 |
Liberty Common Elementary School
Phone:(970)482-9800
Fax: (970)482-8007
OfficeHours:7:50-4:00
Attendance Line:
(970)482-9800,option2
Common Knowledge,
Common Virtues, Common Sense
A National Charter School of the Year,
A Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School,
A Certified Official Core Knowledge Site School,
A John Irwin School of Excellence, and A Gilder Lehrman Affiliate School
|
|
CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER
|
|
|
|
August 30| Back to School Night
September 5|Labor Day, NO SCHOOL
September 12-14|6th Graders at Pingree Park
September 15| BOD Mtg., 6:00 p.m.
September 23|Individual Student Photos
September 26|Public Info Night, LCS, 6:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Major Dates
2016-17 Calendar
|
|
|
- Classes Begin-Aug. 29
- Labor Day-Sept. 5
- Parent/Teacher Conferences-Oct. 28
- Thanksgiving-Nov. 23-25
- Winter Break-Dec. 26-Jan. 6
- Martin Luther King Day-Jan. 16
- Professional Development Day-Feb. 17
- Presidents'Day-Feb. 20
- Spring Break-March 13-17
- Good Friday-April 14
- Last Day of Classes-1/2/Day May 26
|
Board of Directors
You may contact all members of our Board of Directors at BOD@libertycommon.org
or by telephone:
- Patrick Albright: 232-8257
- Joel Goeltl: 593-8556
- Paulette Hansen: 282-8455
- Denise Benz: 420-4184
- John Rohrbaugh: 225-2259
- Aislinn Kottwitz: 217-5925
- Kelly Notarfrancesco: 295-4623
Next Board of Directors Mtg.,
September 15, 2016,
Liberty Common Elementary
 In an effort to keep students safe during drop-off and pick-up times, please refrain from using cell phones. The front, middle and back drop-off and pick-up areas are designated NO CELL PHONE AREAS.
|
|
|
|
Welcome Back
by Casey Churchill, LCS Principal and Bob Schaffer, LCHS Principal
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Casey Churchill, Liberty Common Principal
|
The 2016-2017 Liberty Common School year has officially started! Welcome back to all of our parents and students. We are so happy Liberty's halls are filled with students and volunteers. A school is nothing without students in seats gaining wisdom and knowledge from our incredible teachers. We are very excited for this coming year and we are looking forward putting to use all the building improvements we made this summer.
This has been one of the busiest summers ever here at the elementary school. With 4 major projects happening simultaneously, we were somehow able to be ready for August 29th. We are very thankful to
Neenan Archistruction for their work around the school. We are also thankful for the hard work of our maintenance staff
Richard Rencher,
Bob Arbaugh, and
Andrzej Kusmierkiewicz. They worked hard to get the building looking perfect for the start of the year.
As you all have noticed the vestibule outside the front office will provide better security in the building and protect the front office ladies from protection from the weather.
Mrs. Ronen and
Mrs. Russell will no longer have to wear stocking caps and gloves in the winter. The improved entry way will provide students and parents a warm entrance and waiting area. Visitors will enter the office via the vestibule and then check in to volunteer. Parents that volunteer frequently can scan their fingerprint to ensure easy access.
A good roof is vital to the integrity of a building. For years we would nervously walk the building after a hard rain to find areas where water had leaked through. We finally have a new roof! The roof has been a menace for years but with a new rubber membrane, we will no longer have water leaking into the classroom when it rains. Mr. Rencher is very excited about not having to change ceiling tiles after every rain.
As a principal with a type A personality, I can't stand to see clutter. This year, we built storage on each side of the bleachers in the gym. We are now able to get all the athletic paraphernalia out of sight. These pads, volleyball standards, weights, and items such as these were an unattractive nuisance for our own students and visitors. The gym will now be tidy and clean modeling our level of organization at this school.
Finally, the wood floor has been stripped and repainted. The floor paint and finish were the original when the gym was built. With years of wear and refinishing, the sealer was no longer holding up and looked an orange hue. This has since been sanded all the way to the original wood, repainted, and resealed. It looks wonderful. We are very excited to host athletic events on our new floor.
Of course we had many smaller projects that took place throughout the building, but those are the 4 major projects completed. It is exciting to be a part of a growing institution. Growth is a sign of
success.
|
|
|
Bob Schaffer, Liberty Common High School Principal
|
Last Friday's Torch Trek was one of our best ever, and I am grateful for the members of the senior class and members of Domus Gratitudinis for organizing it, conducting it, and setting a glorious stage for the naturalization of one of the U.S.A's newest citizens Mrs. Paulina Deitrick.
The new gymnasium - The Colosseum - looks great and is now open for business. Friday's ribbon cutting was a memorable start to our annual back-to-school Torch Trek tradition.
Speaking of our seniors: Congratulations to Liberty's Class of 2017 upon achieving a sky-high composite ACT score of 28 - the second-highest in LCHS history! Earning college-readiness test scores that consistently place our seniors among the top in the state is a sustained historic record and a huge distinction that opens college doors for all of Liberty's students.
