Email: colbert.justin@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://liberty.iowacityschools.org/
Location: 1400 South Dubuque Street, North Liberty, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 688-1350
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LibertyHighSchool2017
X: @ColbertJust, @ICLibertyHS

Instagram: liberty_bolts

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

• October 7- 4:15-7:45 PM (In-person)
• October 9 - 4:15-7:45 PM (Virtual)
• January 22 - 4:15-7:45 PM (Virtual)
• TBD - Will align as a course registration conference

DANCES

• September 21 - Homecoming Dance @ Liberty (7:00-10:00 PM)
• January 25 - Winter Dance @ Liberty (7:00-10:00 PM)
• May 3 - Prom @ IMU (7:30-10:30 PM)

SENIORS

• October 8 - Senior Jostens Assembly (@ 1:45 PM, Auditorium)
• March 1 - Senior photo due to Yearbook
• May 21 - Senior Awards & Scholarship Recognition Evening
• May 30 - Senior’s Last Day
• May 30 - Graduation Rehearsal (Xtream Arena @ 10:30 AM-12:00 PM)
• May 31 - Liberty High Graduation (Xtream Arena @ 6:00 PM)

MIDTERMS & END OF TRIMESTERS

• October 4 - Midterm
• November 21 - End of 1st Trimester
• January 24 - Midterm
• March 6 - End of 2nd Trimester
• April 25 - Midterm
• June 6 - End of 3rd Tri. & Last Day of Classes (2-hr. early release)

As we prepare for the new school year, we want to remind you about Securly, a web filtering tool that allows parents to monitor and restrict their child’s internet activity, ensuring safer online experiences.

Our students’ Chromebooks are filtered both on and off the school’s network. On-campus, devices are subject to the same content filtering policies as all our internet-connected devices. Off-campus, the Securly service blocks explicit or dangerous content as defined by federal law.

With Securly, you can view your child’s internet activity and set up additional controls for off-campus use. Parents receive weekly email notifications with internet activity reports. If you’re not receiving these emails, please contact your student’s school office to verify that the correct email address is listed in Infinite Campus.

Access this Parent Guide for step-by-step guidance on using Securly.

Parents can utilize the Securly Home app to adjust the settings for their child’s online activity. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and offers several features, including:

Pause the Internet: Control internet access with the tap of a finger.
Offline Schedules: Set device-free family time.
Live Activity Feed: Get real-time updates.
Push Notifications: Receive alerts for flagged activities.
Internet Rules: Easily set internet rules for your home.

If you have questions about accessing your Securly parent account, please contact your child's school for assistance or visit our District website.

Thank you for partnering with us in our commitment to keep our students safe online.

Welcome to the start of a new school year at ICCSD! We are excited to see familiar faces returning and to meet new families joining our learning community. Below are information and resources to help you support your student(s) with district technology.

Chromebook Logins (Passwords and QuickCards)
District-issued Chromebooks can log in using a district-provided username/password or, for grades K-5, a ClassLink QuickCard (QR code badge). While younger learners may benefit from using QuickCards, we encourage students to use their usernames and passwords whenever possible.

Chromebook Support
We want to ensure every learner can access functional technology. Our district does not charge families for technology repairs or replacements. If a device cannot be immediately fixed, we will provide a replacement to ensure students have the necessary tools for their coursework.

Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Parents and guardians can access the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to view student schedules, grades, assessment information, modify registration details, and more.

Securly Content Filtering
We use Securly for offsite content filtering on district-issued devices, ensuring compliance with federal laws and district policies related to internet safety. Guardians can receive a weekly email with highlights of their student’s online activities and access to the Securly Home portal for further monitoring and restricting off-campus access.

Please note that access to Securly can only be provided to one email address per student. To access student activity emails and the Securly Home portal, you must complete the “Securly Email” field in the 2024-2025 school year online registration.

Digital Resources for Students
We provide digital resources such as Canvas and ClassLink to support learners throughout our district. Students can access many other digital resources based on their grade level and course enrollments.

Questions and Troubleshooting
For issues with QuickCards, passwords, Chromebooks, or updating Securly email or Infinite Campus information, please contact your student’s teacher, your school’s library, or the main office. School staff will work with the technology department to address your questions and ensure your student can access their technology resources.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making this a successful school year!

