Liberty Newsletter: Volume 172

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 2 - 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)

All orders, all day long on Thursday, January 15th add up in a big way for our schools! Did you know that Dine Out for Education raised $50,000 for our schools last year?! Be a part of something BIG by supporting one of our 44 restaurant partners who have agreed to donate 10% of all day sales to our schools. Check out our full list of restaurant partners at bit.ly/DineoutICCSD

There will only be a short amount of time when this newsletter is shared to participate. Go find something tasty to eat before the end of the day!

In February and March all students enrolled in earth space science (mostly 9th graders) will participate in a one day field trip to the ICCSD Center for Innovation to experience the Junior Achievement (JA) Dream Accelerator. The JA Dream Accelerator helps high school students discover strengths, explore career interests, and envision their future with confidence. Through interactive lessons and a high-tech simulation, students connect their values, goals, and career pathways to make informed choices about what lies ahead.

More details will be shared closer to the field-trip, but please see the picture below for additional information about the JA Dream Accelerator experience.

The PSTO is looking for a volunteer to serve as our Teacher Appreciation Chair. This role focuses on organizing meals for teachers during Parent-Teacher Conferences, including coordinating food, setup, and cleanup.

If you’re interested or would like more information, please email libertyhspsto@gmail.com.

Winter parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, January 21.

Our winter conferences are virtual, will be conducted via Zoom, run from 4:15-7:45 PM, and be managed through our conference scheduler website, PTC Wizard. Conference scheduling is now open and the scheduling window will close at 3:15 PM, one hour prior to conferences beginning on Wednesday, January 21. Here are the directions on how to schedule virtual conferences. You can also view a screencast that walks you through how to schedule your conferences.

Once you sign up for virtual conferences, you will also be able to access the zoom links and edit/manage your schedule by logging back into PTC Wizard. In the event that a Zoom link does not work or is missing on the night of conferences, please email that teacher directly for assistance.

Please reach out if you have any questions or need any general assistance.

Liberty's first ever Course Information Night will take place 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!

To support our amazing Liberty staff, PSTO is coordinating meals on both conference nights in January. Winter Parent Teacher Virtual Conferences are Wednesday, January 21st and Family Course Registration is on Wednesday, January 28th.

Thank you to Andale Cantina for catering the meal on January 21st. PSTO is able to purchase part of the meal with generous donations from Liberty families given throughout the year. Please review the available slots below and click on the links to sign up. If you have not been able to give a monetary donation this school year and still would like to, feel free to send a check made to Liberty PSTO to the main office. Or, you may Venmo payment to @lhspsto26 and write "conference meal" in the memo line (NOTE: Our Venmo username has changed slightly from last school year). Since the conference schedule was adjusted this school year, January 21st and 28th may be the last meals we provide to our staff this school year.

Winter Conference Meal Assistance (1/21/26)

Course Information Evening Meal Assistance (1/28/26)

• Senior Photos for the Yearbook are due Monday, March 2. Use this link to submit. (School Code: Libertybolts). See this Doc for additional information.
• Interested in purchasing a Senior Recognition Ad? Use this link to create a personalized ad for your senior! (Liberty Code: 26852)

Penn Elementary's biggest fundraiser of the year is back! Fun Night will be held February 20th from 6:00-8:00pm. We need over 100 volunteers to make Fun Night a success. There are so many fun ways to volunteer that evening. You can volunteer on your own or make it a fun activity with friends. Please look over the sign up below and see if this is something you are able to help with. Penn Fun Night 2026 Signup

If you have any questions please email the Fun Night volunteer coordinator at bulman.angela@gmail.com.

The Iowa Insurance Division has paid internship opportunities available for high school juniors and seniors that are at least 16 years of age. Interns will receive one-on-one mentorship, personalized training, early exposure to a possible career pathway and the opportunity to earn an Associate Professional in Insurance Regulation Designation. The internships will begin in the summer of 2026 but the time to apply is now. Please submit your resume by February 27, 2026. For more information or to apply please send your resume and cover letter with attention to Linda Heintz at internships@iid.iowa.gov.

You can also view the attached letter for additional information.

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.

Happy New Year!

Please join us for the January Liberty PSTO Meeting on Thursday, January 15:

Location: Liberty High School – Main Office Conference Room

Time: 6:00 PM
Format: In-person

On the agenda:

• Planning and ideas for 2026 fundraising efforts and events
• All are welcome—we’d love to see you there!

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

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