Liberty Common High School
2745 Minnesota Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80525, (970) 672-5500
COMMVNIS SCIENTIA, VIRTVTES, ET PRVDENTIA
Russ Spicer, Headmaster-Bob Schaffer, Principal
Volume 2, Issue 38
September 6, 2011
What’s Happening
At LCHS
Headmaster Writing by Russ Spicer
The History of Liberty Common School
September 7th - Zero Hour
PART 2 of 3
Math Help from 7:00 - 7:35 am
The following is a continuation of “The History of Liberty Common School” written by Maureen Schaffer.
Monday - Friday. CLICK
HERE for printable flier or see
The huge demand for the educational program offered at Washington Core Knowledge School prompted the
page 3for more information.
September 9th - Women Do
This. Men Do That. 2:45 - 3:15
Lyceem, details on page 3.
September 9th - “Register by”
date for next SAT. CLICK
HERE for a detailed list of
ACT/SAT test dates.
September 12th - In-state
college fair 6:30 - 8:30pm at
Rocky Mountain High School.
CLICK HERE for flier. For
additional SAT/PSAT & college
planning information CLICK
HERE .
September 16th - Freshman
dance.
school‟s founders to begin drafting an application for a Core Knowledge charter school. By the summer of
1995, unresolved issues about the permanence of Washington Core and the authority of the parent board over
the academic program spurred a full-scale charter effort.
Meeting after work and on weekends, parents meticulously defined and documented the charter school‟s
mission, goals, curriculum, governance, budget, facility plan, employee relations, and more. On October 31,
1995, the Core Knowledge Charter School (CKCS) Partnership submitted its application to the PSD Board of
Education.
Rather than proceed with negotiations, the PSD board requested more and more information, explanation, and
detail. The CKCS board, led by Chairman Phil Christ, diligently responded to each request, but to no avail.
On December 11, the PSD board voted to deny the charter application without ever having met to negotiate
with the parents.
Undaunted, the CKCS board appealed the decision to the Colorado State Board of Education. In February,
the state board sided with the parents and instructed the PSD board to negotiate an agreement in good faith
with the charter group.
Weeks of meetings ensued. It appeared the two sides were slowly coming together. However in an 11 th hour
surprise, the PSD board suddenly voted to “approve” the charter with several major restrictions, not
previously discussed: the charter would be limited to two years, enrollment would be capped at 300 students,
and the school would be limited to a K-6 program, thereby eliminating the school‟s innovative junior high
program.
September 23rd - Schmickels
Hot Dog Cart for lunch! Send
cash to purchase meals.
PSD further directed the charter school to find space in a non-district building and execute the charter contract
with PSD no later than June 1. The constraints made it virtually impossible to open the school.
School Calendar CLICK
HERE
Disappointed, the CKCS board filed a second appeal with the State Board of Education. In an apparent
attempt to quash the charter school, PSD unleashed its attorney. A paper war erupted as the lawyer threw
legal obstacles in the path of the charter school. The charter group managed to fend off the legal challenges
and was finally granted a hearing before the state board.
Continued on pg. 4
How to Reach Us

Office hours : 7:15 a.m.3:45 p.m.

Phone # is (970) 672-5500

Attendance Line:
(970) 672-5500, option 2,
please call by 8:15 a.m.

