![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-5ef627955c531538c1dfff8f-7bd4945df0aa.jpg)
Liberty Newsletter: Volume 135
April 15, 2024
Iowa City Liberty High School
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
Important Dates
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
- October 11- 4:15 pm-7:45 pm (In-person)
- October 17- 4:15 pm-7:45 pm (Virtual)
- January 17- 4:15 pm-7:45 pm (Virtual)
- April 24- 4:15 pm-7:45 pm (In-person)
DANCES
- Sept. 30- Homecoming Dance @ Liberty (7:00 pm-10:00 pm)
- January 27- Winter Dance @ Liberty (7:00 pm-10:00 pm)
- April 20- Prom @ Hyatt Regency Coralville (7:30 pm-10:30 pm)
SENIORS
- October 10- Senior Jostens Assembly (@ 1:45 PM, Auditorium)
- Feb. 28- Senior photo due to Yearbook
- Mar. 27- Cap & Gown Distribution (10:00 AM- 1:00 PM in Grand Commons)
- May 22- Senior Awards & Scholarship Recognition Evening (@ 7:00 PM, Auditorium)
- May 29- Graduate Walk-Through @ Elementary Schools (8:15 AM)
- May 30- Senior’s Last Day
- May 31- Graduation Rehearsal (Xtream Arena @ 12:30 PM)
- June 1- Liberty High Graduation (Xtream Arena @ 7:00 pm)
MIDTERMS & END OF TRIMESTERS
- October 4- Midterm
- November 16- End of 1st Trimester
- January 17- Midterm
- March 1- End of 2nd Trimester
- April 24- Midterm
- June 5- End of 3rd Trimester & Last Day of Classes
Liberty Features & Information
Liberty Specific ISASP Information & Schedule
All 9th, 10th, 11th grade students will take ISASP on Tuesday, April 16 and Wednesday, April 17. Make-ups will be the following week. Students will need their District issued Chromebook for testing.
During Testing, 12th grade students can report to school for a Study Hall or can stay home.
Liberty Prom 2024
Prom is this Saturday, April 20. If you have not done so already, the last day to purchase your tickets is this Thursday, April 18. Reminder, there is no school on Friday, April 19, so do not wait until the last minute as tickets are unable to be purchased at the door!
See the graphic below for information on the grand march, dance and after prom.
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Wednesday, April 24)
The final parent-teacher conference date is Wednesday, April 24. These conferences are in-person and will take place between 4:15-7:45 PM at Liberty HS. Teachers will be located throughout the building in their classroom, or a similar more private location. These in-person conferences are not scheduled, but rather will operate on a first come first served drop-in basis. Maps will be made available to assist guardians in locating teachers.
**Please do not arrive before 4:15 PM as teachers and school staff will need a short amount of time to transition from the end of the school day at 4:00 PM**
PSTO Conference Meal & Staff Appreciation
Conferences and Staff Appreciation Week are approaching quickly. Let’s show the Liberty staff our gratitude by showering them with a meal and goodies.
On Wednesday, April 24th, we will provide the staff a meal during Parent Teacher Conferences. Thank you to Andale Cantina for catering the meal. PSTO was able to purchase the meal with generous donations from Liberty families given throughout the year. If you haven't been able to give a monetary donation and still would like to, feel free to send a check made to Liberty PSTO to the office. Or, you may Venmo payment to @lhs-psto and write "meal" in the memo line. Please review the available slots below to assist with the meal. Spring Conference Meal
During the week of May 6-10th, we will celebrate our staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. We will be setting up a special treat in the mail room for staff members each day. Please bring non-perishable items beginning May 1st. Other donations may be brought to the high school office on the morning of the sign up. Please review the list of needed items and consider signing up. Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you in advance for helping us show our teachers and staff just how much we appreciate all they do each and every day.
Sincerely,
LHS PSTO
Senior Graduate Elementary Walk-Through
Seniors, save the date for Wednesday, May 29 at 8:15 AM. Garner, Kirkwood, Penn, & Van Allen will all be hosting our graduating seniors for a graduate walk-through. Please wear your cap & gown and join your elementary classmates in walking through the elementary halls as current elementary students and your former teachers clap and cheer for you as you near the completion of high school. Parking will be limited so we strongly encourage you to walk if possible, or carpool.
If you did not attend elementary school in ICCSD, you are welcome to join a classmate at their elementary. Additionally, if you attended a different ICCSD elementary outside our northside feeder schools, we encourage you to reach out to those schools as they may have similar events planned.
Graduation Yard Signs
As graduation inches closer, we have once again partnered with Alpha Graphics to offer graduation yard signs to celebrate and recognize the Liberty High Class of 2024. If you are interested in purchasing a graduation yard sign, please click on this link for more information and ordering details.
Additionally, we are also appreciative of Alpha Graphics generosity as $10 will be donated to The Liberty Fund for every graduation yard sign that is sold. The Liberty Fund is a Liberty specific foundation that raises and distributes funds to Liberty groups in order to provide students with a broad and rich learning experience and help ensure greater access to opportunities for all students.
