Top Stories from LPS
Last Day of School for LPS is Wednesday, May 20

The last day of school will be Wednesday, May 20.  All of our schools will be on early-release schedules.  Please check with your school or school website for specific early-release times. 

Annual LPS Retiring Staff Event Next Week

Thursday, May 14, Liberty Public Schools will recognize staff members retiring from the district at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 school year. South Valley Middle School will host the event, beginning with a reception at 4:30 p.m., immediately followed by a program at 5 p.m. Retiring staff who will be in attendance at the Retirement Tea are:

* Ann Bertoldie, LHS/LNHS Broadcasting/Journalism Teacher

* Debi Bruce, HMS Science Teacher

* Susan Bryan, ECC Paraprofessional

* Sandi Cole, SC Library Media Specialist

* Leanne Frazier, LHS Special Education Paraprofessional

* Tina Gaik, Nutrition Services, Assistant Director

* Rayma Gragg, LO Office Paraprofessional

* Mary Lou Jones, LHS Orchestra Director

* Robert Marquardt, LHS Science Teacher

* Kathleen Moburg, LHS Science Teacher

* Diana Pantorilla, Transportation Monitor

* Dorothy Ramos, SC Cafeteria Manager
* Janice Stallings, AD Special Education Vision Specialist 

* Dave Wetzel, LMS Physical Education/Health Teacher

* Dee Wynne, HMS Special Education Teacher


 

Retiring staff unable to attend Tea:

* Joan Arth, AD Library Media Specialist

* Connie Baker, SVMS Special Education Paraprofessional

* Jenny Buttman, RV 3rd Grade Teacher
* Glory Fagan, LHS Library Media Specialist

* Charles Lee, SVMS 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher 

* Susan Martin, LMS Library Media Specialist

* Susan Pigg, Transportation Supervisor

* Kathy Cockrum, DAC Administrative Assistant

* Megan DiLonardo, LHS ELBC Teacher

* Linda Vanderford, Transportation Driver


 We hope you will be able to join us in wishing our retiring staff well!

Dr. Tucker to Provide State of the District Tomorrow

We hope you can make plans to attend our final Coffee with the Community tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, from 10 to 11 a.m., on the 3rd floor of the District Administration Center.  LPS Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Tucker, will be presenting a State of the District update as he looks back on the 2014-2015 school year and looks ahead to next year.  For a look back at this year's Coffee with the Community schedule and topics, click here.

LPS News to Know 
Audit and Finance Committee Information

The Board of Education is currently seeking applicants interested in filling the vacant seats of the Audit & Finance Committee. The seats available are two 3-year positions ending June 30, 2018.  Service for the position will begin immediately following an interview and selection process by the Board of Education to be conducted on Monday, June 29, 2015.  Applicants must be available to participate in the interview process on that date.

 

The Audit & Finance Committee is appointed by the Liberty Public School District Board of Education and is responsible for making recommendations to the Board relating to any matters of audit or financial concern within the operation of the District.  The overall responsibility of the Committee consists of performing a comprehensive, prospective review of the operations of the District and making recommendations, including, but not limited to, the following:  contract awards, financial reports of revenue and expenditures, non-bond capital improvement reports, bond issue capital improvement reports, investment reports, annual budget, long range financial planning objectives, audit reports, and internal control reports.  The comprehensive charter of the Audit & Finance Committee may be viewed at: http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/auditandfinancecommittee.

 

Meeting Frequency: Committee members commit to review financial data on a monthly basis and attend meetings typically on Monday evening, 5:30 p.m., the week prior to Board of Education meetings.

 

Qualifications: Residents of the Liberty Public School District wishing to serve on the Audit & Finance Committee should have experience or background in a leadership capacity, budget, accounting, auditing or finance.

 

Meetings held by the Audit & Finance Committee are open, public meetings held under the auspices of Missouri Sunshine Law.

 

Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 18, 2015, through Monday, June 1, 2015.  Interested patrons may fill out an application online on the District's Web site at: http://web.liberty.k12.mo.us/forms/auditoversight/Applications must be received by the close of business, 5:00 p.m., on Monday, June 1, 2015.  Applicant interviews will be conducted on June 29, 2015.  In the event the Board of Education meeting is rescheduled, applicant interviews will be rescheduled as well. 

 

For more information, please contact Cindy Sullivant, Director of Finance at 816-736-7105.

Summer School Center Stage Theatre Offered

Take Center Stage with Liberty Public Schools' new Summer Theatre Program June 18-26 from 12 noon-4 p.m. in the South Valley Middle School cafeteria. There will also be a special performance for family and friends at 7 p.m. on June 26.  This program is for students entering 5th through 9th grade in the Fall of 2015.  The first 100 students are guaranteed a spot in the Center Stage Program.