All students who arrive
after 7:45 a.m. must be
signed in at Front Office.
Board of Directors Meeting:
September 15th
7:00 p.m.
Liberty Common School
1725 Sharp Point Dr.
Faculty Room
CLICK HERE for minutes
Liberty Common School Board of Directors
2011-2011
Terri Fisher– 223-0989
Dan Provaznik– 223-0188
Mark Sutherlin-225-0432
Cassy Turner– 691-3027
Jeff Webb-545-9636
Bill Werst– 631-8379
Page 2
Newsworthy Notices
Save The Date 11/22/11 – Grandparents Day. This year‟s
Liberty Grandparents Day is Tuesday, November 22 nd. Please
notify grandparents now so they‟ll have plenty of time for travel
arrangements. This is a very popular Liberty event. Invitations
will be mailed in a few weeks. The RSVP date is Friday, Oct.
21st. This is very firm RSVP date. Due to limited seating, class
scheduling with grandchildren and other special arrangements, no
RSVPs will be accepted after Oct. 21st. Please don‟t put our allvolunteer Grandparents-Day Planning Committee in the unenviable
position of telling your grandma “no.” That‟s never a good thing –
but they‟ll really do it if her RSVP comes in after Oct. 21 st.
Miss Fort Collins 2012 attends LCHS! Congratulations to
LCHS junior Sierra Young
upon being named Miss Fort
Collins 2012 – High
School! In addition to
making headlines yesterday
in the local newspaper,
Sierra‟s image is all over the
Internet. See her on
Facebook – CLICK HERE
and learn more about the
next steps toward the
statewide title.
Congratulations to Andrew Groeger for being voted co-captain
of the Fort Collins High School JV football team and David
Wilson for being voted co-captain of the freshman football team.
Way to represent Liberty guys!
Making Of America Seminar. The same organization that
donated American Flags for all LCHS classrooms last year is now
graciously offering to cover the tuition and lunch costs for any
LCHS student who attends the local “Making of America”
seminar. The seminar takes place this-coming Saturday morning in
Loveland and is presented by the National Center for
Constitutional Studies. To learn more about the seminar content
CLICK HERE. For location details and to register, CLICK HERE,
then print off and fill out the registration form and drop it off at the
Front Office at Liberty. Even though the registration form
mentions fees, they are being waived for LCHS students.
College Planning Information
The In-State College Fair
will be held at Rocky Mountain High School on September 12th
from 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Out-of-State College Fair will be held
at Poudre High School on October 11th. Both fairs are open to
all PSD students and their families. Upcoming tests in October
include the PLAN test for sophomores, the PSAT for juniors,
and the practice ACT test for juniors. The PSAT test is free to
juniors and is open to freshmen and sophomores for $15.
CLICK HERE for an explanation of the tests. CLICK
HERE for ACT/SAT registration deadlines.
Photographs
Welcome:
If you have any current
photographs of LCHS events (sports, theater, dances, etc.) that
you would like to see in the newsletter, please send them to
[email protected].
100 Percent
By: Bob Schaffer
LCHS Principal
Over the past summer, all Liberty teachers were asked to read the book
Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov. The book‟s subtitle is “49
Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College.”
LCHS instructors – both the new and the well-experienced – tell me they‟re
getting a lot out of the book. That‟s a terrific indicator of a faculty motivated
to improve its professional effectiveness in the classroom.
It‟s a great indicator for our kids, too. Improved instruction leads to better
knowledge acquisition plus perfected study habits. That leads to success in
college. It all leads to freedom.
Chapter Six of Lemov‟s book is about setting and maintaining high
behavioral expectations. “Technique 36” is called “100 Percent.” It starts
out, “There‟s one suitable percentage of students following a direction given
in your classroom: 100 Percent. If you don‟t achieve this, you make your
authority subject to interpretation, situation and motivation.”
When it comes to behavioral expectation throughout LCHS, the 100-percent
threshold is indeed our goal. Does that make us an obedience-obsessed
school? I imagine it could seem so to some. But, we‟re really not.
Rather than a harsh tack of grating discipline, Liberty‟s approach is one of
firm, calm finesse. We rely instead on positive reinforcement, reasoned tone
and clear expectations.
For the vast majority of LCHS scholars, this approach works marvelously.
Sometimes, for only a few, it doesn‟t.
Lemov suggests a graduated sequential strategy to reach the 100-percent
compliance necessary to allowing effective teaching: Nonverbal
intervention. Positive group correction. Anonymous individual correction.
Private individual correction. Lightning-quick public correction.
Consequence.
These are indeed steps we‟ve followed over the years to varying degrees.
Lemov‟s sequence, however, adds a formal clarity, order and agreement that
we‟re already finding useful just 12 days into the school year.
Over the course of the first few weeks of school, we do indeed seem to dwell
on school rules and behavioral expectations. That eases shortly as students
discover we really are firm in our expectations, and as we get closer to the
100-percent mark.
Some of LCHS‟s rules are designed to promote efficiency in managing a
serious academic institution. Most rules are meant to remove distractions
from an otherwise purposeful learning environment.
In all cases, Liberty‟s behavioral expectations are a thoughtful reflection of a
first-rate, parent-run, college-preparatory school. They‟re designed to guide
our children toward graduation, mature literacy, responsible adulthood,
academic success, wisdom and authentic freedom.
In these broader objectives, Liberty‟s achievement expectations are no
different – only 100 percent will do.
Page 3
Announcements
Math Department – Zero Hour
Women Do This. Men Do That. This-coming Friday‟s highschool Lyceum gathering (grades 9 – 11) will entail separate
lectures for male and female students. The teacher-led
discussions are intended to promote dignity, modesty, good
manners and wholesome interaction in a mixed-gender school
of maturing adolescents and young adults. Topics will touch
on: Avoiding unseemly language. Steering clear of harmful
rumors and verbal bullying. Understanding the kinds of
comments and conversations that are off-limits when it comes
to the opposite sex. The importance of modesty in dress and
behavior especially at school. Texting, photos and comments
transmitted electronically. School etiquette. Positive ways
students can demonstrate leadership in promoting a healthy
school environment.
The Liberty Common High School Math Department is pleased to announce
the creation of Zero Hour!
The discussions run from 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. If for any reason
you do not want your student to attend this Lyceum discussion,
a study hall will be available for him or her. For this option,
please call the front office at 672-5506.
Board of Directors – Vacancy. Due to a recent resignation
from the Liberty Board of Directors, a new Board member is
needed. A replacement will be made by appointment of the
Board. If interested in serving Liberty in this important
capacity, please contact Board Chairman Bill Werst at
[email protected] .
To learn more about
candidate qualifications, Board duties and responsibilities,
please CLICK HERE or see page 4.
Yield to Students. Recently, students have reported that
Liberty motorists (parents) do not reliably yield for student
pedestrians crossing streets at the crosswalks near the LCHS
property. Please do. Pedestrians making a legal crossing
always have the right of way. Plus, they‟re Liberty kids. Slow
down, be safe and be courteous when operating vehicles near
or on the LCHS grounds. We want all our scholars to make it
to school and return home safely. Our goal: Another safe year
of zero traffic incidents. For information about the LCHS
traffic protocol, please CLICK HERE.
Zero Hour has been created to serve two primary purposes:

