LPS Educator - August 2012 by Marty Novak

Fall 2012

LPS Educator Circle of

SUCCESS 2012-2013

BACK TO SCHOOL FIRST DAY OF CL ASS : WEDNESDAY, AUG. 15

650 CONISTOR, LIBERTY, MO 64068

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

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2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

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LPS Educator

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

New to the District? If you are new to the area, welcome to the Liberty Public School District. Considered one of the top ten school districts in the state of Missouri for academic achievement over the past eleven years, Liberty Public Schools has attained the state’s highest accreditation. The District’s Welcome and Enrollment Center provides one-stop shopping for families new to the Liberty Public School District with student enrollment needs. This allows parents who have more than one child, in different grades, to be able to enroll all of their children in one day, at one location. It is our wish to make the transition to a new school as easy as possible. It is our goal to provide excellent customer service as we strive to meet the needs of our students and families. Please visit our center, at 650 Conistor, to enroll your child(ren). Student enrollment forms are available on-line at www.liberty.k12.mo.us/ centralized-enrollment. You may contact the Welcome and Enrollment Center for more information at 736-5310. Students need not be present during the enrollment process.

If you would like more information about the Liberty Public School District, please contact the Communications Office at 736-5300 or visit our website, www.liberty.k12.mo.us.

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Limit One Coupon Per Family. Bring this coupon with you. Not valid for school tours. Cannot be combined with other coupons.

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2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

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LPS Educator

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

Contact the School Board (Pictured from left to right)

Bren Abbott babbott@liberty.k12.mo.us President D. Scott Connor sconnor@liberty.k12.mo.us David Evans dmevans@liberty.k12.mo.us Carlin Walker wcwalker@liberty.k12.mo.us Charlene Armitage carmitage@liberty.k12.mo.us Lori Tritz ltritz@liberty.k12.mo.us Kim-Marie Graham kmgraham@liberty.k12.mo.us

DISTRICT MISSION

Through our collective best, we do whatever it takes to inspire and equip every learner to find their voice and realize their unlimited potential.

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816.407.9885

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

INDEX New to the District?........................4 Contact the School Board..............6 Message from the School Board President and Superintendent.......7 School Start and End Times..........8 Kid’s Zone ........................................8 Transportation .................................9 Nutrition Services ........................ 11 Breakfast and Lunch Prices ....... 11 School Directory Information ...... 12 Student Safety ..............................14 Crisis Information and Weather Guidelines ..................................... 15 School Closings ............................ 15 A+ Program ...................................16 Parents as Teachers.....................16 Immunizations ...............................17 Coffee with the Community ........ 18 PowerSchool ................................. 18 Distinction in Performance ......... 19 News You Can Use ...................... 20 Compliance Information .............. 22

LPS Educator LIBERTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 650 CONISTOR ST., LIBERTY, MO 64068

Fall 2012 • Aug. 2, 2012 Volume 2, Issue 2 LPS Educator is a production of Liberty Public Schools. It is published three times a year, in May, August and December, for district patrons. It is designed, printed and distributed by Liberty Tribune, and funded through advertising that appears in the newsletter sold by Liberty Tribune. The district is not responsible for the advertisements displayed.

liberty.k12.mo.us

Growing success Liberty Public Schools continues to build on student achievement as class ranks expand As we begin the 2012-2013 school year, we are excited about what lies ahead for our students, community, and district. The Liberty School District continues to be among the highest achieving and fastest growing districts in the state of Missouri. The Board of Education and administration have made a commitment to providing many opportunities for students to “find their voice” in academics, fine arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. It takes a team effort to create the type of positive momentum that exists in our school district. In 2012-2013, a significant area of focus will be the grade level reconfiguration for students in grades 6-9, which will be implemented in August 2013. This year will be devoted to planning and communicating the details regarding this significant change. In August 2013, the ninth-grade students will move to the We believe in educating all students high schools. The grade level changes are necessary to accommodate the in a nurturing environment with increasing student enrollment, while capitalizing on instructional and transthe highest level of professionalism portation efficiencies. We will continue to provide updates regarding these where: changes on the district’s website (www. liberty.k12.mo.us). Learning is our priority. In addition to the grade level reconfiguration, there are several Respect is our norm. other topics worthy of mentioning. We are pleased to report that Liberty Excellence is our expectation. Public Schools recently received full AdvancEd national accreditation as a Collaboration is our culture. result of a quality assurance team visit that took place in early May. The disIntegrity is our foundation. trict received valuable feedback from this review process and will be utilizing the information as we continue on our journey of continuous improvement. In August, the district will launch a citizen’s advisory committee. This team will consist of a diverse group of district patrons who will study important educational topics and their impact on Liberty Public Schools. The group will make suggestions and provide feedback to the Board of Education. A citizen-driven steering committee will meet in early August to develop a charter for the advisory committee. In September, the Board of Education will begin meeting on the first and third Monday of each month. The first meeting of the month will have a primary focus on academics, and the second meeting will concentrate on district operations and finances. Board meeting schedule and activities can be found on the district’s website. Thank you for your continued support as we welcome more than 11,500 students back to school. It is truly exciting to be part of a school district that is growing and thriving. We want to communicate our sincere thanks to the community and staff members for all they do to make Liberty School District an exceptional place for students to learn and grow.

