Nest News January 2026

Attention Students,

To ensure a productive start to every school day, the district has updated how we track attendance. Please be aware of the following changes regarding tardies and the Focus system:

The New Automated System

The Focus system now runs an automated report every day. This means tardies are being tracked more efficiently and accurately than before. If it feels like referrals are being issued more frequently, it is because the system is now capturing every instance in real-time.

The Policy

• The 7:15 AM Rule: You must be inside your classroom by 7:15 AM. If you arrive after this time, you are officially considered tardy.

• The 3-Tardy Limit: Tardies add up quickly. Every time you receive three tardies in a single class, the Focus system will automatically generate a referral.

• The Consequence: Each referral generated by the system can lead to an after-school detention and eventually subsequent detentions and/or ISS for repetitive behaviors per the code of conduct.

Why Is This Happening?

We want to ensure every student has the full benefit of instructional time. The new automated process removes manual errors and ensures the policy is applied fairly and consistently to everyone.

Questions? If you have questions regarding a specific referral or your attendance record, please schedule a time to speak with your Assistant Principal.

Let’s make a great start to the day by being in class on time!

25/26 Academic Calendar

January 19 - MLK Holiday No School

February 9 - Late Start

February 16 & 17 - No School

March 9 - Late Start

March 20 - Early Release

March 23-27 - No School (Spring Break)

April 6 & 7 - No School

April 18 - Prom

April 20 - Late Start

May 4 - 8 - EOC Testing

May 4 - AP Testing Begins

Final Day of School - Depends on Snow Day(s) (will know more following April BOE meeting)

May 31 - Graduation (4:30 pm)

Join us for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with sausage, fruit, and drinks to support our Track & Field and Cross Country programs! This event is on February 7th from 8 - 10 AM.

Tickets can be purchased from a Cross Country student-athlete for the prepaid amount of $10 per person, or at the door for $15 per person.

The Liberty High School 2025 Talon yearbook, "No One Can Tell Your Story Like You," received a top national honor last month when it was named as one of 58 finalists for a Pacemaker award by the National Scholastic Press Association on Dec. 18. Only seven schools from Missouri were finalists among 58 schools nationwide.

“This was such a great staff who worked so well together and had fun throughout the process. It's such an honor to be recognized as a nominee for a Pacemaker as this is a highly selective award,” said Jonathan Hall, publications adviser. “Putting together a yearbook isn't easy. I'm most proud that it was student-led, which is what our program is all about.”

The NSPA Pacemaker awards, one of the oldest for scholastic journalism, are unofficially known as the "Pulitzer Prizes of student journalism” as they represent the highest national honors in their field. Nominees are selected for overall excellence in coverage, writing, design, and leadership. Winners will be announced in April at the national convention in Minneapolis.

Props to the staff members who contributed to this great achievement:

Editor in Chief:
Lilly Brown

Photo Editor:
Caitlin McDonnell

Index Editor:
Ellie Simon

Staff Members:
Jackson Adams
Kelsey Altrup
Colt Archer
Lena Blankley
Isa Brunelli
Lacie Coffman
Alexis Hudson
Austin Koehnemann
Kenzie McCabe
Madison Miller
Kylie Richardson
Bella Romine
Amber Sethaler
MaryKate Stroud
Marlen Tenorio-Guevara
Payton Unnerstall
Gabby Young

Please help us send CONGRATULATIONS to the students who competed in yesterday's FCCLA Regional Competition and are now moving on to the next round at FCCLA State Competition! Each of them represented Liberty in the most professional way!

Dear Parent,

Great news! Our school has partnered with Big Smiles to offer dental care right at Liberty High School on Thursday, February 12, 2026. No need to miss school or wait to get in for an appointment elsewhere. CLICK HERE to sign up your student today.

No Cost to You

Even better, dental care is usually at no cost to you. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. A low cost self-pay option is available for those without insurance.

Convenient and Comfortable

Our in-school dental program saves you time and provides a safe and comfortable place for your child to receive gentle dental care from licensed local professionals. Dental care includes:

• Complete dental exam

• X-rays

• Cleaning

• Fluoride

• Sealants when necessary

• Restorative care such as fillings

Dental Care for a Healthy Life

Children who see a dentist regularly may have fewer health issues like:

• Early tooth loss due to dental decay

• Gum disease

• Heart disease

• Impaired speech development

• Help keep your child healthy, in school and learning.

SIMPLY CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP ONLINE

(https://www.myschooldentist.com/LHWRMO_schsrm)

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Liberty’s nurse, Melissa Simms - melissasimms@wsdr4.org or 636-561-0075 ext. 28233.

Please complete this form if you want a senior quote and to vote for senior superlatives. The deadline to fill out this form is Friday, January 30. If you have questions please email our editor austinkoehnemann26@wsdr4.org or visit the publications room, 239. Thank you!

Student Form

LHS Students and Families -- Liberty High School's DECA Chapter is looking for more members!

This club is part of an international organization (DECA Inc.) committed to creating international leaders. DECA teaches students in-demand workplace, marketing, business, management, and finance skills through a series of competitive events at the district, state, and international level. Liberty DECA is known for its success at all of these levels, creating confident individuals, regardless of their intended field. Business is something that's present regardless of what field you go into in the future, and DECA gives you the opportunity to master that early and stand out! Please stop by Room 431 or email robyntaylor@wsdr4.org in order to express your interest! (A business class through LHS or dual enrollment is preferred, but if you are interested please reach out anyway. Computer science, engineering, and Personal Finance classes count as well).

We are feeling extra thankful for amazing staff this month! Has your child's teacher made a significant impact? Do you want to recognize a staff member who goes above and beyond? Celebrate a teacher or employee with a Wentzville Wow Factor Award anytime throughout the school year to let them know they are making a difference! Nominate a Staff Member.

Sign up for Concessions: http://bit.ly/lhs-volunteer

Contact Boosters: General inbox: info@libertyboosterclub.org

2025-2026 Board Members

• President: Julie Turnipseed -julie@libertyboosterclub.org
• Vice President: Colleen Grams - colleen@libertyboosterclub.org
• Secretary: Andrea Lawrence- andrea@libertyboosterclub.org
• Treasurer: Shannon Queen- shannon@libertyboosterclub

Yearbooks are available for purchase online.

1. Go to yearbookordercenter.com

2. Enter order number 17208

3. Follow the onscreen instructions

For students who were not able to submit order forms in-person for their cap & gown or any other senior/graduation items, the online link is now live (see below).

Link: thegraduationcenter.com

State: Missouri

City: Lake St. Louis

School: Liberty High School

You may also mail their order form (and a check if you chose not to pay by credit card) to:

ShowMe Traditions LLC

P.O. Box 10020

Columbia, MO 65205

Jostens' Show Me Traditions phone number - 573-442-2855

• Missouri State Personal Device law
• LHS is NOT an open campus. Students may not leave campus during lunch.
• LHS does NOT allow student food delivery during the school day.

• To ensure a smooth and timely pickup during lunch, we kindly ask that parents and guardians remind their students to meet them in the main office. By having students wait in a designated location, we can ensure a quick and efficient sign-out process, helping you get to your appointments on time. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

• Remember to report a student's absence via email attendance.liberty@wsdr4.org.

• Focus custom notifications directions.

• Information on securing belongings in the locker rooms.

Please help us keep Liberty High School a safe environment for all.