As we prepare for the start of school tomorrow, we want to share updated information regarding student attendance expectations. Our main goal is for students to be in school daily and to confirm their safety with a parent or guardian if they are absent. While we understand absences may occur for reasons like illness, family activities, or appointments, the State of Iowa requires us to track the number of days missed, regardless of the reason. Because of the State’s new approach, there will no longer be a distinction between excused and unexcused absences.

Reporting Absences:
If your child will be absent, please notify your school’s attendance office before the start of the school day. You can do this by creating an Absence Request in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or by calling the school attendance office. If we do not hear from you, the school will reach out to confirm your student’s safety and ensure you are aware of their absence.

State Attendance Requirements:
The Iowa Department of Education has implemented strict guidance that requires schools to address absenteeism. As part of this, schools will send notifications to guardians when a student has missed a certain number of days each grading period.

• First Letter: A written notification that your child has missed a certain number of days.
• Second Letter: A certified letter sharing that your child has reached 10% absenteeism in a grading period and that the district was required to inform the county attorney.
• Third Letter: If your child reaches 15% absenteeism, a School Engagement meeting will be scheduled, and an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created. If these steps are not followed, the county attorney may initiate legal proceedings.

Additional information about the State’s attendance requirements and absence exemptions, as well as district guidance, is available on the updated Attendance Page of our District website.

Regular school attendance is crucial for your child's success, both academically and socially. Thank you for your partnership in making this a successful year for all our students.

With the school year underway, the excitement around high school athletics is building! We know these events are a big draw for our community, so here’s a quick reminder about some important guidelines for student attendance. These rules help keep things safe and fun for everyone.

Ticketing for events this year will once again be cashless. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets through their high school’s Bound site.

• City High School
• Liberty High School
• West High School

Middle School Students:

• An adult must accompany middle school students to enter the game.
• Middle school students must have their school ID to enter the game.
• Middle school students must sit in the designated “Middle School” section unless sitting with their parents.

High School Students:

• High school students must have their school ID to enter the game.
• High school students are encouraged to sit/stand in the high school student section.

All Students:

• Please leave bags and backpacks at home.
• We encourage positive and respectful behavior from all attendees.
• Help us maintain safety by not throwing objects or any projectiles onto the field/court or in the stands.
• Enjoy the game without using prohibited items (artificial noisemakers, unauthorized signs, etc.).
• We encourage all students to stay in the stands.

Special Note:
Only students from the home team and their feeder schools can attend games, except for intra-district matchups. During intra-district games, attendance is limited to students from the participating schools and their feeder schools. Visiting students must sit on the visitor’s side.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

To help reduce the amount of instructional supply dollars we need to spend on tissues, pencils, and dry erase markers, we are asking for donations at the beginning of the school year. Any of these items can be dropped off in the main office and we will make them available for all Liberty staff.

Homecoming will quickly be upon us, and most of the highlights and additional information is included below in text and graphic form:

• Sunday, September 15
• Homecoming Kick-Off Color Run- This event is sponsored by The Liberty Fund and serves as a major fundraiser for this Liberty specific foundation that has provided tens of thousands of dollars over the years to Liberty groups, events, and causes. Click here to register!
• The Color Run will begin at 10 AM and is a fun run or walk. One mile and 5K distances are both available. Kona Ice and an inflatable obstacle course will be available following the fun run/walk. This event is open to students, staff, families, and the entire community.
• Monday, September 16
• Homecoming Sunrise- All students are invited to gather in the stadium and watch the sunrise together.
• Varsity Boys Golf- The golf team has a meet at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City.
• HOCO Dress Up Spirit Day Theme: Rhyme without Reason
• Tuesday, September 17
• Home Varsity Volleyball Match vs Dubuque Senior (7 PM).
• Varsity (Hunters Ridge Golf Course) and JV Boys Golf Meet (Brown Deer Golf Course)
• HOCO Dress Up Spirit Day Theme: Character Day
• Wednesday, September 18
• Homecoming Parade (5:45-7:00 PM). Click here to register your group to participate in the parade (Sept. 11 deadline for registration).
• Powder Puff Flag Football Game (approximately 7:30 PM start) will be held in the stadium following the parade. Senior girls will take on the junior girls.
• HOCO Dress Up Spirit Day Theme: Meme Day
  
