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Liberty Public Schools
November 19, 2008

VETERANS HONORED IN SPECIAL CEREMONY

Liberty Public Schools honored local veterans at its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, November 17, at Liberty High School.  The yearly event is the kick-off to American Education Week and is a time to honor veterans and retired Liberty Public School District staff for their dedication and commitment to our country, our city, and our schools.  Music was provided by the Liberty High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Paul Warnex and the Liberty High School Concert Choir under the direction of Rika Heruth.  The Women’s Golf Team, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, and Varsity Cheerleaders were recognized during the ceremony.   Student speakers included:  Phoebe Alpern, Franklin Elementary; Quentan Sanderford, Warren Hills Elementary; Emily Morgan, Liberty Middle School; Ben DeHart, South Valley Junior High School, and Annie Simpson, Liberty High School.  The events will air November 18-November 25 on KLPS-TV 18 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

To view pictures from the event, got to http://www.liberty.k12.mo.us/news/photo-gallery/2008-2009/veterans-day-2008/IMG_1137.JPG/view

MASCOT MANIA UPDATE
The mascot contest has been a huge success!  Nearly 500 submissions were received, along with  54 color options for the news mascot and colors for Liberty North High School.  The Blue Ribbon Mascot/Colors subcommittee narrowed the list to five options at a meeting last night.  Students in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to vote on one of the following options:

Mascot                                           Colors

Eagles                                    Maroon/Gold

Grizzlies                                Burnt Orange/White

Lions                                      Scarlett/Cream/Silver

Stars                                       Navy Blue/Gold

Terrapins                              Green/Gold/White

Students will receive a ballot listing the top five options through their student email the week of December 8.  The mascot/color combination with the highest total of student votes will be submitted to the Board of Education for final approval at its meeting on December 15.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 
Community Education classes are open to the public.   Registration and enrollment may be handled through www.paypams.com.  For more information, contact Heddie Leger at 736-7117.

Introduction to Microsoft Access (8140)-Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.-Fee: $40

Learn how to create tables, forms, basic queries, macros, and reports using Microsoft Access. You will also learn how to create a table with a link to a form and a report, how to run a parameter query, and how to build a macro that opens a form with a new record.

Intermediate Microsoft Access (8145)-Saturday, December 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.-Fee: $40

This class builds on the forms and reports that you created in the first class.  You will learn how to control all movement in your database from the form by creating buttons to move around the records, to pen reports, and to email reports.  This class shows you how to link form fields to queries in order to use them to open a report.  You will learn how to hide the database view from your use and how to control the form that appears when the database is opened.

LHS PRESENTS FALL MUSICAL – THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Liberty High School presents The Sound of Music, November 21 and 22, at 7 p.m., and November 23 at 2 p.m., at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, 1600 South Withers Road, Liberty.  Tickets can be purchased at the Liberty High School Attendance Office beginning October 27 or at the Liberty Performing Arts Theatre, one hour before show time.  Tickets are $5 for students/children/seniors and $7 for adults.

THIRD GRADE STUDENTS RECEIVE ADDED BONUS FOR PARTICIPATING IN PROGRAM
Congratulations to all LPS 3^rd grade students for completing the Money Farm Project on financial literacy by the William Jewell College SIFE team.  M&I Bank is now ready to send special "Moolah" cow banks to new homes and to open savings accounts for all of our third grade students. Take your 3^rd grade child to M&I Bank in Liberty along with his/her completed Money Farm certificate.  Explain you are there to pick up your complimentary Moolah Cow Bank.  If you wish to start a special savings account with your child, there is an additional offer available... FREE MONEY!  M & I will add $20 to your opening account balance! This offer is only available until Christmas 2008! 

SOUTH VALLEY SHOW CHOIR GEARING UP FOR PERFORMANCES
The South Valley Middle School Show Choir has a busy, upcoming holiday season with many performances in the community and surrounding areas.  The group’s next performance is Sunday, December 7, from 2-3 p.m. at the Bass Pro Shop in Independence, Mo.  Performing groups from around the Kansas City area will provide entertainment and bring in the holiday spirit during the store’s first holiday season at the Independence location.

