Instructions on how to use ParentLink can be found by clicking here.
If you have lost or forgotten your ParentLink login information, please come to the school office, and we'll be glad to help you out!
The registration and Meet the Teacher dates for the 2013-2014 school year are set.
Meet the Teacher day and registration for all elementary schools will be Thursday, August 15 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Registration times for middle and high schools vary by school and by grade. For a complete list of times and dates for middle and high schools, take a look at the Meet the Teacher Schedule.
2013 Registration Q & A
The contestants were chosen by audience votes at the four preliminary shows at Daniel High School, Pickens High School, Liberty High School and Easley High School, and they have beat out dozens of competitors for a chance at first place.
Please come out to support our talented competitors and our schools!
News Release
Again, all Pickens County public schools are dismissed at 10 a.m., Friday, January 25.
Read More - DHEC Letter
More information
Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will directly support Pickens County Schools. There will be a total of five shows: one in each region plus the Grand Finale.
Audition Times and Schedule
Like it on Facebook!
As mandated by the Educational Improvement Act of 1984, each school district in South Carolina must publish by April 30th an annual report detailing financial and academic information for the preceding academic year. The report contains information about our district, including school and staff information, test scores, financial reporting, and enrollment.
Our report also includes Points of Pride and a summary of progress made on the Building Program over the past school year.
2011-2012 Report to the Community
Vaccine clinics will be held at Daniel High School on November 7, at Pickens High School on November 8, at Liberty High School on November 13 and at Gettys Middle School on November 14.
Parents are reminded to be sure to bring their child's Medicaid or health insurance card to the clinic.
Flu Clinic Flyer
Please click below to learn how to use our new system for checking grades, assignments and attendance.
Please click here to view a letter from Superintendent Dr. Kelly Pew regarding the recent arrest of district employees.
Students may attend at any SDPC school or at any other site in South Carolina. Additionally, summer classes have been scheduled at Liberty High and at Pickens High. Because Daniel and Easley high schools will move to new campuses, summer classes will not be scheduled at those schools.
Students are encouraged to prepare now if they want to drive on SDPC high school campuses during the 2012-2013 school year. Students will not receive parking permits until they successfully complete the Alive at 25 course. More Information ... News Release ... Alive at 25 website ... Frequently Asked Questions ... Driver's Education vs. Alive at 25
Earlier in December, over 300 students auditioned before the School District of Pickens County band directors for seats in the all-county band. With representation from all five middle schools, 78 students were seated in the Pickens All-County Junior Band. The Pickens All-County Senior Band includes 63 students from all four high schools “We are proud of these students and congratulate them on their accomplishment,” says Patrick A. Mainieri, director of bands at Gettys Middle School. “We also want to express our appreciation to Pickens High School Principal Marion Lawson for hosting the event at Pickens High School this year.” The concert on Friday is free and open to the public.
We’re looking for volunteers to help with auditions and the final show. Meetings to learn more about volunteering will be held at Liberty High (Room 208) on December 5, Daniel High (Room 112) on December 6, Easley High (cafeteria) on December 8, and Pickens High (cafeteria) on December 12. All meetings are scheduled at 7:00 p.m.
Watch our websites and the local media for more information about Pickens County Has Talent. The district-wide show is scheduled on February 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pickens High School Auditorium. More Information ... News Release from Pickens County Has Talent
Please continue to check our website for updated information on these problems We appreciate your understanding and patience.
“When our students and their families first walk into our beautiful new school, we want them to have a positive experience,” said Lori Gwinn, principal. “We want to be unpacked and organized, so we’re adjusting our registration schedule. Our staff and the district staff will have a little extra time to make sure we’re ready to welcome everyone.”
Registration will now be held on Saturday, August 27 and the afternoon of Sunday, August 28. Seniors, juniors and sophomores will register from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27. Freshmen will register on Sunday, August 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Makeup registration will be Monday, August 29 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. News Release
As work continues, we ask that students, staff and community members cooperate. No one is allowed on the sites until the South Carolina Office of School Facilities issues a “certificate of occupancy.” Construction sites are dangerous, and only authorized personnel with hardhats and eye protection are allowed access. Additionally, the sites are not ready to accommodate traffic.
Get an up-close view of progress through our Building Futures website. Up-to-date photographs of all construction and other details can be found there.
Thank you for your understanding. Back to School Information
Congratulations Dakota & Nikki!
Dorothy Meets Alice
Come see the characters from Oz meet the characters from Wonderland in the Tulgey Wood. This 50 minute fast paced comedy is a perfect introduction to live theatre for children and families.
All tickets are $3.00. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, with photos with the characters following the show.
Robert Gwinn has signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Southern Wesleyan University to compete in cross country and track.
Athletes who choose to get their physical from another doctor should get the proper forms at LHS. There is a new form for next year!
Students must have a physical dated after April 1st, 2013 to participate in workouts / try-outs next school year.
Plan to come out and support these groups and Tony's!
1. GPS Location -- Use 435 Ruhamah Road, Liberty, in your GPS to locate our school.
2. Outside Food and Drink -- No outside food and drink permitted at the tournament.
3. Team Food -- All food and drink for the wrestlers must arrive on the bus with the team. Coaches only may bring food in to team tables.
Tickets are $6 each day. Only SC High School League Passes with Picture ID accepted.
In addition to having several college representatives, military recruiters, and other community service representatives here, we’ll provide a simple hot dog supper to parents and students (while it lasts).
Please go on to the LHS school website to complete the Focus on the Future survey so that we may more information about who will be attending this event.
Here are some of the sessions:
|
Session |
Description |
|
I Hate Fundraisers: How to avoid cookie dough and wrapping paper sales |
What is your reaction when your child brings home a fundraiser brochure? If you’re like most parents, it typically frustrates you. Come find out how you can help raise funds for LHS organizations through SCRIP without spending extra time or money. Our goal is to eliminate fundraisers through our SCRIP program. |
|
How do I become an involved parent at LHS? |
High school parents often lose touch with their students when they reach the 9th grade. You feel very informed through the end of 8th grade but somehow students become so independent in high school that you lose touch with the school. Come find out how to stay involved without overshadowing your child as he or she becomes a young adult. |
|
My child needs help with the SAT |
Ms. Boatwright will work with parents on how to access FREE materials to help their students better prepare to take the SAT. SAT scores are major factors in college admissions, so it is very important for students to prepare prior to taking the test. |
|
What is the College Application Process, and When Do We Start? |
The college application process is more complicated than ever. Applications and all required materials (letters of reference, SAT/ACT scores, transcripts, etc.) are due to colleges and universities by December 1 of the student’s senior year. What should your child be doing to best prepare college applications? |
|
What is Seat Time? |
Students are required to not only pass their courses but also attend their classes to comply with the attendance policy to receive course credit. Find out now how to make certain that your child is falling within school attendance guidelines. |
|
I’m the first one in my family to go to college—Now What? |
Many students are the first in their family to go to college. Hear from someone who’s had that same experience. It can be a little difficult to take that first step, but it makes a huge difference in your child’s life when he or she makes that commitment. |
|
NCAA Clearinghouse and Playing Sports After High School |
Is your child a pretty good high school athlete who has an interest in playing sports at the college level? Make certain that you begin planning academically as early as the 9th grade to meet the NCAA Clearinghouse requirements. Hear from a parent and counselor who has gone through this process. |
|
What is Vocational Rehabilitation? |
Some students are more interested in working than studying. Come talk with a counselor from SC Vocational Rehabilitation to see if this program has opportunities for your hands on only child. |
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My child needs a plan after high school—SCOIS/Big Future |
Have you asked your child, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” Were you frustrated with the response? Does your child have a goal or direction? Come and speak with a school counselor about how to best help your child answer this question. |
|
First Steps for College Financial Aid—How do we get started? |
College is a huge expense for families. Come and talk with a counselor about how to start planning for financial aid for college. This session will include how to find out about available scholarships and how to use FREE resources to find ways to finance a college education for your child. |
|
Why does my son have a 32? – Using ParentLink |
We will be distributing report cards at this evening. Some of you may be surprised by the grades on your child’s report card. This session teaches you how to stay better informed about your child’s grades through use of the Internet and your smart phones. |
|
What to do if my child says he never has homework (Edmodo) |
Many times our children deny having any homework or anything to study. LHS teachers are good to let parents and students know what’s going on in class by posting information on their school website or by using a new resource called Edmodo. Come and find out how parents can access this very important information. |
|
How do I help my high school child study? |
Helping a high school student study is very different from helping a third grader. Come find out from our graduation coach how you can help your child be prepared for tests and how to organize their study environment. |
|
What are options after high school? |
Our graduation coach will share with parents and students what their options are after high school graduation. Many students really do not realize the opportunities they have that are located right here in Pickens County. |
|
Previewing Colleges and Universities in SC—There’s more in SC than Clemson and USC |
We all know about Clemson, Tri-County Tech, and Southern Wesleyan because these colleges and universities are in our county. The state of South Carolina offers many other college opportunities for our students. Come hear a preview of college and university opportunities for students in SC. |
|
Student Drivers—What Parents Need to Know |
If you are like most parents, a student driver can make you a little uneasy. One of our assistant principals will talk with you about Alive at 25, parking on a school campus, and other student driver expectations and questions. |
The nomination form can be found here. Printed copies are available at any local BI-LO grocery store.
- Learn and understand how the legal system works
- Develop Moral reasoning and critical problem-solving skills
- Improve their poise, confidence, and public speaking skills
- Serve their peers, schol and community
- Gain valuable hands-on experience for future college and career resumes
This year, we are having our first ever 9th grade transition camp. This camp is for students who are entering the 9th grade for the first time. If you're a new 9th grader to LHS, plan to be here for Freshman Transition Camp. It begins Monday, August 20, at 12:30 PM. Students may begin arriving in the auditorium at noon. Parents do not attend and should pick students up in the parent drop off loop at 3:30 PM. We will be reviewing high school expectations, taking tours of the school, meeting with your advisor teams, going through class changes with the bells, and enjoying a snack together. We hope to see our new 9th graders Monday from 12:30 until 3:30.
YOUR NAME
SCHOOL NAME
GRADUATION YEAR
YOUR ADDRESS
YOUR PHONE NUMBER
Questions? -- Call 397-1100
Past videos are available for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
First day of try-outs / practice:
Football (v & jv) - Coach Kyle Stewart - Friday, July 27th - players report at 7:00 am
Cross Country (boys & girls) - Coach Matt Diaz - Friday, July 27th - 6:30 pm (meet in the student parking lot)
Girls' Golf - Coach Brian Fuller - Monday, July 30th - 4:00 pm at Pickens County Country Club
Varsity Comp. Cheer - Coach Missy Ricken - Monday, July 30th - 5:30 pm
JV Comp. Cheer - Coach Lauren Hudson - Tuesday, July 31st - 6:30 pm
Volleyball (v & jv) - Coach Carla Simpson - Wednesday, Aug. 1st - 9:00 am
LHS guidance and administration offices will be closed July 2 -- July 13 while administrators, guidance counselors, and office personnel are on vacation and attending professional development conferences.
Some personnel will be on site with adult education, JROTC, athletics, and other programs. You may leave a message on administrators' and counselors' phones, and these will be returned when the office reopens July 16.
Lori Gwinn, Principal 397-2610
Brad Blackston, Assistant Principal 397-2612
Amber King, Assistant Principal 397-2611
Angie Burgess, Guidance Counselor 397-2604
The runners will have a workout following the meeting.
Friday April 27 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Friday May 4 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Monday May 28 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Your final payments must be cash or money order only.
- No checks accepted for final payments.
- Payment in full is required to receive your merchandise.
- It is too late to make ANY changes to your order.
- The Herff Jones office is located in the Gallery Centre Shopping Center at 3110 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Suite 7, in Taylors (between Houser Shoes and Texas Roadhouse).
Be a part of Pickens County Has Talent 2012
Pickens County Has Talent, SDPC’s first county-wide talent show, will be a family-oriented fun event that will showcase the best of the best within Pickens County. Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds will be distributed to the schools for instructional supplies.
Auditions, preliminary shows, and the final event will be held at our high schools, but the contest is not only for high school students. It’s open to all SDPC students and to any Pickens County resident. There’s no age limit or entrance fee. We only ask that acts are “G-rated.”
Read the contest details on the SDPC website at www.pickens.k12.sc.us and get involved. Tell everyone possible about the contest. Encourage all the talented people you know to audition. Volunteer to help or ask local businesses to be sponsors.
To become involved, contact Roy Costner at 864-270-3675 (cell), 864-843-3139 (home), or Roy.Costner@chartercom.com (email). He’s anxious to enlist many volunteers who will make Pickens County Has Talent a success.
Voting for Channel 4’s first ever football Coach of the Year continues through Friday at 3:00 p.m. Please continue to cast your votes as often as possible for LHS Coach Kyle Stewart. Stewart led the Varsity Red Devil football team to a 7-0 start, including the team's first win over Pickens since 1968. He also led the team to their first playoff victory since 1979. Coach Stewart is in second place as of Wednesday afternoon. You may vote 15 times per computer/phone/iPad per hour. Click here to vote: http://www.wyff4.com/high-school-playbook/29919701/detail.html. We can win this for Coach Stewart!
Coach Stewart has been nominated and we encourage the LHS community to support him with online voting.
All proceeds go to provide Christmas presents for LHS students and their families. If you or someone you could benefit from this, please see the guidance office.
Mr./Miss Merry Christmas – raise money by placing jars around the community and around the school. See Mrs. Powell or Mrs. Skelton to get started! The girl and boy who raise the most will be crowned Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas and ride in Liberty Christmas parade. Begin this now and continue until December 2.
Polar Express - We will be selling treats in Club 1 during week of Dec 5 – 9. Bring money each day!
Have your picture made with Santa Dec 6, 7, 8. $2 per picture or $1 to make it with your cell phone!
Holiday Dance – December 2 – 8pm -11pm - $5. Only LHS students. The incredible DJ – Mr. DeRossettt will be there playing all of your favorite tunes!
Hat Day! December 9. Pay $1 to wear hats…. Come by Teachers Table in Cafeteria on your way in to school, pay $1 and receive a stamp that says you can wear your hat!
PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OF THESE ACTIVITIES SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS A MERRY CHRISTMAS!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
The annual LHS Miss Devilier Pageant was held Saturday night, November 10 and 12, at the LMS auditorium. This year Mr. Devilier was held in conjunction with the event. Congratulations to Stephi Pechthalt (pictured here) who was crowned Miss Devilier 2011-12; Stephi was also the Grand Talent Winner. Congratulations to first runner up Kaylyn Gilstrap and second runner up Cloe Morrie. Congratulations also to R.J. Little, who was Grand Talent Winner and was crowned Mr. Devilier. Click here for a list of all the winners.
The Miss Devilier Pageant is the yearbook staff’s biggest fundraiser. Mrs. Dana Rowland, the yearbook advisor, is assisted by Mrs. Deb Rogers in the planning and production of the pageant, along with volunteers of friends, faculty, and staff. LHS appreciates the many hours invested in this event and the talents that went into making this year’s pageant a success!
Students with grades of 60-76 may be able to do remediation to improve the grade. The student needs to see his or her teacher for remediation guidelines. Teachers will be sending these home with students who qualify.
If your child is failing 2 or more courses, you need to call the guidance department to set up a parent/teacher conference.
If your child needs extra help, we offer a free tutoring lab before and after school on Wednesdays in the Media Center. We also have a free math help center after school on Thursdays in room 208.
**** UPDATE - As of the end of the day on Wednesday, there were still seats open on the bus. Bus tickets will be sold as long as they are available or up to 12:30 on Friday. Game tickets will also be sold through 12:30 on Friday. Come to the LHS front office to purchase.
LHS will be selling seats on a charter bus going to Central (Pageland) High School Friday night. The bus tickets are available to students, parents, and community members. Tickets for the bus are $25 each. Tickets for the game are $7 each. We have to have all bus seats sold by Wednesday to charter the bus. If you are riding the bus, you are strongly encouraged to purchase your game ticket at the same time so that you avoid long ticket lines at Central (Pageland).
Game and bus tickets are first available for purchase Tuesday morning at 7:30 AM in the Central Lobby of the school.
Bus and game tickets will be sold during the school day in the main office on Tuesday and Wednesday. Bus and game tickets will be sold in the gym lobby on Tuesday evening 5:30—7:00 PM.
The bus will leave LHS at 3:00 PM on Friday and stop for a fast food, grab and take supper on the way to the game. Bring money for supper and concessions at the game.
Driving directions for Central HS can be found under our Athletics tab to the left, then click on "Directions to Away Games", then click on Central HS.
The LHS Thespian Society recently sponsored the third annual “Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat” food drive. Students were encouraged to bring in canned goods and nonperishable items; Golden Harvest Food Bank was most appreciative of the 914 pounds that were donated. Students who brought five items were allowed to wear a costume to school on Halloween. In addition, Club One groups were able to earn points based on the amount of items collected. These points will count toward the Club One Grand Championship that is announced at the end of Club One Olympics in the spring. The fun wasn’t limited to just the students, as faculty, staff and administration also supported this worthy cause. Pictured are the administrative and guidance teams dressed as the cast of “Grease.” Remember “hunger is a very scary thing!” Thanks to everyone who participated!
A special Flu Clinic for families with children ages 3 and up has been scheduled for Monday, October 24th, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the front lobby of Cannon Memorial Hospital in Pickens. The cost for seasonal flu shots is $30. Cash or checks will be accepted; no insurance or Medicaid will be filed. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 864-898-1333. (Click here for flyer.)
Friday evening, October 14th, is our last regular season home football game. All LHS fans are encouraged to come out to support our undefeated RED DEVILS in a key region match up against Pendleton. Wear RED, come early (carpool if you can to help with parking) and be LOUD! Go, Red Devils!!!
| 8:00--9:17 AM | First Period |
| 9:22--10:39 AM | Second Period |
| 10:44 AM--12:36 PM | Third Period |
| 11:20--11:55 AM | First Lunch |
| 12:01--12:36 PM | Second Lunch |
| 12:41--1:58 PM | Fourth Period |
| 2:00 PM | Club One Call to the Rally |
NOTES:
*Career Center Students stay on the regular bell schedule for returning and reporting.
*Career Center will dismiss LHS students at 1:30 to return to the Pep Rally.
*PM Career Center Students go to Study Hall at 10:44 AM and will go to lunch at 11:10 AM.
*PE/JROTC Classes will eat 2nd lunch.
The Liberty Red Devils have been preparing all summer for the inaugural season at the new Red Devil Stadium. On Wednesday, August 24th, when the stadium passed its inspection, practice moved to the new field. Click here for pictures of the new stadium and our Red Devils going through drills! See below for details about the home opener’s schedule and tips about parking. Go, Red Devils!!
History will take place this Friday evening, August 26th, when the Liberty Red Devils host
Hope to see everyone there to support our team! Let’s go, Red Devils!
We are thankful for your patience during this time. All offices are still located at 319 Summit Drive. However, we have no Internet access, all of our office materials and files have been packed and shipped to the new school, and our telephone system is not routing to the correct mailboxes. We hope that all of these complications will be resolved by next week and will continue to update you.
Meanwhile, if you need anything specific, email the principal at LoriGwinn@pickens.k12.sc.us, and she will check email at night and forward it to the appropriate person or respond to your request.
Once again, we sincerely appreciate your patience.
The following are recommended supplies for LHS students:
- college ruled, loose leaf notebook paper
- 3 ring binders (1 2" binder for each day A and B)
- pencils
- blue and black ink pens
- highlighters
- notecards
- post-it notes (for in text note-taking)
- a 2GB or bigger portable storage drive
- 2 pocket folders (1 A and 1 B for work to turn in)
- colored pencils
Students who are in honors math of any kind, Algebra 2, and Pre-Cal will need access to a TI-84+ or TI-83+ calculator. This calculator will be able to be used all 4 years of high school and into the beginning years of college.
Many assignments at the high school level require the use of a computer for typing documents, creating projects, or researching. Students need access to a computer outside the regular instructional day. They can do this by staying after school for extended hours for the labs, going to the local public library, using a home computer, or using a friend's or neighbor's computer.
High School Football Players:
This Thursday: The Football Association and Clemson Baptist Church will hold a service including music, devotional and dinner. Players will be bused from the high school to Clemson and back. Please be at the high school no later than 5:45 p.m. and you will return around 8:30 p.m.
This Friday: Two-A-Days start this Friday at 8:00 a.m. - Please be at the high school at 7:30 a.m. The afternoon practice will be at 6:00 p.m - Players should be there at 5:30 p.m. (Afternoon practice may be moved to a later time depending on heat.)
Next Week: It is almost time for Football Camp. Be here this Friday for practice and camp details.
Coach John Schumpert was introduced as the new girls’ varsity basketball coach on Thursday, July 21. Coach Schumpert is currently a teacher at LHS and also serves as assistant athletic director and assistant football coach. He is no stranger to LHS basketball. He coached the varsity boys’ team for four seasons, 2005-2009. His staff will be comprised of Kay Segers, varsity assistant coach, and Ryan Smith, JV coach. Coach Segers had been our JV girls’ coach.
“We are excited to have Coach Schumpert take over the reins of our girls’ basketball program. He will bring a contagious excitement to the program to build on the progress they made last season. We have a talented group of athletes returning and he is anxious to get started working with them. We also welcome Coach Smith to our coaching staff,” said LHS Athletic Director Sherry Haithcock.
The Wendy’s High School Heisman (WHSH) Award program is accepting applicants for its 2011 class. Students must be seniors to apply. The 2011 class will join the more than 305,000 esteemed alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, community service involvement, leadership and accomplishments in the athletic arena. Beginning now through October 2, 2011, eligible students can apply at www.WendysHeisman.com for a chance to earn the honored title of WHSH. Students can also contact their high school coach, principal, guidance counselor or athletic director for more information.
All girls interested in playing basketball this coming season are invited to a meeting on Thursday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the LHS gym to meet our coaching staff for the coming season. Parents are also encouraged to attend.
The SC Athletic Administrators Association has released the AD cup results presented in each classification based on how teams finished in the state play-offs throughout the 2010-11 school year.
Liberty Youth Basketball Camp, under the direction of LHS Varsity Coach Jason Blalock, was held at LHS July 5th-7th. Campers had a great time and learned basketball fundamentals throughout the week. Various competitions were held as well. All campers received a t-shirt and certificate at the end of camp. Coach Blalock was assisted in working the camp by members of the LHS boys' basketball team.
