Liberty Newsletter: Volume 177

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

DANCES

• April 18 - Prom @ The Highlander Hotel (7:30-10:30 PM) Post-Prom @ Liberty (10:30 PM- 2:00 AM)

SENIORS

• March 2 - Senior photo due to Yearbook (Send photos to jabbari.anna@iowacityschools.org)
• May 20 - Senior Awards & Scholarship Recognition Evening (7:00 PM)
• May 28 - Senior Elementary Graduation Walk-Through (8:15 AM)
• 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

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

Throughout the past couple of school years the ICCSD Community Relations Team has featured various staff members from across the District. This past week they released a video and written feature focused on Liberty computer science and math teacher, Jennifer Peterman.

Mrs. Peterman took a unique path to get to Liberty as her husband's service in the U.S. Army led her to teach all across the country and world. Most recently, she taught at a high school on base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Her unique world-wide experiences gives her a unique perspective that adds to our student's experience at Liberty. In addition to her math and computer science courses, she will also be teaching a new AP cybersecurity course during the 26-27 school year here at Liberty. Read more here about Mrs. Peterman and/or watch the video below.

Congratulations to Liberty High Math Teacher Michelle Baxter on receiving the Shine Award! "She was always there when I had questions and welcomed me into her room whenever I asked. While I'm no longer in her class, she continues to make my day better every time I see her."

The Iowa City Community School District Shine Award honors employees who go above and beyond for the students and schools in our community. Honorees positively influence, inspire, and leave a lasting impact in the work that they do every day, helping to fulfill the overall District mission.

Nominations can be submitted by students, parents, District employees, businesses, or community members by completing the nomination found HERE.

Liberty High School will be administering the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) from Monday, April 13th, to Thursday, April 16th.

Please review the ISASP Schedule here or see the schedule posted below for the schedule on these dates.

Testing each day will start promptly at 8:50 am. Students should report to their designated Advisory room. Anyone not testing in their advisory will receive an email with their testing location. Please encourage your student to check their school email.

On Thursday, April 16, 10th graders will report to the Aux gym for their Science test. Last names A-K will test from 8:50-10:05 am and last names L-Z will test from 12:40-1:55 pm.

Some other reminders for testing days include:

• Bring your Chromebook fully charged on testing days- Personal Computers are NOT allowed

• Eat a good breakfast and get a good nights rest

• Phones and smart watches are NOT permitted during testing.

Seniors do not need to report to school until their first scheduled course of the day. See the schedule below for those times. Seniors that do come to school during testing will be placed in a study hall until the conlusion of testing.

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 2026. If you are interested in purchasing a graduation yard sign to honor your graduate, please click on this link for more information and ordering details. There are three different design styles available to choose from.

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 our 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.

1. Senior Awards and Recognition Evening will take place on Wednesday, May 20 at 7:00 PM in the Liberty auditorium. Seniors will be recongized with various awards, honors, and scholarships at this event. Senior students will be notified if they have an award or recognition on this night and families & friends are encouraged to attend.
2. Senior Elementary Graduation Walk-Throughs are scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 8:15 AM for all Liberty feeder elementaries, except Christine Grant, which will start at 9:15 AM. This different start time for Grant will allow seniors to attend another school in addition to where they attended in 6th grade, if they prefer. All ICCSD elementary schools will be hosting graduating seniors for a graduate walk-through. Seniors should wear their cap & gown and join their elementary classmates in walking through the elementary halls as current students and teachers clap and cheer for you. Parking is limited at our elementary schools, so please plan on walking or carpooling if possible. Students will then report to Liberty for their regularly scheduled courses. *If you did not attend elementary school in ICCSD, you are welcome to join a classmate of your choice 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 will also be hosting graduates on this same morning, but the times may differ slightly.
3. Graduation Rehersal is required for all students participating in the ceremony, and is scheduled for Friday, May 29 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the Xtream Arena. Friday, May 29 is also seniors last official day of school, but students will not need to attend their classes due to graduation rehearsal. However, seniors can still come to school to work with their teachers if they have any final assignments, tests, or projects to finish up.
4. Liberty's Graduation will take place on Sunday, May 31 at 12:00 PM. Graduation is held at the Xtream Arena (200 E. 9th St., Coralville, IA 52241), and doors will open at 11:00 AM. The ceremony does not require a ticket to enter, seating is general admission, and it is recommended that guests intending to sit together should arrive together. The ceremony will be livestreamed, and the link will be shared closer to the date. Please click here to view the complete Graduation Guide for additional information.