• Thursday, September 19
• JV Golf (Gardner Golf Course)
• Boys and Girls XC (Rich Engel Classic)
• JV Volleyball Tourney @ Liberty
• 9th Grade FB vs Cedar Falls @ Liberty (6 PM)
• HOCO Dress Up Spirit Day Theme: Surfers vs. Bikers
  
• Friday, September 20
• 10th grade FB vs Cedar Falls @ Liberty (5 PM)
• Varsity FB vs Cedar Falls @ Liberty (7:30 PM)
• Youth Dance Clinic w/ Liberty Dance Team
• HOCO Dress Up Spirit Day Theme: Extreme School Spirt Day
  
• Saturday, September 21
• Soph Girls VB Tourney @ Liberty (9 AM-4 PM)
• Homecoming Dance @ Liberty (7-10 PM)
• Tickets will be available for purchase during lunch all week from Monday (8/16) to Friday (8/20). Tickets are $10 a piece. Students must purchase their tickets ahead of time and have their ticket and student ID to enter the dance.

Obtaining a Student Pairing Code (From a student account)

Student pairing codes – used with the sets of instructions shown above – can be obtained from your child’s teacher or from your child’s Canvas account. The instructions and video below show how your child can obtain this code from their account.

1. The student must be logged in to Canvas
2. Click the “Account” button in the top left corner of the screen
3. Click “Settings”
4. Click “Pair with Observer” on the right side of the screen
5. Copy the code that appears. The code is valid for seven days; if it has not been used by then, a new code will need to be generated.

Setting Up the Parent Canvas App

Parents/guardians can also use Canvas’ iOS and Android apps to access student coursework.

1. Download the Canvas Parent app from the App Store or the Google Play Store
2. Launch the app. If you’re previously used the app, you may need to clear the app data from your phone settings menu.
3. Click “Find my School”
4. Type “Iowa” and choose Iowa City Community Schools
5. Click “Canvas Parent Login”
6. If you have not already created an account, click “Parent of a Canvas User” at the bottom of the screen and create an account. You can also create an account via a computer web browser (recommended) using the first set of instructions contained in this post (above).
7. Enter your email address as the login username, and the password you chose during account setup, and click “Log In”
8. Additional students must be added from the web browser interface using the first set of instructions contained in this post (above).

Accessing Canvas Parent via a Computer Web Browser

The first step for most parents/guardians will be to create an account and link it to their student(s).

1. Go to https://iowacityschools.instructure.com/login/canvas
2. Click the “Click Here for an Account” button in the top right corner of the page
3. Enter your name, email address, choose a password, and enter a student pairing code.
   1. NOTE: Student pairing codes can be generated by the student themselves (see video here) or can be provided by a student’s teacher(s). Step-by-step instructions for getting a code from a student account are at the bottom of this post.
4. Check the box to agree to terms of use, and click “Start Participating”
5. Once you’ve logged in, you can click “Account” in the top left, then “Settings”, then “Observing” to add additional students.
6. After creating an account, you can return to the https://iowacityschools.instructure.com/login/canvas page to log in via a web browser.

• Parents/Guardians should submit a student absence request through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

• Download the Infinite Campus App

• Instructions for entering an absence can be found here

• Double check the date and time selected for the absence.

• Dismissal time = time the student will leave the classroom

• Bell Schedule - leaving during passing times lessens disruptions

• Past absences should be called in to the Attendance Line

• Attendance Line is a message-only line available 24/7

• 319 688 1351

• Instructions here

• Submitting an absence request a minimum of 2 hours before the dismissal time will reduce delays in your student leaving the building.

• Students who become ill during the school day should report to the health office.

• The Main Office should not be contacted for routine attendance requests.

• The district attendance policy details can be found here.

• If you are concerned your student is not in the school. Contact the main office 319-688-1350 and ask to speak to the attendance office.

• If you know your student is in the school but has been marked absent.

