Liberty Newsletter: Volume 170

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

• January 21 - 4:15-7:45 PM (Virtual)
• January 28 - 4:15-7:45 PM (In-Person) (Family Course Registration Information Event)

DANCES

• April 18 - Prom @ The Highlander Hotel (7:30-10:30 PM)

SENIORS

• March 1 - Senior photo due to Yearbook (Send photos to jabbari.anna@iowacityschools.org)
• May 20 - Senior Awards & Scholarship Recognition Evening
• May 29- Senior’s Last Day
• May 29 - Graduation Rehearsal (Xtream Arena @ 8:30 AM-10:00 AM)
• May 31 - Liberty High Graduation (Xtream Arena @ 12:00 PM)

MIDTERMS & END OF TRIMESTERS

• January 23 - Midterm
• March 3 - End of 2nd Trimester
• April 23 - Midterm
• June 5 - End of 3rd Tri. & Last Day of Classes (2-hr. early release)

Good Afternoon Families, Students, and Staff,

We already experienced our first winter weather of the season, so here’s a quick reminder on how we handle weather-related schedule changes, including school cancellations, delays, and early releases.

Where to find our plan:

• Inclement Weather Guidelines: Visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/WeatherGuidelines to review our detailed plan for cancellations, delays, and early releases.

What to expect:

• Timely Notifications: You’ll receive email, phone, and text notifications with weather announcements.

• Late Starts on Thursdays: In the event of a late start on a regularly scheduled early dismissal day (Thursday), the early dismissal will be canceled, and school will follow regular dismissal times.

• Follow Us Online: Stay informed by checking our website and following us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads for updates.

• Mobile app: Download the official Iowa City Schools mobile app for alerts and school/district information in one place.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions about our weather procedures, feel free to contact our Educational Services Center at (319) 688-1000.

The District Shine Award is designed to recognize the incredible staff in all ICCSD schools.

Please consider recongizing a Liberty staff member for the work they do. This is a chance to acknowledge someone who has made a meaningful impact on you, your family, or your school. Please consider the teachers, paraeducators, secretaries, nutrition services workers, student & family advocates, counselors, librarians, nurses, custodians, tradespeople, support staff, administrators, and more throughout our District who you feel should be recognized for this honor.

To submit a nomination, fill out the Shine Award Nomination Form or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://bit.ly/3QeTeUP

Thank you for helping us recognize the work and dedication of our team.

Following winter break, the mid-term of 2nd trimester and parent-teacher conferences will quickly be here. Parent-teacher conferences for the 2nd trimester will take place on Wednesday, January 21 from 4:15-7:45 PM. These conferences are virtual and will be held on Zoom. More information will be shared in the early January newsletter about how to sign-up for and access these conferences.

Additionally, Liberty's first ever Course Information Night will take place the following week on Wednesday, January 28 from 4:30-7:30 PM. This evening is designed to provide students and their families with information about the courses we offer so students can make informed decisions with their course registration process. All teachers will be available to share information about the courses offered and the classes they teach. School counselors and Kirkwood Regional Staff will also be presenting grade specific and general information sessions throughout the evening. Please see the flyer below for additional information, and we hope to see you there!

Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection will begin accepting Summer 2026 WBL 200 internship applications on Monday, December 15th. Current Sophomore and Junior high school students are eligible. Attached is a digital slide for you to share.

Deadlines:

• Student/Parent portions of the application are due by 3:00 PM on Friday, February 6th.

• School and Teacher portions are due by 3:00 PM the following Wednesday, February 11th.

To apply: https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/internships/apply. Students will apply for an internship related to their career interests, not for a specific position.

Summer Session: June 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026 (total of 40 hours)

National Honor Society students organized their first Coin Drive Contest under the direction of President Malea Kampman and Vice President Lucy Maassen. All proceeds from the coin contest are being donated to the North Liberty Community Pantry.

