Liberty Newsletter: Volume 181
June 2, 2026
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
Pay-to-Ride Transportation Information
We would like to notify you of the 2026-27 Pay-to-Ride school transportation program, which is available to families who do not qualify for mandatory transportation under the State of Iowa's requirements.
Iowa Code 285.1.a. The Board of Directors in every school district shall provide transportation, either directly or by reimbursement for transportation, for all resident pupils attending public school, kindergarten through twelfth grade, except that:
- Elementary pupils shall be entitled to transportation only if they live more than two miles from the school designated for attendance.
- High school pupils shall be entitled to transportation only if they live more than three miles from the school designated for attendance.
The Pay-to-Ride program details are available on our District website at www.IowaCitySchools.org/PayToRide. If you have any questions before applying, please don’t hesitate to contact our Transportation Department via email at Davis.Esme@iowacityschools.org.
Payment and Fees for Service
- Pay-to-Ride fee:
- $700 per student, per year, round trip
- $415 per student, per year, round trip, for students who qualify for reduced-price lunch.
- $0 per student, per year, round trip, for students who qualify for free lunch.
- Full payment must be made no later than June 5, 2026, to be included on a bus roster for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
- Applications submitted after June 6 through September 7, 2026, will be included on a bus no later than September 28, 2026, if space is available. Efforts will be made to make placements earlier; however, a date prior to September 28 cannot be guaranteed and remains subject to available space.
- After September 7, 2026, applicants will be notified no later than 10 school days from submission if space is available.
- Applications will be accepted after the due date as long as capacity remains on existing routes. (Note: Students will only be assigned to existing bus stops and routes; buses will not be rerouted to accommodate requests.)
- Students are not eligible to ride until payment is received and the application is approved.
Application Process
- To apply for Pay-to-Ride busing, please complete the Pay-to-Ride application available at www.IowaCitySchools.org/PayToRide
- Payment can be made online at https://www.myschoolbucks.com or by check made payable to Iowa City Community School District
If you are interested in participating in the Pay-to-Ride program, please complete the application and submit payment no later than June 5, 2026, to be considered for a bus roster for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
2026-27 Registration is Open!
We’re excited to let you know that registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open! We encourage you to take advantage of this early opportunity to register your student(s) for next year.
A quick reminder: all families need to complete online registration each year through Infinite Campus. You can get started by using the link below. Just be sure to select the school year “26-27” when prompted.
Registration instructions for returning families to the District
Registration instructions for new to the District families
If you need help with the registration process, please contact our enrollment team at (319) 688-1000 or by email at enroll@iowacityschools.org.
We thank you for taking the time to register your students early, as it helps greatly with our staffing efforts over the spring and summer. We’re so grateful to have you with us!
End of Year Technology Information
Below, please find some important technology information to review before students leave for summer break. If you have any questions regarding this information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Help Desk at (319) 688-1000 or by email at helpdesk@iowacityschools.org.
- Returning Students, Grades K-4: Students with parent/guardian permission on file from registration will take their Chromebook and charger home for the summer. All other K–4 student devices will remain at school over the summer, and building staff will provide students with their assigned device when they return in August. If you need to update your child’s permissions, please contact your school before May 26, 2026.
- Returning Students, Grades 5-11: Please take your Chromebook and charger home for the summer. You will bring both items back with you when you return to school in August.
- Not Returning? If you are leaving the district, please return all devices (Chromebook, charger, case, hotspot) before your last day. Accounts will be deactivated on July 1, 2026.
Additional Reminders:
- Backing Up Files: Students are encouraged to save anything important from their account, device, or district platforms. If they are returning, use Google Drive, or if they will no longer be in the District, use Google Takeout.
- Hotspots: All hotspots and chargers must be returned each summer; any device not returned will be disabled. If your student has a hotspot and no home internet service in the fall, you will be eligible to pick up a hotspot at the start of the next school year.
- Securly: This summer, we will be updating guardians' access to Securly Home. Every person marked as a student’s guardian in Infinite Campus will be enrolled automatically in Securly Home.
- Register: Registration for the 2026-27 school year is open for all grade levels. As a reminder, all families are required to register their students in Infinite Campus each year. Please use the appropriate link below to register your child(ren). If you need help with the registration process, please contact our enrollment team at (319) 688-1000 or by email at enroll@iowacityschools.org.
Need Help? Tech support and repairs are available by appointment over the summer. Email helpdesk@iowacityschools.org for assistance.