Recently the Limb Lab in Coralville offered our engineering students an opportunity to connect learning to real-world applications.

Students saw how concepts from physics, biology and design are used to create devices that improve people’s lives, while also gaining exposure to interdisciplinary fields such as biomedical engineering and materials science. This experience promoted critical thinking and problem solving as students observed how engineers develop customized solutions for individuals. Additionally, it fosters empathy and highlights the importance of human-centered design, while promoting meaningful insight into potential STEM career pathways for our Liberty High students.

Liberty Lightning Theater is thrilled to present Shrek: the Musical! Based on the 2001 movie, Shrek the Musical tells the story of the cantankerous ogre, Shrek, as he sets all the fairytale tropes on their heads. After Lord Farquaad banishes all fairytale creatures from the kingdom of Duloc, they end up on Shrek's swamp and he agrees to set out on a quest to rescue the Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower. Aided by a talking Donkey, Shrek and Fiona learn that fairy tales aren't always what they seem.

Performances are April 9-10 at 7:00 pm, and April 11-12 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $7 for students, $12 adults, and free for LHS Staff and children 3 and under. Tickets are available for purchase at shorturl.at/mQu3L.

The 2026 Liberty Prom is quickly approaching. Tickets will be on sale throughout the week of April 13 during lunch, and the cost is $25 each. The cost of the ticket covers your admission at the Highlander Hotel for the dance and admission to post prom back at Liberty.

Students planning on attending prom need to maintain passing grades in all of their classes, not have skipped classes or excessive unexcused absences, or any major behavior referrals.

Additionally, if you are brining a non-Libety guest you will need to complete the electornic form if they attend another Iowa City High School, or pick up a paper form if they attend a school outside the district.

North Liberty Fire Department, in a joint effort with Iowa City Community School District, created a student Cadet program for students at Liberty High School. Because this program is just starting NLFD wanted to keep the initial cadets small and two Liberty juniors, Ellis Naick and Max Sittig, are the first cadets to be enrolled. While in the program, Ellis and Max will become certified in courses in Fire Science and Emergency Medicine and will earn recognized credentials and certifications that can lead or assist in future employment. Additionally, they will receive high school elective credits through an internship experience class through ICCSD.

The picture below shows Ellis and Max showing their parents their lockers at the North Liberty Fire Department and explaining their equipment. Congratulations to Ellis and Max for volunteering to be Liberty's first Cadet's and thank you to the North Liberty Fire Department for creating this exciting opportunity for our students.

IN SHOC is hosting a silent art auction during the Liberty Spring Musical for its Friday & Saturday shows. People attending the musical can check out art before the show and during intermission. They can then bid and purchase the donated student artwork they like best. Winning bids will pay & receive their art that night. All proceeds will go to the Shelter House in Iowa City. It will be a cash only event!

On March 14, the Liberty Speech Team had a successful day at their State Individual Events competition at Vinton-Shellsburg High School. Out of 17 events, 14 received an overall Division 1 rating! Four individuals were also nominated for the All-State festival, which showcases the best events from the state of Iowa and took place on March 31st at the University of Northern Iowa. These individuals include Taylor Cavanh (Storytelling), Clara Frank (Poetry), Aleksey Titarenko (Spontaneous Speaking), and Charlie Harvey (not pictured, Spontaneous speaking). The Liberty Speech team celebrates the close of their successful season at 7pm on Wednesday, April 1st. The Liberty Speech Team is coached by Schuyler Fynaardt and Olivia Gonzalez. For more information or details regarding Liberty Speech, contact Schuyler via email: fynaardt.schuyler@iowacityschools.org

Congratulations to Iowa City Robotics, Children of The Corn, for qualifying to the world championship in Houston, Texas for the second year in a row!