The Red Devil Athletic Booster Club invites everyone to join and support the LHS student-athletes. Click here for information about:
- membership in the Red Devil Booster Club,
- season tickets for football,
- all-sports passes, including a new LHS student all-sports pass, and
- ticket/membership packages.
Information about reserved seating for football will be available at a later time.
Note that all those who join the Red Devil Booster Club by August 2nd will be listed in the football program. Don't miss out! Click here for the form needed to join the booster club, order tickets and/or reserve seating or parking. Go,
It's hard to think about football when it's mid-summer and in the 90's, but the start of the
Many preparations are underway this summer to get ready for the football season and community businesses, families, and individuals are encouraged to support LHS athletics. Advertise your business in the football program and/or send a message to your favorite LHS student. Perhaps you would like to consider advertising your business at the old football stadium on Highway 93 where many community events will take place. For more detailed information about these options and a “special advertising package," click here. To obtain the necessary order form, please click here. Orders must be paid for and received no later than August 2, 2011.
LHS appreciates the support of area businesses, alumni, families and individuals!
Liberty High School Football will sponsor the First Annual Mattress Fundraiser Sale on Saturday, June 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the school. Mattresses will be available in all sizes – twin through king – at 30% to 60% off retail. Profits go directly to the team. If you need a mattress set, now is the time to buy! Don’t miss this one-day sale! Click here for more details. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Coach Stewart at KyleStewart@pickens.k12.sc.us. Thanks for your support of LHS Football!
Commencement 2011 took place Saturday morning, June 3rd, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson. One hundred eighteen
LHS will hold the 3rd annual Hoops Skills and Drills for boys and girls in 2nd thru 7th grades. The camp will be from 9:00 am to noon on July 5-7. Click here for a registration form.
All SDPC schools will be closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day observance.
Summer Weightlifting for sports other than football: (football has their own schedule)Athletes must have a current physical on file to work out.
The Red Devil Baseball team had a great season this year. They made the playoffs, were the District 2 champions and competed for the upper state title. The team ends the season ranked number 8 in Class 2A.
Spring sports teams and individual athletes were recognized at the LHS Spring Sports Awards Program that took place on Thursday, May 19th. LHS Diamond L Award winners were recognized and LHS senior athletes were each presented with a plaque by the Red Devil Booster Club. Amber King and Jake Goodnough (pictured to the left) were named the LHS Female and Male Athlete of the Year, respectively. Click here to see all the individual athletes who were recognized.
Congratulations to all who participated in spring sports! LHS appreciates the time, talent, and energy our student-athletes give to representing LHS!
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Day
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Date
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Exams
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Monday
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May 23
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3B, 4B Seniors
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Tuesday
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May 24
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3A, 4A Seniors
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Wednesday
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May 25
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1B, 2B Seniors
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Thursday
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May 26
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1A, 2A Seniors
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Friday
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May 27
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3B, 4B Underclassmen
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Tuesday
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May 31
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3A, 4A Underclassmen; dismissal at 11:50
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Wednesday
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June 1
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1B, 2B Underclassmen; dismissal at 11:50
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Thursday
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June 2
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1A, 2A Underclassmen; dismissal at 11:50
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· All APEX remediation and initial credit must be completed by 8:00 a.m. on May 23, 2011.
Sunday Ford Davis has been named as girls’ cross country coach at Liberty High School. Coach Davis brings an impressive running resume with her as she takes over this program. She comes from a family of avid runners, and she ran in her first race at the age of three. At Wren High School she was a five time individual State Champion: twice in cross country, twice in the 1600 m run and once in the 3200 m run. Coach Davis lettered at Clemson University for three years and has their 9th best time in the indoor 5K. Next year, she will be teaching at Forest Acres Elementary School.
FFA is having a fundraiser on Saturday, May 21, to benefit Miracle Hill Children’s Home. Barbeque plates will be sold for $5 at Oolenoy Community Center in Pumpkintown from 6 – 7:30 p.m., with square dancing and silent auction from 7:40 – 9 p.m. 
The DAR Good Citizen recipient for Liberty High School for 2011 is Alexica Thomason. Alexica is pictured at left following the May 11 awards ceremony held at the Easley Hampton Library. Nominees for this award are selected by the faculty based on outstanding qualities of leadership, dependability, service, and patriotism in school, home, and community. Alexica was selected by members of the senior class to receive this award. The DAR Good Citizen Award is given by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Fort Prince George DAR Chapter. Congratulations, Alexica!
Mrs. Debbie Herman has been named Liberty High's 2011-2012 Support Employee of the Year. Mrs. Herman works as the data entry clerk for Liberty High. Congratulations, Mrs. Herman!
Mrs. Jean Toole, drama and chorus teacher, has been named Liberty High's 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, Mrs. Toole!
LHS Baseball lost 2-1 to Palmetto in the first round of the Upper State tournament. We will play on Monday at home at 7:00 p.m. against Emerald in an elimination game. Let's have a great crowd out to support our Red Devils!
Liberty High School has named Jason Blalock as their varsity boys’ basketball coach. Since 2007, Coach Blalock has taught art at Liberty Elementary School. He has been an assistant coach in both basketball and baseball at LHS. 
The May-June issue of Red and Black is now posted under the What's New category on the top navigation bar of our home page. To view the newsletter, click here.
Senior Spectatular! 
Liberty High administration, faculty, staff and students would like to extend appreciation to all our SDPC bus drivers for their dedication and service during this school year.
LHS softball defeated Indian Land 12-10 in the 2nd round of district play-offs. They will play on Monday at Woodruff at 7:00 pm. | Shay King-Dunson | Tyler Hoover |
| Miranda Watkins | Tanner Lewis |
| David Pelfrey | |
| Philip Rainwater |
The following students have been selected as Girls State and Boys State Alternates for 2011:
| Becca Middleton | Luke Ramey |
| Rachel Rothluebber | Carlos Sanchez |
| Tyler Winchester |
Sponsored by The American Legion Auxiliary Unit, Palmetto Girls State will be held on the campus of Presbyterian College June 12—18. Sponsored by The American Legion, Palmetto Boys State will be held on the campus of Anderson University June 12—18. Congratulations to all of our LHS delegates and alternates!
Congratulations to Corey Cromer who qualified for the state AA golf tournament to be held on May 9 and 10!
During the summer, school-age students up to 18 years old can have free meals through the Summer Food Service Program. The program is free to all Pickens County children regardless of family income. Meals will be served at West End Elementary and Pickens Elementary, and we hope to add more locations. Meals will be served Monday through Friday from June 6 – August 19. Breakfast will be served at 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. For more information, visit the SDPC Student Nutrition Services website at http://sdpcnutrition.com or contact Sally Nicholson at 864-397-1166.
The race has been cancelled due to small number of entries. Refunds are being sent.
All SDPC schools will be closed April 18-22 for Spring Break. Monday, April 25, will be a regular school day. April 25 will be a B-day for high school students.
In an effort to help with morning traffic congestion, new policies concerning student car riders will be implemented on Tuesday, April 12. To view the attached file which provides an overview of the morning traffic changes, click here. 
Car Wash Saturday, April 9
Hot Diggity Dog's
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sponsored by LHS Football Mom's Club
The Red Devil Regiment announces a fundraising event on Saturday, May 14, at Liberty Middle School. The event will be held from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. A yard sale, car wash, and hot dog sale are included in the plans for the day. Please come and support the Red Devil Regiment. Please click here for more details.
The Liberty High 2011 Graduation Newsletter is now posted for parents and students. Printed copies of the newsletter will be distributed to seniors during their Club One advisement period on Tuesday, April 5. Due to costs, copies of newsletters will not be mailed to parents this year. Click here to view the newsletter.
On March 24, 25, and 26, the Liberty community enjoyed the LHS Drama 3/4 production of Alice in Wonderland. Click here to view a slideshow of highlights from the production.
The SDPC Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, March 28, will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the B. J. Skelton Career Center. The board packet is available under Board of Trustees/Meetings.
Congratulations to Alexica Thomason. She was recognized as Liberty High School’s Most Improved Senior at a luncheon March 24 sponsored by the Pickens Area Society for Human Resources Management at Tri-County Technical College in Easley. Pictured from left to right are Mrs. Angie Burgess, LHS Head Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Lori Gwinn, LHS Interim Principal, Alexica, Mrs. Katrena Wilkie, Alexica's former Club One Advisor, and Mrs. Cherie Latham, LHS Guidance Counselor.
It’s not too late to get a yearbook for this school year. They may still be purchased at Liberty High School in Room 206. Cost is $55 through April 29. After then, the price increases to $60. There may or may not be extra books that will be available for sale on Annual Signing Day, but if there are, the cost will be $60, and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Order your book before the price increase and while they’re still available.
The High School Assessment Program (HSAP) will be given April 12, 13, and 14 from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Students in their second year of high school, and students who have not passed both parts of the test will take HSAP. Parents and students are reminded that it is important for students involved in testing to be on time each of day of testing. Students who are tardy to school will have to take a make up test at another time. Also, all doctor's appointments and out of school functions should not be scheduled during testing dates and times. Students involved in testing will not be permitted to sign out during testing times. 
The 2A Drama 3 and 4 class will present the classic Lewis Carroll story Alice in Wonderland adapted by William Glennon. This fast paced play will feature the talents of Morgan Ford, Alexica Thomasson, Wesley Wells, Jesse Hayes, Jesse Campbell, Brittany Tate, JulieBeth McConnell, Shana Hicks, Cloe Morris, Emily Owens, Rachel Rothluebber, Emily Alexander, and Kelsey Mullikin. Performances are in the LHS Theatre (Band/Chorus room) Thursday, March 24, and Friday, March 25, at 7:00 p.m. There will be a matinee Saturday, March 26, at 3:00 p.m. All tickets are $5. This show is perfect for the entire family. Come and enjoy!.jpg)
My Coke Rewards for Schools will give two lucky schools $10,000 for books for their library. We can earn 1 entry into the sweepstakes for every 5 points donated to our school from March 15 through April 30, 2011. It's easy to donate, so don't delay!
Click here for more information.
Students and parents are reminded that Friday, March 18, will be a regular school day. March 18 was originally scheduled as one of the snow make-up days at the beginning of the year. Due to days missed due to inclement weather this year, March 18 is now a regular school day. Monday, March 21, will remain a day off for students as it is a professional development day for teachers. 
Athletic physicals for 2011-12 will be given at Blue Ridge Orthopedics in Seneca on Saturday morning, April 30. Cost will be $10. All rising 9th – 12th graders interested in playing a sport next year should save this date. Further information concerning physicals will be distributed in early April.
The spring administration of the HSAP (High School Assessment Program) testing is scheduled for April 12, 13, and 14. Liberty High needs the help of volunteers in the community who can help monitor testing on any or all of these dates. Testing will occur between the hours of 8 until 11 a.m. If you are available to help, please contact Mrs. Angie Burgess in the LHS Guidance Office at 843-5800 ext. 18 or e-mail her at AngieBurgess@pickens.k12.sc.us. 
The Berea College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers will perform on Tuesday, March 15, beginning at 9 a.m.
Please remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour before going to bed on Saturday night, March 12. Time to SPRING FORWARD!
A Football Parent Meeting has been changed from Wednesday, March 9, to Tuesday, March 15, beginning at 7 p.m. in the LHS cafeteria. All parents of students who are interested in playing football next year should plan to attend. Coaches for next year will be announced.
Congratulations to our Liberty High scholar athletes for fall and winter sports. Special thanks to Sealevel for sponsoring the t-shirts!
Amber King, a junior at Liberty High School, has been selected to the All-State Basketball Team by the SC Basketball Coaches Association. Congratulations, Amber!
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The March issue of Red and Black is now posted under the What's New category on the top navigation bar of our home page. To view the newsletter, click here.
Liberty High is honored to host The Berea College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers for a morning performance on Tuesday, March 15, at 9 a.m. in the LHS Gym. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend this performance.
On Friday, February 25, our Red Devil Booster Club will be collecting donations for Mrs. Carol Myers, an employee of LHS, who is currently battling cancer. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to show your support for Mrs. Myers by purchasing a sticker for $1 and wear a hat on Friday, February 25. Stickers will be sold in the Commons Area of the cafeteria on Thursday and Friday mornings, February 24 and 25.
Parents, are you or your student stressed about how to pay for the prom dress this year? If so, the Cinderella Boutique is for you. Sponsored by the South Carolina Bar Young Lawyers Division, the event will be held on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Christian Activities Center of Boulevard Baptist Church at 700 Blvd. in Anderson. New and used dresses, accessories, and more will be available. All items are available at no charge to high school students. To enter the boutique, students must bring their valid school ID. Limit one dress per student.
First round games:Thanks for your support of LHS Athletics!
Tri-County Technical College invites all LHS students to their annual Open House event for high school students. Tri-County Technical College’s Open House will be held on our Pendleton Campus from 2 until 6 p.m. on Friday, February 25. Tri-County is sponsoring this event to give students the opportunity to obtain enrollment information, explore the wide variety of academic programs offered, and meet faculty and staff who represent the following areas: Admissions, Financial Aid, Gateway to College, Bridge programs, Athletics, High School Dual Enrollment, Clubs and Organizations, Corporate and Community Education and more. For students interested in continuing their education after enrolling in our University Transfer program, there will be many representatives from four-year colleges and universities. 
Results of the Miss Devilier Pageant are now posted along with a slideshow of pageant highlights. Pictured at left are Miss Devilier winners from left to right: Brittany Mayo (2nd runner up and Grand Talent Winner), Morgan Ford (Miss Devilier), and Chelsey McDaniel (1st runner up). Please click here for more pageant results and slideshow.The following students have been present for the entire school day every day thus far in the 2010-11 school year. In addition, they have received no tardies to class. LHS salutes you! Elizabeth Bellen
Austin Connearney
Robert Gwinn
Brock McJunkin
Tri-County Technical College will host their 18th Annual College Fair on Wednesday, March 2, from 10 a.m. until noon at their Pendleton campus.More than a dozen upstate colleges and universities will be in attendance to provide you will information about their school and programs and to answer your questions. This is a free event and all college-bound students and their families are encouraged to attend!
The February issue of Red and Black is now posted under the What's New category on the top navigation bar of our home page. To view the newsletter, click here.Thanks for your support of LHS Athletics!
On Tuesday, February 8, Liberty basketball will host Palmetto beginning with the Lady Devils game at 6 p.m. This will be the last LHS regular season varsity game played in our current gym as we will be moving into a new school next year. ALL former Liberty basketball and volleyball players, wrestlers and cheerleaders are encouraged to attend and be recognized between the girls and boys games. Former coaches are also encouraged to attend!
The course selection process for the 2011-2012 school year is nearing completion, and with the EEDA requirements for students to “declare a major,” students are curious about where their futures might lie. To help with this important decision-making process, LHS is hosting the 4th Annual “Have a COW” January 31-February 4. This Career Opportunity Week (COW) is designed to expose students to the world of work by getting them excited about the options that lie ahead. Activities for the week include virtual job shadowing, interview skills, how to search for and keep a job, and an opportunity for students to dress up as their career choice. Once again, we will be hosting the Chick-fil-A Cow as we sell Chick-fil-A biscuits each morning for $3. This week of education and fun includes the Freshman Round-Up on Thursday, February 3, as rising Freshman visit the school for dinner and personal meeting prior to a Red Devils’ basketball game.
At a special presentation before the SDPC Board of Trustees, five United States of America flags from Operation Iraqi Freedom were presented to the students and staff of the four high schools and the career center. Lieutenant Colonel Ron Webber, the district’s coordinator of career and secondary education, made the presentations. Pictured at left from left to right: LHS Principal, Mr. Randy Gilstrap, Sergeant Alan Thielman, LHS Army JROTC Instructor, Major Kaitlin Stokes, LHS Executive Officer Cadet, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Ward, LHS Cadet Commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Ron Webber.
Due to our recent inclement weather, The Miss Devilier Pageant has been rescheduled and will be held on Friday and Saturday evening, February 4 and 5, beginning at 7 p.m. at Liberty Middle School Auditorium. Friday night’s competition will feature freshmen, sophomores, and the Miss Devilier talent. Saturday’s competition will be for juniors and seniors. Tickets are $10 per night, or $15 for both nights. There will no reserved seating this year due to the pageant being held on two evenings. The pageant theme is “Bobby Socks to Tie-Dye,” a span of the decades between 1950 and 1980. Tickets may be purchased at the school.
Available in short-sleeve or long-sleeve junior cut shirts or hoodie.
"Senior Royalty" on front; "Class of 2011" on back.
Orders will be taken at lunch on Thursday, January 20.
Click here for more information.
The January issue of Red and Black is now posted under the What's New category on the top navigation bar of our home page. To view the newsletter, click here.
Each January during School Board Recognition Month, we salute and extend our appreciation to our board members. Their commitment to service and to public education affects the present and future lives of our children and our communities. This year's theme — School Boards Speak Out For Public Schools — reflects the efforts of thousands of men and women who advocate and shape the direction of our state’s public schools. Thank you, school board members, for helping ensure that every child in Pickens County will succeed beyond the classroom. Special thanks to new board member and Liberty area representative, Mr. Ben Trotter.
The Student Government of Liberty High School holds its annual fund-raising campaign, Santa Cause, to help needy Liberty High students and their families. This year the Santa Cause campaign raised $2,791. These funds will go to help 16 families in the Liberty area. Thanks to all the students, faculty, and staff for helping to make this project such a success. Special thanks to SGA advisers, Miss Jimmie Trakas, Mrs. Tameika Dunn, and Miss Cristi Stiles, for their dedication and enthusiasm. Way to go, Liberty High!
Financial Aid Seminar for Junior and Senior students and their families.Thursday, January 6
With the arrival of cold weather, we want to remind everyone of the SDPC inclement weather procedures. Decisions to close schools or delay opening because of weather are always based on student safety. Our goal is to communicate the decision by 6:00 a.m. through a ParentLink message and a website announcement. We also notify local radio and television stations.
In case of weather emergencies, we can also send text messages—if parents request the service. Parents who request texts are responsible for all associated charges. To receive a text, parents must return a completed form to their child’s school.
Remember that ParentLink uses contact information from our PowerSchool student database. To make sure you receive calls, e-mails, and texts, please notify your school immediately when your contact information changes.
Our sympathy is extended to the family, friends and classmates of Tabatha Kelley, a ninth grade student at Liberty High School. We all send our condolences.
The December issue of Red and Black is now posted under the What's New category on the top navigation bar of our home page. To view the newsletter, click here.
Kick off the Christmas season by attending a holiday music extravaganza on Saturday, December 4, at the Liberty Middle School auditorium. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” guarantees you’ll walk away with the Christmas spirit after an evening of “nothing by Christmas” music performed by over twenty extremely talented local artists. The line-up includes the 2010 Liberty Idol winner (Jeff Williams), former Idol winners and finalists (RJ Little and Jonny Day), former LHS graduates (Jamie Crumpton, Willie Monkus, Jeromy Arnett, James Jackson, Samantha Crawford, and Ryan Gillespie) and many, many more. In addition to an evening of musical entertainment, door prizes will also be awarded to at least ten lucky people! So mark your calendars for the evening of Saturday, December 4. The show begins at 6 p.m. All tickets will be pre-sold and are $10 each. Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at Yank’s Place, Liberty Family Pharmacy, and at Liberty High School. This fundraiser is sponsored by the Devilier Yearbook Staff.
Monday, December 6
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
East Side Baptist Church
Following a regular day of classes on Friday, December 17, School District of Pickens County students and staff will begin a two-week break for winter holidays. Schools reopen on Monday, January 3, 2011."December 17 will not be a shortened day because we're not administering exams," said Dr. Henry Hunt, superintendent. "State law only allows districts to schedule shortened days to administer exams or hold staff development activities. Shortened days are limited annually to three."
First semester exams begin on January 7 and continue on January 10, 11, and 12. Days will not be shortened for first semester exams.
November 17-20, eleven students accompanied by faculty sponsor Yvonne Mayo travelled to and participated in the YMCA Youth In Government 23rd Annual Model Legislature at the State House in Columbia. For months, students have been writing and debating bills pertaining to topics of interest that they hoped could become law for South Carolina. At the conference, students presented their bills in committees with students from across the state, and debated and answered questions in an effort to get their bills passed to the model House and Senate and then to the youth governor to be signed into law. Ideas for bills came from personal experiences and opinions and included eliminating cosmetic testing on animals, shortening the appeals process for death row inmates, increasing penalties for fake identification, and welfare reform. Delegates sat on the State House and Senate floors in the desks of the actual state congressmen and senators to conduct their debates, and one group even got to tour the underground tunnels leading from the committee buildings to the state house! For some, this was their first trip to our state capitol, but for all, it was a first hand look at state government that they will never forget!
The SC Department of Education has announced the winners of the 2010 No Book Left Unread Summer Reading Program, and Liberty High School is at the top of the list in not one, but THREE categories! Liberty High was named the Reader Leader High School (for schools with enrollment of less than 750) after turning in 464,157 minutes of reading time from June 1-August 31, 2010. Liberty High was also the top high school in the state with the greatest percentage of students participating! Junior Trey Garrison was named Reader Leader Student logging 68,462 minutes over the summer as well. According to LHS Media Specialist Yvonne Mayo, this is the second time Liberty High School has been recognized at the state level for No Book Left Unread honors, but it is the first time they have won in three categories! Congratulations to all of the students, faculty, and staff who participated in this year’s contest! Thanks to you, Liberty High School will receive hundreds of dollars worth of free books and other resources as prizes. Trey will also be receiving prizes when the winners are recognized at the SC Association of School Librarians annual conference in March.
The Herff Jones Company representative will be accepting orders for graduation supplies at Liberty High on Wednesday, December 1, from 8-11 a.m. in the Liberty High Cafeteria. An $80 down payment is required and may be made by money order, cashier's check, cash, credit card, or check. Seniors who would like to order a class ring may do so on December 1. Ring down payments begin at $60. Seniors received information on ordering graduation supplies during Club One advisement on Monday, November 22.
2010-2011 First Semester Exam Schedule
January 7 and 10-12, 2011
High Schools* and Career Center
| Day | Date | Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | January 7 | 1A, 2A |
| Monday | January 10 | 1B, 2B |
| Tuesday | January 11 | 3A, 4A |
| Wednesday | January 12 | 3B, 4B |
*No Algebra 1/Math Tech 2, English 1, Physical Science, Biology 1, or U.S. History and Constitution exams are to be administered because of the state's End-of-Course Exam regulation. Exams are only to be given in these courses at the completion of the course.
Congratulations to Alex Edwards for his selection as the My40 Thursday Night Lights Student Athlete of the Year! He was awarded a $1,000 scholarship for this honor. He is pictured here with his parents, Donivan and Judy Edwards.