With so many successes to celebrate around Liberty, it's easy to underappreciate the magnitude of Liberty's ACT accomplishment. And, while the incoming seniors deserve the heft of credit for the yeoman's work they've done preparing themselves for college success, these seniors would be the first to credit their parents and teachers going all the way back to kindergarten.
The mighty Class of 2017 is setting the tone for the entire high school and junior high. They've come up with a class motto intended to inspire all students, staff and parents alike:
QVO NEMO ANTE IIT - Where no one has gone before. Student leaders have already posted these words in every classroom and throughout the school.
It's more than just a nice motto. Liberty scholars have established solid credibility to make such a motto bigger than mere words. Starting off the 2016-17 school year, for the fifth year in a row, with top-tier college-readiness scores is the perfect context for an ambitious and festive year of learning.
We have lots of new features in the school, a few new instructors, and big plans for the year on which I'll elaborate in this same spot in subsequent newsletters. But for today, the big news is all about our fabulous students returning to school for another year of hard work and academic success. Oh, they'll have a ton of fun, too.
It was a real privilege to be at the front door this morning greeting Liberty students as they came back to school. They're enthusiastic, joyful, optimistic and ready to build a spectacular future, indeed.
Thank you for choosing to educate your kids at Liberty Common School and for supporting this thriving, innovative, and dynamic revolution in public education. The entire staff and I are blessed and honored by your trust, your confidence, your partnership, and most of all, by your children.
|
|
New Faces at Liberty Common
|
|
|
 Laura Dairon (2nd Grade)
Mrs. Dairon, is the new full time Teacher Assistant (T.A.) for the 2nd Grade. Our former T.A.,
Mrs. Huelle, has taken a job with CSU Extension.
Education:
BSBA from the University of Denver in Finance and Marketing.
Currently working towards a Masters in Elementary Education from Colorado State University.
Professional Background:
Special Education Paraprofessional - Riffenburgh Elementary,
Clothing Buyer/Merchandising - The Sports Authority, Adidas and Talbots.
Personal Interest:
I love spending time with my family and three children. We love to hike, bike, run, camp and paddle board! I also love taking our therapy dog to local nursing homes and to Children's Hospital.
 Stephanie Staples (Kindergarten)
Mrs. Stephanie Staples, is the new full time T.A. for Mrs. Shockley's
Kindergarten Class. Mrs. Kirkman, our former T.A, is now a Kindergarten teacher at Westridge Academy in Greeley.
Education: Bachelor of Medical Science, Physician Assistant, Saint Louis University
Professional Background: Physician Assistant 1999-2011
Personal Interests: Running, yoga, skiing, cooking, digital scrap booking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
 Mrs. Keri Jurgens, former full time 6th grade T.A. has taken the 6th Grade teaching position left vacant by
Mrs. Canfield. Mrs. Canfield has taken a position with Agilent Technologies as a Laboratory Informatics Inside Sales Specialist.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising, Colorado State University
Teacher Ready teacher certification program
Graduate student with Colorado State University-Global, currently pursuing a master's degree in teaching and learning
Professional Background: Teacher's Assistant for 6th grade, Liberty Common School. Business Owner, twentyseven 27 soap.
Personal Interests: With four children attending Liberty and as a graduate student myself, personal interests are highly treasured when I do find time for them. As a family we love to travel, hike, walk Old Town, and eat out occasionally. I also love fitness, reading, studying, playing keyboard, and singing with my worship band at church.
 Mrs. Erin Dostalek (5th Grade)
Mrs. Dostalek joins the Liberty ranks as our 5th grade T.A.. The T. A. position was previously held by Mrs. Jurgens who is now a 6th grade teacher.
Education: Graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a BA in English and a minor in Speech Communication
Professional Background: I've spent the last 14 years being a professional stay at home mom - best job in the world. I was able to sub for a number of TA's last year and I've done years of volunteering in all of my kids' classrooms. Before kids, I worked as a receptionist at a doctor's office in Greeley for a number of years. And my first job was in retail - I worked at my family's small town pharmacy from the age of 10 until I graduated from college.
Personal Interests: I love reading, yoga, eating Thai food, hiking with my family, shopping with my mom, and going to the movies.
 Mr. Robert (Bob) Arbaugh (Custodial Team) Mr. Arbaugh joined the custodial team last spring.
Mr. Arbaugh was raised in Nederland, CO. and has lived in California and Hawaii before moving to Fort Collins. While living for 20 years in Hawaii, Bob owned and operated a small commercial cleaning company. In 2006, Bob and his wife of 19 years and their dog Bree, moved to the foothills of Fort Collins and Bob began working for Woodward Governor, Loveland Facilities Department. Bob's hobbies include golfing, skiing, boating, fishing and traveling.