CORE VALUES

Scott Connor School Board President Mike Brewer Superintendent

As stewards of discovery, we will embrace innovation to instill a passion for life-long learning that will best serve our nation and the world in the 21st Century.

Scott Connor

Board President

816.415.3022 sconnor@liberty.k12.mo.us

Mike Brewer

Superintendent

816.736.5301 mbrewer@liberty.k12.mo.us

DISTRICT VISION

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

School Start and End Times KID’S ZONE Early Childhood Center – AM .................................................................... 9:00 a.m. – Noon Early Childhood Center – PM ..............................................................1:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Alexander Doniphan Elementary ........................................................ 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Franklin Elementary .......................................................................... 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Kellybrook Elementary .......................................................................9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. Lewis and Clark Elementary .............................................................. 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Liberty Oaks Elementary ....................................................................9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. Lillian Schumacher Elementary...........................................................9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. Manor Hill Elementary .......................................................................8:10 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. Ridgeview Elementary ....................................................................... 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Shoal Creek Elementary ................................................................... 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Warren Hills Elementary.....................................................................9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. Liberty Middle School ........................................................................8:10 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Liberty Junior High School .................................................................8:10 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. South Valley Middle School ................................................................7:20 a.m. – 2:25 p.m. South Valley Junior High School .........................................................7:20 a.m. – 2:25 p.m. Liberty High School ...........................................................................7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. Liberty North High School ..................................................................7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. Liberty Academy ...............................................................................7:45 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.

WE’RE BACK!

Before and After School Care Liberty Kid’s Zone provides before and after school care in each elementary school. Kid’s Zone begins at 6:30 a.m. and operates until school begins. Kid’s Zone resumes in the afternoon when school is dismissed and is open until 6 p.m. A full-day program is also available when school is closed.

A site director, with college hours or experience with children, manages each site. All Kid’s Zone staff receive CPR-FA training each year along with 12 hours of professional development classes. Kid’s Zone lesson plans reflect a child’s need to learn through play and choices after a full day of school. Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where children feel comfortable sharing and exploring. For more information, contact Debbie Ervay, 736-5378.

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2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

Transportation Parents can access detailed bus information by going on the Liberty Schools website at www.liberty. k12.mo.us. Select the link “For Parents”, and from the list select “Transportation Parent Portal”. Follow the link to Transfinderi. Bus information provided is school year specific and will be available approximately two weeks before school starts. Simply enter your student’s residence address, and the software will give you the corresponding bus information for that address. Keep in mind the student must be registered at that address to be rostered to the bus. New enrollments and address changes should be made as soon as possible for a smooth transition at start up. Contact the Enrollment Center at 7365310 to process these changes and enroll. Students who are new to the district will need to allow at least 48 hours for their information to be entered and electronically sent to the transportation office before their first pick up date. Students who move within the district will be provided transportation 24 hours after the enrollment center has been notified. Most bus routing is completed by early July.

Students who live more than one mile from school are eligible for bus transportation. Elementary students will walk no more than three blocks to a bus stop; 6-12 grade students may walk up to six blocks.

uncommon for your student to arrive home later than their estimated time. Schools are attempting to be sure all students are on the correct bus. This creates delays as the buses have multiple routes at different buildings.

For their safety, students should be waiting in an orderly manner at the bus stop five minutes before their scheduled bus stop time. Routes are adjusted after the first few weeks of school based on ridership, time constraints, etc. We appreciate your patience as we go through this adjustment period.

Each day, buses will make more than 3,160 stops for children while traveling more than 1,000,000 miles a year. Buses are inspected annually by the Missouri Highway Patrol and again 60 days prior to the start of school.

During the first few weeks of school, it is not

If you have questions, please call the Transportation Office at 736-5360.