On Saturday, November 20, Liberty High's Competitive Cheer Team will be on their way to the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville to participate in the State AA Cheer Competition around 8:30 a.m. Please line the streets from Liberty High to Highway 123 to give them a "Liberty" sendoff on their way to the competition. Show up in your red and black and give this team your support as they try to bring home their fifth straight State AA Competitive Cheer title. The Parade of Teams will be at 10:40 a.m., competition begins at 11:00. LHS will compete at 12:10 p.m. Admission is $8.
Upstate School Spirit will be at LHS on Thursdays during lunch in December with great LHS gifts for your friends and family....and for yourself. You can choose from "Class of 2011" t-shirts and tumblers, "Liberty Girl" t-shirts and totes. You will also like the drawstring backpacks, duffle bags, jewelry, bows and so much more! Be sure to stop by their table during lunch on Thursdays in December.
Congratulations to the cast and technical production team for their tremendously entertaining and successful performances of Charlotte's Web last week, November 11-13. All performances were sold out and broke all previous attendance records. A special thanks to all who had an active part in the production and all who attended.
Congratulations to the Liberty High Competitive Cheer Team and their coaches as they advance to the AA State Championship on November 20 at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville. The Parade of Teams will be at 10:40 am, competition begins at 11:00. LHS will compete at 12:10 pm. Admission is $8.
Liberty High commemorated Veterans Day with an assembly sponsored by the LHS JROTC. Cadet Battalion Commander Sarah Ward presided at the ceremony and recognized and welcomed many veterans (shown at left) from the community to Liberty High. 
Special speaker for the program was Major Thierry Andre' Bras who is currently an Assistant Professor of Military Science with the Clemson University Army ROTC "Fightin Tiger" Battalion. Major Bras delivered a message on the importance of freedom and the role all branches of military service of the United States play in securing the freedoms we enjoy throughout the world. Cadet Battalion Commander Ward is shown at left presenting Major Bras with a certificate of appreciation for participation in the program.Music for the program included the Liberty High Brass Ensemble (directed of Mr. Rudge Arnold) and the Liberty High Chorus (directed by Mrs. Jean Toole).
The LHS Theatre Department presents the family classic Charlotte’s Web as the opening play of the 2010-11 season. Adapted by Joseph Robinette from the book by E. B. White, the play tells the story of the friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider. It features the talents of the third period Drama 3 and 4 class. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday November 11-13 at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Theatre (Band/Chorus Room). All tickets are $5. Come bring the family for this heart-warming story. There will be an opportunity for photos with the characters after each performance.
http://www.my40.tv/newsroom/sports/tnl/athlete/videos/vid_9.shtml?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cd370a075781a38,0
The LHS Thespian Troupe sponsored a food drive during the week of October 25-29. Students who contributed 5 or more items of nonperishable food items were granted the privilege of dressing up on Friday, October 29. Mrs. Jean Toole, LHS Thespian Troupe sponsor, reports that LHS collected 712 pounds this year as compared with 505 pounds last year.
United Christian Ministries was delighted to receive the food donation from LHS. Our hope is that needy families in our community will be able to benefit from the food donations.
Thank you to all who participated in this worthwhile community project.
LHS Boys’ Cross Country finished 3rd in the state! Also, congratulations to Coach Mike Riggins for being named Region Coach of the Year for boys' cross country.
Congratulations to the following on volleyball honors this season:Hailey Collins, Emily James, Megan Kelley and Amber King are All-Region.
Coach Carla Simpson was named Region Coach of the Year.
Amber King was named All-State.
The LHS Varsity Competitive Cheer Team won the 2A State Championship for the fifth year in a row and their 6th consecutive Region I-AA Championship on Saturday, November 20. Congratulations, Coach Missy Ricken and Lady Devils! Way to go!
On Thursday, October 28, the last LHS game was played at Liberty Stadium. Our football team rose to the occasion and defeated Crescent 45-26! LHS was pleased to recognize former coaches from 1962, the first year in the stadium, Stan Honeycutt and M. J. Stansell (shown at left). It was senior night and all fall senior athletes and senior marching band members and their parents were recognized prior to the game. (Click here for pictures!)
Following the game, the game ball was presented to Horace King (pictued at left with LHS Athletic Director Sherry Haithcock) who scored the first touchdown in Liberty Stadium. Former Red Devil football players, coaches and cheerleaders were recognized by the decade they played/cheered at Liberty Stadium. It was a great evening for the entire Liberty community. THANKS for your support and thanks for the great memories!The game was the MY40 Thursday Night Lights game of the week. To order a DVD of the broadcast, send $20* to: WMYA-TV 110 Technology Drive Asheville, NC 28803. *Make sure you include a note that you want the Oct. 28, 2010 game at Liberty High School!
On Wednesday evening, October 27, in second round AA Volleyball play-off action, Liberty defeated the Indian Land Lady Warriors in three. On Thursday, October 28, Liberty football hostedCrescent as the Thursday Night Lights game of the week! This will be the last LHS game played in our current stadium as we will be moving into a new school next year. All former Liberty football players are encouraged to attend and be recognized. LHS is asking all former football players, coaches and cheerleaders to come on the field prior to the game to join the spirit line for this year’s team as they enter the field.
We’re Building Futures in Pickens County, including a new Liberty High School. Get details and watch progress on our new school by visiting the Building Futures Web site. You can access this link either under “Our School” on the left of our web site or under “What’s New” at the top of our site. New slideshows and aerial photographs, added several times each month, are located under the Our Progress in Pictures tab.
Liberty High will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 25-29. The following are the themes for each day:Monday - "Turn Your Back on Drugs" - wear shirts backwards
Tuesday - "Shade Out Drugs" - wear sunglasses (cannot be worn during instructional time)
Wednesday - "Stomp Out Drugs" - wear boots
Thursday - "Put a Cap on Drugs" - wear hats (pay $1 to participate--money collected goes to Jason Robison and his family. Jason is a 10th grade student at LHS who is battling cancer.)
Friday - "Drug Use is Scary" - wear Halloween costume after contributing 5 nonperishable food items to be donated to local food bank (sponsored by the LHS Thespian Troupe)
Make-up pictures for underclassmen and teachers will be taken next Tuesday, October 26. Any underclassman who is having his/her make-up picture made next Tuesday needs to come by Room 206 and get a price list for the picture packages. Pictures have to be paid for the day picture is made; guaranteed satisfaction or money back. 
Support Homecoming 2010 "Back in Black" by purchasing a biscuit! Chick-fil-A biscuits will be on sale all this week for $3.00 in the car loop and in the canteen area. All profits will go to support Liberty High's Student Government Association!THANKS for your support!
Doors are being decorated, mini-floats assembled, and banners hung. Spirit Days are set and the excitement is building for Spirit Week! Tuesday – College/Pro-Teams Day
Rock Bands will jam everyday this week during lunch. On Tuesday and Thursday funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and French fries will be on sale; on Wednesday, Hot Dog Stand; and on Friday, Italian Ice. Chick-fil-A biscuits will be sold each morning. A Pep Rally is planned for Friday afternoon. Come cheer on the Red Devils as they host Carolina High School Friday, October 22, and enjoy the homecoming festivities during halftime.
The LHS Band is now selling Florida Indian River Fruit for delivery November 18-23. The sale is now in progress and ends on October 22. Make checks payable to LHS Band Boosters. Contact Rudge Arnold, LHS Band Director, at school or Sandra Moore, Band Boosters Fruit Sale Coordinator, at 630-3401 for more information. Information concerning prices and specific types of fruit being sold can be found in our LHS October newsletter on page 4. Click here to access the October newsletter.
Last week, Officer Lawyer Scott joined the Liberty High staff as school resource officer. Welcome to LHS, Officer Scott!
Seven Beta Club members attended the Beta Leadership Summit in Columbia on October 1, 2, and 3. The group participated in sessions devoted to learning to work in teams and estalishing cooperative work situations. The group was accompanied by Beta Club advisor, Mrs. Pam Scott, and LHS teacher, Mrs. Michelle Hawkins. The LHS Red Devil Regiment took First Place in Color Guard, Percussion and Horn Line in class 1A at the Berea Green Machine Marching Invitational held on October 2. The Red Devil Regiment also placed First Place overall in class 1A. Congratulations to the LHS Red Devil Regiment. The Band will be competing at Pendleton High on October 9. Performance time is 1:15 PM. Come out to support the Band!
At the region cross country meet at Pendleton High School on Saturday, October 16, the
Show your team spirit by wearing black on Thursday, September 30, in support of the Lady Devils varsity and JV volleyball teams as they host the Lady Eagles of Chesnee. JV match begins at 5:30 and varsity at 7 p.m. Pack the gym and show your LHS spirit!
Liberty High's Competitive Cheer Teams participated in the Viking Invitational held at Spartanburg High School on Saturday, September 25. The Varsity Team finished in first place and the JV Team finished in third place. Congratulations to our Competitive Cheer Teams and their coaches!
Do you know a high school senior interested in becoming a teacher?Do they need money for college?
Have they heard about Teaching Fellows?
The Teaching Fellows application is available now at www.cerra.org!
Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs and professional development at one of eleven Teaching Fellows Institutions and are involved with communities and businesses throughout the state. They receive up to $24,000, in yearly scholarships (up to $6000 a year for four years), while they complete a degree leading to teacher certification. The scholarship provides up to $5700 for tuition and board (contingent on funding from the S.C. General Assembly). A Fellow agrees to teach in South Carolina one year for every year he or she receives the Fellowship.
The application can be found at www.cerra.org and will close at 11:59 pm on November 1, 2010. Applicants must be a US citizen, a SC resident, and a current high school senior. Please contact Jenna Hallman at hallmanj@cerra.org with questions about the Teaching Fellows Program.
You can now follow the progress of the LHS Habitat House project using a dedicated page that will be used to chronicle this project for the next ten months. At left, Mr. Fred Connington, retired LHS teacher, assists a student. The link is located under the Student Life section of our side navigation links. Click here to access the page for a current slideshow.
Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large $10; 2X $11; 3X $12
Thanks for your support! For more information, contact Miss Trakas at jimmietrakas@pickens.k12.sc.us or Mrs. Dunn at tameikadunn@pickens.k12.sc.us.
Go Red Devils!!! For more information, contact Miss Trakas at 864-843-5800 or via email at jimmietrakas@pickens.k12.sc.us
Students attending the afternoon tutoring sessions need to sign in by 3:30. Parents need to pick up their children at 4:20. The office may be closed so there may not be any phone access to contact parents; transportation needs to be arranged ahead of time. Cell phones must be off and out of sight during these sessions. Students are eligible to get a red H.E.A.T. attendance verification note as proof of their participation. Students will be responsible for keeping up with the verification notes in case their teachers require it for some reason – extra credit, for example.
After only 3 days on site, over 100+ volunteers, which include students, parents, staff, and community members, have generously given their time to help build the LHS Habitat house located on 301 West Beattie Street. We have made GREAT progress. All of the walls (interior and exterior) are up and we are moving onto the roof!!! Wish us luck by stopping by the site to see our progress. Workdays are on Tuesday (5:00pm till dark) and Saturday (8:00am – 1:00pm). Way to go Red Devils!!!A special thanks to Ms. Sarah Young of Grainger, a nationally-ranked industrial supply distributor, for generously donating safety glasses to all of our volunteers. Also, special thanks to Miss Carolyn Brice and Mrs. Kathy Grant for providing lunch to all of our volunteers. We could not do this without your support!!! Click here to see and monitor our progress. For more information, contact Miss Trakas at 864-843-5800 or via email at jimmietrakas@pickens.k12.sc.us
It is possible for students to purchase their yearbooks AND pay for any extras that they might want without it costing them a dime. That’s right. YEARBOOKS CAN BE FREE AT LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL if you’re willing to participate in the Ingles gift card program and/or the SCRIP gift card program. If you buy groceries, gas for your vehicles, and shop for birthday gifts, wedding gifts, Christmas gifts or any other occasion, then you need to find out about these two programs. Last year, around 50 students purchased yearbooks and it cost them NOTHING out of pocket. If you’re interested in learning more about either of these programs, please contact Dana Rowland at DanaRowland@pickens.k12.sc.us, or call her at 843-5800.
*Individual teacher webpages may list more specific requirements.
Be sure to check the district's dress code policy before purchasing clothes for school. A copy of the policy was mailed home to parents with registration materials.
Teachers are working on their Web pages so that students and parents can access assignments, grades, and class information. To use the many resources on our websites, you must first create a parent account through the SDPC site or any of our school sites.
If you experienced problems creating an account, logging in, or seeing your student’s classes before Monday, August 23, please try again. Users who still experience problems should contact the school for assistance. Please contact teachers with questions about their Web pages.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Read more about resources on our websites (Daily Activity Notifications, Combined Calendars, Student Storage Space, Curriculum Overviews)
Should you need assistance in creating a parent account, please contact Susan Neal at LHS at 843-5800 Ext. 27.
Commencement 2010 took place Saturday morning, June 12th, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson. One hundred eight
During the entire fourth nine weeks, LHS Environmental Science students, known as the “Hard Hat Wonders,” have been partnering with Vulcan Materials to help raise local awareness about Vulcan’s conservation efforts to maintain its wildlife habitat. Under the strong leadership and direction of plant manager Mr. Tracy Snapp, students were given the opportunity to construct habitats for Canadian geese and Carolina wren. (Click here for pictures.) On Friday, June 4, 2010, Marshall Hendricks, a member of the graduating class of 2010, presented Mr. Snapp with a new wildlife habitat sign, which will be displayed off of Highway 93.
The partnership between Liberty High School and Vulcan Materials has shown to be a great and valuable asset for our local community, as well as for our students. Students have gained unprecedented knowledge that cannot be taught solely in a classroom. They have also learned the greatest lesson of all – giving back!!!! LHS looks forward to more adventures with Vulcan Materials for years to come. Special thanks to ALL the staff at Vulcan Materials (especially Mr. Snapp, Mr. Scott Merck, Mrs. Mimi Jefferson, and Mr. Roger Littleton) for making this school year a success!
On Friday, May 21st, Club One teams participated in the Second Annual Club One Olympics with their advisors/team captains. Throughout the morning, each advisor group for grades 9-12 competed through a circuit of ten tasks for the right to be grand champions. Along the way, students learned how to work as a team, how to effectively communicate, and that everyone is not good at everything. “These are some of the greatest lessons we can teach our students,” noted Assistant Principal Mrs. Lori Gwinn. It’s these skills they will use both in college and their careers. (Click here for pictures!)
Club One continues to be one of the most innovative and important additions to Liberty High School. This advisor program helps to connect every student to an adult in the school, every student to an interest or activity, and every student to a post secondary goal.
Students, faculty and staff are being challenged once again to read, read, read this summer! LHS is participating in No Book Left Unread, a statewide initiative to encourage summer reading. Participating students and staff simply need to record the number of minutes read between June 1 and August 31 on a reading log. This change in the rules is to simplify and encourage participation in the public library summer reading program as well, but if you would prefer to count pages, one page counts as one minute. Any reading counts - newspapers, magazines, textbooks, or recreational reading - as long as you are “reading” and not just looking at pictures! Logs may be picked up from the Media Center or you may print additional logs by clicking here for student logs or here for teacher/staff logs. Logs may be completed on a daily basis or as you finish books.
A grand prize will be awarded to the student or faculty member who reads the most, and your totals will be submitted at the state level for a chance to win even more! There will also be prizes for the biggest readers at each grade level and for the faculty/staff member who reads the most, and random drawings will be held from completed logs for additional prizes based on the number of participants. The more logs you complete, the more chances you have to win! Enjoy a fun-filled summer of reading!
Marshall Hendricks, a student in Mrs. Hawkins’ Digital Imaging class, has received the US Department of Justice Project Sentry first place award for the school gun violence prevention logo he created. Marshall was the statewide winner in the high school division and received a $100 US savings bond. Seen to the left is Max Cauthen, U.S. Attorney's Office, presenting Marshall with his award. Congratulations, Marshall!
Enrolled in an honors or AP class for next school year? Information about summer assignments for AP US History, Honors World History, AP Literature, and Honors English 2, 3, and 4 has been posted to our web site. If you have any questions, the e-mail addresses for teachers of these courses are also listed. Click here to see a list of these courses and teachers. The link is also found under “Academics” on the left side of the page. Students need to be aware that all summer work must be turned in no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 29.
On May 13 and 14 the second period Drama 3 and 4 class presented the intense courtroom drama Twelve Angry Jurors. This theater classic came to life under the direction of Mrs. Jean Toole who “outdid herself in a big way,” according to Mrs. Rowland, English teacher at LHS. According to Mrs. Toole, this was “truly a labor of blood, sweat, tears, and dedication.” Congratulations to Mrs. Toole and to the cast for their wonderful performances! Click here for pictures.
Visit the Drama Page for a look back at performances throughout this school year.
The Baccalaureate Service for graduates will take place on Sunday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m. at the LMS Auditorium. Seniors should wear their graduation gown and appropriate attire (no cap) and arrive by 5:30 p.m. All are invited!
Attention, Juniors! It’s your turn! Piedmont Portraits will be at LHS on June 23 and June 24 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to take Senior portraits for the Class of 2011. There is a $15 sitting fee that must be paid on the day pictures are made. Juniors should receive a letter in the mail from Piedmont Portraits with more information. Watch for it!!
Congratulations to all who participated in spring sports! LHS appreciates the time, talent, and energy our student-athletes give to representing LHS!
Two Liberty High School Seniors were honored on Wednesday, May 12, as the Fort Prince George Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter presented them with prestigious DAR awards. The LHS recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award is Ethan Brown. The faculty chose three seniors who best exemplify outstanding qualities of leadership, dependability, service, and patriotism in their school, home, and community. From these three names, the Seniors voted on one DAR recipient. Niki Campbell is the recipient of the DAR JROTC Award. This award is presented to a Senior cadet who best exemplifies outstanding qualities of leadership, dependability, service, and patriotism and military discipline in Army JROTC, their school, home, and community.
Per school district policy, no medication may be stored in the health room over the summer. All student medications must be picked up by June 10th or they will be destroyed. Prescription medications need to be picked up by a parent or guardian. Please remember that medications may not be taken home on the bus. Contact our school nurse, Mrs. Carrie Bagwell, if you have any questions.
Ryan Stephens, Liberty High School, has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Toccoa Falls College. Ryan completed his senior year hitting a career high .325. Ryan also contributed on the mound where he helped guide the Red Devils to some very important wins. LHS Coach Scott Kerwin said “Ryan is a leader on the field with his work ethic and unselfish attitude.” He was the recipient of the Matthew Glen Roper “Role Man” Award for LHS Baseball this season. For more about Ryan, visit the LHS baseball page.
The excitement has been building and Friday, May 21, is the big day when Club One teams will compete in the second annual Club One Olympics. Preliminary points have already been tabulated for some Club One teams based on the Egg Drop Contest held last week. Other fun and challenging competitions will take place throughout the morning. In the afternoon all the teams will gather in the gym for play-offs. The stage has already been set for the dodge ball championship with Team Hendricks (Freshmen) competing against Team Toole (Juniors) and Team Fuller (Sophomores) going up against Team Kerwin (Seniors). (Click here for pictures of our dodge ball competitions held in March!) The winners of these games will compete for the LHS Dodge Ball Championship. The day will conclude with the Club One Awards Ceremony. ---- Let the games begin!
On Wednesday, May 12, Liberty High students witnessed local emergency responders work with simulated traffic accident victims during the 2010 "Prom Promise" program. This event seeks to remind students of the dangers of drinking and driving during the high school prom season. The LHS prom will be Saturday, May 22, at LHS. Students are encouraged to make a “prom promise” to be extra safe on this night. (Click here for pictures and here for an unedited video of this event.)
On Friday, May 7, the LHS Relay for Life Team participated in the Pickens County Relay for Life wearing student-designed t-shirts. The sale of these “Burning for a Cure” shirts, the sale of luminaries honoring persons affected by cancer, a faculty/staff silent auction, and the opportunity to wear blue jeans to school for a price all helped to raise funds that will be used in the fight against cancer. Liberty High School appreciates the support of all those persons and businesses that contributed to this worthy cause! The LHS Relay for Life Team raised a total of $1,825! (Click here for pictures!)
The second period Drama 3 and 4 class will present the intense courtroom drama Twelve Angry Jurors on May 13 and 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Theatre (Band Room). (Note: Only TWO performances!) Directed by Jean Toole, the play features Brianna Bagwell as the Judge, Jesse Hayes as the Guard, and Nathaniel Bush as the Clerk. The twelve jurors are played by Jessica Smith. Kelsey Mullikin, David Rogers, Haley Wilson, Ashley Stutchman, Chad Leonard, Michelle Slattery, Dylan Pancoast, Bristtle Thompson, Amanda Tolleson, Brandon Balavre, and Lacey Medlin. Stephanie Cope serves as Stage Manager and Light Technician. Come for an evening of high drama as this theatre classic comes to life. All tickets are $5.00.
The third period Drama 3 class performed the children’s play The Fabulous Fable Factory by Joseph Robinette for audiences of second graders from Liberty Elementary School. On April 29 and May 3, the theatre was filled with excited children who watched as the cast presented six of Aesop’s famous stories each with a moral to tell. The cast included Joseph Noblitt as Aesop and Alix Schneider as Margo the amateur moral maker. The Fable Machine was played by Brittany Mayo, Emily Owens, Nicole Crump, Jon Lyda, Wesley Wells, Morgan Ford, Sabrina King, and Julie Beth McConnell. Both audience and cast had a wonderful experience! Click here for pictures!
The second annual LHS Hoops Skills and Drills Day Camp, directed by LHS Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach Cory Drennon, is scheduled for July 5-8 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the LHS gym. This camp is open to girls and boys from second through seventh grade. The pre-registration fee is $35 (must be received by June 10); registration at the door is $40. While learning about the game of basketball and the importance of fundamentals and form shooting, campers will also be instructed on the importance of good sportsmanship and a positive attitude both on and off the court. Click here for the brochure! For more info, contact Coach Drennon at CoryDrennon@pickens.k12.sc.us.
Two LHS coaches have been honored by being selected to serve as coaches for their sports in the North-South All-Star games. Coach Scott Kerwin, Varsity Baseball Coach, was named a coach for the 2010 North All-Star baseball team. This team will compete in the North-South All-Star baseball game in Myrtle Beach the weekend of June 18-19. Coach Curtis Middleton, Varsity Football Coach, has been selected to serve as an assistant coach for the North Team in the 2010 North-South All-Star football game which will take place in December in Myrtle Beach. Congratulations, Coach Kerwin and Coach Middleton!