• This usually occurs when a student arrives to class after attendance has been entered. If a student thinks they have been marked absent in error they should communicate with the teacher as soon as possible. An email to the teacher works best.
• If you have forgotten to report your student absent. Enter an absence request in Infinite Campus or call the attendance line 319-688-1351.

• Student parking is in the west side parking lots on a first come first served basis.

• No student parking north of the crosswalk leading from door #8 (weight room) to the football field.

• Parking tag # must be visible through the front windshield.

• Parking tags need a current school year sticker (bright pink).

• Vehicles must parkin in a marked parking spot.

• Moped spots are for mopeds only.

• Persons with disabilities spots require a persons with disabilities tag from the DOT

• Special events may require temporary cones to block parking spots and may not be removed.

• Vehicles parked on school property during school days must be registered with the main office.

• Vehicle registration is REQUIRED every school year. Please follow the instructions at the top of the Google Form and complete all fields.

Halverson Photography was at Liberty on Thursday, August 29 for school pictures. Students were provided with a few minutes out of their English class to get their photo taken. The 2024 Liberty Fall Photo Ordering Link is still available for parents to order fall pictures. Click on the link included here or scan the QR code below.

Anyone who missed picture day or would like retakes, Halverson will be back on Wednesday, October 16. They will be available during all lunches in the Grand Commons, outside the main office.

I am excited to be joining the music department at Liberty this year! I grew up in Pella, IA and graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. This is my fourth year teaching in the ICCSD where I also teach in the City High Music Department. Previously, I taught general music and vocal music in Lone Tree for six years. I am happy for the opportunity to offer general music classes to Liberty students this year!

In past years Liberty was able to stream athletic games and make them accessible on our YouTube Channel that we named Bolt Vision. Now we are transitioning to our Liberty High School HUDL TV Channel as a central location where anyone connected to Liberty can visit to watch a livestream or recorded steams of athletic competitions that take place here at Liberty. This is a great resource to share with friends and family who live far away or have difficulty traveling to Liberty for events.

Follow this link to visit Liberty's HUDL TV Website and consider bookmarking its location for easy access in the future.

This livestream is available thanks to the Hudl cameras that have been installed in the Liberty stadium and main competition gym. There is not a live person who controls the camera, but rather artificial intelligence is used to track the game play and follow the action/ball. The technology is advanced, but be aware it can also lock onto and follow different things and people when regular game play is not occurring.

The Color Run is the official kick-off to the Liberty Homecoming Week! Registration is now open and can be accessed by clicking here, or on the image below.

If you are looking to replace a bed in your home, now is the time. Liberty High School Band is excited to announce it will be hosting the 3rd Annual one-day Mattress Fundraiser on Sunday, September 8th, from 10am-5pm. For one day only, Liberty High School will be transformed into a mattress showroom. For information about the sale, go to: bit.ly/beds4liberty24.

There will be 30+ different mattress styles on display in all sizes for customers to try, priced below retail. Adjustable power bases, premium pillows, bed frames, and mattress protectors will be available as well. Name brands including Simmons Beautyrest and Therapedic, come with full factory warranties, are made to order, and will be available 2-3 weeks after the fundraiser. Delivery is available. Best of all, the Liberty High School Band benefits from every purchase.

The company, Custom Fundraising Solutions (CFS) first introduced The Mattress Fundraiser to the Cleveland, Ohio market in 2005. The company now has nearly 100 locations and works with more than 3,000 schools nationwide. The unique business model helps schools raise thousands of dollars in just one day, and to date, the company has given back over $60 million.

What: 3rd Annual Liberty High School Band Mattress Fundraiser
Where: Liberty High School
When: Sunday, September 8th, 10am-5pm
Event Link: bit.ly/beds4liberty24
Watch this quick video that explains how the Mattress Fundraiser works! https://vimeo.com/637591323

Contact tim.devoss@cfsbeds.com or call 309-236-4247 for more information.

On August 5-7, twenty plus Liberty choir students participated in the All-State Choral Workshop hosted at Mount Mercy. A distinguished group of Mount Mercy Directors and clinicians coached the singers in learning notes, rhythms, and texts for each piece as they prepare for the upcoming All-State audition process that will take place in late October.

All athletic registrations must be completed online and paper forms are no longer accepted.