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

on s r e t e P vonna

La Early Childhood

Montessori Schools

Excellent Quality Care and Education Infant – Toddler – Preschool – Kindergarten 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Fall & School Year Programs Owner/Executive Director Lavonna Peterson BA MA

LOCATIONS: NORTH 5026 N. Brighton, K.C. Mo 64119 816-455-1175 WESTPORT/PLAZA 3930 Baltimore, K.C. Mo 64111 816-753-6633 LEE’S SUMMIT 812 SW Forestpark Ln, Lee’s Summit Mo 64081 816-246-9300 DIRECTORS: Tammy Smith

Jennifer Zimmerman

Cinda Eastabrooks

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

Nutrition Services

Breakfast and Lunch Prices for 2012-2013 (Please note minimal price increases from last year.)

Liberty Public Schools offers MyPaymentsPlus (formerly MealPayPlus), an online fee-payment system. You may view lunch account balances, receive email notification of lunch account balances, and make payments online. Lunch payments are computerized at all schools. The first day of school, students must use their fivedigit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to make a food purchase. PINs remain the same for all returning students. Parents who do not wish their student to purchase a la carte items may request a block be placed on the student’s account.

Elementary (K-5) Student Breakfast .................... $1.60 Elementary (K-5) Student Lunch ......................... $2.10 Middle School, Junior and Senior High School Student Breakfast ................ $1.60 Student Lunch ..................................................$2.35 Premium .....................................................$2.90 Premium Plus .............................................. $3.10 Adult Breakfast ................................................$1.85 Adult Lunch ...................................................... $2.75 Premium .....................................................$3.30 Premium Plus ..............................................$3.50 Extra milk .........................................................$ .50 Reduced-Priced Breakfast ..................................$ .30 Reduced-Priced Lunch .......................................$ .40

The program fee for all payments made through MyPaymentsPlus is 4.75% of the payment total. Please keep in mind that maintaining your account, viewing your child’s account balances, and reviewing purchase history are services provided at no additional cost. Money may be deposited to student meal accounts through MyPaymentsPlus, or by check or cash at student’s school site. To register for MyPaymentsPlus, go to our website at www.liberty.k12.mo.us and click on the “MyPaymentsPlus” icon located at the bottom of the District homepage. Free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch meals are available for qualifying incomes. Free and Reduced Price Application forms are available at all school sites, online at www.liberty.k12.mo.us, and at the Nutrition Services office located at 801 Kent Street. Households with approved Free and Reduced Price Applications on file from the previous year must re-apply by September 26, 2012. For more information or questions, please call Nutrition Services at 736-5375.

LOTS TO DO DOWNTOWN! AUGUST

MER S of SUMAWL Y A D G O D EER CR CRAFT B 5 PM 1 TO ntown

ow icipating d At 18 partlocations... D SHOP” STROLL AN “SAMPLE,

AUGUST

FREE LIBERTY SUMMER CONCERT SERIE S

LIVERPOOL 7 PM

“A POPULAR BE AT TRIBUTE BAND”LES

6/7 OCTOBER AL TH ANNU

Download the FREE LIBERTYMO Phone App

IC HISTORO UR HOMdEbySthe TClay County Presente Historical Society Museum &

AUGUST

SEPT

HT E NIG CRUNIS E R A U THE SQ O

5 TO 8 PM

E YEAR! LAST ONE OF TH usic, M ol Co rs, Ca sic Clas Great Fun!

OCTOBER

DANCIN’ DOWNTOWN 5 TO 11 PM

An old-fashioned Street Party on the Squ are

EMBE

R D W N DIVO AS A TOWN 6 TO T DUSK 9P

SEPTEMBER

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR murals

M K Girls ick-Off th Our D ’ Night Ou is t iva Fa shion Event at Show at 6P M

OCTOBER

SEPT.

28-29-30 36TH ANNUAL

LIBERTY FALL FESTIVAL

ful Visit the wonder area! Parade, Crafts, Ch in the downtown

DOWNTOWN

N HALLOWEEA R

CUL SPOOKTA 7 PM 5 TO

’ ay to Trick or Treat “A Fun & Safe W

For more information visit our website

historicdowntownliberty.org

ildren’s Activities , Food & Fun!