The Red Devil Athletic Booster Club will meet on Monday, May 17th, at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS cafeteria. Anyone interested in serving as an officer for 2010-11 should contact Sharon Dodd at 864-270-1197 or sharondodd@pickens.k12.sc.us to let her know of your interest before this meeting. The officers for next year will be voted on at this time. LHS appreciates your support!
Any time is a great time to thank a teacher for help received or for making a difference in your life, but the first full week in May is National Teacher Appreciation Week and this May is South Carolina’s first-ever South Carolina Teacher Appreciation Month, so this time of year is a particularly good time! Whether it’s a handshake, a note of thanks, a phone call, or even a gift, please take some time now to express your appreciation for a special teacher's hard work and dedication to students.
This year, South Carolina Future Minds has teamed with Bojangles’ to make honoring a teacher easy, meaningful and fun! Students and adults have a forum to share their story about an important teacher in their life – click here. One teacher honored during Teacher Appreciation Month will be randomly selected to receive a cruise, courtesy of Bojangles’. South Carolina Future Minds will also pass along the notes of gratitude they receive to every teacher recognized through its web site.
Thank a teacher this month! Thank a teacher all the time!
The May/June issue of “Red and Black,” Liberty High School’s monthly newsletter, has been posted to the web site. (Click here.) Due to budget constraints, the newsletter has not been mailed home this year. Students and parents are encouraged to check out the newsletter for all the latest updates – including information about End-of-Course testing, the second semester exam schedule, the latest athletic news, a calendar of events and much more. This issue recognizes our third quarter honor roll students, April Students of the Month, and students who competed in the Knowledge Master Open competition. Copies of the newsletter are available in the main office.
The AP testing schedule is set by the College Board. Early testing or testing at times other than those published by the College Board are not permitted under any circumstances. AP tests will be administered May 3-14.
Click here for exam/testing schedules.
The LHS School Improvement Council (SIC), an advisory committee to Mr. Gilstrap and the LHS faculty, brings together parents, educators and community stakeholders to work collectively to improve our school. Unlike voluntary school organizations, SIC’s are mandated by law to exist in every public school in South Carolina. One of the responsibilities of the SIC is to develop and implement a five-year school improvement plan (Click here for our latest school renewal plan), and then to monitor and evaluate success in reaching the plan's goals and objectives. Each year the SIC prepares a report to parents about the progress of the plan. Click here for the SIC 2009-2010 Report to Parents.
AP US History students from Liberty High School traveled by train overnight for a whirlwind tour of Washington, DC, on Friday, April 23. Arriving at historic Union Station, the group began by touring the Supreme Court Building and taking a guided tour of the Capitol Building. The students then sped through the National Mall and beyond to view such sights as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and the Vietnam Memorial. After lunch-on-the-run from a street vendor, the group then visited various Smithsonian Museums including the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. This was both the first time on a train and the first time in our nation’s capitol for many on the trip, and it is sure to be a trip they will remember for the rest of their lives!
Matt Whitworth has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Anderson University. Matt, a six-year letterman and a two-time all region player, was named the Skyline Region Player of the Year in 2009. Last year, Matt batted .483 and led the team in nearly every offensive category. LHS Coach Scott Kerwin said “Matt has been a true leader on this year’s team and will be greatly missed next year.” Visit the baseball page for more about Matt.
After practicing for months, a team of students from Liberty High School joined thousands of students throughout the country and in many foreign countries competing on April 21 in the 54th Knowledge Master Open (KMO) competition. In this competition, students compete “virtually” online with other teams; this allows all students the opportunity to compete in a large academic event without the expense of traveling to a central site. Results of the contest are tabulated into overall, state, and enrollment-size rankings. Academic Coach Yvonne Mayo described this year’s event as “one of the most difficult and grueling contests she has seen.” The contest is made up of 200 questions and teams are scored based on accuracy and speed of their answers.
Team members this year were Team Captain Haley Wilson, Seniors Dylan Brooks, Cassy Fisher, and Ashley Whitman, and Juniors Kylie Black, Samantha Butler, Stephanie Cope, Blake Crooks, and Brittany Mayo. Dylan Pancoast and Robbie Powell also participated in the competition. Congratulations to these outstanding students!
Liberty High School has been selected as the “School of the Year” by the United Way of Pickens County. The United Way of Pickens County is a nonprofit organization that focuses resources on the most critical health and human service needs in our county.
Way to go, Casey and Cory! We are proud of your hard work and success! Good luck at the national competition this summer!
LHS Relay for Life t-shirts are on sale! This fundraiser will benefit the fight against cancer! Everyone is encouraged to purchase this LHS student-designed “Devils Burning for a Cure” t-shirt and be in the group picture on May 7! The cost is $15 and the deadline to order is Friday, April 23. Students should see their Club One advisor or Mrs. Kirby in Room 210 for an order form. Order forms and payment may be turned in to Mrs. Kirby on Tuesday or Thursday during Club One, before or after school, or in between classes. Parents and members of the Liberty community may contact Mrs. Kirby at SandyKirby@pickens.k12.sc.us if they would like to order a shirt or offer support for the LHS Relay for Life Team through another means.
On Thursday, April 15, Liberty High School Environmental Science students, known as the “Hard Hat Wonders,” ventured off to tour Vulcan Materials of Liberty. Under the expertise and watchful eye of plant manager Mr. Tracy Snapp, students gained unprecedented access to the inner workings of a rock quarry. They learned how rock is initially harvested and then manufactured for commercial use through several mechanical processes.
In the community, Vulcan Materials is commonly associated with its quarry status, but many fail to realize it is also a certified wildlife habitat. Miss Trakas’ class is partnering in education with Vulcan Materials during the entire fourth nine weeks to assist Vulcan Materials in maintaining this prestigious designation and honor. Students will be presenting research and schematics on constructing several natural habitats for select species. They will also be given the opportunity to implement their plans by working on the Vulcan site to construct these habitats. Environmental Science teacher, Miss Jimmie Trakas, believes that “this is what environmental science is all about…giving back to the community.” Click here for pictures.
The 2009 School Report Cards were released today. Liberty High School’s Report Card indicates improvement in several areas: out of school suspensions or expulsions for violent criminal offenses, enrollment in AP programs, success on AP exams, annual dropout rate, career students attaining technical skills, and passing scores on End of Course tests. The school received an absolute rating of Average with a growth rating of Good. As a result, Liberty High has been awarded the Palmetto Silver Award in both General Performance and Closing the Gap. (See announcement below.) Click here for the 2009 LHS Report Card Summary and here for the 2009 LHS Comprehensive Report Card.
LHS will administer the HSAP next week Tuesday through Thursday, beginning at 8:00 a.m. each day. All morning Career Center students involved in testing will need to remain at LHS and should report to the cafeteria where attendance will be taken. Thursday will be the math portion of HSAP; students need to bring their calculators with them. A list of testing sites for students is posted on the office window for students to check before Tuesday. Student attendance is very important and students should make every effort to be on time. Students being tested are encouraged to be well-rested and eat a good breakfast before each test.
The last nine weeks of the school year is now underway, so graduation for our Class of 2010 must be around the corner. A “Graduation Newsletter” has been posted to the LHS web site. This newsletter contains a wealth of information for our Seniors and their parents. Important dates are listed, along with the dress code for graduation and other very pertinent information. The newsletter was mailed to Seniors earlier in the school year and is posted on the Senior News page.
HASP testing will be held at Liberty High School on Tuesday, April 20, Wednesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 22. Testing will begin at 8:00 and should conclude by 11:15 each day. Volunteers are needed to support the faculty during the testing sessions. If you are available to assist, please contact Angie Burgess at 843-5800 ext. 18 or angieburgess@pickens.k12.sc.us for more details.
Attention, Sophomores! The Herff Jones class ring representative will be at LHS on Thursday, April 8, from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. in the Commons Area to take orders for class rings. Just a $50 down payment is required for all orders. Down payments may be made by money order, cashier’s check, cash, credit card, or check. Any Junior or Senior who has not ordered their class ring may do so at this time. Extra ring packets are available in the office.
On Friday, March 26, Liberty High School AP Biology students ventured to the SC DNA Learning Center located on the campus of Clemson University. Under the direction of Professor Renea Hardwick, these students had an opportunity to experience the latest advances in biotechnology first hand. Students were able to examine DNA and its molecular components through the use of gel electrophoresis, PCR, RFLP, and gene transformation techniques. (Click here for pictures.)
AP Biology teacher, Miss Jimmie Trakas, believes that “hands-on experiences, especially in a laboratory setting, make the material taught in the classroom more relevant and real-world for students to grasp. Students become more invested in learning the complex material if they see its true application.” Students in AP Biology will be taking their AP Biology examination in early May. Good luck, Miss Trakas’ class.
Congratulations to Kris Rice on being named Liberty High School’s Most Improved Senior for the Class of 2010! Kris was recognized at a luncheon hosted by the Pickens Area Society for Human Resource Management Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the B. J. Skelton Career Center. At this luncheon, he was awarded the 2010 J. B. "Red" Owens Most Improved Student Award for Liberty High School. Kris is pictured here with Mr. and Mrs. John Schumpert. Click here for more pictures.
Kris is to be congratulated for the personal growth and perseverance he has demonstrated throughout his high school career. We look forward to all that his future will bring.
Liberty
SGA is seeking feedback about the week and its activities! Please take a minute to log in and visit Mrs. Dunn’s blog off the SGA student club page!
The annual SCYABA Pizza/Voting Party took place on Monday, March 15. To receive an invitation, students were required to read at least three of the twenty South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (SCYABA) nominees and pass the accelerated reader tests on them. This year Mrs. Mayo, Media Specialist at LHS, recognized junior Sarah Ward for reading and passing the AR tests on all twenty! At the party students voted for their favorite book. The book that receives the most votes statewide will be announced later this month at the annual SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) conference. Not only was the list of next year’s SCYABA nominees available, the books were ready for checkout! Happy Reading! (Click here for more!)
SPIRIT WEEK is back! The LHS Student Government Association is sponsoring the first-ever springtime Spirit Week March 15-19. Lots of fun activities are planned – including a Club One Dodge Ball Tournament, Rock Band during lunch, and dress-up days. Students will have the opportunity to purchase special foods throughout the week – such as Chick-fil-A biscuits, fried Oreos, ice cream and toppings, Italian ice and much more! The week will culminate in a pep rally on Friday afternoon to recognize winter and spring sports.
Check out the SGA page for all the details – including what yummy goodies are available each day and what to wear throughout the week! Proceeds from the week will benefit Jason Robison and his family, as well as the participation of LHS students in Special Olympics.
Graduation supplies, including cap and gown and announcements, will be available for pickup ONE DAY ONLY on Monday, March 15th, during lunch in the Commons Area. The balance due must be paid at this time. Payments may be made by money order, cashier’s check, or cash. No personal checks will be accepted. Any Junior or Senior who has not ordered their class ring may do so Monday during lunch in the Commons Area. Down payment: $50. Extra ring packets are available in the school office.
Any Junior or Senior who has not ordered their class ring may do so Monday during lunch in the Commons Area. Down payment: $50. Extra ring packets are available in the school office.
The 2010 Census, a count of everyone living in the United States, is fast approaching. Census questionnaires will be mailed to every household in the country during this month. Look for your 2010 Census form to arrive in the mail soon and then make sure you fill it out and return it by April 1st. It takes ten minutes to complete and is 100 percent confidential. Data from the census determines funding for programs like special education, adult education, Title I, and other federally funded education programs. It is very important that everyone be counted! All of our children and our community are counting on you!
The U.S. Census Bureau has launched an initiative to help educators teach our young people about the U.S. Constitution and the importance of the census. As part of the initiative, Census in Schools Week will be celebrated March 22-26. Check out the following links for census information for parents, teens, and schools.
The LHS Relay for Life Team was recently recognized for achieving the Silver Level status. In only its second year of participation, the LHS team raised $3,596.00 in the 2009 Pickens County Relay for Life. LHS was awarded the “All Star Team Award” for the South Atlantic Region and received a plaque. Mrs. Sandy Kirby, LHS team captain, is pictured here with several members of the LHS faculty and staff – showing off their “Fight Like A Girl” t-shirts sold last year.
Liberty High’s Relay Team is already planning for this year’s Relay which will take place Friday, May 7, at Easley High School. This year LHS student-designed “Devils Burning for the Cure” t-shirts will be on sale to students, faculty and members of the LHS community during the month of April. Luminaries will also be sold for $10. Anyone wishing to purchase one in honor or memory of someone who has battled cancer can send money to Mrs. Kirby. Each Club One group will be purchasing and decorating its own luminary. The team is also planning a Faculty-Staff Silent Auction for April 30. Anyone having donations for this event may contact Mrs. Kirby at SandyKirby@pickens.k12.sc.us. Monetary donations are always welcome. Checks should be made out to ACS (American Cancer Society) and are fully tax-deductible. Thanks for your support of this worthy cause!
In observance of “Read Across America” last week, LHS students were encouraged to read. On Tuesday staff members from the Pickens County Public Library system were in the Commons Area during all lunches conducting a public library card drive. Teen Services Librarian Tammy Kelley, Sarlin Branch Manager Jennifer Kolesar, and Amanda Goldson, from the Kimberly Hampton Branch, were excited that a number of LHS students took advantage of this opportunity to sign up for a library card! On Friday students, faculty and staff had “silent sustained reading” during Club One following by a time to share what each enjoyed reading. Click here for pictures!
The March issue of “Red and Black,” Liberty High School’s monthly newsletter, has been posted to the web site. Due to budget constraints, the newsletter is not being mailed home this year. Students and parents are encouraged to check out the newsletter for all the latest updates – including information about Spring Map Testing, the Drama 2 upcoming play, LHS Blood Drive, LHS athletics, Club One Olympics, Annual Day, the Spring (Prom) Fling, SCYABA Pizza Party, and much more. This issue recognizes the second quarter honor roll students, student of the month for January and February.
Click here to see the March newsletter.
On Tuesday, March 2nd, the LHS JROTC scored a 98.5% on their Battalion Formal Inspection. This score means that they maintain their “Honor Unit with Distinction” status - the highest rating that can be received in Army JROTC. The gold star worn on the JROTC uniforms represents the “Honor Unit with Distinction” status. Mr. Rudy Ford and Mrs. Lynn Davis from Fourth Brigade Army JROTC Fort Bragg were on hand throughout the morning for the inspection. Pictured is Sergeant First Class Lyle inspecting cadets in the LHS gym.
Congratulations to our JROTC cadets and instructors Major Ben Ivey and Sgt. Allan Thielman! We are proud of you and applaud this achievement!
In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month, the LHS Band and Chorus will perform a combined concert on Thursday, March 4th, at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS gym. The concert will feature a wide variety of styles and genres. All LHS faculty, staff, students, friends, and family are invited! Admission is free. Join us!
LHS Club One groups collected a total of 561 pounds of food (519 food items) between January 26 and February 12 while participating in the “Souper Bowl of Caring.” Mrs. Hawkins’ Club One group collected the most and on Monday, March 1, their Club One group was treated to a pizza party. Golden Harvest Food Bank, the local food bank in Liberty, sent a truck to our school to pick up the donations and Mrs. Hendricks’ 3A English 1 class helped load the truck. Golden Harvest was most appreciative of our contributions during a time of great need.
Shaun Wooten, a Senior at LHS, coordinated this food drive for his Senior project. Thanks, Shaun, for your hard work and dedication to this worthy cause! Click here for pictures taken throughout this project and of Mrs. Hawkins’ Club One!
LHS is participating in the national initiative "Read Across America" throughout this week. This celebration of reading is sponsored by the National Education Association and takes place on or near the observance of Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2. On Tuesday representatives from the Pickens County public library will be at LHS during all three lunches conducting a public library card drive. Got one? Get one! Free for all!
To kick off the week on Monday, March 1, Broadcast Journalism teacher/WLHS producer Mr. DeRossett was a guest reader during Club One. Later in the week students are encouraged to bring their own reading materials to enjoy some free reading time for fun during Club One as we celebrate "Read Across America!"
LHS held its Winter Sports Awards Program on Thursday, February 25. Pictured to the left are winter All-Region athletes Kasey Finley, Amber King, Jordan Duncan and Kris Rice. Click here for the Winter Sports Awards page. Liberty High School appreciates the time, energy and talents of our student-athletes and the positive way they represent our school.
You’ve heard of 9-1-1, but have you heard of 2-1-1? With so many families in our county in crisis, United Way of Pickens County’s 2-1-1 service is even more valuable than ever, providing free, confidential information and referral service for health and human services in our county. 2-1-1 also connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities. The service is available 24/7 with multi-lingual capabilities; simply dial 2-1-1 or toll-free 1-877-648-9900. Click here for the United Way 2-1-1 web site.
Liberty High School is once again participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s School and Youth Program "Pennies for Patients." Students are encouraged to scrounge through the cushions, under the couch, in the car seats, and in the bottom of their book bags for pennies and other loose change. Club One advisors are collecting all change, as well as paper money and checks, for this very worthy cause. “Pennies for Patients" boxes will be collected on Friday, March 12. Thanks for your support!
Congratulations to Stephanie Cope, Morgan Ford, Sabrina King, Jon Lyda, Julie Beth McConnell, Joseph Noblitt, and Dylan Pancoast – LHS drama students who were inducted into the Thespian Society at a ceremony held Thursday evening, February 11th. Click here for pictures!
On Thursday, February 11th, LHS JROTC cadets visited Oakmont Nursing Home for Valentine’s Day. Cadets attend this event annually and spend time socializing and dancing with the residents. They also show off their talents by singing karaoke for entertainment. Click here for pictures.
In conjunction with “Have a COW” (Career Opportunity Week), each LHS student had the experience of completing a job application for a job/career of their choosing. The applications were then divided into the five “Schools of Study” that are a part of the SDPC curriculum framework - School of Art & Communication, School of Business Management & Information, School of Engineering & Industrial Technologies, School of Medical & Public Services, and School of Environmental & Natural Resources. The ten best job applications were selected from each school and on Thursday, February 18, the winning students visited job sites that had a connection to their schools of study. Congratulations to those students whose job applications were selected! Click here for pictures of the field trip!
On Monday and Tuesday, February 22-23, rising freshmen through seniors and their parents will meet with the student’s Club One advisor about the courses being selected for the 2010-2011 school year. These conferences are scheduled between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. each of these days. Parents should have received a letter about this process with an assigned time. If parents cannot attend at the given time, they should contact the Club One advisor to reschedule.
Liberty High School “Teen Lead” students recently helped in the planning and presentation of a Valentine’s Party for fellow students at LHS. The party took place on Friday, February 12, and a wonderful time was had by all. Members of LHS Teen Lead are: Katlyn Alexander, Jamie Beacham, Brandy Bearden, David Bearden, Kramer Carpenter, Adam Clardy, Caitlyn Davis, Holly Gibson, Tamara Henson, Vinson Jenkins, Melanie Johnson, Morgan Parker, Maria Stenger, Jason Teague, and Sam Van Tassel. LHS appreciates their work and enthusiasm for this event! Click here for pictures!
The third annual "Have A COW" (Career Opportunity Week) and Freshman Round-Up were once again great successes! The LHS Diamond L Diner was full of excitement Tuesday evening, February 9, as rising freshmen and their families were treated to burgers hot off the grill and learned about student life at LHS. Following dinner our guests received a tour of the school and then visited classrooms where future freshmen received their course selection materials from their LHS advisors.
As a part of this special week, LHS invited guest speakers to share about their careers via a live feed from the LHS Media Center. LHS wishes to thank the following for their time and willingness to share with our students about their careers: Mrs. Trish Spence, Ms. Kristy Leopard, Mr. Ron Winegard, Mr. Andy King (pictured), and Mr. Mark Hendricks.
The LHS Guidance Department appreciates all those who made the week a success! Visit the Photo Gallery page for pictures of the week!
On Tuesday, February 9, Liberty High School will be “rounding up” all of our 2010-2011 freshman class! Beginning at 5:30, current LMS 8th graders, their parents, their teachers and administrators, and the entire LHS faculty will join in a meal to kick off this event. From 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., all will participate in an informational meeting where students and parents will learn about LHS athletics, academic opportunities, extracurricular activities including the Fine Arts, as well as all one ever needs to know about life as a Liberty High School freshman! Afterwards, students and their parents will meet the student's LHS advisor. Students will receive their registration material and have a time to ask questions about registration. This third annual Freshman Round-up will close as we all move to the gym to cheer on our Varsity Boys Basketball Team as they take on Crescent!
Yeehaw! The third annual “Have a COW” (Career Opportunity Week) kicks off Monday, February 8. It promises to be a fun week offering our students opportunities to learn about careers! Guest speakers will be on campus each day sharing about their careers; students interested in those particular careers will have the opportunity to “lunch and learn” with them in the Media Center.
Students will have the opportunity to wear their COWboy and COWgirl attire on Tuesday, show off their college colors on Wednesday, and dress for their desired career on Thursday. Course selection materials will be distributed to students in grades 9-11 during Club One on Friday.
Mr. Cow A Bunga will be with us each day to remind us to “eat mor chikin.” Toward that end, chicken biscuits will be for sale each morning for $3 in the gym. Be sure to bring your MOOO-la! Liberty High School appreciates Chick-fil-A in Clemson for their support of this special week. They will be supplying us with biscuits and allowing us the use of their COW suit throughout the week! Having Mr. Cow A Bunga with us sure adds to our fun! COWABUNGA!!!
The February issue of “Red and Black,” Liberty High School’s monthly newsletter, has been posted to the web site. Due to budget constraints, the newsletter is not being mailed home this year. Students and parents are encouraged to check out the newsletter for all the latest updates – including information about “Have a COW” (Career Opportunities Week), registration for next school year, and much more.
Click here to see the February newsletter.
Congratulations to Mrs. Michelle Hawkins, LHS Business Education teacher, for achieving National Board Certification! This honor is given by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and is the culmination of a process that represents a great deal of work on the part of teachers. Candidates are required to meet rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review. Liberty is very proud of Mrs. Hawkins and congratulates her on this impressive accomplishment! Click here for more about Mrs. Hawkins!
Chastain Road Elementary School is scheduled to open in September 2011. At that time, the Liberty community will have two elementary schools serving kindergarten through fifth grade students. The School District of Pickens County needs to determine the attendance line for these schools, with the goal being to have school populations of similar size and demographics. Liberty residents are invited to attend a public meeting about the attendance line on Monday, February 8, at 7:00 p.m. in the Liberty Middle School Auditorium. Click here for the district press release.
