right direction.
Hancher Youth Art Show
Iowa Testing is coming soon
The state of Iowa has adopted a new State Wide Testing instrument. This is not unusual as many of you will remember the days of ITBS, ITED and the Iowa Assessments. If you'd like more information on the upcoming tests, a link to a parent letter from Curriculum Director Dr Schumacher is shared below.
The tests at Liberty will be conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday April 16 and 17 for 9th through 11th grades.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N1dv5U2nFam_5NLAJTcgpSC3pOtINYDhikTEWJVYxP8/edit?usp=sharing
Counseling Office News
Seniors
- If you are planning to attend Kirkwood Community College next fall, remember the General Scholarship Application is due Friday, March 15. https;//www.kirkwood.edu/scholarships
- Several scholarships with March deadlines will be advertised in the Liberty Counseling Smore, don't miss out, sign up here: https://www.smore.com/fcn1v
ACT Prep Study Group at Liberty
We are hoping to start an ACT Prep Study Group led by a university tutor during Liberty Time on Wednesdays. If you are interested in joining the group, please sign up in the counseling office.
Grade Level Informational Booklets
This year the counseling department created a Senior Booklet for students and parents to better navigate through the necessary steps for college and career planning (presented to seniors and parents in September). Counselors met with the Liberty SSIKED group and listened to student ideas on how to increase knowledge for preparing and planning for post-secondary options. Student members expressed the interest of having grade level booklets for each grade, and felt this would be beneficial for the student body.
Junior Booklet: https://www.iowacityschools.org//cms/lib/IA01903939/Centricity/Domain/2598/Liberty%20Lightning%20Junior%20Booklet.pdf
Freshman Booklet: https://www.iowacityschools.org//cms/lib/IA01903939/Centricity/Domain/2598/Liberty%20Lightning%20Freshman%20Booklet.pdf
Sophomore Booklet is under construction and will be released soon
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
Workshop for students interested in the Military Academies
Summer Job opportunities
For more information open the PDF located below
Iowa City Boutique
IC Boutique is back and hoping for another successful year!
Last year, they were able to assist 20 deserving students with requests to make their prom experience great! Last year they raised $600 and are hoping to increase that to $1000 this year!
Monetary donations were used for meal gift cards, hair and makeup appointments, tux rentals, as well as other miscellaneous prom expenses. Dresses and accessories were also donated for students.
IC Boutique is excited to serve even more students this year. They are proud to be able to expand their reach and will be serving Liberty, West, and City high schools this year!
All monetary donations will be spread evenly between all three high schools.
In-kind donations are accepted as well.
Liberty's contact for more information is Counselor Mayra DeVries at devries.mayra@iowacityschools.org
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.
The Liberty Fund makes first grants!
The Liberty Fund has made its first grants to teachers.
Gaining financial support are Business Professionals of America, In Shoc, MLK Day, Storm Show Choir, Garden Club, The Math Team and the Art Club.
If you'd like to learn more about the Liberty fund, please enjoy the following article from the North Liberty Leader.
http://www.northlibertyleader.com/content/financial-boost-bolts
If you'd like to contribute to the Liberty Fund attached is a foundation link.
www.iowacityschools.org/TheLibertyFund
Thank you for your consideration
PSTO
PSTO meets at 4:45 on the third Wednesday of the month in the Liberty Library.
2018-19 dates and guest speakers
· April 17-guest speaker Marge Hartman on the North Liberty Summer Meals Program
· May 15-guest speakers Beth Long and Jenny Saylor with the Garden Club
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
Student Teachers at Liberty
Please welcome Spring Student teachers to Liberty:
Jack Adolphson with Jeff Gordon
Jackson Marwitz with Barb Lynn
Janice Fish with Neil Davis
Jessica Albright with Peggy Dolson
Kate Edwards with Jenny Saylor
Lillian Boenker with Jonna Hall
Marie Racine Montilla with Annie Savage
Sarah Nott with Troy Bergmann
B.J. Jensen with Tom Van Dyke