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

School Directory Information Early Childhood Center / Elementary Schools Early Childhood Center Brian Herndon, Principal

Franklin Andy Wright, Principal

Alexander Doniphan Beth Cunningham, Principal

9600 NE 79 Street Kansas City, MO 64158

1900 Clay Drive Liberty, MO 64068

736-5324

736-5400

201 W. Mill Liberty, MO 64068

Kellybrook Andrea Wilson, Principal Michelle Swierski, Asst. Principal 10701 N. Eastern Ave. Kansas City, MO 64157

736-5440

736-5700 Andy Wright

Beth Cunningham

Brian Herndon

Andrea Wilson

Liberty Oaks Lillian Schumacher Lewis and Clark Debra Slaughter, Principal Chris Gabriel, Principal Kyle Palmer, Principal Tim Nelson, Assistant Principal Jeanne Hinnenkamp, Asst. Principal Amy Holtsclaw, Asst. Principal 1407 Nashua Liberty, MO 64068

8150 N. Farley Kansas City, MO 64158

736-5430

736-5600 Debra Slaughter

Kyle Palmer

Ridgeview Vicki Ogden, Principal Jessica Milbert, Asst. Principal 701 Thornton Liberty, MO 64068 736-5450 Vicki Ogden

Manor Hill Valerie Utecht, Principal Jonalee Searcey, Asst. Principal

425 Claywoods Parkway Liberty, MO 64068

1400 Skyline Drive Liberty, MO 64068

736-5490

736-5460

Chris Gabriel

Valerie Utecht

Shoal Creek Michelle Schmitz, Principal Christy Boman, Asst. Principal

Warren Hills Steve Lumetta, Principal Whitney Weakley, Asst. Principal

9000 NE Flintlock Road Kansas City, MO 64157

1251 Camille Street Liberty, MO 64068

736-7150

736-5630

Michelle Schmitz

Steve Lumetta

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

School Directory Information Secondary Schools Liberty Middle School Dan Weakley, Principal Shirley Kantola, Asst. Principal

South Valley Middle School Liberty Junior High Jill Mullen, Principal Kerry Broyles, Interim Principal Kaysie Wahlert, Asst. Principal Katie Lawson, Interim Asst. Principal Melissa Norris, Asst. Principal Bridget Herrman, Asst. Principal

South Valley Junior High Julie Moore, Principal Lisa Fletcher, Asst. Principal Courtney Dickerson, Asst. Principal

1500 S. Withers Road Liberty, MO 64068

1000 Midjay Drive Liberty, MO 64068

600 W. Kansas Street Liberty, MO 64068

800 Midjay Drive Liberty, MO 64068

736-5410

736-7180

736-5380

736-7300

Dan Weakley

Jill Mullen

Liberty High School April Adams, Principal Jason Cahill, Activities Director Brett Coffman, Asst. Principal Eric Greely, Assistant Principal Penny Holm, Assistant Principal Greg Mees, Assistant Principal

Kerry Broyles

Julie Moore

Liberty North High School Martin Jacobs, Principal Bob Kernell, Activities Director

Liberty Academy Alt. Sch. Robert Cordell, Administrator

200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO 64068

8 Victory Lane Liberty, MO 64068

1000 NE 104 Street Liberty, MO 64068

736-5340

736-5470

736-5500 April Adams

Marty Jacobs

Robert Cordell

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Aug.

is the first day of school for Liberty Public Schools

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

Student Safety Visitors to our District: Safety and Security Guidelines Liberty Public Schools welcomes visitors to our school community. We are very proud of our facilities and learning environment. However, in order to protect our students and staff, the following procedures will be followed: All visitors to our school facilities must ring the doorbell to gain access through the secure entrance. • Please be prepared to provide information regarding your visit to our facility. You may be asked for a government issued photo ID. • Once inside, please sign in with the receptionist or office secretary. • Visitors will be required to wear a visitor name badge provided by the office. • A request to visit a classroom can only be approved by the principal, but is not encouraged due to interruption of the learning environment. • Media representatives are permitted only with the approval by the superin-

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Liberty School District Foundation welcomes you to the 2012-2013 Academic School Year! We wish you much success through the coming year! Check out our new website at www.libertyschooldistrictfoundation.wildapricot.org for our upcoming events! The Foundation’s 5th Annual Run For the Kids will be Saturday, September 29 at 7:30 a.m.! Please remember this event is for the entire family! In addition to the run portion, this event is also a 5K Walk. We encourage you to come out and support Liberty Public Schools through this Foundation event!