In addition, the Skyline Region Wrestling Tournament scheduled for tomorrow, January 30, at Crescent High School has been re-scheduled for Monday, February 1, at 5:00 p.m. with weigh-ins beginning at 4:00 p.m.
LHS was also notified that Lander University has made the decision to move the Open House scheduled for tomorrow to Saturday, February 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students can register for Open House or another campus visit at www.lander.edu/admissions or call 864.388.8307 or toll-free 1.888.4LANDER.
Congratulations to the LHS Wrestling Team for being the Pickens County Champs for the third year in a row! LHS defeated Daniel 46-30; Easley, 69-12; and Pickens 37-33 in the final round. Individual medalists for LHS: Gold medalists: Phillip Rainwater, Karahn Washington, Jordan Duncan, Saul Rosa, Kodi Duncan; Silver medalists: Roberto Gonzalez, Mitchell Johnston, Dillon Shelton, Josh Gillespie; Bronze medalists: Matt Uselman, Mandy Tolleson, Jakob Dismukes, Dakota Stewart, Robbie Powell, Congratulations to Jordan Duncan for being named the tournament’s “Most Outstanding Wrestler!” Way to go, Red Devil Wrestlers!!!
Pickens County Habitat for Humanity has obtained grant funds to construct three new houses in the Liberty area. This nonprofit organization is currently seeking three families who would qualify for these homes. Three of the guidelines to qualify are as follows: 1) a family needs to be able to pay $250 a month in mortgage payments; 2) a family must be willing to work with others to build their own home; and 3) a family’s current living situation should be considered sub-standard – for example, no indoor plumbing, poor heating, leaks in the roof, overcrowding (three to a bedroom), or unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Click here for more detailed information from the Pickens County chapter of Habitat for Humanity. If you or a family you know meet the necessary guidelines, please contact Habitat toll free at 864-868-3737 for an application packet.
LHS is coming together with youth all across our country to fight hunger. This national movement, coinciding with the NFL Super Bowl, is intended to mobilize youth to help the hungry in their local communities. It started in 1990 in Columbia, SC with twenty-two churches raising $5,700. Last year the Souper Bowl of Caring raised over $10 million in cash and food! This year LHS Seniors Justin Roach and Shaun Wooten will oversee this food drive for their Senior Project.
From January 26 to February 5, students are encouraged to bring in canned goods and non-perishable food items to their Club Ones. Our donations will be given to Golden Harvest Food Bank. The Club One that brings in the most canned goods/food items will be treated to a pizza party. LHS appreciates your support of this very worthy cause!
Course selection for the 2010-2011 school year is just around the corner, and with the EEDA requirements for students to “declare a major,” students are curious about where their futures might lie. To help with this important decision-making process, LHS is hosting the Third Annual “Have a COW” Week February 8-12. This Career Opportunity Week (COW) is designed to expose students to the world of work by inviting different professionals to speak to students and answer questions about their particular job, by educating students about non-traditional careers, and by getting students excited about the options that lie ahead. Once again, we will be hosting the Chick-fil-A Cow as we sell Chick-fil-A biscuits each morning and many fun-filled cow-themed activities will take place all week long.
This week of education and fun includes the Freshman Round-Up on Tuesday, February 9, as rising Freshmen visit the school for tours, dinner, and to meet our staff and students prior to a Red Devils’ basketball game.
Also, course selection forms will be given to our students in grades 9-11 on February 12th during Club One. These forms must be returned to Club One advisors on February 17th. Students and their parents will have the opportunity to meet with Club One advisors during parent/student registration conferences that are scheduled to take place Monday and Tuesday, February 22-23, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
All LHS students in grades 9, 10 and 11 have had the opportunity to complete their annual Individual Graduation Plan, or IGP, at school with a counselor during Club One. Parents, please plan to come by the school with your child on Saturday, January 23, for a chance to review your child’s IGP. Counselors will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, and you will be able to review, update, and receive a copy of your child’s IGP. Please mark your calendars now. We look forward to seeing you on January 23. Plan to drop in at your convenience between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Liberty High School welcomes the following student teachers (pictured left to right) for this semester: Mr. Matt Hagelgans, Clemson University – Social Studies, Mr. Hiles; Miss Megan Sharpe, Clemson University – Social Studies, Mr. Connington; Miss Brittany Hostetter, Southern Wesleyan University - Math, Mrs. Young; and Mr. Grey Lancaster, Clemson University – Math, Mr. Anderson. Not pictured is Miss Jennifer Boynton, who will be working as a guidance intern this semester. Liberty High School enjoys the opportunity to work with future teachers and guidance counselors from our surrounding institutions.
Billy Hayes, a 2009 graduate of
Liberty High School will operate on the AM Activity Schedule today. There will be no Club One today. First period will be about 20 minutes shorter than the normal time.
Condensed version:
9:00 – First period starts
10:10 – Second period starts
11:40 – Third period starts
11:20 PM Career Center reports to lunch
11:35 First lunch starts
12:15 Second lunch starts
12:50 Third lunch starts
1:50 – Fourth period starts
Members of the LHS freshman class had the opportunity to tour the B. J. Skelton Career Center on Tuesday, January 5. Students had a presentation prior to their visit so that they would better understand the classrooms they would see and the courses of study available. Click here for pictures.
The Liberty Duals scheduled for tomorrow at LHS will now start at 12:00 noon, with weigh-ins at 11:00 a.m., due to the possibility of bad weather overnight. Come out and support our wrestlers! Go, Red Devils!
First semester exams are scheduled for January 20-25, 2010. Students need to be aware of the current School District of Pickens County exam exemption policy.
For a year-long course, the examination average (first and second semester) will carry a weight of 20 percent of the total grade for the year. The final examination (second semester) will test only that material which has been covered during the second semester. Students with a cumulative average of 93 or above may exempt only the final exam in a year-long course (second semester exam).
For a semester course, the examination grade will carry a weight of 20 percent of the grade for the semester. Students with a cumulative average of 93 or above will be exempt from taking the final course examination.
For courses with a state-mandated end of course test, the test will count 20 percent of the total grade for the course. No first semester examination will be given. No examination exemptions are allowed.
Following a regular day of classes on Friday, December 18, School District of Pickens County students and staff will begin a two-week winter break. Schools reopen on Monday, January 4, 2010. Note that Friday, December 18, will not be a shortened day. First semester exams will take place January 20, continuing on the 21st, 22nd and 25th. Days will not be shortened for first semester exams.
We wish all our students and their families a happy and safe holiday season!
LHS Seniors and their families need to mark their calendars for Graduation 2010. This special event for our graduates will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. As in past years graduation will be held at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.
During the week of December 7-11, “The Santa Cause” raised over $1,900 to help Liberty families who are in need of assistance. Chick-fil-A biscuits were sold each morning, the Polar Express visited Club One groups each day with goodies for sale, and donations were made by many. Pictured here are SGA officers Morgan Ford, Alexica Thomason, and Olivia Frazier. Click here for more pictures of the LHS Polar Express!
LHS appreciates all those who showed their caring spirit! Thanks to Miss Trakas, Mrs. Dunn, Miss Stiles, all the contributors, all the elves – and all those who helped out by buying goodies!
Packets with parent permission slips were distributed to all high school students in mid-November. Although the date for returning permission forms was November 20, school nurses will continue to accept forms until Friday, December 18. At that time, vaccine will be ordered for students who have returned forms.
Click here for the District News Release and Schedule.
LHS students and parents are reminded to be aware of the district inclement weather procedures. When faced with a decision to close schools or delay opening because of weather, the district priority is student safety. The goal is to communicate the district’s decision by 6:00 a.m. through a ParentLink message and a web site announcement. The district will also notify local radio and television stations. Families are reminded that ParentLink uses contact information from the SASI student database, so every student’s contact information needs to be up to date. Notify LHS immediately when your contact information changes.
LHS students, their families and members of the Liberty community are invited to enjoy musical sounds of the season presented by Liberty students next week. The LHS Chorus will present their concert on Monday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. at East Side Baptist Church in Liberty. The Symphonic Band and Jazz Band concert will take place on Thursday, December 17th, at 7:00 p.m. in the gym at LHS. The LHS strings students will join the Daniel High School strings students to present a holiday concert at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 14, in the Daniel Auditorium. Admission is FREE for all these events!!!! We appreciate the talents of our students!
The annual LHS Miss Devilier Pageant was held Saturday night, December 5, at the LMS auditorium. Nearly 400 friends and supporters of the forty young ladies who participated came out to enjoy the crowning of class beauties and the coveted Miss Devilier title. The theme was “Steppin’ Out” and contestants performed a choreographed line dance to a popular song, “Hoedown, Throwdown,” by Miley Cyrus to set the tempo for the evening. Congratulations to Erin Torbett (pictured here) who was crowned Miss Devilier, to Samantha Crawford, Miss Devilier First Runner Up and the Grand Talent winner, and to Megan Thomas, Miss Devilier Second Runner Up. Click here for the complete list of pageant winners and click here for pictures!
The Miss Devilier Pageant is the yearbook staff’s biggest fundraiser, and this year the event raised over $5000. Mrs. Dana Rowland, the yearbook advisor, is assisted by Mrs. Deb Rogers in the planning and production of the pageant, along with volunteers of friends, staff, and faculty. LHS appreciates the many hours invested in this event and the talents that went into making this year’s pageant a success!
The Polar Express began rolling through the halls of LHS on Monday selling drinks and baked goodies to raise money for “The Santa Cause.” Monday’s elves were representatives from SGA and Teacher Cadets. Tuesday's elves were members of the Beta Club. Wednesday's elves were Junior Class officers and members of the Broadcast Journalism class. Youth In Government members were our elves on Thursday. (Click here for pictures!)
Over $1275 has been raised in the first four days to help LHS students and their families who need assistance during this holiday season! Thanks for your support of this very worthy cause to help our own!
The LHS Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, December 17th, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Anyone who is at least 17 years old and weighs at least 110 pounds is eligible to give blood. This year for the first time sixteen year olds who meet the weight requirement are also eligible to give. They must have a signed permission form and a picture ID with them on the day of the blood drive. The Parental/Legal Guardian Consent Forms are available in the JROTC office. Students may sign up in their English class, the front office, the Media Center or in the JROTC office. Our goal is to collect 100 pints of blood. Thanks for giving the gift of life!
During the week of December 7-11, Liberty High School’s Student Government Association will be sponsoring its First Annual Santa Cause campaign. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be distributed to LHS students and their families who need assistance this holiday season. We realize that many charities are seeking donations at this time of year, but what makes this fundraiser SO SPECIAL is the fact that it stays right here at Liberty…for our kids!!!
LHS NEEDS your help to make this campaign a true testimony of Liberty’s dedication to our students, as well as to our community. In an effort to raise money for The Santa Cause, SGA is asking for donations of 2-liter drinks, snack cakes, and baked goods (pre-wrapped). Each item will be sold for fifty cents everyday next week during breakfast and lunch and during Club One as members of different clubs act as elves and sell treats from “Polar Express” carts. Again, let’s keep it at home this year, and donate to this worthy cause…The Santa Cause! (If you have any questions, contact Miss Trakas at JimmieTrakas@pickens.k12.sc.us.)
Help our own! Support “The Santa Cause” by purchasing a biscuit! Chick-fil-A biscuits will be on sale all next week for $3.00 in the car loop and in the canteen area. All profits will go to The Santa Cause.
THANKS for your support of this very worthy cause!
LHS held its Fall Sports Awards Program on Monday, November 23. Pictured to the left are members of the LHS Competitive Cheer Team who were named All-Region with Coach Missy Ricken, named Region Coach of the Year. Coach Mike Riggins was also named Region Coach of the Year for Cross Country. Click here for the Fall Sports Awards page.
Liberty High School appreciates the time, energy and talents of our student-athletes and the positive way they represent our school. LHS also appreciates the time, energy and talents our coaches share with these student-athletes.
Click here to see the December newsletter!
The LHS Varsity Competitive Cheer Team won the 2A State Championship for the fourth year in a row on Saturday, November 21. Congratulations, Coach Missy Ricken and Lady Devils! Way to go!
Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations. LHS students Kramer Carpenter, Jessica Keever, and Ashton Reeves participated in a Model UN Conference held on the Clemson University campus November 12-13. These students researched the country of Vietnam and took on roles as diplomats. Mr. Fred Connington, Social Studies teacher at LHS, serves as the sponsor for Model UN.
Teen Ink, a national publication and web site written by teens for teens, provides a forum in which teens can express themselves through poetry, essays, stories, reviews, art and photography. LHS Senior Haley Wilson recently submitted an article about LHS drama teacher, Mrs. Jean Toole, in the nonfiction “Educator of the Year” category and was notified this week that her article had been voted #2! Haley has had Mrs. Toole as her drama teacher throughout her high school career. She writes, “Mrs. Toole is the most amazing teacher I have ever (and most likely will ever) have. Words can only begin to describe how wonderful a teacher she is.” Click here to read Haley’s entire article. Congratulations, Haley and Mrs. Toole!
During the month of October, LHS Club One groups were encouraged to participate in “Make A Difference Day” – “America's largest day of doing good.” Mrs. Kelly's Club One sent 730 thank you cards to our soldiers and Mrs. Scott's Club One sent a care package to our marines overseas. There were other contributions from teachers as well as other Club One groups.
Tai Simmons, a 10th grader, felt the need to “Make a Difference” for a fellow LHS Devil - freshman Jason Robison who is fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Tai wanted to do something to raise money to offset his medical expenses. Toward that end, Tai designed a T-shirt that says “LHS Fighting Leukemia Together ‘Cause Caring Comes In Red & Black.” She asked one of her teachers, Mrs. Kelly, and her classes to assist her in selling these shirts to students and faculty members at LHS. Mrs. Whitmire and her Club One students also donated money to this fund as their “Make a Difference” project. Seventy-one shirts were sold at LHS and in the community (Click here for a picture of some of those who supported the cause!) and a total of $729.55 was raised for this very worthy cause. LHS wishes to thank Graphic Cow for their donation to this fundraiser.
LHS students and community members have really reached out and showed their caring spirit through this “Make a Difference” project and others! This makes us proud to be Liberty Red Devils!
Last Thursday night was opening night for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry and the audience offered rave reviews! This beloved American holiday classic came to life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast with sound effects produced onstage. Mrs. Toole, LHS drama teacher and the play's director, commented that she was “proud of the way the cast has embraced the age and traditions of radio.” Cast members include Nicole Crump, Tiffany Crump, Cierra Edwards, Morgan Ford, Sabrina King, Jon Lyda, Brittany Mayo, JulieBeth McConnell, Joseph Noblitt, Emily Owens, Alix Schneider, and Wesley Wells. (Click here for pictures.)
Don’t miss this wonderful performance! Remaining shows are Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the LHS Theatre (Band Room). All tickets are $5.
On Wednesday, November 11, LHS students and teachers gathered for a Veteran’s Day assembly to honor local veterans and pay tribute to veterans, past and present. (Click here for pictures.) LHS JROTC student C/LTC Niki Cambell introduced guest speaker Mr. Chuck Lee, a graduate of The Citadel and veteran of the United States Army. Mr. Lee spoke about the history of Veteran’s Day and reminded those present that our veterans are “a treasure.” He reminded us that we know veterans; they are members of our families – grandfathers, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters. These brave men and women have served our country and defended the American way; they are responsible for the freedoms we enjoy. Mr. Lee concluded by sharing a message that the late Red Skelton shared years ago when he gave a definition of each of the words or phrases in our pledge. He challenged us to be mindful of what these words mean.
Liberty High School appreciates our veterans and the sacrifices they and their families have made for us and for our great nation.
The 2010 Devilier, Liberty High School’s yearbook, is on sale RIGHT NOW! Yearbook staff members were on hand on Monday, November 9, in the Commons Area during all three lunches to take orders. They will be available again on Wednesday and Friday, November 11 and 13, to take orders and answer any questions students may have. Students and parents can also log on to www.jostensyearbooks.com to place an order online. Remember, “Yearbook is because of you, not about you!” Don’t miss out on having a yearbook on annual signing day in May! Order yours TODAY!!!
On Wednesday, November 4, members of Miss Trakas’ AP Biology class, Mr. Connington’s AP Psychology classes, and Mr. Kerwin’s Anatomy class traveled to Atlanta to experience two educational exhibits. Seventy-one students toured “BODIES… The Exhibition” – a “phenomenal exhibition about the amazing and complex machine we call the human body.” This exhibit features more than 250 real, whole and partial human body specimens providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the human body.
Students also experienced “Dialog in the Dark – Your Senses Will Never Be The Same” – billed as the “greatest exhibit you will never see.” In this exhibit, visually impaired or blind tour guides led the students through different settings in absolute darkness. Students learned how to interact without sight by using their other senses. This experience is intended to change mindsets on disability and diversity, and increase tolerance.
The students then ventured into downtown Atlanta to tour CNN’s global headquarters. (Click here for pictures!)
On Friday, November 6, a volunteer from the local United Christian Ministries food bank made a stop at Liberty High School to pick up over 500 pounds of donated non-perishable food items. These items were collected by the LHS Thespian Troupe as a part of the international community service project Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat: “Because hunger is a very scary thing.” All those who donated five or more items “earned” the right to wear a costume on Friday, October 30. Pictured here are members of the LHS Thespian Troupe with the donated food. Click here for more pictures!
The LHS Thespian Troupe and its sponsor Mrs. Toole would like to thank all those who participated in this project.
The School District of Pickens County is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to offer the H1N1 vaccine to students and employees at school-located clinics during the school day. The latest “Timely Topic for Parents” (Click here.) contains information is about these upcoming clinics. Through this partnership between SDPC and DHEC, students will hopefully be able to take advantage of the vaccination campaign that is being encouraged across the nation in the effort to control the spread of the H1N1 virus.
The third period Drama 3 and 4 class will open the LHS Theatre season with It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. This beloved American holiday classic film comes to life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. The show features live sound effects and a musical score by Kevin Connors.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. November 12, 13, and 14 in the LHS Theatre (Band Room). All tickets are $5. Start your holiday season with this wonderful family show.
Liberty High School’s Wendy’s High School Heisman Nominees for 2009 are Casey Reeves and Matt Whitworth. They are recognized for their outstanding contributions in academics, athletics, and citizenship. Both are ranked near the top of their senior class and served as graduation marshals for the 2009 class. Click here for more about Casey and Matt and their contributions to LHS and our community.
We congratulate Casey and Matt on this honor!
We wish the team success next week as they compete in the State Meet which will take place in Columbia. Go, Red Devil Runners!!!
This year the LHS Thespian Troupe is participating in the International Thespian Society’s community service project Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat: “Because hunger is a very scary thing.” Non-perishable food items are being collected through Friday, October 30th, for United Christian Ministries’ food bank. To encourage participation by our students, any student who brings in five items to their Club One advisor by Wednesday, October 28th, will earn the opportunity to wear a costume to school on Friday, October 30. Costumes must follow dress code regulations; specific guidelines are included in the daily announcements. To view the video filmed by the LHS Thespian Troupe to publicize and promote this event, click here.
Teen Read Week is coming once again to a library near you! This year’s theme is “Read Beyond Reality @ your library.” One of the activities planned for the week is a costume contest that will take place on Friday, October 30th, during all three lunches. Students who have a Thespian Ticket (see home page article above about this event) may dress as their favorite character from a book, bring the book with them for pictures and enter the costume contest! In addition, the popular Read-a-Latte Café will be open all week with Chick-fil-A biscuits, doughnuts, coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods for sale. A SCI-FInd scavenger hunt is also in the works! Stop by the LHS Media Center during this fun week and see what all the buzz is about!
Beginning with decorating classroom doors, creating mini-floats, and making banners for Spirit Week and culminating with the crowning of the LHS Homecoming Queen and the homecoming game on Friday, October 16, Spirit Week at LHS was a great success.
Mr. Hiles’ Club One group placed first in the door-decorating contest; Mr. Kerwin’s Club One group, first in the banner contest; and Mrs. Hawkins’ Club One group, first in the mini-float contest. Torrey Lay was crowned Homecoming King at the Friday Pep Rally; Josh Seeton was crowned Homecoming Prince. Pictured are Amber Grayson, Homecoming Queen, and Samantha Crawford, Homecoming Maid of Honor. Click here for a look back at Homecoming Week at LHS. Thanks to everyone who made this week a great success!
SGA welcomes your feedback on all the activities and festivities that took place last week. Feel free to log on to our web site and visit the SGA Homecoming Blog to offer your comments and suggestions!
Any Junior or Senior who has not ordered their class ring may also order a ring at this same time. Extra ring packets are available in the office. A down payment of $50 is required.
Liberty High School principal Mr. Gilstrap and assistant principal Mrs. Gwinn “officially” welcomed the Class of 2013 on Friday, October 9th, and encouraged them to make the most of their high school years. Guidance counselors Mrs. Burgess and Mrs. Latham, along with freshmen Club One advisors and Student Government officers, assisted in distributing the Class of 2013 t-shirts, free school supplies, drinks and donuts. SGA officers announced and introduced the freshmen class officers: President Meagan Fogarty, Vice President RJ Little, Secretary Dakota Stewart, and Treasurer Lauren Sheriff (pictured here). (Click here for more pictures!)
Welcome to LHS, Class of 2013! We wish you much success and great high school memories!
Doors are being decorated, mini-floats assembled, and banners hung. Spirit Days are set and the excitement is building for Spirit Week next week! In addition to Spirit Days, other activities are planned to make the week a spirit-filled, fun week for everyone at LHS.
Rock Bands will jam on Tuesday and Wednesday during lunch. On Wednesday funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and French fries will be on sale; on Thursday, Bruster’s ice cream; and on Friday, Italian Ice. Chick-fil-A biscuits will be sold each morning. The annual Homecoming Parade is in the works for Friday morning at 7:15 and a Pep Rally is planned for Friday afternoon. Come cheer on the Red Devils as they host Emerald High School next Friday, October 16, and enjoy the homecoming festivities during halftime. See the Daily Announcement page for more details of all these events!
Homecoming Week 2009 is all about "One
From the Red Devil’s Den is Liberty High School’s online source for school news. New issues are released the 1st and 15th of every month. Breaking news is covered on the Front Page, while interesting tidbits and popular stories can be tracked on the Features page. Sports and Student Life are also covered, and an Entertainment section provides movie and book reviews. And if you are looking for an opinionated viewpoint, our more difficult issues are covered on the Editorials page.