 

During this 7-day course, students will:

* practice auditioning techniques

* participate in improvisation games and activities

* work on character development

* rehearse a play

* learn about technical theatre (set painting, lights, sound, and props)

 

This is an opportunity for students to continue developing their performing and technical theatre skills, as well as for those who want to try live theatre for the first time. Daily snacks will be provided, and all participants will receive a complimentary Center Stage t-shirt.

 

Directors include:

* Christine Gregoire - LMS Director (Alice in Wonderland, Hairspray)

* Olivia Wheeler - HMS Director (Annie, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)

* Jill Hemann - SVMS Director (Grease, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)

* Todd Hoover - District Theater Manager (Shrek, Hello Dolly)

 

In order to enroll in Center Stage Summer Theatre, you MUST be an enrolled student in 2015 Liberty Summer School and between the grades of 5th and 9th for the 2015-2016 school year. 

 

Click here to sign up for this great opportunity!

Clay County Health Center Offering Immunization Clinic

The Clay County Public Health Center will be offering a '15-'16 Back-to-School Immunization Clinic from July 27-August 19.  For more information regarding times, what to bring with you, and to schedule an appointment, click here.

Student/Staff Recognitions 
Due to the high volume of student/staff recognitions, these announcements will be posted on our QuickNews Bulletin Board, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Upcoming Events 
Liberty Robotics Foundation Hosting Summer Camps
The Liberty Robotics Foundation and Liberty Robotics Team 1764 will be hosting two summer camps this year:
1)  The APP Camp will be June 8-12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Liberty High School. Students will research needs and how to design an app to support that need. This may be individual or teams of students. Students will learn to use basic app development software and investigate the process of taking an app to market. The camp is open to all incoming 6th-8th grade students. More information can be obtained by clicking here.

 

2) Robotics Camp will be June 15-19  9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Liberty High School.  Using problem solving skills, creativity and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills, students working in teams will construct, program, and compete with a Vex robot. Supplies and programming software will be provided. This camp is open to all incoming 6th-12th grade students. Competition will be the last day of camp, and spectators and parents are welcome. More information regarding this camp may be found by clicking here.


 
Both camps are $100 per student. Checks payable to Liberty Robotics Foundation.  T-shirt + pizza on the final day of camp (bring lunch the first four days).

Liberty Parks and Rec Offers Summer Internships

Internships can help students pursue their interests or learn about various career fields. Liberty Parks and Rec has several unpaid internships open for this summer. Internships vary in times from a few hours per week with a flexible schedule. Interns will learn directly from LPR staff. Internship hours are minimal and won't conflict with a paying job. Internship areas include: Sports Marketing and Community Center, Marketing Intern, Horticulture Intern, Sports Programming Intern, Fitness Intern, Photography Intern, Child Care Intern, Theater Technician Intern, Silver Center Intern.
 

*Students must be at least 16 years of age and have transportation. If interested, students may contact their counseling department or cjones@liberty.k12.mo.us.

Summer Sports Camps Around the Corner

Both Liberty High School and Liberty North High School athletic programs will be providing opportunities for students to participate in summer sports camps. To view more information on Blue Jay camps, click here.  To view information on Eagle camps, click here

LHS Hosting LEAD Camp

Liberty High School's Technology Student Association is hosting its first Liberty Engineering and Design (LEAD) camp for K-5 students. This event will be held on May 22 at Liberty High School from 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. and will cover a fun, diverse range of topics. There will be many engaging, age- group-related projects in engineering disciplines, such as civil, aerospace, chemical, etc.  Registration is now open and is restricted to 15 students in each grade on a first-come, first-served basis. All supplies, lunch, a project to take home, and a t-shirt are included in the cost of $40. Email name and grade to dboden@liberty.k12.mo.us.  You will be emailed a link to the full registration.

Volleyball Opportunities Offered for Students

The Liberty High School volleyball program is offering a volleyball league for those in 3rd-5th and 8th grades. Liberty Juniors is a league that provides skill training, develops fundamentals, while offering a game-like atmosphere. There are two different leagues being offered this spring. Those in 3rd-5th grade will meet at LMS twice per week for four weeks from 5:30-7 p.m. Dates vary, so please refer to the attached Registration Form for details. The League is 8 sessions long and starts June 1. 

 

Those in 8th grade, will meet from 3-5 p.m. at LMS starting on June 1. This is also an 8-session league meeting, twice per week. The cost for each league is $95. Please click here for further details. All registrations are due by May 27. If you have any questions, feel free to email Erica Bruggemann.