tendent or designee. • Due to privacy issues, videotaping or photographing in classrooms is not permitted. Exceptions shall be granted only by the superintendent or designee. Keeping schools safe is a responsibility for all staff, students, and patrons. If you learn of, or suspect, a school violence incident, please help prevent the act before it happens. You can report incidents anonymously by calling the district hotline at 736-7331 or the Missouri School Violence Hotline at 1-866-748-7047. You can also report it on-line at www.schoolviolencehotline. com. Staff members receive training on issues such as bullying and Internet harassment or cyber bullying. In the event of an emergency, the district has a comprehensive crisis plan that includes state-of-the-art digital communication equipment. The district has direct links to the Liberty Police Department, Liberty Fire Department, and Liberty Hospital. All students need to be aware of their surroundings and communicate with administrators and safety and security personnel or a School Resource Officer if there is a problem. Digital camera systems and secured entry systems are installed in all buildings. If you see suspicious activity around any of our buildings, please report it immediately. If you have questions or concerns about safety, call the district safety and security number at 736-7319 or visit our website at www.liberty.k12.mo.us/about/security-and-safety.

To meet the Northland’s growing need for quality cardiac care,

Northland Cardiology has three Northland locations

�Shoal Creek/ 3

Liberty

9151 NE 81st Terrace Kansas City, MO South of Highway 152 between North Church Road and NE Flintlock Road

Oak �North Medical Park 2

9411 North Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO Just North of the Intersection of North Oak Trafficway and Highway 152

Kansas City �North 2790 Clay Edwards Drive 1

The Liberty School District Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to generate alternative resources to provided expanded educational opportunities for Liberty Public Schools.

North Kansas City, MO Located on the campus of North Kansas City Hospital

816-221-6750

www.northlandcardiology.com

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

Crisis Information & Weather Guidelines School Closing Information

During an emergency situation, your first reaction may be to call or come to the school. While we understand your need for immediate information, you may actually interfere with emergency respondents attending to the situation at the school. We ask that instead of going to the school, you seek other means of gathering information. These sources might include the Liberty Public Schools website, local news channels, and local radio stations. We appreciate your patience and understanding in addressing this issue.

Decisions about school closings are made by the administration and communicated to parents via several sources, which include QuickNews, District Facebook and Twitter pages, LPS District website, local television stations, KLPS Channel 18, and our QuickText mobile messaging system. Parents should keep their children home if they believe the weather conditions are too threatening or severe.

The safety and security department, along with district administrators, monitor weather conditions. In the event of a weather emergency, safety plans are in place in each school building. Again, we ask that you do not call or come up to the school. For safety reasons, we may not be able to release students until the weather has improved or cleared.

Early dismissals due to weather conditions are rare. However, parents should instruct children what to do, whom to contact, and where to go if school is dismissed early.

THE “GIVE MY DEPENDENTS SOMETHING TO DEPEND ON” CHALLENGE. David H Smith Financial Planner The Prudential Insurance Company of America 1170 West Kansas Street Suite DD Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 781-9570 david.x.smith@prudential.com www.prudential.com/us/d.h.smith

INVESTMENTS

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LPS Educator

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

A+ Program Provides Significant College Funding According to Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC), Liberty Public Schools (LPS) graduates received almost $323,856 (156 students) in tuition reimbursements for participating in the A+ Program during the 2011-2012 school year. LPS graduates that meet state academic guidelines can qualify for up to three years of full tuition to any public community college or technical school in the state of Missouri. Additionally, some Missouri four year colleges and universities offer their own partial scholarships to A+ certified students. Students must meet the following state requirements to qualify for A+ after high school: • Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. • Maintain a 95% cumulative attendance rate during four years of high school. • Attend one mandatory 45-minute training session before start of tutoring. • Perform 50 hours of approved, unpaid academic tutoring with Liberty Public Schools. • Maintain a record of good citizenship, and avoid the use of drugs and alcohol, as defined by LPS district policy. • The graduating class of 2015 will be required to pass the Algebra I End of Course Exam to qualify for the A+ Scholarship. More information about the A+ Program may be found at http://lhs.liberty.k12. mo.us/a_plus, or by contacting Eric Greely at 736-5536.

Parents as Teachers Parents as Teachers (PAT) offers parent information and support in making the most of their child’s first five years of learning and development. Services include: • In home or private visits — Trained, certified educators meet privately with parents on a regular basis to encourage a child’s progress. • Information — Group meetings and resources help parents to be their child’s best first teachers. • Screenings — Evaluate language and social and motor skills each year before kindergarten. PAT offices are located at the Early Childhood Center, 9600 NE 79th Street, Kansas City, MO.

For more information, call 736-7020.