From the Red Devil’s Den is staffed by sophomores Lindsey Garrett and Emily Harris, juniors Savannah Marks and Dylan Pancoast, and seniors Jessica Parker and Erin Torbett. Check out the first issue today! (under Student Life)
Caitlyn Bryant, freshman, was the top LHS student reader with 16,853 pages. Caitlyn (pictured here) will receive $100 worth of gift cards of her choice through the SCRIP program and will be entered at the state level for a chance to win more prizes. Alyssa Andrejak was the student runner-up with 16,581 pages and Mrs. Fleming was top faculty/staff reader with 14,824 pages. Students Ashley Whitman and Ashley Stutchman also won Blockbuster gift cards in a random drawing from book logs that were turned in and Mrs. Waring, secretary/receptionist, won a Cracker Barrel gift card from the faculty and staff drawing.
As a school, our staff and students read 329,094 total pages compared with only 182,801 last year. What an increase! Way to go, LHS readers!
A total of thirty-seven Club One groups are participating in a national day of helping others! Each group is choosing a way to “make a difference,” whether it is at Liberty High School, in the town of Liberty, in Pickens County, or even around the world! Each group has four weeks to complete their project for the national “Make A Difference Day” on October 24, 2009. A variety of projects are underway, from donating items to Mary’s House to sending care packages to soldiers to collecting supplies for the Humane Society. We are thankful our students have this opportunity to help others!
LHS students are invited to attend H.E.A.T. (Hour of Educational Advancement through Tutoring) beginning this Wednesday! Three teachers from different subject areas will be available to provide tutoring assistance to students for one hour immediately after school on Wednesday afternoons. Students may stay either 30 minutes or the entire hour. The afternoon tutoring sessions will be held in Rooms 304 and 305 from 3:20 until 4:20 p.m. In addition to the afternoon sessions, morning tutoring will be available in Room 106 from 7:20 until 7:50 on Thursday mornings. Computer access will be available for school assignments that may require a computer and Internet access.
Students attending the afternoon tutoring sessions need to sign in by 3:30. Parents need to pick up their children at 4:20. The office may be closed so there may not be any phone access to contact parents; transportation needs to be arranged ahead of time. Cell phones must be off and out of sight during these sessions. Students are eligible to get a red H.E.A.T. attendance verification from the teachers. Students will be responsible for keeping up with the verification in case their teachers require it for some reason – extra credit, for example.
Juniors and Seniors had the opportunity to participate in a cross-county college fair on Monday, September 21 at Southern Wesleyan University. Colleges from across the southeast were represented offering students information about college entrance requirements and majors offered at their schools. Students had the opportunity to speak directly with college admissions representatives from colleges of interest. This event was sponsored by CACRO, Carolina Association of Collegiate Registrar and Admissions Officers. Students from Pickens County and Oconee County high schools were invited to this event.
Help is on the way! For students who need some extra help for HSAP math and language arts, tutoring sessions have been scheduled. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Kirby will be offering HSAP remediation for math on Wednesday afternoons from 3:20 - 4:20 p.m. Mrs. Hendricks and Mrs. Crawford will be offering HSAP remediation for ELA on Thursday afternoons from 3:20 - 4:20. These tutoring sessions will be held in Room 211 September 23 through October 15. Students needing assistance are encouraged to attend!
Communication between home and school is critical, but unfortunately, with current budget constraints, the decision has been made not to mail home the monthly “Red and Black” newsletter. There is so much valuable information in these monthly newsletters. It is very important that parents and students take the time to visit the Monthly Newsletters page under "What's New" and keep up with the latest happenings and information. We will post a notice on the LHS home page each month when the newsletter is available. For those without Internet access, copies of the newsletter are available in the LHS main office.
In September’s issue of “Red and Black” - check out dates for the LHS Welcome Back Open House, MAP testing, Academic Booster Club meeting, interims being sent home, school pictures and more, as well as athletic information and information about volunteering and the upcoming band fruit sale. Don’t miss out!!!
The first day of school for students in the School District of Pickens County is Tuesday, September 1. Students and parents are reminded that traffic is traditionally heavy at the beginning of the school year. Plan to arrive at school early in order to avoid traffic congestion. Students need to report to their 1A class by 8:00 a.m. – using the schedules they received at registration. Lost schedules can be replaced for $1 in the front office.
Other beginning of year info:
· ID cards will be distributed during Club One sessions as they are printed. Students may use their own lanyard as long as it is a break-away style.
· Student drivers should follow the instructions of parking lot attendants to fill in the lot as they arrive. All students who were on the waiting list before 8-29-09 qualify for a parking permit. Mrs. DeNard has these waiting for payment in her office. Contracts must be returned to Mrs. Gwinn before the decal can be picked up.
· Bus routes are posted on the glass at the bus ramp exit. Parents with route questions can call Mrs. Gwinn or the Liberty Transportation office.
It’s that time! Registration for Liberty High School students is THIS WEEK from noon to 6:00 p.m. – Tuesday for seniors, Wednesday for juniors and sophomores, and Thursday for freshmen.
Students will receive their student agendas and ID’s, class schedules, textbooks and locker assignments. Parents/students will have the opportunity to pay student fees, parking fees (if applicable), and deposit money into cafeteria accounts. Mrs. Carrie Bagwell, LHS school nurse, will have health information/forms for parents/students and information will be available about the Athletic and Academic Booster Clubs.
During registration the LHS Band Booster Club will be selling hotdogs ($1.50), pizza ($2), chips ($.75), fountain drinks ($.75), bottled water ($1), and baked goods ($.50) in the cafeteria. Plan to stop by for lunch and visit with fellow students and parents or take some goodies home for dinner! Support our band students!
Members of the LHS Marching Band are hard at work practicing for their halftime program for the home LHS football games and preparing for their Saturday band competitions. Visit the LHS Band Page for the Band Camp Schedule and other Marching Band dates.
Three area grocery stores offer opportunities for shoppers to support their schools every time they shop for groceries. We encourage our parents, students and community members to make the most of these programs.
- This past year monies raised through the Ingles Tools for Schools program enabled LHS to equip two math classrooms with individual dry erase boards for thirty students, including dry erase markers. Students who completed our single gender survey overwhelmingly identified this tool/strategy as one of the best used in any of their classes. Shoppers MUST re-register their card every year. Visit the Ingles Tools for Schools web site and enter your information today!!! (This is a direct link to our school’s information. The LHS school ID number is 11871.)
- The Publix Partners program donates $250 to LHS for every $3,000 in grocery sales. Publix Partners cards will be available at registration for those who do not already have one. You do not need to register at their site. Remember to use your card each time you shop at Publix!
- The Bi-Lo boosterplus program is an easy, convenient way for you to support LHS! Information about this program will be available at registration. You simply take the Bi-Lo hand-out with you to the store and scan it with your Bi-Lo Bonus Card the next time you shop there. The sheet you will receive has four scannable cards on it for you to clip and share. Shoppers need to re-register their Bonus Card every year.
Please tell all your friends and family and other members of the Liberty community to check out these ways to help LHS! With the extreme budget cuts that schools are facing, we need to take advantage of these opportunities to make a difference in the instructional program at Liberty High School. Thank you for your support!!!
It’s almost that time! The first day of school for students is Tuesday, September 1st. We know students and their parents will be spending the next few weeks preparing for a new school year. In fact, with the South Carolina tax-free weekend approaching, parents and students are most likely getting their shopping lists together this week. Beginning on Friday, August 7, and ending at midnight on Sunday, August 9, students and parents can purchase eligible items such as clothing, shoes, school supplies, computers, and linens without paying sales tax on those items. Please check out the LHS “Back to School” page for helpful information including registration dates, suggested school supply lists, reminders about the school dress code. You might also visit the district "Back to School" page for other pertinent information. We are excited about the 2009-2010 school year and look forward to seeing our halls filled with students once again!
Football (Varsity & JV) - Report to camp on Thursday, July 30th at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a parent meeting at this time in the cafeteria. Contact: curtismiddleton@pickens.k12.sc.us
Cross Country (Boys & Girls) - Report for camp at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31st, in front of the gym. You will return to LHS at approximately 4:00 p.m. Contact: mriggins44@aol.com
Girls' Golf - First practice at Pickens County Country Club on Friday, July 31st, at 8:30 a.m. Contact: dirkellenburg@pickens.k12.sc.us
Volleyball (Varsity & JV) - First practice on Wednesday, August 5th, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Contact: carlasimpson@pickens.k12.sc.us
Competitive Cheer (Varsity & JV) - Teams already have their practice schedules.
- membership in the Red Devil Booster Club,
- season tickets for football,
- reserved seating and reserved parking for football, and
- all-sports passes.
Note that all those who join the Red Devil Booster Club by August 5th will be listed in the football program. Don't miss out! Click here for the form needed to join the booster club, order tickets and/or reserve seating or parking.
The budget shortfall affecting the School District of Pickens County has caused many changes, including the way we offer driver education courses. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, our high schools will not offer driver education courses during the regular school day. We will, however, offer driver education at each high school outside normal school hours. Students who are interested in taking driver education must complete an application; requests made earlier this year are no longer applicable. Students must return completed applications to their high school’s main office by Thursday, June 11, 2009. Students will be notified at registration if they have been accepted in the course. Complete Information ... Application
Students, faculty and staff are being challenged once again to read, read, read this summer! LHS is participating in No Book Left Unread, a statewide initiative to encourage reading. Last year LHS was named a "Reader Leader School" for having read the most pages for a high school of our size in the state and won literally thousands of dollars worth of books. One of our students was also the top reader in the state and received state recognition and prizes as well. Our goal is to read one million pages between June 1 and August 31. Any reading counts - newspapers, magazines, textbooks, or recreational reading - as long as you are “reading” and not just looking at pictures! Log all of your reading on the form distributed in your English classes or print additional logs by clicking here for student logs or here for teacher/staff logs. Logs can be completed on a daily basis or as you finish books.
The grand prize for the biggest reader will be a $100 gift card to the store of your choice, and your totals will be submitted at the state level for a chance to win even more! There will also be prizes for the biggest readers at each grade level and for the faculty/staff member who reads the most, and random drawings will be held from completed logs for additional prizes. The more logs you complete, the more chances you have to win! In addition, there will be a contest among Club One groups to see which group reads the most with a group prize being awarded! Enjoy a fun-filled summer of reading!
Joseph Taylor has been awarded an athletic grant in aid to play baseball at Southern Wesleyan University. Joseph is a four-year letterman and a three-year starter for the LHS baseball team. Joseph has been an outstanding pitcher and catcher for the last three years and this past season, he was named All-Region for the second time. LHS Varsity Baseball Coach Scott Kerwin says “I believe that Joseph will be a fine addition to the SWU team and I know he will have great success there." LHS is proud of you, Joseph and we wish you much success at SWU!
Commencement 2009 took place Saturday morning, June 6th, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson. One hundred forty-eight
The 2008-2009 school year ended today. Student report cards may be picked up by a parent or guardian on Saturday, June 6, 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., in room 109. Mrs. Rowland and Ms. Fleming will be here to distribute them. LHS wishes our students and teachers a wonderful and safe summer!
Important information for students and parents will be left on our home page throughout the summer. Note that summer office hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please call ahead (864-843-5800) to make sure we are here to serve you!
The 2009 Devilier was presented to Mrs. Gwinn and the student body by co-editors Bethany Greene and Meghan King on Friday, May 22nd, following the completion of Club One Olympics. Students were then dismissed for annual signing – always a special time near the end of the school year. Thanks for the memories, yearbook staff! Click here for pictures of annual signing day!
Spring sports teams and individual athletes were recognized at the LHS Spring Sports Awards Program that took place on Thursday, May 21st. In addition, LHS senior athletes were each presented with a plaque by the Red Devil Booster Club. Becca McGuire and Matt Whitworth (pictured to the left) were named the LHS Female and Male Athlete of the Year. Click here to see all the individual athletes who were recognized!
Congratulations to all who participated in spring sports! LHS appreciates the time, talent, and energy our student-athletes give to representing LHS!
This summer, the School District of Pickens County will offer traditional summer school programs as well as a Summer Youth Employment Program. Traditional summer school provides academic remediation for eighth graders and credit recovery for students in grades nine through eleven. The Summer Youth Employment Program combines traditional summer programs with summer employment. Click here for the district press release about these summer school programs.
The Summer Youth Employment Program is a great opportunity for students who qualify. The funding for this program comes from the 1998 Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which is provided by federal stimulus money. To participate in the program, students must be WIA-qualified—14 to 24 years old and from a low income family. Click here for more information – including what documents will need to be brought to the screening. Two additional sessions have been added to allow youth and their parents to attend and apply for the Youth Summer Employment Program. Dates and times are: Tuesday, June 2nd, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, June 5th, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These sessions will be held at the Worklink Office at 511 Westinghouse Road in Pendleton.
Club One has been one of the most innovative and important additions to Liberty High School. This advisor program helps to connect every student to an adult in the school, every student to an interest or activity, and every student to a post secondary goal.
Congratulations to the LHS drama students and others who were a part of the Kristallnacht presentation at LHS on Tuesday, May 26th! (Click here for pictures.) Following this performance, Mrs. Jean Toole, drama teacher at LHS, received a letter from Mr. Bob St. Claire who was involved in bringing this program to LHS. Mr. St. Claire praised all those involved. He applauded those students who were readers and offered technical support – Tiffany Crump, Kyle Layman, Jon Lyda (pictured), Julie Beth McConnell, Emily Owens, and Bristtle Thompson – and acknowledged their “sterling performance!” Classes in attendance were the first period classes of Mr. Connington, Mrs. King, Mrs. Kirby, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Skelton, Mrs. Toole, and Mrs. Young. Mr. St. Claire sent his thanks to these teachers and to their classes for their “behavior, attention, and thoughtful questions.” He encouraged all those involved to share with others about this experience.
LHS was very fortunate to have had this opportunity and wishes to thank Mr. St. Claire, as well as Mr. Richard Berger, Ms. Anette Menke, Ms. Shirley Sarlin, Mr. Marc Wilson, and Mrs. Tamar Zwerdling for their part in making this performance possible.
LHS Career Center students Daniel Pelfrey, senior, and Charlie Hill, junior, practiced with B. J. Skelton Career Center instructor Phillip Smith for two weeks prior to the State Ford AAA Auto Skills Competition in Mooresville, NC. A loaner car was supplied by Benson Ford of Easley. Daniel and Charlie finished the work on their car in less than an hour. Their car was judged first place by Ford Motor Company’s Mr. Allen Knitter. The winning students each receive scholarships to post secondary automotive training centers in amounts as high as $20,000. Daniel and Charlie will travel to Dearborn, MI in June to participate in the national competition – all expenses paid! Congratulations and good luck, Daniel and Charlie!
Click here to see all the LHS Applebee's Players of the Week for the 2009-2010 school year!
Kristallnacht (November 9-10, 1938), the Night of Broken Glass, was the first act of organized terror against Germany’s Jewish community. It is considered the beginning of the Nazi Holocaust, a slaughter of over 6,000,000 European Jews and “non-Aryans.” That night, organized mobs marched through the streets destroying Jewish communities. The event became known as Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, for the sound of windows smashed by the mobs.
Community leaders have organized and will present a special program to Liberty High School in remembrance of the event on Tuesday, May 26th. Their program features photography and dramatic readings from the memoir of Werner Scheyler, a Kristallnacht survivor. This program is an educational opportunity that will showcase a significant part of European history through photos, historical information, and readings by four of our Liberty students. This event will serve to promote awareness and contemplation of human values and inhumanity.
Anna Edwards has been awarded an athletic grant in aid to run cross country at North Greenville University. Anna was the third leading scorer on the Girls’ Track Team this past spring. LHS Girls’ Track Coach Michelle Hawkins says of Anna, “She is a dedicated, hard working athlete who will strive to meet any challenge given.” LHS Cross Country Coach Mike Riggins said, “Anna had a great senior track season. She is the type of athlete any coach would love to have on their team. She is a leader during practice and encourages all teammates, and encourages me as a coach. She is a true inspiration with a strong spirit and will do well in Cross Country at North Greenville. “
Anna also received a music scholarship and a scholarship to participate in marching band at NGU. Anna, we are proud of your achievements at LHS and wish you much success!
School Resource Officer Michael Ticknor has been named the Support Employee of the Year for Liberty High! Officer Ticknor is one of the best School Resource Officers in the state. He is thorough, cares deeply for our students, and supports LHS in everything we do. He is proactive and preventative and wants to help guide our students to making the right decisions. His optimism is catching. This was an excellent choice for our Support Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Officer Ticknor!
- Senior Annual Signing Party - Thursday, May 21, 4:00 p.m. in the Media Center
- Senior Cap and Gown Picture - Friday, May 22, at 8:00 a.m. in the LHS gym
(See the daily announcements for more info!!!)
- Senior Field Day - Friday, May 22 - All day!
- Baccalaureate Service - Sunday, May 31, at 6:00 p.m. in the LMS auditorium
- Graduation Practice - Thursday, June 4, at 8:00 a.m. in the LHS cafeteria
- Graduation - Saturday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. - Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson
The last day of school for this year will be Thursday, June 4th. Parents and students also need to be aware that the last two days (June 3 and 4) will be shortened days. High school students will be dismissed at approximately 11:50 a.m. on these days after buses complete the elementary routes.
Breakfast will be served on shortened days; however, lunch will not be served. Because lunch will not be served, students are encouraged to eat school breakfast.
On Friday, May 22nd, LHS Seniors enjoyed a day of sports, activities, and food on Senior Field Day. Seniors tested their skills on a rock climbing wall, inflatable obstacle courses, and a giant slip and slide during the day. They were treated to a hotdog lunch with all the trimmings. (Click here for pictures!) LHS appreciates the parents, teachers, and members of the community who contributed to help make the day a success for these seniors as they wrap up the end of their educational journey at LHS.
Athletes who have signed up to get their athletic physicals at Blue Ridge are reminded that the physicals are this Saturday. Those who plan to ride the bus to Blue Ridge need to meet in front of the gym at 8:45 a.m. All athletes who wear glasses or contacts must come to the physicals with their glasses so they will not have to be referred for retesting should they fail that part of the exam. Athletes who plan to meet the bus at Blue Ridge should arrive by 9:30 a.m. See the daily announcements for more information!
"Barbecuing Hamlet," presented by the Drama 3 & 4 class April 30 through May 2, was a wonderful success. Audiences left "laughing out loud" as they enjoyed this final performance of the LHS theater season. Special thanks to Seniors Heather Carroll, Katherine Duffie, Kerriann Gillespie, Justin Paxton, Joseph Perez, and Ashtyn Pomeroy who gave the last performances of their high school career. Click here for pictures!
Congratulations to Mrs. Yvonne Mayo, Media Specialist, for being selected the LHS Teacher of the Year for the 2009-2010 school year! Mrs. Mayo joined the LHS faculty in the fall of 2003 as a long-term substitute, but returned on a permanent basis in 2005. Over this time Mrs. Mayo has shown her commitment to serving the faculty and students at our school. Promoting reading for pleasure is one of Mrs. Mayo’s passions and last year LHS was named a SC Department of Education “Reader Leader School for 2008” because of outstanding participation in last summer’s “No Book Left Unread” challenge. She is also the sponsor for Youth In Government and Knowledge Master Open and serves on the LHS High Schools That Work leadership team.
The Class of 1994 will be holding its fifteen year reunion on June 27th, 2009. For more information, class members should contact Kelley Cook at 404-808-4237 or Kelleyreidcook@hotmail.com.
Click here to see all the LHS Applebee's Players of the Week!
On Friday, May 1st, Zak Bryant signed a national letter of intent to continue his academics and play basketball at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. Zak has been a member of the LHS Varsity Basketball Team at LHS for the past three years. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. As a senior, he was selected as a member of the All-Tournament Team for the Lander Bearcat Classic. Coach John Schumpert praised Zak for the improvement he has made while at LHS and for his dedicated work ethic. Pictured with Zak are his parents, Melissa and John Henderson (sitting). Standing are LHS Head Basketball Coach John Schumpert, Torrey Lay (brother), LHS Assistant Coach Cory Drennon, and LHS Athletic Director Sherry Haithcock.
The LHS Prom took place on Saturday, April 25, at
Special thanks are extended to all those who worked so hard to make this year's prom a special evening for everyone to remember.
Congratulations Melissa Pilgrim on being named Liberty High School’s Most Improved Senior for the Class of 2009! Melissa was recognized at a luncheon hosted by the Pickens Area Society for Human Resource Management Thursday, April 30, 2009 at B. J. Skelton Career Center. At this luncheon, she was awarded the 2009 J. B. "Red" Owens Most Improved Student Award for Liberty High School. Click here for pictures!
Melissa is to be congratulated for the personal growth she has demonstrated throughout her high school career. We are so proud of you, Melissa!
Liberty High School was recently honored by the South Carolina Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association with a Reward of Excellence. The Rewards for Excellence Program recognizes outstanding communications and public relations efforts by schools, school districts, and educational agencies and associations. The SC/NSPRA awards program is designed to recognize excellence in every aspect of the public relations effort.
At LHS we pride ourselves on our web site, so this recognition affirms that we are on the right track in utilizing our web presence as a means to communicate with our students and their families, our faculty and staff, and the Liberty community. Seen in the picture to the left are some of our LHS teachers, students, and staff who help maintain our web site and keep it up-to-date.
The LHS Drama 3 and 4 students will be presenting a full-length comedy Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (Please note change in time!) in the LHS Theater (Band/Chorus room). The play is Barbecuing Hamlet by Pat Cook, the story of a community theater that is trying to produce Shakespeare’s Hamlet under the command of a seasoned director. Unfortunately, the community turn-out at auditions is low and unpromising, and the conditions that the performance must meet make the play into something Shakespeare never intended. Needless to say, things do not go according to plan and the performance lives up to the play’s title. All tickets are $5 and will go on sale 30 minutes before show time. This is sure to be a comedic, sarcastically witty performance to remember that will leave the audience rolling in the aisles with laughter.
On Friday, April 24, Liberty High School had a number of students participate in the Special Olympics held on the campus of Clemson University. Our athletes competed in the 50 m Run, 100 m Run, 100 m Walk, 400 m Run, 4 x 100 m Relay (traditional and unified), Standing Long Jump, Running Long Jump, Softball Throw, and Tennis Ball Throw. LHS Peer Assistants accompanied the athletes along with their teachers. The athletes and peer assistants did a wonderful job and represented LHS well. Click here for pictures! We are proud of our Special Olympians!