During the week of December 8-12, 3rd period classes donated different coins and dollars, based on the day's theme (see picture). Daily winners received a free cookie voucher to the Liberty Bolt Cafeteria, and the class that raised the most funds overall received a free parking pass to the teacher lot for one week.

A total of $1858.50 was raised by Liberty High School during the week! Congratulations to the daily winners below, and thank you to all Bolts who donated to help our community. We are proud to take care of everyone.

PENNY WINNERS:

1st Pl: Ellickson

2nd Pl: Cronk

3rd Pl: Anderson

SILVER WINNERS:

1st Pl: Schott

2nd Pl: Bonneau

3rd Pl: Carlo/Arp

DOLLAR WINNERS:

1st Pl: Mueller

2nd Pl: Carlo/Arp

3rd Pl: Bonneau

OVERALL WINNERS:

1st Pl: Schott

2nd Pl: Carlo/Arp

3rd Pl: Williams, K.

Attention 10th Grade Students and Parents/Guardians:

The annual Career Caravan will take place on Wednesday, December 17 at the Kirkwood Regional Center in Coralville. This event is designed to help students explore potential career paths by connecting them with local and regional business partners.

All Liberty 10th grade students will travel by ICCSD school bus to attend two career presentations of their choice. Students will be dismissed near the end of 2nd period (10:25 AM) to find their alphabetically assigned (last name) bus. After their second presentation, students will return to Liberty around 12:15 and will eat during C lunch. Students will be excused for periods 3 and 4.

In preparation for this event, all 10th grade students will receive an email on Tuesday, December 2 with the Career Caravan selection form to be completed during Advisory that day. Students will select their top two career interests and one alternate. They will then be scheduled into corresponding sessions for the December 17 event. Students who do not complete the survey will be scheduled in random sessions.

If you need assistance completing the survey, please contact College and Career Transition Counselor (strand.kayla@iowacityschools.org).

Congratulations to the Liberty High Dance Team on their solid performance at the State Dance Competition that took place at the Casey's Center in Des Moines at the end of the first week in December. The team earned a 2nd place finish in the Class XII Pom and a 4th place finish in the Class VI Jazz. Senior Aly Farrell also finished in 8th place in the Class X solos.

The team now turns their attention to the UDA Chicagoland Regionals where they look to qualify for nationals.

If you are looking to join a new club, the Iowa City STEMsters are looking to recruit new members. Check out the flyer below or click on the QR code to the right to view them on Instagram.

Students, Families, and Employees - The Ombuds Office is here to help. Check out our Ombuds webpage to learn more!

The Ombuds Office is a general concern office and conflict resolution resource for District constituents, including students, parent/guardians, and employees regarding school and/or District-related matters.

Take a moment to check out the 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.

The Liberty PSTO is excited to support Liberty High students and staff in another school year! Our monthly meetings are always open to all, and we'd love for you to join us - whether you just want to listen in, share ideas, or get involved.

Got Fundraising Ideas? We Want to Hear Them!
Liberty’s PSTO is kicking off planning for 2026 fundraising initiatives. Every dollar raised goes straight to the school's general instructional supplies fund - helping cover essentials like copying, mailing, and other classroom and office supplies that support our students and staff every day.
Bring your ideas to the December PSTO meeting—we welcome all suggestions!

PSTO's December meeting is:

• Thursday, November 18, 12 PM

• Look for additional details closer to the date

  
  

  Anyone is welcome to join!

  
  

Email us! libertyhspsto@gmail.com

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.

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 (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its 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:

• Laura Cottrell (Executive Director of Educational Services & Student Success) for programming at cottrell.laura@iowacityschools.org
• Nick Proud (Chief Human Resources Officer) for employment at proud.nick@iowacityschools.org, 2255 N. Dubuque Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, (319) 688-1000; or
• If you are unsure how to proceed or would like assistance in discussing your options, you may also contact Janet Abejo-Parker at ombuds@iowacityschools.org or (319) 688-1312