Registrations can be completed or renewed by clicking on GoBoundIowaCityLiberty Once on the Bound Website, click on 'Registration' and follow the directions provided.

If you do not already have a Bound account, please create one by entering your information and creating an account. Next, follow the steps listed for setting up a new Bound account. If you cannot remember your password - click the "forgot password" link. Do not create a new account.

Physicals must be uploaded as a .pdf or .jpg file. Please make sure you have completed the health history questions and provided a parent/guardian signature to avoid delays in processing. You must upload and go through all forms before your registration is complete. Please make sure that you are creating a registration for the 2024-25 school year.

Every cell phone can turn a photo into a PDF using one of these free apps:

PDF scanner for Android

PDF scanner for iPhone

If you have any registration questions - please email the athletic trainer, Anna Manternach, directly: manternach.anna@iowacityschools.org or contact Athletic Secretary, Tristan Sievers via email (sievers.tristan@iowacityschools.org) or the Athletic Office by phone, 319-688-1352. You can also access a registration step by step guide here.

Get connected now to the career you will enjoy tomorrow through Workplace Learning Connection's Job Shadow and Internship Programs! Sign up for a career exploration day to discover multiple jobs in a field, or dive deeper into a specific career with a small group job shadow. View the available career fields here!

Job shadow applications are open now for students in grades 10-12 with in-person and virtual opportunities. Apply by September 19, 2024.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Michael J Gould Recreation Center

Kirkwood Main Campus, Cedar Rapids

High school students are invited to come visit with 75+ colleges and military organizations at the free college fair at Kirkwood! Parents/guardians are encouraged and welcome to attend. Register here to connect with colleges at the fair.

Mark your calendar for the premier college and career fair in the state of Iowa! The 34th Annual Golden Circle College & Career Fair is the largest college fair in the state, bringing the greatest variety of colleges and universities from across Iowa and the nation together for students to explore. Check out the participating exhibitors here.

Golden Circle College & Career Fair
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Location:
Prairie Meadows Conference Center
1 Prairie Meadows Conference Center; Altoona, Iowa

Entrance to the fair is FREE!

Do you have a Cap & Gown from an older sibling or someone else that is taking up space in your closet? We would like to begin collecting lightly used purple Liberty cap and gowns to offer to students and their families who may not currently have the resources to purchase a new one for graduation. All donated cap and gowns can be dropped off in the main office during regular school hours.

Quarterly the District Cultural Diversity & Equity team produces a newsletter. Click here to access this quarter's Cultural Diversity & Equity Newsletter. You can also visit our District Equity website for additional information and links to previous newsletters.

Take a moment to check out the new Liberty High Spirit Store provided by BSN Sports. This store offers a large number of options for Liberty gear. You can search by your favorite brand and customize your own items.

Check it out by clicking on this link: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/iowa/northliberty/liberty-high-school or by clicking the image below.

Support Student Programs. Leave a Legacy. Donate today!

The Liberty Fund needs your help! We want to ensure all Liberty students can participate in school activities where belonging and school pride come together through both academic and co-curricular activities.

The Liberty Fund has provided grants to students and groups to support student access to opportunities through fundraising. Here are a few program examples that grants have supported:

• New Student/Freshman Orientation
• National French Competition Exam
• Liberty Lightning Technical Theater
• Garden Club
• African American Literature Classes & Black Student Union
• Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference

Make a tax deductible donation to The Liberty Fund today! Donate at The Liberty Fund Website or email for more information at libertyhighfund@gmail.com.

Liberty High PSTO (Parent Student Teacher Organization) welcomes all new and returning families to Liberty for the 2024-2025 school year. Please follow us on Facebook: Liberty High PSTO to stay up-to-date.

All PSTO meetings will occur on the 3rd Wednesday each month at noon via Zoom. Keep an eye out for the 24-25 PSTO meeting dates in an upcoming newsletter.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please send them to libertyhsPSTO@gmail.com

The PSTO has an ongoing fundraiser with our Amazon Smile account. Please consider using this with your next Amazon order.

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Jeremy Tabor, Director of Equity and Employee Relations, 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-688-1000, howard.eric@iowacityschools.org.