Connor Mann, a student in Mrs. Hawkins’ Desktop Publishing class, has received the US Department of Justice Project Sentry first place award for the school gun violence prevention logo he created. Connor was the statewide winner in the high school division and received a $100 US savings bond. Seen to the left is Ms. Stacey Haynes, U.S. Attorney's Office, presenting Connor with his award. Congratulations, Connor!
Morgan Chambers has been named the LHS Applebee’s Player of the Week! Morgan, a sophomore on the Varsity Softball Team, went 3 for 6 with a double and a triple last week.
LHS appreciates Applebee’s for this recognition program! To see all our Applebee’s Players of the Week for this school year, click here!
Bethany Barrett and Coleman Alexander have been accepted to the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. This residential high school for artistically talented students requires students to complete a detailed application process, including a written essay and recommendations from an academic teacher as well as an arts teacher. In addition, the audition process requires the students to demonstrate knowledge of their area of study. Bethany and Coleman had to perform several pieces on their instruments. Bethany will be studying piano and Coleman, the tuba. Students are selected to this two-year program based on their potential as artists.
This is a wonderful honor for these very talented students. LHS is proud of Bethany and Coleman and wishes them much success!
Retired employees from LHS returned to school on Thursday to celebrate their many contributions to our school and its students. This event featured a wonderful meal in the “Diamond L Diner.” We recognize the many retirees in the LHS family and appreciate all they have done for us and for our students! (Click here for pictures!)
On Thursday, April 2, a special delivery was made to LHS! Each year Fred’s of Liberty sponsors Easter baskets through the Liberty Mayor’s office to give to self-contained students in the Liberty schools. Mayor Brian Deese visited LHS to distribute these baskets. Click here for pics! LHS appreciates so much the community support our special students receive!
Since 2007 Liberty High School has been able to provide a free paperback book for each of our rising freshmen in an effort to promote reading for fun and literacy. This year, the Academic Booster Club stepped up and offered to sponsor this endeavor and has purchased rising freshmen the books of their choice.
Last year, the Class of 2012 was not given this opportunity, but because of the overwhelming success of the Read-a-Latte Café this past fall, we are going to be able to make amends and let them select a free book as well. On Monday, all current freshmen and their Club One advisors gathered in the gym during Club One to hear a brief “Book Talk,” given by our Media Specialist Mrs. Mayo, about the selections and to allow them to choose their books. Click here for a few pictures!
Brian O’Shields has been named the LHS Applebee’s Player of the Week! Brian, a Senior golfer, has been playing solid for the LHS Golf Team with an average of 44 for the season. He has stepped up to the challenge of playing as the #1 player and has handled the pressure well. He has been a great role model for the younger team members and represents LHS well. LHS appreciates Applebee’s for this recognition program! To see all our Applebee’s Players of the Week, click here!
The Drama 2 classes will present an evening of one-act plays March 26, 27, and 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the LHS Theater (Band/Chorus room). The first play is the Remarkable Susan by Tim Kelly and tells the true story of the trial of Susan B. Anthony. This is a play of courage and drama inspired by a truly remarkable woman. The second play of the evening is Check, Please by Jonathan Rand. This hysterical comedy follows a series of blind dates that could not get any worse—until they do. Tickets are $5 and will go on sale 30 minutes before show time. Come for an evening of drama and comedy!
LHS students are invited to attend H.E.A.T. (Hour of Educational Advancement through Tutoring) beginning TODAY! Five teachers from different subject areas will be available to provide tutoring assistance to students for one hour immediately after school on Wednesday afternoons. Students may stay either 30 minutes or the entire hour. The afternoon tutoring sessions will be held in Rooms 304 and 305 from 3:20 until 4:20 p.m. In addition to the afternoon sessions, morning tutoring will be available in Room 211 from 7:20 until 7:50 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Computer access will be available for school assignments that may require a computer and Internet access.
Students attending the afternoon tutoring sessions need to sign in by 3:30. Parents need to pick up their children at 4:20. The office may be closed so there may not be any phone access to contact parents; transportation needs to be arranged ahead of time. Cell phones must be off and out of sight during these sessions. Students are eligible to get a red H.E.A.T. attendance verification from the teachers. Students will be responsible for keeping up with the verification in case their teachers require it for some reason – extra credit, for example.
The AP Biology class includes Josh Brown, Maggie Cox, Marissa Kerwin, Halli Kirkland, Bristtle Thompson, Erin Torbett, Jonathan Raines, Haley Wilson, and Hannah Smith (T.A.) Click here for the slideshow!
On Friday, March 13th, Ethan Brown threw out the first pitch for Liberty's first home baseball game of the 2009 season and Liberty defeated Pendleton 19-18. Ethan, a junior at LHS, is recovering from a brain tumor after several surgeries during this year. LHS is happy to see the progress that Ethan is continuing to make! Pictured to the left is Ethan with his uncle Scott Whitlock, a volunteer coach for the Red Devil baseball team. Visit the Baseball Page for pictures of Ethan’s pitch!
Top reader Brad Wilkins, a former LHS student now at Easley High School, was also recognized for having read the highest number of pages of all students in the state—50,484! Brad was also awarded a selection of new books and a voucher for more self-selected titles. The presentations of these awards were made at the recent South Carolina Association of School Librarians Conference in Greenville.
LHS appreciates the sponsors for "No Book Left Unread" - Follett Library Resources, The Reading Warehouse and the State Department of Education. We look forward to the new books for our shelves!
Jennifer Gerlach, a senior at Liberty High School, has been awarded the Margaret Ehrhardt scholarship by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians at their 2009 Annual Conference. Jennifer was nominated by media specialist Yvonne Mayo for her years of outstanding service to the LHS media center and for her efforts to promote literacy and reading schoolwide. This $1000 scholarship will assist Jennifer in her plans to pursue a career as a media specialist!
On Thursday, March 5, students from Mrs. King’s Multimedia Class were invited to appear on the “Your Carolina with Jack & Kimberly” show to share their experiences about dirty jobs and “Have a COW Week.” Click here to see the segment featuring our very own LHS students. LHS appreciates this opportunity to showcase the creative exploration of careers at our school!
LHS students are invited to attend H.E.A.T. (Hour of Educational Advancement through Tutoring). H.E.A.T. will begin March 24. Five teachers from different subject areas will be available to provide tutoring assistance to students for one hour immediately after school on Wednesday afternoons. The afternoon tutoring sessions will be held in Rooms 304 and 305 from 3:20 until 4:20 p.m. In addition to the afternoon sessions, morning tutoring will be available in Room 211 from 7:20 until 7:50 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Computer access will be available for school assignments that may require a computer and Internet access.
Our administration and faculty are excited to be able to offer this extra help opportunity for students. Our hope is that students will take advantage of this tutoring assistance to help them finish the school year successfully. Students will be given a note after attending a H.E.A.T. session as verification of their attendance. The tutoring is free to any student at Liberty High. Students are encouraged to participate!
Liberty High School appreciates the time, energy and talents of our student-athletes and the positive way they represent our school.
During Club One on Wednesday there will be a guest reader; who will it be?! For the remainder of the week students are encouraged to bring their own reading materials to enjoy some free reading time for fun during Club One as we celebrate "Read Across America!"
On Thursday, February 26, Justin Brewer and Taylor Cook, Liberty High School baseball players, signed their national letter of intent to continue their academics and baseball at the University of South Carolina – Sumter. Pictured to the left with Justin and Taylor are Johnny and Tina Brewer; Greg Fincher, USSSA Breakers summer baseball coach for both players; LHS Baseball Coach Scott Kerwin; and Brian and Suzanne Cook. For more about Justin’s and Taylor’s baseball careers, visit the LHS baseball page. Congratulations, Justin and Taylor!
Liberty High School Club One groups collected almost 1,500 cans and almost $300 between January 20 and February 13 while participating in the “Souper Bowl of Caring.” Ms. Trakas’ Club One group collected the most and on Thursday they delivered the cans and dollars to Golden Harvest Food Bank, the local food bank in Liberty. Mr. Clif Lee of Golden Harvest was truly overwhelmed at what our students were able to accomplish in these difficult times. He was very, very appreciative. Following the delivery, Ms. Trakas’ Club One group was treated to a stop at a local restaurant. (Click here for pictures!)
Six Club One groups – Mr. Hiles, Mrs. Mayo, Mr. Owens, Mrs. Skelton, and Ms. Trakas’ groups – collected over 100 cans each and were in a drawing for a party here at LHS; Mrs. Hawkins’ group won the drawing and will be treated to a party next week. LHS appreciates the support of our students and their families for this very worthy project! THIS IS WHAT CLUB ONE IS ALL ABOUT! GREAT JOB, EVERYONE!
Congratulations, Ethan! We are so very proud of you!
As a result of our current economy and budget adjustments, the student ID replacement policy at Liberty High School is changing, effective Monday, March 2.
- No students will be allowed to charge a new ID card. Any student who cannot pay $5 for a new ID when it is needed will be sent to ISS for the remainder of the day for an ID card violation. The only exception will be for students who have not used their two free temporary ID cards this school year. They can still receive their two free temporary ID cards.
- Any student who owes money for previously charged ID cards will be required to pay this balance due. Students who do not pay the balance due by March 6 will be placed in ISS until the balance is paid, will not be permitted to purchase prom tickets until the balance is paid, and will have parking privileges suspended until the balance is paid.
- Students will be permitted to call a parent to bring an ID card, but these students will stay in ISS until the card is brought in by the parent.
On Friday, February 13th, LHS JROTC cadets visited Oakmont Nursing Home for Valentine’s Day. Cadets attend this event annually and spend time socializing and dancing with the residents. They also show off their talents by singing karaoke and playing piano for entertainment. Click here for pictures.
On Friday, February 13th, LHS Teen Lead students hosted a Valentine’s Day Banquet for the Liberty High School TOPS and I-Team students. Many LHS students had made cards during Club One, and the Teen Lead students collected those for the TOPS and I-Team students in handcrafted boxes. It was a special day for everyone involved! The Teen Lead group did a great job organizing and coordinating the banquet. Click here for pictures.
Teen Lead is a group of students who were nominated by teachers, faculty, and staff as having leadership potential, and they proved it on Friday with an amazing banquet!
Forty-eight LHS students were invited to attend the annual SCYABA Pizza/Voting Party this year. To receive an invitation, students were required to read at least three of the twenty South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (SCYABA) nominees and pass the accelerated tests on them. This year Mrs. Mayo, Media Specialist at LHS, recognized four students for having read all twenty books – Jessica Carroll, Erin Doege, Shannon Doege, and Sarah Ward! At the party students voted for their favorite book and our votes were then tallied and sent to the state level. The book that received the most votes will be announced in March at the annual SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) conference. Also at the party the students received the list of nominees for next year. Word is that students are already checking out the list! Happy Reading! (Click here for pictures!)
“This is a tremendous service for our students,” said Ron Webber, coordinator of career and technology education. “Students or parents can order official transcripts online anytime. Additionally, there’s no cost to send transcripts to participating South Carolina colleges and universities.”
Access to e-Transcript is provided through the SDPC Web site under “Students” and through each school Web site under “Guidance.” News Release ... Informational Flier
Community members should send each suggestion along with a rationale by mail to SDPC Communication Services, 1348 Griffin Mill Road, Easley, SC 29640 or by e-mail to webmaster@pickens.k12.sc.us. A submission form is available on the SDPC Web site, but it is not required to submit a name.
Go to “Building Futures/Second Liberty Elementary” to see the name submission form, the site plan and schematics for the new, second elementary school in the Liberty area. News Release
On Wednesday, Career Round-up Day, guest speakers from across the area visited our school to speak with students about potential professions. LHS appreciates these individuals for taking time from their work schedules to share information with our students. Click here for pics!
Stephen Bobby signed a letter of intent to run cross country at Spartanburg Methodist College on Friday. Stephen had a strong senior year running for LHS. In the Region I-AA meet, he was named All-Region as he finished 7th overall helping lead the Red Devils as Region Runners-up. Stephen ran his all time PR (personal record) of 18:00 at the Upper State Meet where he finished 15th overall. At the state meet, he came in 31st overall as the Red Devils finished 4th in the State AA-A meet. The team finished the year ranked 3rd in AA. Stephen received the Coach’s Award for the 2008 season at LHS. Pictured with Stephen are his parents, Frank and Donna Bobby, along with Coach Mike Foley, SMC Cross Country, and Coach Mike Riggins, LHS Cross Country.
On Friday, February 6, Liberty High School will begin “rounding up” all of our 2009-2010 freshman class! Beginning at 5:30, current LMS 8th graders, their parents, their teachers and administrators, and all of the LHS faculty will join in a meal to kick off this event. From 6:00 p.m. -6:30 p.m., all will participate in an informational meeting where students and parents will learn about LHS athletics, academic opportunities, extracurricular activities including the Fine Arts, as well as all one ever needs to know about life as a Liberty High School freshman! Afterwards, students and their parents will meet their student's LHS advisor. Student will receive their registration material and have a time to ask questions about registration. This round up event will close as we all move to the gym to cheer on our Boys Varsity Basketball Team as they take on Emerald!
Congratulations also to Avery Merrifield and Dakota Stewart! Each placed third at the Carolina Invitational!
Liberty High School welcomes the following student teachers (pictured left to right) for this semester: Mr. Guy Howard, Southern Wesleyan University - Math, Mr. Owens; Miss Jenna James, Clemson University – Social Studies, Mr. Connington and Mr. Hiles; Miss Alison Harlan Clemson University - French, Mrs. Wilkie; and Mr. Justin Farmer, Clemson University – Social Studies, Mrs. Skelton.
COWABUNGA!!! The excitement is building! Shown to the left is Mr. Cow A Bunga greeting students as they arrived at school last year during the first annual “Have a COW Week.” It promises to be a fun week offering students opportunities to learn about cool careers and dirty jobs! There will be a kick-off assembly on Monday featuring the “Hitchin’ Post” game. On Wednesday, Career Round-up Day, guest speakers from across the area will be visiting our school to talk with students about potential professions. Registration materials will be distributed to students on Friday by their Club One advisors.
Remember – chicken biscuits will be for sale all week for $2 in the gym lobby with the proceeds benefiting Ethan Brown’s medical expenses. Be sure to bring your MOOO-la! Liberty High School appreciates Chick-fil-A in Seneca for their support of this special week. They will be supplying us with biscuits and allowing us the use of their COW suit throughout the week! Having Mr. Cow A Bunga with us sure adds to our fun! Yee-Haw!
Students at LHS will be having a COW as they begin to investigate career options for their future. This second annual “Career Opportunity Week” will give students opportunities to explore cool careers, to meet with local professionals in their areas of interest, to explore and experience a few “Dirty Jobs,” and to enjoy a few surprises throughout the week. We want our students to get excited about their future and to begin exploring different career paths. We will also be selling Chick-fil-A biscuits each morning during “Have A COW” week with proceeds going to Ethan Brown’s family and will end the week with a hilarious version of Cow Patty Bingo. The possibilities for our students are endless and we want to help them to become aware of those possibilities!
Club One groups currently have two contests underway providing our students the opportunity to help out in our local community. The “Souper Bowl of Caring” Club One contest began January 20 and runs through February 13. Club One students are encouraged to bring in cans and/or money to their Club One Advisors (1 can = $.90). All donations will be given to Golden Harvest in Liberty. The Club One with the highest contribution will deliver the cans and money to Golden Harvest and enjoy an off campus surprise. All Club One groups that bring in a minimum of 100 cans (or the cash equivalent) will be entered in a drawing for an on-campus surprise.
Beginning this week through May 31st, Club One groups are competing to see which group will bring in the most can tabs. Can tabs from soft drinks, energy drinks, soup cans, and pet food are a few of the can tabs that are being collected. These can tabs will go to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville, a “home away from home” for families having a child needing medical care away from their home. The Club One group that collects the most can tabs during this contest will win a prize! Can tabs anyone?
JosephTaylor, a senior member of the LHS Wrestling Team, has been named the Applebee's Player of the Week for the week of January 19th. Joseph is 22-5 on the season. He had two first period pins last week as both he and the team went 2-0. Congratulations, Joseph!
Jessica Smith, a sophomore on the LHS Varsity Competitive Cheer Team that won the State Championship, was honored by the SC Coaches Association of Women's Sports as the State AA Cheerleader of the Year! She was recognized at a banquet held in Columbia on January 18, 2009 at the Columbia Convention Center. Congratulations, Jessica!
Anna Starnes was crowned Miss Devilier 2009 on Saturday, January 10, at the 2009 Miss Devilier Pageant. Olivia Whitaker was Miss Devilier Runner-Up and Jonnie Day was Grand Talent Winner. We would like to thank all those who helped to make this evening a wonderful success – Mrs. Rowland and the yearbook staff, all the participants, Mrs. Toole, Mr. DeRossett, and the many teachers, staff, and parents who helped in so many ways! “Thank Heaven for Little Girls” -- and for grown up girls too! To see the complete list of winners, please click here. Click here for pictures (taken by Mr. John Bolton and Mrs. Yvonne Mayo)!
When we think of mummies, we usually think of Egypt. However, people in South America mummified their dead as well. When Mr. Montgomery’s World Geography classes began studying South America, his classes had the opportunity to see how the process of mummification works.
The process begins by preserving the “body” with spices. The chicken wings (known in the classroom as Chief Inca Winga or Winka) are rubbed with Old Spice After Shave for three minutes. Next, a natron mix of salt and baking soda is prepared and applied to the wings. After completely coating the wings in the natron solution, the wings are buried in the natron mix. They will remain in the mix for ten weeks or seventy days. Each of Mr. Montgomery’s classes had ten students take part in the demonstration. When the classes study Egypt, it will be time to unveil the mummified chicken wings. Click here for pictures.
The 2009 Miss Devilier Pageant will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Liberty Middle School Auditorium. The pageant theme this year is "Thank Heaven for Little Girls." Mrs. Jean Toole will be Mistress of Ceremonies and Mr. Kevin DeRossett will be providing the entertainment. Come out and enjoy an evening of beauty and entertainment. Tickets are $5 each and may be pre-purchased from Mrs. Deb Rogers. A limited number of tickets (600) are available this year.
Avery Merrifield, a sophomore on the Wrestling Team, has been named the LHS Applebee’s Player of the Week! Avery had a record of nine wins and three losses last week. He had seven pins and also had a major decision against Wren to seal the victory for the team.
Congratulations to our YIG delegates! Thank you for representing our school in such a positive manner!
Liberty High School appreciates the time, energy and talents of our student-athletes and the positive way they represent our school.
LHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes are sponsoring a food drive during the three weeks of school in December. The food collected will be used in the food pantries of several Liberty area churches. Drop-off spots are in the front office during the school day or in the lobby of the gym during home athletic events. All students and community members are encouraged to give during this time!
Congratulations to the Varsity Competitive Cheer Team! The team placed FIRST in the AA Division at the State Championships on Saturday, November 22 – the team’s third consecutive State Championship. The team is also Region I-AA Champs for the fourth straight year. Click here for pictures!
Congratulations to Coach Ricken and our Lady Devils! We are proud of your hard work and achievement!
Liberty Elementary School second grade students from Mrs. Dix, Mrs. Cummings, and Mrs. Juan’s class have been working with Liberty High School students from Mrs. King’s Multi-media course. The second grade students wrote and illustrated stories. Then, the second graders were paired with high school students from the Multi-media course. Students discussed their stories and brainstormed ways to “illustrate” their ideas using various media formats. The high school students are currently working to produce these stories as digital storybooks for their second grade partners. “This was a great project for both sets of students---a true learning experience for all,” stated Mrs. King. High school students will visit near the end of the semester to share their finished media products with the second grade authors.
The LHS Academic Booster Club will meet Tuesday, November 18th, at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Media Center. (Please note the change in the date.) At this meeting the second semester recipients for the dual credit scholarships will be selected. All interested persons are invited to attend.
The Drama 3 and 4 class will present two one-act plays as the opening production of the LHS Theatre season. Balcony Scene by Donald Elser tells the story of a man who attends his own funeral in the company of a heavenly friend. This serio-comic play will have you laughing one minute and thinking deeply the next. Funeral Tea by Pat Wilson is a hysterical comedy about 4 British ladies at a funeral tea celebrating the life of recently cremated Uncle Jacob. Performances are Thursday, November 20, and Friday, November 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $5.00 and performances are in the LHS Theatre (Band/Chorus Room). Come for a wonderful evening of theatre!
Four LHS students have been selected to selected to participate in the "Governor's All-Star Band” - Coleman Alexander, Bethany Barrett, Anna Edwards, and Tabitha Marshall. The Governor's Band performs at the "Annual Carolighting Ceremony" – the lighting of the state Christmas tree – each year. The ceremony will be held at the State House in Columbia on November 30 at 6:00 p.m. The band is composed of over 200 students selected from over 50 high schools in South Carolina. Congratulations to Coleman, Bethany, Anna, and Tabitha!
Students at Liberty High School gathered Tuesday afternoon for an assembly in honor of Veterans Day. The guest speaker was Master Sergeant Richard Hundley, currently the Senior Military Instructor for the Army ROTC Department at Clemson University. Master Sergeant Hundley spoke of the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America and the fact that these freedoms are not free. Courageous men and women who have served our country in the armed forces have “paved the way for our country and our way of life as we know it today.” Students were reminded that many of the soldiers out there fighting for us now aren’t much older than they are – the average age of soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan being 20. It is up to our current generation to continue to serve our country and defend our freedom.
Veterans are very much appreciated for everything they’ve done to keep our country safe. The ones who have made “the ultimate sacrifice” for our country are the most appreciated and will never be forgotten.
From the Red Devil's Den, Liberty High School’s online student newspaper, has undergone a redesign this year. Several new pages have been added, including Entertainment and F.Y.I. (For Your Information). The goal of the newspaper staff is to make FTRDD an informative and user-friendly paper produced by students and for students. Check it out – click here! You can also find the link under “Student Life” on the left side of the LHS website. Be sure to give us some feedback using the link at the bottom of each page. Let us know how we’re doing!
Congratulations to the LHS Boys Cross Country Team for their superlative effort in the State Meet on Saturday!!! The team finished in fourth place out of 28 teams (just two points out of third place), slaughtering last year’s 11th place finish. The LHS runners finished the year in great fashion on a tough course, under very windy conditions. (Click here for pictures!) The boys were led by Jake Goodnough who finished 14th overall. In doing so, Jake earned All-State honors! Congratulations, Jake!
Cross Country Coach Mike Riggins had the following comments after the team’s last meet on Saturday: “What can you say? The season seems to have just started and before you know it, it has ended. This being my first year, I could not have asked for a better season. This will set the expectations high for next year. The team showed that with hard work anything can be accomplished – with running, academics and in life. I would like to thank the LHS administration for the opportunity to coach Cross Country at LHS. Thanks to the coaches and school faculty for their support. I look forward to next year.”