Provide students with an opportunity to get extra help in their math
classes from a member of the LCHS Math Department.

Provide a focused time for students to work on missing assignments
should they fall behind and need assistance in catching up.
The schedule of teachers and rooms is as follows:
Mondays:
Mr. Lovely
Room 206C
Tuesdays:
Mrs. McGowen
Room 206A
Wednesdays:
Mr. Vetter
Room 207A
Thursdays:
Mrs. Garland
Room 208
Fridays:
Mrs. Lannen
Room 206B
Zero Hour will run every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:35 a.m. Students
wanting extra help may arrive anytime during that time frame, but will be
required to stay in the room until 7:30, when the first bell rings. Students
needing to work on missing assignments must report by 7:00 a.m. or they
will be marked tardy for the session. They must also stay until the first
bell rings at 7:30.
Students who have been assigned to Zero Hour as a result of missing
work, but fail to attend a session will be referred to the administration for
disciplinary actions.
Volunteer Opportunities
Grandparents-Day Planning Committee Needs More
Volunteers. Planning started last week for this year‟s 11/22/11
Grandparents Day. We need more volunteers to help pull off our secondannual event in splendid fashion. If you can volunteer or make donations to
the effort, please CLICK HERE to contact Committee Chairwoman and
Liberty parent Amy Redstone.
Lunch Time. We need help serving lunch on Tuesdays. If you are
interested please contact Susan Groeger at 672-5503 or
[email protected].
Classrooms. If you would like to volunteer in one of the Upper School
classrooms please contact Tina Spicer at 223-7587 or [email protected].
Liberty students starting out on the second annual
Torch Trek.
Front Office/Resource Room The front office staff would welcome
assistance with projects and everyday organization of the resource room. If
you would like to help please contact Susan Groeger at 672-5503 or
[email protected].
Thank you!
Page 4
A BOD THANK YOU AND OPPORTUNITY
This summer, Liberty Common School hired an awesome new teacher for Kindergarten – Angela Horton. We were thrilled to have Mrs.
Horton join our fabulous faculty, but the hiring caused us to lose an incredible Board of Director member as well. The BOD policies state
that one cannot be a BOD member if his/her spouse is employed by Liberty Common School. Unfortunately, Craig Horton had to resign
his position when Angela was hired.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Craig for his 7 years of service to our school. Craig served as the Chairman of the BOD and
was instrumental in application and approval for a high school. We would like to thank Craig for serving our school and our children so
well. Without you, the Liberty Common School would not be where it is.
Mr. Horton had one year remaining in his BOD seat and that needs to be filled. The process for filling this seat is listed below:
SECTION 4. VACANCIES. In the event of resignation or removal of a BOD member or BOD member-elect, the BOD shall give notice
through the school’s normal means of communicating with all parents and staff, inviting applicants to apply to fill the vacancy. A qualified
applicant will be selected by a vote of the BOD in a public meeting. The BOD is to appoint a replacement within 60 days of adopting the
resolution declaring a vacancy, and if it fails to do so, the Chairman is to make the appointment forthwith. The new BOD member shall be
appointed for the remainder of the term of the BOD member being replaced. At no time shall the BOD be compelled by this Article (II) to
appoint or hold elections for a majority of seats on the BOD.
The qualifications for a BOD member are listed below:
Registered voter residing in Poudre School District
Complete and sign the following documents:





