Liberty Newsletter: Volume 180

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

SENIORS

• 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

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

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

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!

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.
  
  
• Registration instructions for RETURNING families to the District
• Registration instructions for NEW families to the District
  
  

Need Help? Tech support and repairs are available by appointment over the summer. Email helpdesk@iowacityschools.org for assistance.

Dear Liberty High Students, Families, and Staff,

I am pleased to share that the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Adam Zimmermann as the next principal of Liberty High School at their May 12, 2026, meeting. He will begin in this role on July 1, 2026.

Mr. Zimmermann currently serves as the Chief of Schools for Area 1 and principal of City View Community High School in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. He brings a strong background in both building and district leadership, with experience supporting students, staff, and school systems at multiple levels.

This role is also a meaningful homecoming for Mr. Zimmermann, as he is a graduate of the Iowa City Community School District. He is excited for the opportunity to return to the community and lead Liberty High School.

Throughout the selection process, we gathered input from students, staff, families, and community members, and we appreciate the thoughtful feedback that helped guide this decision. We are confident that Mr. Zimmermann’s leadership, experience, and commitment to students will support the continued success of Liberty High School.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mr. Zimmermann!

Congratulations to cybersecurity students who competed in the spring National Cyber League competition. Five students represented Liberty in the team competition, and they finished in the top 10% of the field. This is an impressive achievement as it our first year competing in the competition. Shalom Djinadou led the team which also included Adama Diallo, Carter Arends, Joshua Harvey, Ben Mohr, and Dylan Shepherd.

A special shout out to the Liberty Fund for their grant to help fund and make this learning opportunity available.

Additionally, there will also be four Cybersecurity 2 students preparing to take the CompTia Security+ exam. A successful exam score will result in an industry recognized certification! Students interested in learning more about Cybersecurity should set-up and appointment with their school counselor, or reach out to Cybersecurity teacher, Mrs. Peterman.

Congratulations to our College & Career Transition Counselor, Kayla Strand, and her colleagues for meeting their goal of having 68% of the senior class complete their FAFSA. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is an official form used by the U.S. government and colleges to determine eligibility for financial assistance, including federal grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans.

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 recognized 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 elementary buildings, 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 Rehearsal 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.

The 5th Annual "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Tennis" Tournament will be held after school on Tuesday, May 26 and Wednesday May 27. All Liberty students and staff are eligible to participate. Interested students or staff can sign-up using this form.

Please direct questions to Coach Postman (postman.james@iowacityschools.org)

Support Iowa City’s Outstanding Student Musicians!

The Iowa City Community School District is proud to announce that four of our band programs have been selected to perform at the 99th Annual Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference in Des Moines!

The Iowa Bandmasters Association is one of the largest and most respected band organizations in the country, with more than 1,000 members statewide. Being selected to perform at this conference is considered one of the highest honors a school band program can achieve. Having four ensembles from one district selected in the same year is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the talent, dedication, and support within our Iowa City community.

We Need Your Help

Transporting students, instruments, and equipment from Iowa City to Des Moines requires charter buses and significant travel expenses. Our goal is to raise $11,000 to help cover transportation costs and ensure these students can represent our community at the state level.

Every donation—large or small—directly supports these students and directors as they prepare for this incredible opportunity. Click here to donate!

Congratulations to Our Selected Ensembles:

4A High School Band

Iowa City West Wind Ensemble
Directors: Ryan Middleton and Brian Zeglis

High School Jazz

City High Jazz Ensemble
Director: Aaron Ottmar

Young Conductor’s Symposium Clinic Band

Liberty High School Wind Ensemble
Directors: Ryan Arp and Nick Carlo

3A/4A Middle School Band

Northwest Middle School 8th Grade Symphonic Band
Directors: Kevin Brown and Josh Carlo

Thank You for Supporting Music Education

Your generosity helps provide unforgettable musical experiences for students and continues Iowa City’s tradition of excellence in music education.

Please consider making a donation today and helping these students take the stage in Des Moines!

On Saturday, May 9 the Liberty Esports Program held a Student Awards and Showcase event. This event was an end of the year banquet and celebration recongizing Liberty Esports students through awards, highlights, and live showcases.

Attendees includes Liberty Esports students, their families, and Liberty staff.

An apparel store has been set-up to help generate funds for the Liberty weight room. The funds raised will go directly back to our student-athletes to enhance their experience. Adding new equipment needed to support a variety of workouts, plan and implement a nutrition station to help student-athletes refuel after a workout, and any remaining funds to be used for culture building activities.

Store closes on May 17, 2026

https://stores.teamelitesports.com/liberty_strength/shop/home

The Iowa National Summer Transportation Institute (INSTI) Camp is a FREE, one-week, on-campus experience hosted by the UI REACH program at the University of Iowa and funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation. This camp is designed for high school students (grades 9,10,11) who are interested in exploring STEM and transportation-related careers, while also gaining an authentic college campus experience.

During the week, students:

• Live in a University of Iowa residence hall with 24/7 supervision
• Participate in hands-on STEM activities and career exploration
• Go on field trips and attend interactive presentations
• Build independence, self-advocacy, and confidence in a college setting

The camp is especially well-suited for students from underrepresented groups who may benefit from early exposure to college and career pathways, though participation is open to all interested students.

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.

We're very excited to be hosting our summer YVA program again this year. A quick breakdown of what this summer's program will look like:

• Summer YVA will be held July 20-24 from 12-3pm daily

• Sign ups are open to all 10-12th grade students, including rising sophomores

• Students will engage in both learning and volunteer activities at Houses into Homes each day

• Students can earn up to 15 Silver Cord hours

Registration is now open for our Summer 2025 YVA program. The sign-up form can be found here: https://www.housesintohomes.org/changeyourworld. Our attached informational flyer contains a link to the application as well.

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.

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.

Liberty families, please join Liberty PSTO for our final parent meetings this spring.

Our May meeting is one you’ll especially want to mark on your calendar:

Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Library

Principal Justin Colbert will be there to share updates specifically about Liberty and what current district financial decisions may mean for our school. This meeting will focus on information that directly affects Liberty students and families, and it’s a great chance to hear school-specific updates straight from Liberty leadership.

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

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