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

Immunizations The Missouri Department of Health requires students to be immunized before starting school. Children entering kindergarten must have completed the following vaccines: DTaP, IPV, MMR, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (chickenpox). Please Note: If a child has had the chickenpox disease, the parent must turn in a written statement signed by a doctor documenting the month and year of the chickenpox disease. Remember, this statement must be signed by a doctor — only an MD or DO. • Shots required for all 8th grade students: Tdap • Recommended only for 11 years or older: HPV, Meningococcal vaccine • Recommended only for all students: Hepatitis A Contact your child’s physician, or the Clay County Public Health Center, at 595-4355, for shot clinic information and times.

liberty.k12.mo.us

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2012–13 School Year Let us help you with your Homecoming needs! Cheerleaders, Custom Quilts, Letter Jackets!

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Best Wishes for the NEW SCHOOL YEAR to all Liberty Families!

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LPS Educator

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

Coffee with the Community COFFEE SCHEDULE Thursday, August 23 Topic: State of the District; Presenter Superintendent Mike Brewer Topic: Grade Reconfiguration Update; Presenter Scott Carr Thursday, September 13 Topic: Board of Education Update; Presenter Board President Scott Connor

Returning for a second year, Liberty Public Schools will host monthly opportunities for the community to learn more about various happenings taking place in the district.

All meetings are taped and replayed on LPS Cable TV Station KLPS Channel 18 and placed on District website in days following event(s).

These one-hour sessions will be attended by Superintendent Mike Brewer, who will take questions from the audience and update everyone in attendance of district news. This is also a time for an open discussion and presentation from a district representative on a specified topic each month. At left is a list of meeting dates for the 2012-2013 school year. All meetings will take place from 9-10 a.m. at the LPS District Administration Center, 650 Conistor Street, Liberty.

Thursday, October 18 Topic: District Finances; Presenter Chief Financial and Operations Officer Carol Embree Thursday, November 15 Topic: TBD Thursday, December 13 Topic: TBD Thursday, January 24 Topic: TBD

PowerSchool Continues to Serve as a Parent Resource

Thursday, February 21 Topic: TBD

The parent/student access system known as PowerSchool is in its fourth year of implementation in Liberty Public Schools.

Thursday, March 28 Topic: TBD Thursday, April 18 Topic: TBD Thursday, May 16 Topic: End-of-Year State of the District, Presenter Superintendent Mike Brewer

Parent Access, known as the “PowerSchool Parent Portal,” is available to all secondary students and parents. This access provides real-time attendance and assignment data, course information, a variety of reports available via email, and advanced calendar functions. Over time, more options will become available to staff, students, and parents as we continue implementation of PowerSchool. For easy access to busy families, all current “PowerSchool Parent Portal” options are available 24 hours a day, 7-days a week at https://ps.liberty.k12. mo.us/public/. More information and sign-up opportunities will occur at

the secondary building level during orientation and initial parent/student events in August and September 2012.

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

Liberty Public Schools has received state award each year since its inception Liberty Public Schools once again earned Missouri’s prestigious Distinction in Performance Award for academic achievement and progress during the 2011-2012 school year. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has been awarding the Distinction in Performance designation since the 2001-2002 school year. What makes this news more impressive is that out of 523 Missouri school districts, Liberty is one of only 32 to have earned this award each year since the program began. This accomplishment puts Liberty in the top 6 percent of school districts in our state. In the Kansas City metropolitan area, only the Liberty, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, and Park Hill school districts have won the award each of the years it has been in existence. “This is just more evidence to validate the good work that is occurring every day in our district on behalf of students,” said LPS Superintendent Mike Brewer. “We are so fortunate to have such hard-working students, staff members, and parents that make up our District.” The annual recognition is based on school districts’ performance on the Missouri Assessment Program test, ACT college-entrance test scores, attendance and dropout rates, and other measures of academic performance. To qualify for this state award, districts must meet at least 13 out of 14 performance standards. Under the state’s accreditation process, school districts are formally evaluated once every five years, according to State Board of Education standards. The Distinction in Performance award is based on the same performance

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Thank you Northland residents & friends for this Honor for 2012 “Best Farmers’ Market”

Voted 2011 and 2012 Silver Award Daycare/Preschool in The Northland

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criteria that are included in the accreditation review process, but the award provides an annual confirmation and recognition of a district’s consistent performance. The Distinction in Performance Award is intended to provide an incentive for districts to focus on continuous improvement. “This is a great award for our district,” said LPS Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Colleen Jones. “This is a reflection of the daily processes that are evident in Liberty Public Schools, and we are proud to have achieved this award for 11 consecutive years.”

Historic Downtown Liberty

Farmers’ Market Experience the Freshness!

