Edition #35

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 

QuickNews

Top Stories from LPS

Craft Named LPS Teacher of the Year!

It was a memorable morning at Ridgeview Elementary on Friday, May 4, as Liberty Public Schools named its 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year.  At the surprise, all-school assembly, it was announced that Ridgeview 2nd grade teacher Charissa Craft had been chosen as the 2012 -2013 LPS District Teacher of the Year.  To read the complete story on the announcement, including a photo gallery from the event, click here! 

 

LPS Receives Praise from National Accreditation Team

On April 30 - May 2, 2012, Liberty Public Schools hosted an AdvancED Quality Assurance Review Team that visited the district and a cross section of its schools to evaluate the district's adherence to the AdvancED accreditation standards and to make a recommendation for national accreditation.  In its report to the Board of Education on Wednesday, May 2, the team found that Liberty Public Schools met the requirements for AdvancED accreditation.  The team announced that it will be recommending the district for District Accreditation.  Their recommendation will be reviewed and acted upon by the national AdvancED Accreditation Commission in June.  For more on this great news, you can read the entire story on the LPS website by clicking here.

  

Vote for Emily Duncan in Doodle 4 Google Contest!

It was reported last week that LHS junior Emily Duncan had been selected as a Doodle 4 Google State Finalist.  Duncan has been chosen as one of only 50 finalists in the competition out of over 114,000 submissions. The winning artist will win a $30,000 scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school, among other prizes.  Now Emily needs your vote!  


Voting is currently taking place and is available by clicking HERE. Voting will close at 3 p.m. tomorrow, May 10.  Help make Emily Duncan the Doodle 4 Google contest winner!

 

Additionally, on Thursday, May 10, Emily will appear on KCTV-5 at 6:45 a.m. to talk about being a finalist in Doodle 4 Google! 
 

Summer School Information

While summer school enrollment continues, the bus transportation deadline has now passed.  You may still enroll your child for Summer Adventure 2012 by clicking here.

 

Don't forget that LPS offers a driver's education program during the summer as well. Students who are 15 years of age or older by June 5, 2012, are eligible to participate in driver's education. The cost is only $335, which includes 2 days of instruction, 6 hours of driving time, and 12 hours of observation time. Students will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. You can find more information by clicking here.

Other LPS News to Know

Annual LPS Retirement Tea/Reception Set for May 17

Liberty Public Schools will host our annual Retirement Tea and Reception on Thursday, May 17, at South Valley Middle School.  The event will begin with a reception at 4:30 p.m., with the program beginning immediately following at 5 p.m.

 

Retiring staff of LPS that will be recognized on this day are listed below.  

(An asterisk* denotes that the individual will be attending the reception.)  You may send a congratulations email by clicking on their name!

 

Nancy Armbruster, Library Media Paraprofessional, Liberty High School

Jeanett Baxter, Food Service, Franklin Elementary

Larry Baxter, Maintenance

Kenneth Boyce, Driver, Transportation

*Roxann Brenton, Library Media Specialist, Lilllian Schumacher

Betty Brown, Maintenance Secretary, Facilities Center

Nann Craven, Secretary, Academic Services
Nancy Deshler, Special Education Instructor, Kellybrook Elementary

*Sue Drabek, Bus Monitor, Transportation

*Tamara Fletcher, Math Teacher, Liberty Middle School

Ron Gibbs, Custodian, Liberty High School

Carlene Heiman,1st Grade Teacher, Manor Hill Elementary

Jennifer Holferty-Gravina, Counselor, Liberty High School

Robert "Bob" King, Custodian, Manor Hill Elementary

Diane LaBarr, Driver, Transportation

Mary Maylone, Food Service Associate, South Valley Junior High
*Carolyn Morris, School Social Worker, Early Childhood Center/Manor Hill/Schumacher/Shoal Creek

*Deb Mullen, Secretary, Liberty Middle School

Alison Schultz, Librarian, Liberty High School
*Jerry Sisson, Driver, Transportation

Helen Steffel, Nurse, Ridgeview Elementary

Peg Vietti, Special Education Teacher, Lewis and Clark Elementary

 

Congratulations to all of this year's LPS retirees, and thank you for your service!

 

Alexander Doniphan to Open Time Capsule
Alexander Doniphan Elementary welcomes back all staff and students present during the 1999-2000 school year.  On January 3, 2000, a time capsule was buried on the Doniphan property, to be opened the year the kindergarten class became the graduating seniors of 2012.  That time is NOW!  Please join us in rediscovering items from our past.  The event will take place on Monday, May 21, at 2:30 p.m. in the Alexander Doniphan gymnasium.