The SVMS Show Choir is an auditioned group of twenty-six 6^th and 7^th grade students who rehearse for one hour only once a week to prepare a variety of upbeat and entertaining songs.  Be sure to read  QuickNews for other performances in which Show Choir will be participating!

ATTENTION ALL LIBERTY BAND PARENTS AND THE LIBERTY COMMUNITY

LHS Bands are having a spectacular year!  From marching band competitions to MMEA performances to Pep Band, our kids are doing fantastic things!  Another Godfather's Pizza Night has been scheduled for Thursday, November 20, from 4 to 8 p.m.  Dave Crowdus continues to be so generous with his time and contributions for our kids.  Just tell the cashier that "We're with the Band!", and the band receives 30% of your total purchase price, either dine-in or carry-out.  There will be coupons available at the door, as well as a band student, who will be selling Liberty Blue Jays trash bags. Spread the word to friends and neighbors, and make sure to remind them to say they are with the band!  Thank you to all parents, students, and teachers for their hard work, dedication, and continued support of our LHS Band Blue Jays!  Upcoming Godfather's Pizza Nights for 2008 will be December 4, December 11, and December 18.   Show your support for our bands from Liberty, and enjoy some delicious pizza!

PURCHASE DEADLINE COMING SOON FOR SENIOR HIGH YEARBOOKS
The last day to purchase a yearbook, and be guaranteed a copy, is November 21.  Mrs. Ronna Sparks-Woodward, the yearbook advisor, will order 50 extra copies, so if you need to purchase a yearbook for your student at LHS, please do so as soon as possible or at least by November 21.  Engraved yearbooks are $50, and non-engraved yearbooks are $45. The all-color book is 304 pages with an all-color, 38-44 page supplement. Yearbooks of the same size and quality run, on average, around $65-70, so the current cost is significantly lower than national averages.

Last year’s yearbook received All-Missouri, All-American, and Gold Medal ratings (the highest possible ratings) in state and national competitions in areas such as copy writing, design, financial stability, photography, and coverage, and this year’s book is expected to do the same.

Please e-mail Mrs. Sparks-Woodward at rsparkswoodward@liberty.k12.mo.us with questions, concerns, comments, or kudos.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR PARENTS OF CURRENT NINTH GRADERS

Parents of current ninth grade students are invited to attend an informational meeting about sophomore enrollment on Thursday, December 4,

at 7 p.m. at Liberty High School.  Students will receive their registration materials during the day at school, so we ask that only parents attend the event.  Questions, call  Brenda Wiederholt, LHS Guidance, 736-7049.

SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION SEEKING NOMINATIONS

The Liberty School District Foundation is seeking nominations of outstanding Liberty alumni for their Honoring Our Own reception to be held in March of 2009.  Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Foundation's Web site - www.lsdf.org.  The Foundation's Honoring Our Own Event is held annually to celebrate former Liberty students whose deeds and character exemplify outstanding achievement in their life's work and service to their community.  The Foundation is also seeking nominations for an outstanding Retired Public Educator from Liberty Public Schools, as well as a Champion for Public Education Volunteer.  Nominees for retired educator must be retired for at least 5 years to be considered.  If you have any questions about the Honoring Our Own program, please contact Laurie Sutton or Sandy Dyser at 816-736-7120.  Deadline for nominations is December 15, 2008.

LIBERTY JAZZ BAND WILL PLAY FOR YOU!

The Liberty High School Jazz Band is looking for performance opportunities December through April  in the school district and community.  The group will come to your event and provide musical entertainment for programs, meetings, and other large gatherings.  If you are interested, please contact the group’s director Shane Fuller at mfuller@liberty.k12.mo.us.

ACT PREP CLASSES AVAILABLE AT LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

LHS will offer ACT preparatory classes this spring for the April 4, 2009, ACT National Tests.  Registration is required. The cost for taking all 6 sessions is $30 for LHS students, $40 for students living in Liberty, but attending school in a different district, and $50 for non-Liberty students. Results from our inaugural ACT Prep classes last year indicate that students are improving their scores by an average of 2 points.  Please register early, and take advantage of this instructionally sound, cost-effective opportunity. 