Mr. Andrzej Kusmierkiewicz (Custodial Team) 
Mr. Kusmierkiewicz also joined our custodial team last spring.
Mr. Kusmierkiewicz, was born and raised in Poland and immigrated to the United States after spending time in other European countries. Andrzej, lived for 21 years in Texas before moving to Fort Collins. His wife Cindi is a bus driver for Thompson Valley School District and his son is a welder and lives in Greeley. Motorcyles, especially Harley Davidsons, are a passion of Andrzej's and he enjoys traveling to wherever his bike takes him.
|
 Grandparents Day Seeking Volunteers
|
|
|
Liberty parents: Are you looking for a unique and fun way to help your children's school? The Grandparents Day Planning Committee meets just a few hours per month, and needs a few new members. If you are new to Liberty, Grandparents Day is a beloved, cherished tradition, and arguably the most rewarding and heartwarming events at Liberty. If interested, please contact Erin Mihulka.
CLICK HERE to read more about this exciting, special event.
|
Sports Page 
Dan Knab, Athletic Director
|
|
|
| Hello Liberty Common Sport's Fans. Welcome back to another fantastic year of competition. I look forward to everything new this year, new leagues, a new gym at the high school and a new floor at the elementary school. This will be a spirit-filled year and we are already well on our way. Below you will find very important information regarding changes this year, including league changes and athletic fees.
This Week in Jr.-High Sports:
Boy's Soccer
Wednesday, 8/31, 4PM, @ Loveland Classical (Kroh Park
7th-Grade Girl's Volleyball
Monday, 8/29, 4PM, vs Highland
8th-Grade Girl's Volleyball
Monday, 8/29, 4PM, @ Highland
This Week in High-School Sports:
Men's Soccer
Thursday, 9/1, 4PM, vs Longmont High School
Women's Volleyball
Tuesday, 8/30, 4PM, vs Heritage Christian (Spirit Game)
Thursday, 9/1, 4PM, vs Roosevelt High School
Cross Country
Friday, 9/2, 2PM, Horizon Meet
(
Adams County Fairgrounds: 9755 Henderson Road Brighton, CO)
Jr.-High Changes:
Liberty Common is no longer in the Northern Colorado Independent League (NCIL). We are now in the Northern Plains Middle-School League Association, nicknamed the 'Northern Plains League' (NPL). The following schools are in this league:
Eaton Middle School
Highland Middle School
Platte Valley Middle School
University Middle School
Weld Central Middle School
Estes Park Middle School
Milliken Middle School
Frontier Academy
Ft. Lupton Middle School
Turner Middle School
North Valley School
South Valley School
The biggest change is that, 6th graders are only allowed to run cross-country and play boys and girls soccer.
This means the NPL does not allow 6th graders to participate in volleyball, basketball or track. 6th graders are encouraged to play on the city recreational teams. This was the hardest factor in making this decision. LCS has enjoyed 6th-grade basketball and volleyball participation for years in the NCIL. Keep working hard on your skills and we look forward to having you in 7th grade.
Also, the 7th and 8th grade teams are separate from one another. Most schools have two 7th- grade teams and two 8th-grade teams. During the volleyball and basketball seasons, when 8th graders play games at their opponent's location, Liberty will host the 7th-grade games and vice-versa. This is the general rule, though. We have a couple of games next year where this is not the case. Although 6th graders will not play these two sports, it opens up and encourages 7th and 8th graders, who may not have thought about playing, to give it a try. This allows the opportunity for them to be introduced to the game at a competitive level for them, thus building the sport in numbers for each grade.
Why the change? Liberty Common co-founded the NCIL and the league met its needs as a young school. Over time, Liberty Common has outgrown the league and the competition. In the last two years, two of Liberty's biggest rivals have left the league. One went to the Poudre School District and another went into the NPL. In order to adequately prepare our student-athletes for the next level, the decision was to move into a more competitive league that will sharpen our athletes' talent. Dictated by our increased high-school numbers, LCHS had to move into a more competitive high-school league (Patriot League). This change takes place this coming year and it makes sense to make the jr.-high changes at the same time.
High-School:
This year, the high-school sports teams are now in the Patriot League. This is a 3A CHSAA member league. Other schools in this league are:
Brush
Eaton
Estes Park
Frontier Academy
Highland
Platte Valley
Resurrection Christian
Sterling
Strasburg
University
Valley
Athletic Fees:
1) The jr.-high athletic fee will is $100 per sport.
2) Beginning in the fall of 2016 - 2017 school year, all athletics will be paid online on your e-Funds account.
3) There is a $600 family cap in place per school year. This includes siblings that are in jr.-high and high-school athletics.
4) If a student-athlete plays and pays for two sports, they play the third sport for free.
Colosseum: Obviously, one of the biggest changes for this year is the addition of our new high- school gymnasium. High-school practices and games will be in the new gym for volleyball and basketball allowing more time and flexibility for the jr.-high teams at the elementary school on their new floor.
|
|
|
| |
|