 

Important LNHS Lunch Account Information

Liberty North High School senior lunch account refunds will be made during lunch time on May 9, 10, and 11 in the cafeteria.  One cashier line will be set up for refunds only.  Students must have their ID badge with them to obtain a refund.  If parents do not want the refund given to the child, or if you would rather have the remaining funds transferred to a sibling in the district, you must contact us prior to May 9 to let us know.  If you have questions, you can e-mail lnhsmanager@liberty.k12.mo.us or call 736-5520.  We will need the senior's name and the name of the sibling and school money needs to be transferred to. 

 

**Note:  If you have Auto Deposit through MealPayPlus, you will need to turn that feature OFF before requesting a refund or transferring account balances.

 

Liberty Academy Has Successful Fundraiser

Liberty Academy students and staff raised $2,427 during its 14th Annual Bowl-a-Thon and Silent Auction.  All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.  A huge thank you to everyone who helped make it a success!

 

Attention Parents/Guardians of Special Education Students

The Office of Special Education needs your help. Until recently, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has conducted parent surveys through an advanced questionnaire in conjunction with the Missouri School Improvement Process (MSIP) to collect valuable information concerning achievement in Missouri schools. Since that collection is no longer available, the Office of Special Education has created a survey to capture the necessary information. This information is reported annually to the Office of Special Education Projects. This survey is anonymous and can be taken online at the link below. Please complete and submit the survey by June 1, 2012.  Thank you.

Dr. Barbara Wright

Director of Special Education

 

Click here to take survey

If you are filling out a paper copy of the survey, mail to:

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Special Education

Attn: Barb Gilpin

PO Box 480

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480

 

Upcoming Events

Summer Orchestra Program Offers Free Instruction 

The Liberty Public Schools Fine Arts Department is offering free summer orchestra lessons, classes, and camps for incoming 6th through 12th grade students. Please click here to view the brochure and for the registration form. Registration deadline is Friday, May 18. Completed forms should be turned into your child's orchestra teacher, e-mailed to ksoukup@liberty.k12.mo.us, or mailed to LPS Fine Arts Department, 801 Kent Street, Liberty, MO 64068. Please contact the Fine Arts Department at 736-5660 if you need additional information.

 

LHS To Present Spring Show

The Liberty High School spring show, See How They Run, will be performed Thursday, May 10 - Saturday, May 12 in the Liberty High School Large Group Instruction Room beginning at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are $5 for students, children, and seniors, and $6 for adults.  Hope to see you at this great performance!

 

LNHS Boys Basketball Summer Camp Alters Schedule

Due to various conflicts, the Liberty North men's basketball program is going to merge their May 14-17 camp with their June 4-7 camp.  Anyone who has submitted registration for the May 14-17 camp will be honored for the June 4-7 camp. May 14-17, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., is moved to June 4-7 from 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.

 

Anyone with questions, please contact Coach McCabe at 736-5519.

 

PLTW to Host Senior Showcase

The LPS Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program will be hosting a "Senior Showcase" on Wednesday, May 9, from 6:30-9 p.m. at the LPS District Administration Center, located at 650 Conistor. The Project Lead the Way Senior Showcase highlights Project Lead the Way students completing the senior capstone course, Engineering Design and Development (EDD).  Students work in teams to develop an innovative solution to an open-ended engineering problem.  After carefully defining the problem, teams design, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities.  Teams from participating schools gather to showcase their projects through poster exhibits and prototypes.  The general public, parents, and all PLTW supporters are invited to attend this one evening, free community event.

 

Summer Sapphire Dance Camp

Join the fun, and sign up for Liberty Sapphire Dance Camps.  The camps will be held in the Liberty Middle School gymnasium May 29-31.  The elementary clinic (grades K-5) will run from 9-10 a.m., and the secondary (grades 6-8) will run from 10-11:45 a.m.  Participants will learn several dances throughout the week and receive one-on-one assistance with dance technique.  Technique stations will include:  Leaps, Turns, Kicks, Flexibility, Sideline Pom, and Hip Hop.  Sign up today to meet and dance with the Missouri State Champion Sapphires!  Contact Coach Maggie Willis for further information.  Click here for the registration form.

 

Liberty Junior High 8th Grade Cheerleading Tryout Information

Tryouts for the 2012-2013 Liberty Junior High cheerleading squad will take place on Thursday, August 9, from 3-5 p.m. in the LJH gyms.  There will be a parent meeting on Sunday, August 5, from 2-3 p.m. in the LJH cafeteria.  In addition, clinics will be held August 6-7 from 5:15-7:15 p.m. and August 8 from 3-5 p.m.  An information packet is available in the Liberty Middle School front office regarding further important try-out details.

 

LJH 8th Grade Summer Camp Information

Liberty Junior High is offering several summer camp opportunities for incoming 8th graders.  The informational flyer is available on the LPS website and can be accessed by clicking here.