Stock the Supply Room
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the Stock the Supply Room sign up! If you haven't had a chance to sign up yet, here is the information again.
We are hosting a supply drive through the end April. As part of a mid-year district budget reduction strategy, Liberty and other ICCSD schools have been asked to reduce their building instructional supply budgets by 20% for the current school year. For Liberty, that means a significant decrease in funds available to purchase dry erase markers, sticky notes, pens, and other similar materials teachers and students use daily. With your help, the Liberty PSTO would like to fill the LHS supply cabinet. Feel free to sign up for one or more of the items listed here: Stock the Supply Stash Please deliver your items to the Liberty main office at any time through April 30th. Feel free to order your donation on Amazon and ship directly to: Liberty High School, 1400 S Dubuque Street, North Liberty, IA, 52317.
If you prefer, a monetary donation can be made for either drive by writing a check to Liberty PSTO and leaving it in the front office. Or, you may Venmo @lhs-psto and write "supplies" in the memo line.
Thank you for supporting our staff and students!
Liberty PSTO
Extracurricular Activities
Girls Tennis State Rankings
The April 14 Girls Tennis rankings have Liberty ranked as the #3 team in the state! Congratulations to the girls tennis team, and best wishes as they pursue a state championship.
Varsity Cheer Tryouts
Varsity Cheer Tryouts will be held in the auxiliary gym on Thursday, April 25 from 4:30-7:30 PM. Tryout attire should include T-shirt, athletic shorts, athletic shoes, and hair pulled back in a ponytail. Please direct any questions to Coach Charita at martin.charita@iowacityschools.org
Miscellaneous
Recent Student Awards
Paul Mann Youth Activity Award
Liberty senior Ruth Luyeye has received the Paul Mann Youth Activist Award. The NEA Peace and Justice Caucus initiated this award program in 2006 to honor students who have been "outstanding in the struggle for human rights, social justice, peace and/or youth empowerment." Ruth is being recognized for her commitment to creating and maintaining safe spaces for students of color at Liberty. Congratulations, Ruth!
DPO Wickham Scholarship Award
Liberty senior Jaime Soto has received the District Parent Organization's Wickham Scholarship for future teachers. Jaime was selected because the DPO was "particularly impressed by [his] application and dedication to supporting the learning, well-being and curiosity of students." Congratulations, Jaime!
Rotary Youth Exchange
Have you ever considered becoming a host family for an exchange student? What about being an exchange student yourself? Please see both posters below for more information about both opportunities.
If you have interest in becoming a host family, complete this interest form for the 24-25 school year.
Become an Exchange Student
2024 Girls on the Run Volunteers Needed
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 Liberty High School will be the site for the GOTR Spring Iowa City 5K. Girls on the Run are looking for volunteers to assist on the day of the event. Every 5K Celebration is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers. This is a great way to earn Silver Cord Volunteer Hours right here on campus.
Support the big day this season as a:
● Parking attendant
● Packet Pick Up/Check In
● Food organizer
● Course Marshall
● Water/First Aid Station
● Event setup/breakdown helper
● Sparkle Runner
● And more!
We have jobs for people of all ages, skill sets, and talents! Click Here to sign up.
FAFSA Week of Action
April 15th-19th is FAFSA Week of Action and the ICAN team is here to help you complete yours!
FAFSA Completion Assistance: One-on-One
- Make an appointment with an ICAN advisor either in-person or virtually. Our team members will help you step-by-step with all your questions and ensure your form is submitted and you know your next steps.
- Visit www.icansucceed.org/apt to schedule a free session.
- View our FAFSA Step-by-Step recording and follow along at your own pace. This video goes through each question and you can complete you FAFSA while watching, pausing when you need to, and completing the form on your schedule. And, if you get stuck, ICAN is a phone call or email away. Just save your application and connect with us.
- Watch the FAFSA Step by Step video
- A list of documents needed to complete the FAFSA - PDF
- How to setup your FSA ID username and password - this is needed at least 3-5 days PRIOR to completing the FAFSA form
- Overview of the financial aid process - VIDEO
- Covering College Costs - Learn the steps you need to take AFTER filing the FAFSA form - VIDEO
- Overview of the State of Iowa's financial aid application - VIDEO and Application
- Why File the FAFSA? - PDF
- Apply for Scholarship - visit the ICAN scholarship database
Graduation Gown Donation
Cultural Diversity & Equity Newsletter
Liberty Lightning Virtual Spirit Store
Check it out by clicking on this link: https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/iowa/northliberty/liberty-high-school or by clicking the image below.
The Liberty Fund
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
Liberty High PSTO (Parent Student Teacher Organization) welcomes all new and returning families to Liberty for the 2023-2024 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. A list of remaining dates are included below. Zoom Link
- April 17
- May 15
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.