Wednesday classes:  5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. – February 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1

Saturday classes:  8:30 a.m.–12 Noon – February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, and 28

Students may choose to attend either day.  Students/parents may register at the attendance office at Liberty High School starting November 3, or you may register on-line at www.paypams.com.  For more information, contact Eric Greely, Sr. at 736-7032.

The following are LHS student comments after taking the ACT National test:

·         The course helped me to know my goals and limits in how many problems I needed to complete in order to get the score I wanted.

·         I felt more comfortable taking the ACT.

·         It helped me pace myself during the test, and I was not as shocked at the content while taking the test.

·         The class was very helpful and made it easier to not stress over the exam.

·         The test helped me with knowing how to find answers quicker.

·         The course helped me understand the format of the test and gave me good strategies in how to approach the test.

The following are LHS parent comments after receiving student’s scores:

·         My daughter raised her score from a 27 to 28; LHS ACT program is paying off.

·         Excellent program; my son increased his score from a 26 to 31.

·         My daughter increased her score by 5 points after taking the class twice.

·         Wonderful price compared to some of the other programs we have looked at.

·         Every kid going to college should take this class.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to Lori Riedel, the recipient of the district’s Honoring Excellence Award for November.   Lori is the Library Media Specialist at Warren Hills Elementary School.  Lori was presented with a plant from her school principal, Kristin Havens, and a Liberty Public Schools paperweight.

LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING SQUAD TAKES FIRST

The Varsity Cheerleaders took FIRST place at the State Cheer Competition on Saturday.  This is the first time this has happened for Liberty cheerleading. The squad tied with Marquette, but received a first place trophy and pins.  A number of parents and community members traveled to Columbia to support the students.  Congratulations!

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ART EXHIBIT

The following high school AP students’ work was selected to be exhibited in this year’s Metro High School Visual Arts Exhibit at the Irene B. French Gallery in Merriam, Kansas.  The opening will be held on Thursday, December 4, from 7-8:30 p.m. and remain hanging through December.  There were a record 18 high schools entering this year’s competition with 614 entries from 331 students.  Only 131 were accepted this year.  Congratulations to our local artists!

Jessica Anetsberger – Self Portrait
Jessica Anetsberger – Mossybricks
Katie Brewer – Red Tie and Cloths of Blue

Joshua Hall – A Few Bricks

Joshua Hall – Study of Whistler’s Mother

Callie Moore - Chocolate

Callie Moore – Metal and Eggs

Lauren Moulder – Cup and Spoon

Lauren Moulder –Portrait

Amanda Neely – Cloth on Stool

Amanda Neely – Cloth
Nicholas Ritter – Bricks

Christina Smith – Flowers in Vase

Christina Smith – Metal Charcoal

Katie Thierolf – Libyan Sibyl Altered
Katie Thierolf – Charcoal Stilllife

Katie Thierolf – Patel Skull

SECOND ANNUAL MIDWEST HONOR BAND FESTIVAL AND SYMPOSIUM 

Ten students from SVMS/SVJH were selected to attend the Midwest Honor Band Festival and Symposium at UMKC January 15-17, 2009.  This festival is designed to provide rewarding musical experiences for middle and high school band students and directors alike.  The annual festival will feature nationally recognized guest conductors and resident UMKC faculty in a busy schedule of concerts, master classes, and professional clinics.  The festival and symposium will begin at noon on Thursday, January 15, and will conclude by 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 17.  The Midwest Honor Bands are comprised of students from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Arkansas, to name a few.  Selection is based on band director recommendation, past achievements, and a balanced instrumentation.  For more information, contact South Valley Middle School Band Director Cindy Price Svehla.  SVMS/SVJH band students selected are:  Rebecca Reed-Clarinet, Richard Adger-clarinet, Allie Vest-French Horn, Zach Brewer-Tenor Sax, Nick Smith-Bassoon, Daniel Franz-Oboe, David Roelofsz-percussion, Philip Dunlap-percussion, Andrew Kisling-Baritone Sax, Matt Kisling-Oboe.

For more information on the festival and purchasing tickets for the performances, please call 816-235-2741 or visit conservatory.umkc.edu/bands.