Student and Staff Recognitions

LHS Scholar Bowl Takes 3rd!

After soundly defeating Park Hill South in MSHSAA Sectionals, the Liberty High School Scholar Bowl team earned the opportunity to compete in the MSHSAA Class 4 State Scholar Bowl Tournament, held on the University of Missouri campus Saturday, May 5.  In the preliminary rounds, Liberty defeated Truman, Central (Springfield), and DeSmet to earn second seed in the afternoon single-elimination playoff bracket.  Liberty then came from behind in the semifinal game to tie Rock Bridge at the end of regulation play, forcing the match into overtime that ended with the Blue Jays' only loss in the tournament.  Liberty then defeated Truman in the consolation bracket to earn an outstanding 3rd place finish in the MSHSAA Class 4 State Scholar Bowl Tournament.

 

"It has been a privilege to coach this team of young people," said LHS Coach Rosemary Camp.  "They have a tremendous knowledge base and awesome buzzer skills.  I am proud of all that they have accomplished this season."

 

Team members included Bradley Dice (captain), Kelsey Malone, Mack Yi, Eric Luan, Max Accardi, Helen Alpern, William Xiao, Haley Ferguson, and Spencer Nelson.  The team is coached by Rosemary Camp, Kim Scholes, and Alison Schultz.  

 

LHS Students Sign National Letters of Intent

A total of 18 student athletes signed national letters of intent at Liberty High School on Monday, May 7, in the LHS media center.  Athletes committing to participate in athletics at the collegiate level who signed at the annual LHS Athletic Signing Ceremony included:

Taylor Harmon, Baseball, Simpson College; Luke Norton, Baseball, Kansas City, Kansas Community College; Spencer Schwandt, Baseball, Washburn University; Taylor Uhlmann, Baseball, Washburn University; Isaac Hamilton, Tennis, William Jewell College; Kaylee Marquardt, Volleyball, William Jewell College; Jayson Zimmerman, Football, MidAmerica Nazarene University; Jackie Jimenez, Cheer, Avila University; Max Francisco, Basketball, Graceland University; Malcolm Mustin, Basketball, Bethel College; Kayla Hammer, Dance, Northwest Missouri State University; Max Bamburg, Track and Field, Wichita State University; Jared Benson, Track and Field, Northwest Missouri State University; Austin Morales, Track and Field, Northwest Missouri State University; Marissa Juliana, Golf, Western Illinois University; Brian Downer, Golf, William Jewell College; Eric Lester, Golf, University of Nebraska-Kearney; Jordan Walton, Golf, University of Nebraska-Kearney. 

 

LNHS Students Sign National Letters of Intent

Liberty North High School held an athletic signing ceremony in the LNHS Fieldhouse on Wednesday, May 9.  Four student athletes signed national letters of intent to participate in athletics at the collegiate level.  They included:  Zachary Miller, Football, Central College; Derek Leach, Football, Central College; Anthony McBroom, Football, William Jewell College; Austin Haywood, Football, Central College; and Lauren Kiely, Volleyball, Missouri Valley.  Congratulations to all of our student athletes, and best of luck in your respective collegiate careers!

 

South Valley Middle School Band News

6th and 7th grade band students from South Valley Middle School participated in the annual KC Metro junior high/middle school solo and ensemble festival on Saturday, May 5, at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy High School.  Students performed  a prepared piece for a judge and were awarded a rating of (I) Superior, (II) Excellent, (III) Good.  Band Directors for SVMS are Cindy Price Svehla and Michael Dragen.  Accompanists for the event were Betty Dunham, Carole Tanner, Ann Posey, and Sabra Zipsie.  A complete listing of the results from this event can be accessed by clicking here.  A reminder that the South Valley Middle School band will be presenting its Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the SVMS gym.

 

South Valley Junior High Metro Band Results

Band students from South Valley Junior High participated in the Kansas City Metro Solo and Small Ensemble Contest on Saturday, May 5, and performed at a high level.  Complete results from the event can be accessed by clicking here.

A reminder that the South Valley Junior High band department will present their annual Spring Concert on Thursday, May 17, at the Liberty North Performing Arts Theatre at 7 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public.

 

Liberty Middle School Band News

Several 7th grade students from Liberty Middle School received high marks in performances at the Kansas City Metro solo/ensemble contest on Saturday.  Complete individual results from the event can be accessed by clicking here.