Trimester Three Finals Schedule
Now that we are in our final week of the school year, we wanted to put the finals schedule in front of students and families so everyone can plan accordingly. Teachers have shared course specific information with their students so students are aware of what to expect in each of their courses.
The current finals schedule for 9-11th grade students was designed in an effort to not overload students with all of their final exams on the same day. The finals schedule is divided into three days, with the first two days consisting of seven 84 minute final exam blocks, and one 24 minute Liberty Time (intervention, extra help, extra study time). The third day will consist of a preplanned 2-hour early release schedule where teachers may review final exams, administer test corrections, complete course evaluations, or other similar tasks. Please note that there is no expectation for teachers to have a traditional summative final assessment at the end of a trimester.
Shine Award Recipient- Jen Secrist
Congratulations to Liberty science teacher Jen Secrist for being honored with a District shine award during the last week of May. "No matter the setting, she consistently shows that she believes in me, encourages me, and lifts me up when I need it most. She is the kind of person who is always there, both inside and outside the classroom, and that kind of support makes a huge difference."
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 2026 Commencement Ceremony
On Sunday, May 31 approximately 315 students graduated as part of the Liberty High Class of 2026. The commencement ceremony was held at 12:00 PM at the Xtream Arena in Coralville.
The ceremony was live-streamed on the ICCSD YouTube Channel and can be viewed here or by clicking on the embedded video below. Additionally, professional music can not be played over the live-stream, so you will be unable to hear the audio in the staff video. Instead, the staff video may be viewed by clicking on the link above included in that section.
BPA 2026 Nationals Recap
From May 5–9, Liberty High School’s Business Professionals of America (BPA) Club proudly represented Liberty High School on the national stage at the 2026 BPA National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN. 36 dedicated students attended the prestigious event, competing against top students from across the country in a wide variety of business-related events.
Liberty BPA had a record-breaking showing, with 11 students making it on stage at the awards ceremony to be recognized as finalists, the most ever at a single national conference and more than double the club’s previous best.
Leading the team’s success was senior Logan Vittetoe, who became Liberty’s first 3-Time National Finalist, placing in the following events:
- Meeting & Event Planning Concepts (2nd)
*Ties Liberty record for best finish at Nationals
- Management, Marketing, & Human Resource Concepts (5th)
- Parliamentary Procedure Team (5th)
Pictured is the 5th place Parli Pro Team with their finalist medals. (From L to R) Ethan Meyer, Isaac Grezeal, Sam Lennox, Logan Vittetoe, George Hoover, Yuma Squires, Pete Hanson, and Sebastian Tucker.
Also recognized on stage as finalists were sophomores Abigale Boldt, Lexi Werle, and Caleb Hoth. Pictured Abigale and Lexi.
Caleb Hoth, sophomore was recognized on stage as a finalist.
Give Me Liberty or Give me Tennis Tournament
The 5th Annual "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Tennis" Tournament was held after school on Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday May 27. Cooper Jurs and Ben London were crowned champions of the 5th Annual "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Tennis" tournament. Coach Postman and daughter Izzy Postman were the 2nd place finishers. Many thanks to all of our participants this year!.
Girls Soccer Regional
On Tuesday, June 2 the Liberty girls soccer team will take on Dubuque Hempstead at Liberty at 7 PM. The winner of that game will play the winner of Pleasant Valley and Muscatine on June 4 at 7 PM. Winner of the June 4 game will advance to the state tournament.
Tickets for tonight's regional soccer matchup as well as the game Thursday are, or will be, available on Bound.
Fight with Flash Crosstown Classic Volunteers
The annual Fight with Flash Foundation Crosstown Classic is currently looking for additional volunteers for this Saturday, June 6. This is a great opportunity to support the community and earn Silver Cord volunteer hours. Additionally, the Bolts play at 4 PM!
This event takes place on Saturday, June 6 at the Solon High School Ball Fields
Save the Date: North Liberty Fanfare and Flight Event
On Thursday, July 2 the City of North Liberty is hosting a Fanfare & Flight event at Centennial Park. The evening will include a concert band, followed by a 15-minute aerial light show from 150 choreographed drones. It not only is a great way to kick off your Fourth of July weekend celebrations, but this event will also include an aerial design of the Liberty High school logo and feature our school fight song.
ICCSD Ombuds Office
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.
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
The Liberty PSTO has concluded their meetings for the 25-26 school year. Look for information in August regarding information pertaining to 26-27 school year PSTO meetings.
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