They competed at the Iowa Regional March 26-28th and won the Gracious Professionalism award. Those awards combined with their amazing robot performance qualified them for the World Championship. The Gracious Professionalism award is given to the team who demonstrates respect, kindness, and collaboration on and off the field. On top of that, the robot ended in fourth place as the third alliance captain. A special shout out to the students at Liberty High School who wholeheartedly participated in this amazing accomplishment.

• Parker Kacmarynski
  
• Yuzuka Fujikawa
• Calder Wendt-Geisler
• Jaime Milian
• Ben Mohr

KCRG Article: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/03/30/iowa-city-robotics-club-may-not-be-able-send-students-worlds-without-funds/

Students and Parents- we would like to announce an updated PE Waiver process. State code states that any student wanting to utilize an earned PE Waiver (Academic or Activity) must have written permission/request from a parent or guardian in order to place that Waiver on a student's transcript.

As part of the updated process, Liberty now has a "pink PE waiver sheet" for any students who have not taken PE this year due to qualifying for a PE Waiver. Those who have taken PE this year do not need to fill out the pink sheet. Please ask your student about the pink PE Waiver Form and get those forms signed and returned to the main office at Liberty as soon as possible. Pink sheets can be picked up in the Guidance Office.

Drake University's BullD.O.G.S. in Healthcare camp will introduce you to careers in the health professions. You will get to participate in hands-on laboratory experiences, educational sessions, and interactive discussions with students and faculty in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to understand how to best prepare for a career in healthcare.

Drake Opportunities for Gaining Skills in Healthcare

In-Person Overnight Camp

• When: Thursday-Saturday, July 9-11, 2026
• Where: Drake University
• Cost: $200, which includes overnight accommodations in a residence hall. Financial assistance may be available to students who qualify.

Who is Eligible:

• Students enrolled as a 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grader during the 2026/2027 academic year
• Students who are 2025 or 2026 high school graduates

Space is limited, so sign up today!

Learn more or register for BullD.O.G.S. in Healthcare here.

Massaki's Closet, a local custom menswear brand led by CEO Jeremie Massaki, is proud to give back to the community that helped shape him. A graduate of the Iowa City Community School District Class of 2016, Jeremie is passionate about using fashion to empower young men in the Iowa City area, helping them look and feel their best as they celebrate proms, weddings, and other meaningful life moments.

Over the years, Masaaki's Closet has provided custom suits for students across the district, combining fine-quality fabrics with expert craftsmanship and personalized fittings. For this year's prom season, the company is offering special student pricing to make custom tailoring more accessible for families. Each student receives a custom suit tailored to their measurements, perfect not only for prom but also for future special events, with a comfortable fit and no tailoring inconvenience.

To further support students, Massaki's Closet is hosting a Massaki's Suit Drive featuring gently used, Dry-cleaned, no-rip, no-stain suits. Donated suits will be given free to students who cannot afford formal wear for prom or other special events. As a thank-you, students who donate a suit will receive $100 off a new custom suit from Massaki's Closet.

Because every student deserves to show up looking sharp, confident, and ready to shine. for more information visit us at https://massakiscloset.com/#promotional

Instagram: @massakiscloset

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.

What are Liberty’s PSTO meetings like? Fun, efficient, and worth your time. You’ll hear quick updates from our Board (President, Treasurer, and Teacher Appreciation) along with an informative principal update.

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SAVE THE DATE: Luck of the Landers with the Iowa Heartlanders
Wednesday, March 18 | 7:00 PM

Not traveling for spring break? Sticking around town? Looking for something fun to do mid-week? Join us for a night out supporting Liberty’s PSTO!

This special “Luck of the Landers” game is a fundraiser for PSTO and a great way to spend an evening of break with friends and family.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Libertypsto2

We’d love to see you there!

Follow us on Instagram: @libertyhighschoolpsto

Want to stay in the loop about important updates and upcoming meetings?
Join our email list: https://forms.gle/pCqK3q2U99dk75Lu8 or 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