 

Trapshooters Place at State Event

Congratulations to the following shooters for placing at the Missouri State Trapshooting Championships on April 28:

 

3rd Place in State Ladies Division (Shona Choice, Kayla Davis, Ashley Van Black, Victoria Coy, Jesse Drewry)

 

8th Place in State High School Division (Nate Carl, Ben Dehart, Phillip Ruark, Danny Hanson, Caleb Houck)

 

LHS 2012-2013 Color Guard Selected

Congratulations to the new members of the 2012-2013 LHS Color Guard. Members include: Hannah Bisges, Alanis Butler, Alex Downing, Marci McCann, Delaney Mose, Mary Mwaura , Faith Ordonio, Noelle Prideaux, Rachel Untch, and Callie White. The next meeting will be Thursday, May 10, at 5 p.m. in the LHS band room.  If you have any questions, please contact LHS Color Guard Coach Amber Hess.

District/Community Events

Interested in Youth Football/Cheerleading?

Below is detailed information on several Northland Youth Football and Cheerleading opportunities.  Sign-up information is provided.

  • NSYFL (NORTH SUBURBAN YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE) & CHEERLEADING - Tackle football for the following grades: 7th-8th, 5th-6th, 3rd-4th, and flag football for K-2nd grades:
     
  • NSYFL "SHARKS" - Sign-ups Sat-Sun, July 28-29 (noon-3 p.m. both days) at Hodge Park (96th Street entrance, immediately east of the new bridge).  For more info, click here.
     
  • NSYFL "PACKERS" - Sign-ups Sat-Sun, July 28-29 (noon-3 p.m. both days) at Englewood Park on Englewood Road between North Oak and Antioch Road.  For more info, click here.
     
  •  POP WARNER - Sign-ups at Shoal Creek Elementary June 2 and June 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.  Sign-ups for returning families only will be May 12.   For more info, click here.

Summer Baseball Clinics Offered

Millhouse Baseball is offering several summer developmental and instructional clinics in May and June.  Below is a listing of dates and times of these events for various ages:

May 28, 30, and June 1:  10-11:30 a.m./6U-8U/$60 per session/1 M/W/F

June 4, 6, 8:  10 a.m.-12 p.m./9U-11U/$80 per session/2 M/W/F

June 11, 13, 15:  10 a.m.-12 p.m./12U-14U/$80 per session/3 M/W/F

 

Strength and Conditioning Training Emphasizing Speed and Agility

Ages 8U-14U every Tuesday and Thursday ($45 per week)

May 29 and 31 Session 1 (T/TH)

June 5 and 7 Session 2 (T/TH)

June 12 and 14 Session 3 (T/TH)

 

To register, or for more information, please contact Millhouse Baseball at millhouseaep@yahoo.com

QuickNews Video of the Week!

Thursday, May 3, Liberty Public Schools bus driver Bob Chrayne was surprised by a Fox 4 news camera upon his arrival at Liberty Oaks.  Mr. Chrayne was a recipient on the "Pay it Forward" segment on Fox 4.  You can watch the complete story by clicking on the Fox 4 icon below!

 

 

  

 

QuickNews Bulletin Board
In an effort to make our Liberty Public Schools e-newsletter, QuickNews, a concise publication in which subscribers can read in a timely fashion, district/community announcements will be advertised in the main QuickNews section for a maximum of two weeks.  After this period of time, announcements will then be transferred to our new QuickNews Bulletin Board, which is located on the LPS website provided at the link below. In addition, there are other announcements that have, in the past, not met criteria to place in this publication.  The addition of the QN Bulletin Board will allow them to now be publicized.
 
This bulletin board will continuously be updated throughout the week, and announcements will remain until they expire by date.
 

golf pic

LPS Mission  

Through our collective best, we do whatever it takes to inspire and equip every learner to find their voice and realize their unlimited potential.
 
LPS Vision 
As stewards of discovery, we will embrace innovation to instill a passion for life-long learning that will best serve our nation and the world in the 21st century.
 
LPS Core Values 
· Learning is our priority
· Respect is our norm
· Excellence is our expectation
· Collaboration is our culture
· Integrity is our foundation
What's Included in this Issue
Article Headline
District/Community Events
QuickNews Video of the Week
QuickNews Bulletin Board

Dates to Remember

 

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Liberty North High School
Commencement
(2:30 p.m./LNHS)

 

Sunday, May 20, 2012
Liberty High School
Commencement
(6 p.m./Independence Events Center)

Monday, May 21, 2012
Board of Education meeting
(District Administration Center/7 p.m.)

 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Last Day of Classes

 

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 Early Childhood Center


 

 Alexander Doniphan Elementary

 

 

Franklin Elementary 

Kellybrook Elementary 

  

 

Lewis and Clark Elementary 

Liberty Oaks Elementary

 

Lillian Schumacher Elementary

 

 

Manor Hill Elementary 

Ridgeview Elementary

 

 

Shoal Creek Elementary 

 

Warren Hills Elementary 

 

Liberty Middle School 

South Valley Middle School

 

Liberty Junior High 

South Valley Junior High

 

 

Liberty High School 

Liberty Academy

 

Liberty North High School