District/Community Events  
Summer Orchestra Opportunities

LPS offers classes, lessons, and camps for orchestra students. This is a great way to advance your skills and make new orchestra friends over the summer break. Classes, lessons, and "Get to Know You" rehearsals are FREE.  6th-8th grade camps charge a nominal fee.  Click here for course descriptions and to register. For more information, contact your orchestra teacher. 

LPS to Host DIVAS Camp and Camp Med

The camps listed below provide students with tremendous summer opportunities.

  • DIVAS Camp - Design & Innovation via Applied Science (incoming 6th-9th grade GIRLS) July 13-15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Liberty North H.S.  This engineering camp is specifically for GIRLS! The focus will be on building RELATIONSHIPS with female engineering students and professionals, using CREATIVITY to problem solve and explore the many career paths open to WOMEN in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  The informational flier for this event can be accessed by clicking here.
  • Camp Med, July 20-22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Liberty Hospital  This camp will help students learn about the medical field. It is a hands-on approach to find out what the biomedical science program is all about.  Students will meet with medical/healthcare professionals.  The informational flier for this event can be accessed by clicking here.

Additional details for both camps:

  • $50, payable to Liberty Public Schools
  • T-shirt + pizza on the final day of camp (bring lunch the first two days)
  • Parents/community are invited on the last day at 1 p.m. 
Relay for Life Hosting Upcoming Events

Calling ALL Cancer SURVIVORS!  Relay For Life of Liberty will now two very special events to honor our survivors.

 

Cancer Survivor Dinner

Saturday, June 20

Liberty High School Commons

6-8 p.m.

Survivor + 1 guest

Dinner provided by Texas Roadhouse

 

Relay For Life of Liberty, MO

Friday, June 26 - Saturday, June 27

Liberty High School Track

6 p.m.-6 a.m.

 

Cancer Survivor Lap

Friday, June 26

Liberty High School Track

8 p.m. (NEW TIME FOR LAP)

Followed by the Caregiver Lap

Activities start in the Survivor Tent at 5:30 p.m.

Luminaria Ceremony will begin around 10 p.m.

 

If you are a Cancer Survivor and would like to participate, please call Lori at 816-213-3204 for more information.

Earnest Shepherd Offering Camps

Earnest Shepherd Youth Center is offering day camps for the 2015 summer season.  Each camp targets a specific age group each week and theme/book for the week. The camps are offered Monday through Friday.  Flyers are available on the information tables in each elementary schools. Check us out at www.earnestshepherd.com or call 781-7733 for more information. 

 

Enroll your child today for outdoor swim lessons at Earnest Shepherd Youth Center.  These classes are for beginning swimmers. All lessons involve 6 class periods. Class instruction will introduce children to basic swim skills - blowing bubbles, placing face in water, kicking, floating, and the forward paddle. Children must be 3 years or older to participate. Instructor tailors skills to adapt to the progression of children. Call today at 781-7733 for more information and to enroll!  

Miles of Smiles Returns This Summer

Miles of Smiles is once again offering free dental care for children who do not have access to dental care in the Northland.  For more information on this program, click here to view the informational flier.

Mentoring a Girl in Construction Camp (MAGIC)

Free, one-week summer day camp hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), Greater Kansas City Chapter #100. The purpose of this camp is to introduce high school girls to the world of construction. Girls who like working with their hands and who enjoy a feeling of accomplishment after successfully completing a challenging task, will enjoy this opportunity.  

 

MAGIC Summer Camp will be June 1-5 from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  Lunch, snacks, and drinks provided. Class size limited to 24. Registration is open now on a first-come, first-served basis, with the last day for registration being May 18. 

 

All participants will receive a MAGIC summer camp t-shirt, take home all completed projects and hand tools, will learn about scholarships, and will meet women from all areas of construction. Click here to learn more and register for the camp.

Liberty Farmers Market Now Open for Business

The award winning Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers Market will open every Saturday morning, starting May 2. The Farmers' Market will be open every Saturday from May 2-October 26. Hours will be from

7 a.m. to noon through September. October hours will be from 8 a.m. to noon. There is also the Cultivating Kansas City Beans and Greens Program. This program matches SNAP (EBT) dollars spent on local food at the market. Learn more at www.cultivatekc.org or beansandgreens@cultivatekc.org or call 913-203-5533.     

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 be transferred to our 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.  To access this page, simply click here.
Quick Links
Important Upcoming Dates 
at LPS
  
Monday, May 18, 2015
Board of Education Meeting (7 p.m./District Administration Center)
  
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Last Day of School
(3-hour Early Release)
  
Monday, June 1, 2015
Summer School Begins