OPEN SATURDAYS May through October 7 A.M. to 12 P.M. Courthouse Square

• FARM-FRESH PRODUCE • • MEAT • EGGS • • PLANTS • • BAKERY GOODS • • AND MORE •

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

News You Can Use

PTA Information

YouthFriends

KLPS-TV 18

What is PTA and how do I join? PTA — Parent Teacher Association — is an association of parents, teachers, and administrators who work together to sponsor programs benefiting the children of a school.

YouthFriends connects caring adults with youth in schools. Each adult mentor is matched with one Liberty student. Currently, we have over 50 YouthFriends mentors; however, more children are waiting to connect with their YouthFriend! All volunteers are screened, training is required, and it is free.

The Liberty Public School District is very fortunate to have its own cable TV channel dedicated solely for district use. KLPSTV telecasts on Time Warner Cable Channel 18 throughout the entire Liberty School District.

Membership in PTA is open to anyone who believes in PTA’s mission. When you join your school’s PTA, you have a vote in deciding what programs your school’s PTA will sponsor. You also become a member of the National and Missouri PTAs, whose collective voice of 6 million strong advocates for a quality education and nurturing environment for every child. Membership information will be available at your school’s back-to-school event, and we encourage you to join. When you get involved with PTA, the child who benefits most is your own! For more information, call Becky DeWitt at 699-7040 or email bdewitt. bd@gmail.com.

To positively impact a child’s life, call Dallas Ackerman at 7365317 or email dackerman@liberty. k12.mo.us.

Regular programming that will appear on KLPS during the school year will include: monthly school board meetings, district events, athletic contests, student produced programs, and much more! In addition, Channel 18 is one of your first sources for school closing information. In 2011, the Liberty High School broadcasting program, KLHSTV News, was named a national Pacemaker Award winner, the second in the history of the program. To learn more about KLPS, visit www.klpstv.com.

2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

Follow LPS on Facebook

QuickNews Email Newsletter

QuickText Text Messaging Service

If you are a social networker, you can follow Liberty Public Schools on Facebook! Along with current happenings at LPS, you will also have an easy way of tracking who’s making the news by checking out both newspaper and television links from local media.

If you are interested in free, weekly email updates about Liberty Public Schools, sign up for QuickNews. Go to the district website at www.liberty.k12.mo.us and click on the QuickNews subscription icon.

QuickText provides up-to-date information about school closings, early dismissals, and emergency information. In order to receive this service, parents must sign-up. Messages can be sent directly to your mobile phone, wireless PDA, or pager. Please check your cell phone plan for any text message fees your wireless provider may charge.

LPS currently has more than 5,500 followers to our Facebook page and see it as yet another way to communicate with you, the great supporters of LPS!

LPS currently provides more than 8,000 QuickNews subscribers all of the latest happenings taking place in our district. Additionally, breaking news, such as school cancellations or early dismissals, are communicated via QuickNews and other communication outlets.

To sign up for QuickText, go to: www.liberty.k12.mo.us and click on the QuickText subscription icon. Please Note: All telephone numbers of parents and patrons who sign up for QuickText can be disclosed to members of the public that make a formal, written request under the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Please Note: All email addresses of parents and patrons who sign up for QuickNews can be disclosed to members of the public that make a formal, written request under the Missouri Sunshine Law.

6600 A Royal Street Pleasant Valley, MO 64068 www.trialityinc.org 816.476.4011

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Triality Tots provides the following services for children & their families: • Serving Children Birth to Kindergarten • Low Adult-Child ratio • Full-time & Part-time options available • Early intervention for infants and toddlers • Pediatric Therapy Program • All curriculum individualized • Research-Based curriculum • Cutting-Edge technology including SmartBoards and online portfolios

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2011-2012 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

LPS Educator

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION Standard Compliant Resolution Procedure for No Child Left Behind Programs

This compliant resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). A complaint is formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by DESE. The complaint must be written and signed; provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation allegedly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted. The complaint must be filed, and resolution pursued, in accordance with Liberty’s Board of Education Policy KL: Public Complaint Policy. If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Missouri DESE. If there is no evidence that local parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint, DESE may require parties to do so and may provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution. Any persons directly affected by the actions of DESE may file a similarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by DESE. For more information, contact the Academic Services Department at 736-5320.

