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)

The Iowa Department of Education released the state’s School Performance Profiles for the 2023-24 school year. These profiles provide a snapshot of how each school is performing across the state, helping us see where our schools are excelling and where we will continue to improve.

The profiles consider many factors, including student proficiency, growth, absenteeism, graduation rates, and postsecondary readiness. However, we have significant concerns with some changes that have been made, new to this year, in the state’s ranking framework. We want to give you a better understanding of how this affects our schools and share our perspective on what these ratings mean.

Significant changes in the new framework include the removal of SAT and ACT participation, the de-emphasis on growth (how much individual students improve academically year over year, regardless of where they start), and the fact that schools with subgroups recognized as “targeted status” (i.e., English Language Learners) are automatically being dropped one category level regardless of overall achievements across the school community.

It’s important to remember that our schools, our staff, and the educational experiences we provide have not changed. What has changed is the way the state calculates and weights the ratings. When comparing last year’s ratings under the previous criteria, many schools across Iowa, including ours, would have maintained or improved their ratings. It’s essential to remember that this profile is just one measurement tool and doesn’t reflect the full picture of our schools.

Our District continues to produce great results, and we have witnessed many amazing achievements. This year, we have had 22 students recognized as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Additionally, our three comprehensive high schools have been ranked in the Top 10 in Iowa by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting the high quality of education and opportunities we provide. Our Advanced Placement Program is stronger than ever, offering 24 classes that our students can elect to take while in high school. You can find the full listing of the opportunities available to our students in our Program of Studies and by exploring our Career Pathways. Finally, our schools continue to offer exceptional opportunities in music, art, athletics, and other extracurricular activities that are unmatched by others.

We do encourage you to review the Iowa School Performance Profiles to better understand this new system and consider all the achievements and hard work that define our school community. Another excellent resource is our School Snapshots, which provide a comprehensive picture of each school.

We are extremely proud of each of our schools and the hard work our students and staff put in every day. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to provide an excellent education for all our students. We invite you to stay tuned as our leadership team and Board discuss the Iowa School Performance Profiles at our 11/19/24 Education Committee Meeting and our regularly scheduled 12/10/24 Board Meeting. As always, we are here to answer any questions you may have.

In an effort to not overload students with all of their final exams occurring on the same day, we have divided our finals schedule into two main days where designated odd and even testing periods are extended to one hour blocks. There is also a third day for test corrections, remediation, and other similar end of the trimester tasks. Please note that there is no expectation for teachers to have a traditional summative final assessment at the end of a trimester. However, if teachers are planning an assessment in the final two weeks of the trimester, the assessment needs to be scheduled on a class periods designated day.

Additionally, in order for 4th period to have a full 1-hour uninterrupted testing period, lunch is scheduled during Advisory on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Students will eat A, B, or C lunch based on the name of their Advisory teacher. Please see the Trimester 1 Finals Schedule and Advisory Lunch Schedule Teacher List below:

The French and Spanish Seal of Biliteracy classes at Liberty High School had their first visit to Kirkwood Elementary 2nd Grade classes and Garner Elementary 3rd grade classes to introduce the elementary students to the French and Spanish language and to foster cultural awareness and empathy. The partnership with Kirkwood Elementary was established in 2022 and we are excited to also be partnering with Garner Elementary for the first time this year. During this visit students were introduced to basic phrases and practiced these new phrases through activities, games, and music. This was the first out of six visits planned for the year. Señora Alvarez, Madame Liddle and the Seal of Biliteracy students would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Colbert for supporting this World Language endeavor again this year.

The Liberty PSTO invited Liberty families to participate in a stock the work room campaign to show their appreciation for the Liberty staff. Families answered the call once again and provided tons of grab and go snacks and drinks beginning on Wednesday, November 13. Thank you as well for the meals organized and set-up by Liberty families and the PSTO during conference nights back in October.

Thank you from all the Liberty staff for your continued support of this important work. and the trust you place in us to work with your wonderful kids!

Liberty High School Difference Makers Annual Groovy & Bright Winter Family Event is coming up on Sunday, December 15 from 12 - 4 PM at Liberty High School. This event is free of charge and is a time for all community members to participate in fun activities while supporting the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Activities include Arts and Crafts, a Bouncy House, a Tree Auction, Photos with Santa, a Winter Wonderland Walk, Carriage Rides, a Vendor Fair, and more coming soon. You can follow LHSDM on Facebook and Instagram for more information @lhsdifferencemakers.

Congratulations to the combined Trojan Bolt Girls Swim & Dive Team for winning the Regional Team Championship! State diving and prelims for swimming took place Friday (11/15). Finals for swimming were Saturday (11/16).

Special shout out to the Liberty qualifiers:
Kamila Swanson - qualified as the top qualifier in the state for Diving.
Averie Bilskemper - qualified in the 100 Free, 100 Breaststroke, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay
Berkley Dismang - qualified in the 200 Medley Relay

Kamila Swanson finished as the runner up in diving, and the team finished in 8th place overall.

Please be aware of scammers who may attempt to contact parents of students who will be taking the ACT and other standardized college entrance exams such as the PSAT and SAT. Scammers usually claim to be associated with the College Board or other reputable educational organizations while offering preparation materials. This has been a successful scam throughout the country as the scammers are able to be convincing by sharing the student's name, address, school, test details, and other personal information. After confirming this information, they then ask parental permission and a deposit for the test prep materials. The scammers claim the deposit will be refunded after the test materials are used and returned.

It appears this scam has been successful, especially in the eastern United States dating back to last spring. Click here from a press release from the Pennsylvania Attorney General regarding this scam from April 1, 2024.

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.

The next PSTO meeting will occur on Thursday, November 21 from 12:00-12:30 PM via Zoom. The passcode for the meeting is CEDwk1

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.