YEARBOOK AND NEWSPAPER STUDENTS WIN AWARDS

Congratulations to the LHS yearbook and newspaper staff and advisers for their excellent showing at nationals.  More than 4,300 students from across the nation attended the conference, and Liberty students did extremely well in competition. The following students received individual awards in the national Write-Offs with more than 2,400 competitors:

Shelby Sims- Excellent in yearbook copy and caption writing
Brenna Finn-Honorable Mention in newspaper feature writing
Carlie Hobbs-Honorable Mention in newspaper commentary writing

In overall awards, congratulations to the LHS Spectator yearbook staff. The 2008 yearbook placed sixth in the Best of Show at the National Scholastic Press Association/Journalism Education Association Fall National Convention. Ten entries were chosen in the category, and the 2008 Spectator received sixth. The last time the yearbook placed in the Best of Show competition was 1989.

SOUTH VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL – STUDENTS HELPING OTHERS

The wind was blowing, but that didn’t stop a group of South Valley Middle School students from helping  people in need.  On Wednesday, November 5, a group of 25 students and 4 adults raked and bagged leaves for 3 different households where taking care of yard work was difficult for one reason or the other.  The students belong to the SHO club (Students Helping Others) at South Valley Middle School.  Their sponsors are Corby Downer and Lisa Frizzell.  When one of the homeowners asked a student if they could pay them with candy, the student replied, “No thank you. We did this because we are Students Helping Others.” 

SPEECH AND DEBATE PLACES FIRST IN TWO TOURNAMENTS

Congratulations to the Speech and Debate team for placing 1^st out of 19 schools at the Ray-Pec tournament.  The following placed individually.

1^st place Co-Champions Public Forum Debate- Ethan Poe/Alex Elliott and Sarah Black/Cheryl McGiffin

1^st Oratory- Elizabeth Stander

2^nd Oratory- Kristen Wright

2^nd Extemp- Max Mikitish

2^nd Prose- Rachel Shaw

2^nd Radio Speaking- Jack Otis

3^rd Radio Speaking- Chris Young

4^th Public Forum Debate- Susan Taylor/Max Mikitish

4^th Lincoln Douglas Debate- Tim White

4^th Lincoln Douglas Debate- Matt Filla

4^th Policy Debate- Elizabeth Stander/Alex Ingram

4^th Policy Debate- Henry Mikitish/Zach Musselman

4^th Extemp- Kristen Wright

4^th Prose- Elizabeth McGiffin

4^th Radio Speaking- Jenna Wiles

5^th Student Congress-Tim White

5^th Radio Speaking- Todd Swetnam

6^th Oratory- Rachel Chapin

6^th Student Congress- Megan Bradford

6^th Radio Speaking- Will Petroll

6^th Humorous Interp- Zach Musselman

Congratulations to the Novice Speech and Debate team for placing 1^st out of 20 schools at the Park Hill South tournament.  The following individuals placed individually.

1^st place Co-champions Novice Policy Debate- Courtney Flood/Joey Lowery and Connor Hickox and Zac Lester

1^st Novice Public Forum Debate- Jaci Gilchrist/Tanisha Hollingsworth

1^st Novice Foreign Extemp- Courtney Flood

1^st Novice US Extemp- Joey Lowery

1^st Novice Oratory- Kelsey Markus

2^nd Novice US Extemp- Austin Haywood

2^nd Novice Oratory- Courtney Flood

2^nd Novice Prose- Mackenzie McClure

3^rd Novice Foreign Extemp- Zac Lester

3^rd Novice US Extemp- Mackenzie Barnes

3^rd Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Madison Wixon

4^th Novice Foreign Extemp- Brigitte Tripp

4^th Novice Policy Debate- Brigitte Tripp/Kelsey Markus

4^th Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Alex Teela

4^th Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate- Rachel Hain

5^th Novice US Extemp- Rachel Hain

5^th Novice Student Congress- Connor Hickox

6^th Novice Foreign Extemp- Max Workman

6^th Novice Oratory- Rebecca Filla

6^th Novice Dramatic Interp- Mackenzie McClure

SCHOLAR BOWL TEAM MAKES PLAYOFF ROUND

Congratulations to the Liberty Scholar Bowl junior varsity team for breaking into the playoff rounds at the Lexington Junior Varsity Tournament on Saturday, November 15.  Though they were defeated by only one question in the quarter finals, the team still managed to have the top scorer on the day.  Special congratulations to Jake Mobberley for earning the number 1 rank on the All-Tournament Team.  Other team members included Anna Bunton, Prescott Evans, Victoria Meeks, Bradley Dice, Mack Yi, Natasha Stoneking, Eric Luan, Diane Streifthau, and Adrienne Graskemper.  The team is coached by Lindsay Frey, Mary Coogan, Alison Schultz, and Rosemary Camp.