Special Education Services: Child Find Public Notice

Liberty Public Schools assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction, including those attending private/ parochial schools. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment, orthopedic impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, other health impairment, specific learning disabilities, speech and/or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness, and young child with a developmental delay (YCDD). The building principal is the LEA for each special education team when consideration for special education testing occurs. Each school has support for any student who is experiencing special learning concerns addressed through its School Based Problem Solving Teams (TAT/CARE). When all options of general education support are exhausted, a referral for Special Education consideration follows. Specialists who will become important in the consideration for Special Education referral are the School Psychologist, Special Education Case Manager and the District Process Coordinator. For more information, contact Becky Gossett, Executive Director of Special Programs, 736-6745, or write directly to the Special Services Department, Liberty Public Schools, 801 Kent Street, Liberty, MO 64068.

Directory Information

School officials may release “Directory Information.” This includes print and electronic publications of the school district. Such information is considered a “public record,” which must be released upon demand to any persons who request it under the Missouri Sunshine Law. Directory information is information designated by the school district that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Liberty Public Schools designates the following items as directory information: student’s name, parent’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized

PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE MONDAY Private Party Night Call 816-792-0590 To Reserve TUESDAY Private Party Night Call 816-792-0590 To Reserve WEDNESDAY 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Admission 99¢ Skate Rental 99¢ THURSDAY Private Party Night Call 816-792-0590 To Reserve FRIDAY 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Admission $8.00 SATURDAY 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission $4.00 Skate Rental $2.00 7:00 p.m. - 9;00 p.m.** Admission $4.00 Skate Rental $2.00 SUNDAY 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission $4.00 Skate Rental $2.00 ** Special Family Rate available every Saturday night 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $20.00 for family of 4 includes admission, skates, pitcher of pop and a bucket of popcorn.

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2012-2013 BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

liberty.k12.mo.us

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION (continued) activities and sports, including audiovisual or photographic records of the openly visible activities thereof (e.g. artistic performances, sporting contests, assemblies, service projects, award ceremonies, etc.), weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent and previous school attended, and photograph, including photos of regular school activities that do not disclose specific academic information about the child and/or would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Parents will have ten (10) school days after this annual public notice to view the student’s directory information and the school district’s “opt-out” form stating in writing that they choose not to have this information released. Unless notified to the contrary in writing within the ten (10) school-day period, the school district may disclose any of those items designated as directory information without prior written consent. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at 736-5310.

§504 Child Find Notice

Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identification, evaluation and placement into Section 504 programs, please contact the District’s Section 504 Coordinator, Becky Gossett, at 736-6745, or by mail at 801 Kent Street, Liberty, MO 64068.

Aviso Sobre La Identificación de Estudiantes Incapacitados bajo la Sección 504

Bajo la Sección 504 del Decreto de Rehabilitación de 1973, el Distrito Escolar esta obligado a identificar, referir, evaluar, y proporcionar servicios educativos apropriados y gratuitos a estudiantes incapacitados que califican para recibir servicios bajo esta ley. Si usted desea mas información sobre los derechos de padres de niños incapacitados, o si tiene preguntas sobre la identificación, evaluación, y colocación de niños en el programa de Sección 504, favor de ponerse in contacto con el Coordinador de 504 del Distrito, Becky Gossett, at 816-736-6745, o por correo a la siguiente dirección: 801 Kent Street, Liberty, MO 64068.

Prohibition Against Illegal Discrimination and Harassment

The Liberty 53 School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from illegal discrimination or harassment in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, activities, and facilities. Discrimination or harassment against employees, students, or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law is strictly prohibited in accordance with law. For more information, contact Dr. Jim Hammen, Director of Student Services, at 650 Conistor, Liberty, MO 64068, or 736-5310.

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re information about the district, visit us online at ty.k12.mo.us or contact our administration ofﬁce at: Liberty Administration Center 650 Conistor Street Liberty, MO 64068 816-736-5300

WELCOME BACK!

berty Public Schools – Empowering Excellence

We have been working hard this summer to be ready to greet the best and brightest students in the region! More than 11,300 students will walk through school doors on the ﬁrst day of school Wednesday, August 17, 2011. For more information about the district, visit us online at www.liberty.k12.mo.us or contact our administration ofﬁce at:

WELCOME BACK! Liberty Administration Center 650 Conistor Street Liberty, MO 64068 816-736-5300

Liberty Public Schools – Empowering Excellence

We have been working hard this summer to be ready to greet the best and brightest students in the region! More than 11,500 students will walk through school doors on the ﬁrst day of school Wednesday, August 15, 2012.

For more information about the district, visit us online at www.liberty.k12.mo.us or contact our administration ofﬁce at 816-736-5300.