We are so proud of Coach Riggins, the Boys Cross Country Team and Jake for their hard work this season!
CANCELLED due to not enough signed up--- Students interested in riding the pep bus to the Cheerleading Qualifiers at Dorman High School need to turn in their permission slips with a $5.00 sign-up fee. We need 35 students to sign up and pay to be able to go on Wednesday. The bus will leave at 3:45. Admission to Qualifiers costs $5.00. Please plan to bring money for concessions. All permission slips must be turned in by noon on Tuesday. You can turn in your permission slips and money during all three lunches on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. Click here for directions and general information.
On November 1, an enthusiastic group of students, faculty, and parents traveled to Atlanta for an exclusive backstage tour of the historic, fabulous Fox Theatre and a live performance of the Broadway musical Wicked. This international blockbuster is an adaptation of the book by author Gregory Maguire that proposes what happened before The Wizard of Oz, including why the wicked witch was wicked and green. Was she born that way? Where did the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and Tin Man come from? And what's the story behind those red shoes?
The Fox Theatre is one of the oldest theaters in the country with the second largest pipe organ in America. It not only has a colorful past, but it is also a feast for the eyes for today's patrons as they are transported into an Arabian bazaar complete with twinkling stars and moving clouds overhead to give the illusion that visitors are actually outside while watching performances on stage.
Thanks, Mrs. Toole, for making this trip possible!
Kasey Finley has been named the Applebee’s Player of the week for the week of November 3rd. Kasey, a member of the LHS Varsity Volleyball Team, helped lead the Lady Devils to the second round of the playoffs with a total of 38 assists in the matches with Palmetto and Keenan High Schools. She was also selected to the All-Region Team.
Congratulations to the Varsity Volleyball Team on a great season! The Lady Devils finished as Region I runner-up and advanced to the second round of the play-offs. Congratulations to Kasey Finley, Katherine Duffie, and Olivia Whitaker (pictured left to right with Coach Owens) for being named to the All-Region Team. Congratulations to Olivia for being selected as Region I-AA Player of the Year and All-State! Congratulations to Coach Frank Owens for being named Region I-AA Volleyball Coach of the Year!
Liberty High School is proud to announce that Meghan King has been named a Commended Student in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2009 competition by taking the 2007 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“Recognition of academically talented students and the key role played by schools in their development is essential to the pursuit of educational excellence in our nation,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “The young people named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. We hope that this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and that they will continue to diligently pursue their professional goals.”
Congratulations, Meghan! We are so proud of you!
Directions to Keenan HS:
Take I-385 toward Columbia until you merge into I-26 to Columbia.
Take I-20 East (to Florence).
Take the Main Street exit (US 21).
On US 21 go away from downtown Columbia.
You will pass a State/District school bus lot on the right.
Another mile or so you will see the school on the right.
Turn right on Pisgah Church Road (just past the school).
Take the second entrance into the school – It is labeled “Student Parking”.
Go to the back of the school and park in student parking.
Congratulations to Meghan King and Ryan Gillespie on being selected as Liberty High Schools’ 2008 nominees for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award. This award recognizes the top male and female scholar-athletes-citizens at each high school.
Any Junior or Senior who has not ordered their class ring may do so at this time.
We would like to make clear that the possession of weapons on school grounds is totally prohibited by district policy, state law, and federal law. The District will follow federal and state law, as well as district policies to the fullest extent as we address this matter. We would like to assure you that the safety of our students is of the utmost concern, and bringing weapons to school will not be tolerated.
Congratulations to the LHS Boys' Cross Country and the LHS Varsity Volleyball Teams! Both teams are Region I-AA Runners-up! Four boys’ cross country runners finished in the top ten at the region meet this past Saturday and have been named All-Region. Congratulations to Jake Goodnough, Logan Gibson, Steven Bobby and Karahn Washington! The Volleyball Team will host the first round of the playoffs on Monday, October 27th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Boys’ Cross Country Team will race this Saturday at the Tri-County Meet and at the Upper State Meet the following Saturday. Good luck to these athletes!
Teen Read Week is coming to a library near you! In the spirit of this year’s theme, “Books With Bite@your Library,” we are kicking off the week’s activities with “Twilight in the LHS Library: a Night with Bite!” on Monday, October 13 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. In addition to students, parents, faculty, and staff are invited to attend this evening of trivia, games, costumes, refreshments, and prizes all tied into the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. If you are “addicted” to the series, join us dressed in your “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob” costume or T-shirt and join in the excitement! Or if this is all new to you, come see what all the buzz is about! In addition, the popular Read-a-Latte Café will be open all week with goodies for sale and there will be games and prizes given throughout the week. Click here for more!
Beginning with decorating classroom doors for Spirit Week and culminating with the crowning of the LHS Homecoming Queen and a victory over Landrum on Friday, September 26th, Spirit Week at LHS was a great success. More students, teachers and staff participated in the many activities offered than ever before. Monies collected throughout the week through various fundraisers benefited the medical expenses of Ethan Brown’s family.
Mrs. Mayo’s Club One group placed first in the door-decorating contest. Organization 13, whose members were Steven Clark, Jonnie Day, and Blaine Willimon, won the Friday Jam Off. Ethan Ladd was crowned Homecoming King at the Friday Pep Rally; Marc Braswell was crowned Homecoming Prince. Pictured are Meghan King, Homecoming Princess, and Megan Swords, Homecoming Queen. Click here for a look back at Homecoming Week at LHS. Thanks to everyone who made Homecoming Week a great success!
Liberty High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be hosting “Fields of Faith” on Wednesday, October 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at the LHS stadium. This will be a service including music led by some of our student athletes, student testimonies and a message by Rev. Dean Herman. All area youth groups and interested adults are invited to attend this free event!
The theme for Fields of Faith is “One Day. One Message. One Stand.” In 2007, FCA estimates 75,000 gathered on 386 athletic fields across 36 states. Join LHS in participating in this service!
Ethan and family, you are in the thoughts and prayers of the LHS family and Liberty Community.
Funds raised throughout the week will go to help with the medical expenses of Ethan Brown's family. Let's show our LHS School Spirit and help a good cause!
Sophomore Brad Wilkins left almost “no book unread” this summer as he turned over 50,000 pages from June 1st through August 31st. For having logged the most pages read by a student at LHS, Brad was awarded $100 in gift cards to Barnes and Noble and I-Tunes earlier this week. (Pictured to the left is Mrs. Mayo, Media Specialist, presenting Brad with his award.)
Of the LHS faculty and staff Mrs. Fleming logged the most pages read and was presented with a 2 GB flash drive. In a random drawing, the following were also recognized for having participated and were awarded gift cards to a local ice cream shop: Jessica Chambers, Mrs. Edwards, and Mr. Hiles.
Congratulations to Brad, Mrs. Fleming, and to all those who participated in “No Book Left Unread” – the Statewide 2008 Summer Reading Challenge!
Senior pictures for the yearbook will be taken on Saturday, September 20th, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. There will be a $30 sitting fee. Please see Mrs. Rowland in Room 206 for more information – including the location. Note: Seniors who do not have their pictures made by Piedmont Portraits will not be pictured in the yearbook with their class.
Senior make-up pictures will be made in the Media Center on Thursday, September 11. A sign-up sheet is posted on the door of Room 206. Students should choose a time THAT DOES NOT interfere with their classes. A $15 late-fee will be charged, and payment will be due on that day.
Seniors are reminded that unless they have their Senior portrait made here on campus by Piedmont Portraits, their picture will not appear in the Senior section of the yearbook. If you have any questions regarding this, please see Mrs. Rowland.
Mr. Derek Leonard spoke to the Class of 2012 on Wednesday, September 3rd, about making the most of their high school years. The program, called Making High School Count, provides students with important information on how to recognize their potential for future success and make the most of their high school experience. Freshmen discussed the major impact of freshmen year performance, getting organized, reasons to get better grades, keys to extracurricular success, and making a success plan after high school.
At the conclusion of the program, members of the Class of 2012 received their LHS class t-shirts! (Click here for pictures!) Welcome, Class of 2012, to LHS! We look forward to seeing you make the most of your time at our school!
Open House at LHS has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd. Parents are encouraged to attend between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. and "Meet the Teachers!"
In addition a Volunteer Training Session will take place prior to Open House from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. In order to volunteer in our school, you are required to attend a training session. LHS appreciates our volunteers!
Olivia Whitaker, co-captain of the Varsity Volleyball Team, has been named the Applebee's Player of the Week for August 28th. Olivia has shown good leadership through example and word early this season. Her stats from last weekend’s tournament held at Lander University include: 8 aces, 8 digs, and 4 kills.
The LHS Varsity Football Team will play host to Pickens High School in its home opener on Friday, September 5th. Tickets for this game will be on sale starting on Tuesday afternoon in Pickens at Rowland Barber Shop. They will be available at Pickens High School on Thursday and Friday next week. In addition, tickets for all home LHS varsity football games are on sale the week of the game at Yank’s Place in Liberty. Tickets are $6.00. By buying tickets in advance, you avoid standing in line at the game! Visitors should enter the LHS stadium through the lower gate at the visitor’s ticket booth.
The School District of Pickens County officially kicked off the new school year with a Back-to-School Celebration held at Littlejohn Coliseum on Friday, August 15th. (Click here for pictures.) Mrs. Sandy Kirby, LHS Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Judith Edwards, LHS Support Employee of the Year, were recognized along with other 2008-2009 Teachers of the Year and Support Employees of the year from each school in the county.
Mrs. Judith Edwards, Registrar at LHS, was named the SDPC Support Employee of the Year – a well-deserved honor. Mrs. Latham, Guidance Counselor at LHS, says that Mrs. Edwards “is wonderful and her dedication to our school, to the students, and to her job is incredible. Every small task is important to her; it is important that it is done in a timely manner and that it is done correctly with a personal touch. She loves what she does, and it shows!”
Congratulations, Mrs. Edwards! We are so proud of you and appreciate all you do for us!
Students who have not registered (paid class fee, cleared fines, received schedule, received textbooks) need to do so on Monday, August 18th, 2:00—3:30 p.m., or report to the Media Center at 7:30 a.m. on the first day of school.
- Students with 3rd and 4th Period Early Dismissal do not leave until the end of Club One.
- AM
- Students with 1st and 2nd Period Late Arrival report in time to begin Club One at 11:05 on Regular Schedule.
- PM Career Center Students do not leave Club One until 11:28, when they are dismissed from Club One to go to lunch.
Attendance DOES count in Club One. Click here to see the Daily Bell Schedule.
|
Class |
Time |
Location |
Other Info |
|
English 101 |
12:10 |
Room 402 |
(1st lunch) |
|
English 101 |
1:40 |
Room 206 |
(M & W) |
|
Government |
12:10 |
Room 402 |
(1st lunch) |
|
Sociology |
1:40 |
Room 207 |
(M & W) |
|
Statistics |
1:40 |
Room 206 |
(T & Th) |
See the "How can I help LHS?" link under "Family and Community Information" on the left side of the page for other ways to help LHS.
Below are important announcements.
Kristy Brooks has been named the 2007-2008 South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association's State Cheer Coach of the Year. Coach Brooks has led
Congratulations, Coach Brooks!!!
Commencement 2008 took place Friday morning, June 6th, at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson. One hundred thirty-eight
Valedictorian LeAnna Ramey spoke of “new reflections,” “a new chapter,” and challenged her classmates to “embrace new beginnings.” Her parting words were, “Your time is now. You matter. The world is waiting.” Salutatorian Taylor Reeves spoke of memories, friends, and learning. She shared three lessons that she has learned while at LHS: change is not always bad, live life to the fullest, and dream big.
Click here for pictures!
On Friday, May 30th, Mr. Hitchcock, Youth In Government advisor at LHS, called together all students who had participated in YIG during the year. He shared with them that state funding for the YIG program was being threatened and challenged this group of students to take action. He encouraged them to contact their state representatives and senators and ask them to preserve this funding. The students listened in on Mr. Hitchcock’s call to gain an understanding of the process. Then with special permission students began making calls – many of them speaking with their state legislators personally. Students were also permitted to email their concerns about YIG funding.
A week later, on Friday, June 6th, Mr. Hitchcock learned that the “call to action” had made an impact and that YIG funding had been saved. What a great lesson these students learned – that they can make a difference!
Students, faculty and staff are being challenged to read, read, read this summer! LHS is participating in No Book Left Unread, a statewide initiative to encourage reading. Our goal is to read one million pages between June 1 and August 31. Any reading counts - newspapers, magazines, textbooks, or recreational reading - as long as you are “reading” and not just looking at pictures! Log all of your reading on the forms distributed during Club One or print additional logs by clicking here for student logs or here or teacher logs. Logs can be completed on a daily basis or as you finish books.
If we meet our goal, the grand prize for the biggest reader will be a $100 mall gift card and his or her totals will be submitted at the state level for a chance to win even more! There will also be prizes for the biggest readers at each grade level and for the faculty/staff member who reads the most, and random drawings will be held from completed logs for additional prizes. The more logs you complete, the more chances you have to win!
Click here for the WLHS feature on "No Book Left Unread!"
Members of the LHS Thespian Society gathered with their families for their end-of-year banquet on Thursday, May 29th, at the Little Bistro in
To “her” Seniors – students she had taught and directed in plays for four years, Mrs. Toole shared that because she knew them, she had been "changed for good.” (from “For Good” from Wicked).
Last Friday was Annual Day at LHS! Thanks go out to Mrs. Rowland and the yearbook staff for a wonderful yearbook! The 2008 Devilier - "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" was the first all-color yearbook at LHS and it has received "rave reviews!" Students enjoyed having time to sign one another's yearbooks throughout the afternoon. In addition, students who had good attendance and positive participation during Club One were treated to ice cream. Click here for pictures!
Liberty High School's Relay for Life Team raised $1,900 for the American Cancer Society this year. The team participated in the Pickens County Relay held on Friday, May 9th. Mrs. Sandy Kirby, team captain and a cancer survivor, shared that this cause "touches her heart." She was very pleased with the support given to her and to the Relay for Life fundraising. Click here for pictures!
The media center has seen a consistent rise in circulation over the past three years, and teachers and parents are really beginning to notice. Ms. Trakas, a first year science teacher, noted, “This is the ‘readingest’ school! The kids always have books in their hands during any free time.” Word-of-mouth advertising of popular books from teachers and students and the annual SC Young Adult Book Award promotions have really built an enthusiasm for reading, and the school’s Reading Initiative Committee is always working on ways to promote reading across the curriculum and across all grade levels. Watch for details about the “No Book Left Unread” summer reading contest coming soon!
On Wednesday May 7th, Crystal Garrett, Miss South
Jonathan Stephens has been named the Applebee’s Player of the Week for the week of May 3rd. Jonathan was the Region Champion in the 3200M run (3rd year in a row) and was a part of the 4 x 800M Relay that qualified for Upper State. He also served as a team captain for the year.
The schedule for second semester exams has been posted to the district web site. Click here!
It's a HIT! Hilarious!
This one-act play weaves six of Aesop's most famous fables into a show that's fun, fast-paced, and full of surprises. Performed by the LHS Drama 2 class, the play features the talents of Nicole Hawkins, Jordan Duncan, Kyle Layman, Cierra Edwards, Haley Wilson, Mandy Tolleson, Kayla Suverkrubbe, David Rogers, Samantha Crawford, Jennifer Stewart, Joseph Perez, Amber Grayson, Bristtle Thompson, and Kerri Ann Gillespie. The entire family will enjoy this hilarious play. All tickets are $3.00 and performances are in the LHS Band/Chorus room. The play opened last week with rave reviews! Click here for pictures! Drama 2 will present the final show this Friday, May 2nd, at 7:00 p.m.
Mrs. Kirby has been a teacher for twenty years, nineteen of them at LHS. She is a 1984 LHS graduate and has lived in
Mrs. Edwards moved to
Liberty High appreciates the caring, positive attitudes and hard work that both Mrs. Kirby and Mrs. Edwards bring to our school.
The Applebee's Player of the Week for the week of April 19th is Ryan Stephens. Ryan had a pinch hit double in the big win over Pendleton and had two hits against Abbeville to help clinch the Region Championship for our Varsity Baseball Team. Congratulations, Ryan! For past Applebee's Players of the Week, click here.
Congratulations, Marissa Kerwin! Marissa competed in the regional gymnastics championships over the weekend, finishing fifth overall, and has qualified for NATIONALS! She will compete in
Jonathan Stephens signed a national letter of intent with
Club One is in full swing, and LHS is loving it! Our students are working on everything from how to choose which fork to eat with in a formal place setting to the best way to answer a tough math question on the HSAP test. Students are meeting with their Club One advisors everyday and will continue to do so for the remainder of the year. Students who do not have tardies to Club One will be rewarded next month, so everyone needs to be on time everyday! Students who participate in the exciting Club One activities with enthusiasm will be richly rewarded as well! Stay posted for regular updates on new developments in Club One.
Don’t miss out on the Family College Fair! This event is sponsored by the Army National Guard and will take place on Monday, April 21st, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the LHS cafeteria. Representatives from colleges will be on hand to meet with parents and students. All current juniors are invited to attend.
This Saturday, April 19th, a number of themed baskets put together by district educators will be available for auction at the Pickens Azalea Festival with the proceeds going to the SDPC Teacher Forum scholarships. These scholarships have been awarded each year since the spring of 2005 to four deserving teacher cadet students – one from each high school.
Plan a trip to Pickens this weekend to bid on a basket – or two – and know that your dollars are going to a very worthy cause!
- Under "What's New" on the gray bar towards the top of the page, don't miss out on the links to our Daily Announcements (posted each morning), our Monthly Newsletters, our Photo Gallery, our Upcoming Events, and the Student Awards & Achievements Page. Also check out the "Announcement Archives" page for past news items.
- Under "Services" on the left side of the page, you'll find valuable links to the Guidance Department (where scholarships and student opportunities are posted), the Media Center (where students can search the Destiny Catalog from home), and under "Student Nutrition" is a link to our monthly school cafeteria menus.
- If there is something you cannot find, please e-mail the LHS web manager at lhsweb@pickens.k12.sc.us
Athletic physicals at Blue Ridge Orthopaedics will be held on Saturday, May 3rd. The times will be announced the week prior to that, but normally LHS is scheduled for the morning. LHS will provide buses to take our athletes there. This is for rising 9th through 12th graders only. Mark this date now!
Athletes who plan to get their athletic physical at
On Thursday, March 13th, local business representatives from each of the sixteen career clusters visited LHS to share what they do, how they got there, skills required, hours, salaries, etc. Each student had the opportunity to visit three speakers from different clusters. Students had a worksheet to fill out to give feedback about what they liked most, least, what they learned, etc. Hearing different speakers gave our students a greater understanding and knowledge about different careers in the world of work. Click here for pictures!
The weather this week has also resulted in changes to the Varsity Baseball schedule. The Varsity Baseball Team will take on Wren in the Easley Tournament tomorrow evening at 5:00 p.m. (Please note change in time!) and Easley on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
The groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new
A webpage has been set up (by a friend of Hannah's family) for LHS students and the
On Valentine’s Day, as part of JROTC service learning, a group of LHS cadets visited
This Monday, February 18th, rising ninth grade students and their parents are invited to the L
Following the meal there will be an informative meeting in the cafeteria from 6:15 until 7:15. This meeting will address points of interest such as high school athletics, honors and advanced placement courses, clubs and activities, and student expectations.
Next, students and their parents will meet with LHS advisors in a small group setting from 7:15 until 8:00. Registration materials for the 2008-2009 school year will be distributed.
Ms. Brittany Ross, former Clemson volleyball player, is a senior at Clemson obtaining a double major in Communications and Spanish. She was named to the All-ACC Academic Team in 2006, and has been listed on the President’s List and Dean’s List while at Clemson. While at
Jock McKissic plays on the
COWABUNGA!!! The excitement is building! WLHS guest anchors have been rustling up some fun for next week! Students will be “having a cow” about careers! Our students will have the opportunity to learn about all walks of life so they can “herd” their talents and “mooove” themselves in the best career path. There will be prizes and SUR-prises all week! Chick-fil-A biscuits will be on sale for $2 each morning from 7:30 to 8:05 in the gym lobby with the proceeds benefitting a local charity, so be sure to bring your MOOO-la! Yee-Haw!
From February 11th through February 22nd, LHS will be participating in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign. This program raises funds for the SC Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Advisor groups will be competing to raise the most money and be rewarded with a Chick-fil-A breakfast! LHS is also eligible for monetary rewards if our school raises at least $500, places in the top three highest fund raising schools in SC, or has the highest per-student average of monies raised.
Next week, February 11-15, canned goods and non-perishable food items will be collected for the Eastside Food Bank here in
Miss Devilier Runner-Up: Jordan Owens; Miss Senior: Jenny Cervantes; Miss Senior Runner-Up: Jenna Boiter; Miss Senior Congeniality: Amanda Davis; Miss Junior: Taylor Elliott; Miss Junior Runner-Up: Olivia Whitaker; Miss Junior Congeniality: Ansley Hayes; Miss Sophomore: Casey Reeves; Miss Sophomore Runners-Up: Samantha Crawford and Amber Grayson; Miss Sophomore Congeniality: Samantha Crawford; Miss Freshman: Chelsey McDaniel; Miss Freshman Runner-Up: Breanna Walsh; Miss Freshman Congeniality: KelseyMullikin
To see pictures, be sure to visit our Photo Gallery under "What's New!"
Students at LHS will be having a COW as they begin to investigate career options for their future. This “Career Opportunity Week” will be filled with virtual job shadowing, Career Interest Quizzes, guest speakers and a few surprises here and there. We want our students to get excited about their future and to begin exploring different career paths. Students are encouraged to invite a guest to speak to a small group of students during “Have a COW Week” as we promote career awareness. The possibilities for our students are endless and we want to help them to become aware of those possibilities!
Congratulations to our talented LHS students recently selected by audition for the Pickens County All-County Band! Pictured are Tabitha Marshall - First Chair Bass Clarinet, Anna Edwards - First Chair Tenor Saxophone, and Bethany Barrett - Second Chair French Horn.
Congratulations to Carey Rowland! Carey signed yesterday to play baseball with
LHS also welcomes the following student teachers for this semester: ; Mr. Kevin Derossett, Southern
Your feedback is welcome! E-mail us at lhsweb@pickens.k12.sc.us to let us know what you think about our new look!