Volunteer Application for the current school year
Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement
Volunteer Oath
Volunteer Agreement
Board of Directors Non Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement
Board of Directors Affidavit (subject to a criminal background check)
Attendance to at least one of the BOD meetings during the school year of the election
Read and support wholeheartedly the views presented in the following three books:
Cultural Literacy by E.D. Hirsch Jr.
Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong by William Kilpatrick
The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them by E.D. Hirsch Jr.
Submission of Letter of Interest for BOD Membership
Submission of Statement of Educational Philosophy
Have had a student enrolled at Liberty for a minimum of two years by the time the candidate’s term on the BOD would commence
Volunteer in the school
Embrace the principles of Liberty’s Charter and founding books (evaluated through an interview process)
Receive a recommendation from the Headmaster
If you are interested in this position, please complete the online application found at http://www.libertycommon.org/news/
whats_happening_now/bod_app.htm
Thank you for considering this opportunity. I love the Liberty Common School!
Sincerely,
Russ Spicer
Page 5
Athletics
“The LCHS guys soccer team lost 5-2 last night to Alexander Dawson at home. Our game against Alexander Dawson gets us ready for our first
official game of the 2011 season against Nederland at 4pm at home. Looking forward to having many fans at our home games.
We want everyone to get their houses together to show their spirit at all the home games.” Coach Knab. Coach Drescher reported a 3-1 win for
the varsity high school volleyball team in their games against Eagle Ridge; the JV volleyball team lost 2-1. Jr. High boys soccer had a great
week with a 8-0 win against Heritage and 9-0 win against Knowledge Quest! Jr. High volleyball lost both of their A & B games against
Ridgeview. Both teams beat Frontier Academy on Wednesday; the A team won 2-0 and the B team won 2-1.
Games this week
Jr. High Boys‟ Soccer - for full schedule CLICK HERE
Tuesday 9/6
4:00pm home v. Ridgeview
Thursday 9/8
4:00pm away @ Frontier Academy
Helpful Information
Directions to soccer fields CLICK HERE
Directions to schools for volleyball CLICK HERE
Jr. High Girls‟ Volleyball - for full schedule CLICK HERE
Wednesday 9/7
4:00pm home v. St. John‟s
High School Men‟s Soccer - for full schedule CLICK HERE
Tuesday 9/6
4:00pm away @ Eagle Ridge
Thursday 9/8
4:00pm home v. Union Colony
Saturday 9/10
11:00am home v. Jefferson Academy
High School Women‟s Volleyball - for full schedule CLICK HERE
Tuesday 9/6
5:00 & 6:00pm home v. Prairie
Thursday 9/8
6:30 & 7:30pm home v. Campion
Athletics packet (includes sports physical) CLICK HERE
All home games are held at the Elementary School.
Correction from 8/29 Monday notes: The high school soccer team
beat Front Range Baptist last Thursday 4-2, not 14-2.
Headmaster Writing
continued from pg.1
At the April 23 hearing, the final punch was landed when PSD announced it had filed suit against the State Board of Education and CKCS Board of
Directors! Concerned that the lawsuit could result in an injunction preventing the charter school from opening, the state board recommended the
charter group try to open a school with PSD‟s restrictions.
Dozens of outraged parents criticized the legal shenanigans at the next PSD board meeting. PSD director Bob Bacon denied they had sued parents
and accused charter supporters of promulgating a “big lie.” But PSD President Mike Liggett confirmed the lawsuit had indeed named five parents:
Phil Christ, Randy Everett, Timothy Gilmore, Cheryl Olsen, and Maureen Schaffer, as defendants.
The clock was ticking down to the June 1st deadline. Charter parent Peter Kast, a commercial realtor, conducted yet another survey of potential
properties to accommodate the PSD-imposed school configuration. A near match was identified. However, two adjustments to the restrictions
would be necessary:
Increase the charter length to 5 years to amortize building improvements
Increase the enrollment cap to 364 students to meet the annual lease and maintenance obligations.
The charter group entreated PSD to consider adjusting the restrictions. The PSD board refused to consider the request. “The Board of Education
will not take any further action,” came the response in a May 3 rd letter to the CKCS board.
The June 1 contract deadline expired, and PSD dropped its lawsuit against the parents.
The clock had run down. There would be no charter school in 1996.
TUNE IN NEXT WEEK FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION!
Classical Manners for the “Modern Youth”
From the 1934 high-school textbook Good Manners used in „Household Science” class of that day:
“Rule No. 52. Conversation. When you are introduced to a person, you should find something suitable to say. The weather is a rather hackneyed
topic, yet even remarks about the weather are preferable to silence. Having talked with a person a few minutes, you may say, „I am glad to have
met you,‟ and go on to another person. If you are talking to a newcomer, introduce her to someone else before you leave her.”