SPORTS UPDATE

CROSS COUNTRY

Congratulations to the boys cross country team that took 3^rd place at the State Cross Country meet in Jefferson City last Saturday out of the 16 teams that qualified. Tyler Stuber won All State honors for his top 25 finish of 12^th place.  Hossam Hassan, Matt Armstrong, Tyler King, Jefferson Hostin, Anthony Stasiak, and Victor Stichnot also scored in the race. This was the 9^th state final four trophy the boys cross country team has won over the past 12 years.

Congratulations to the girls cross country team that took 14^th place at the State Cross Country meet in Jefferson City last Saturday out of the 16 teams that qualified.  Megan Yohe won All-State honors for her 2^nd place overall finish and becomes the top female runner in Liberty High School cross country history. The previous best was a 4^th place finish by Cindy Sitz back in 1981 – a record that stood for 27 years.  Megan also placed 3^rd at the Nike Midwest Regional Cross Country meet this past Saturday in Indiana. The top 5 qualified for the Nike Team National meet in Portland, Oregon, in December.  Megan was  named to the Coaches Association 1^st team All-Metro team Monday night at Raytown South High School.  Lydia Agee, Cassie Weathers, Madison Watring, Jennifer Clubine, and Sara Page also scored in the girl’s race. This was the 22^nd time over the past 27 years that a girl’s team from Liberty High School has qualified for the State meet.

All cross country athletes are reminded of the banquet this Sunday night at Shoal Creek Community Church beginning at 5 p.m.

SOCCER

The Blue Jays varsity soccer team defeated Winnetonka 1-0 last week in the District 15 Championship matchup. This is the first District title in eight years.  The Blue Jays varsity soccer team lost to Oak Park 0-3, November 11, in their State Sectional matchup. Oak Park would control most of the first 20 minutes as they would score the first halves’ only goal in the 19^th minute of play.  Liberty would play tougher in the second half, but would give up goals in the 50^th and 77^th minutes. This loss ends the Blue Jays season with a record of 11-13.

SOFTBALL

Liberty finished 20-8 on the season – going 9-2 in conference for a 2^nd place finish.  At the start of the year, the team took the Silver Bracket Championship in the Greater KC Tournament.  They also took 3^rd in the Winnetonka Varsity Invitational and 2^nd in the University of Central Missouri Varsity Invitational.  The team was the District 15 runner-up.

TENNIS

Congratulations to Leslee Feldhaus and Emily Hoffman for placing 3^rd in the Missouri State Tennis Individual Tournament in doubles.  The players were also awarded All-State Honors for their performance.  Leslee and Emily finished the season with a 24-6 overall record.

Congratulations also to Madie Blake and Alex Flanagan for qualifying for the Missouri State Tennis Individual Tournament in doubles.  Madie and Alex placed 14^th in the tournament.

Congratulations to the Lady Jay tennis players, Emily Hoffman, Leslee Feldhaus, Abby Fish, and Kelsey Heuer for receiving 2008 First Team All-Conference awards.  This award is voted on by all conference coaches in recognition of outstanding performance throughout the conference season.  Congratulations to these players.

VOLLEYBALL

This year the Liberty volleyball team finished their season 19-13-1.  They lost out in the championship round of Districts to Park Hill South. The team made it to the championship bracket at the Lee’s Summit West Tournament and Lee’s Summit North Tournament and won the consolation bracket at St. Thomas Aquinas.

All Conference Selections:

Katie Damgar- 1^st team

Sarah Lewey- 2^nd team

Libby Griffin- Honorable Mention  

All-District Selections:

Libby Griffin- 1^st team

Sarah Lewey- 1^st team

Katie Damgar- 2^nd team

All-Region Selections:

Katie Damgar- 2^nd team

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