Thursday, December 15, 2011

The mitten post: how to donate, reclaim and retain

Cassie’s Mittens, the annual community drive for new mittens, gloves, and hats, ends tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 19. Please bring any new items to the office by the end of the school day. These items are then distributed throughout the community.

You may also have noticed that your personal collection of mittens, hats, scarves, sweatshirts, etc. has diminished over the last few months. Stop by the Lucas lost and found (table in hallway outside main office) to claim those long-forgotten items. Anything left behind will be taken to Goodwill during the winter break.

Finally, to avoid such unintentional recycling of winter items, please be sure your child's name is written on the tag, especially snow pants. Many students have black snow pants and it can be very difficult to know precise ownership. Make sure your child is prepared to play outside. In order to play in the snow, children must be wearing snow pants, boots, and of course a coat. If children are not wearing their winter gear, they will have to stay on the blacktop areas of the playgrounds.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

IC Parks and Recreation Dept. offers Winter Break Camps Dec. 21-30

The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department is offering Winter Break Camps Dec 21- Dec 30. Activities will include sports, games, arts and crafts, special visitors and field trips.

For more information go to www.icgov.org/pr , the school district virtual backpack at http://www.edline.net/pages/ICCSD/Virtual_Backpack or call Joyce Carroll, Iowa City Recreation Division at 356-5100.

Hays discusses Everyday Math; free math game apps available Dec. 20

If your child's math homework seems as unrecognizable to you as a lesson in Swahili, fear not. It's a curriculum vastly different from the one most parents remember from their school days, but one that research shows is more effective in teaching kids to think and solve problems than previous methods based on rote memorization.

That was the message from Julie Ewert Hays, math resource specialist, to the PTO at last night's monthly meeting. Hays offered an overview of the Everyday Math curriculum, shared examples of the types of problems students are working as they gain a mathematical foundation, and offered ideas for ways parents can help, even if the methods seem foreign.


Developed at the University of Chicago and used in Iowa City schools for at least seven years, Everyday Math uses everyday situations to encourage thinking and problem solving while instilling basic math in all students. Hays said that every concept is revisited five times in a two-year stream, so that if students don't fully master it the first time through they have plenty of additional opportunities to solidify their skills before moving forward. Students rarely use a text book, but a resource book with definitions and detailed explanations of how each type of problem is done is available to borrow from your child's teacher.


Hays noted that the curriculum is language-based, relatively fast-paced and cyclical, which can be difficult for some students with learning disabilities. In such cases, Hays is available as a resource specialist to work with the classroom teachers to identify resources that will address an individual student's needs.


Hays encouraged parents to help foster their children's mathematical growth through classroom volunteering, parent letters, Home Links/Study Links and playing math games at home. She also shared that Everyday Math is offering 12 math game apps for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for free on Tuesday, Dec. 20. (These are usually $1.99 each.) To download these games search "Everyday Math" in your app store.

In addition, there are resources for parents available on the Everyday Math website. Some of these require a login, which is available from your child's teacher.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Free Family Fun Night is Dec. 16 at Mercer Rec. Center

Lucas PTO is hosting a Free Family Fun Night on Friday, Dec. 16, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mercer Recreation Center (2701 Bradford Drive.) Activities will include a bounce house, roller skating, game room, and basketball. Healthy snacks will also be provided. There is no charge for any of these activities or snacks. Bring the whole family for a fun Friday night! For more information, or to volunteer to provide healthy snacks, please contact Renee Speh.

City High hosts girls basketball gamp Dec. 21-22


Iowa City High’s Girls Basketball Program will be hosting a two day Holiday Basketball Camp on December 21 and 22. The early session (Grades 3-6) will be from 8 to 10 a.m., and the second session (Grades 7-8) will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

The camp will take place in the main gymnasium at City High. Iowa City High Head Coach Bill McTaggart and his staff will offer instructions with the help of members of the varsity girls' basketball team. All participants are to bring comfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Each camper will receive a t-shirt and other prizes.

The camp instructors will teach basketball fundamentals along with multiple basketball drills and games. Please bring this registration form along with your payment on Dec. 21st. The fee is $25.00.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Guest speaker will discuss math curriculum at Dec. 12 PTO meeting

Julie Ewert Hays, math resource specialist, will speak to the PTO on Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. about the math curriculum our children are studying and the best ways for parents to support learning, growth and development in math. This presentation is relevant for all grade levels and comes on the heels of a similar presentation focused on reading at last month's PTO meeting.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Make your list and check it twice; a tax-deductible gift to Lucas is mighty nice

As you plan your holiday gifts, please consider including Lucas Elementary. Though our “Make a Mighty Difference” fundraising campaign has ended, you can still make a donation before Dec. 31 and deduct it on your 2011 taxes. Your gift will help Lucas PTO support Lucas teachers, provide classroom supplies and educational materials, fund new technology, and develop outdoor learning initiatives. For information on how to donate via paypal, cash or check, visit the Make a Mighty Difference website.

Time and talent also make great gifts; volunteers needed school-wide

Not all gifts are monetary. Lucas can also benefit from your gifts of time and talent. Classroom volunteers are needed at many grade levels, primarily to help students with reading and math assignments. (Detailed instructions will be provided.) Giving a student individual attention for even 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in his or her academic progress. Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular day and time; 30 minutes per day is ideal, but any consistent block of time can be accommodated.

Parents, grandparents and other trusted adults are welcomed as volunteers after completing the Iowa City Community School District Volunteer Application. Depending on your availability and classroom needs, you may not be matched with your own child’s classroom. After completing a volunteer application, please contact Lucas Secretary Elise Denniston (Denniston.Elise@iccsd.k12.ia.us) with the days/times you are available.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

"Make a Mighty Difference" fundraising committee shares final report


As of this week, the "Make a Mighty Difference" campaign has raised more than $12,700. Thanks to all who have contributed. Remember, anyone can make a mighty difference, any time of the year, by donating to Lucas PTO. For information on how to donate via paypal, cash or check, visit the Make a Mighty Difference website.

Download a PDF of the 2011 'Make a Mighty Difference' campaign final report here.

PTO learns how to go beyond reading aloud in support of developing children's reading skills

Helene Volkert, the Lucas language arts resource specialist and reading teacher, spoke to the PTO at last night’s meeting about the reading curriculum and ways parents can support their children’s reading development. Parents at the meeting had the opportunity to view and flip through classroom reading materials for all grade levels and even participate in an exercise designed to simulate the experience of a young reader approaching an unfamiliar picture book.

Volkert described the wide range of materials available for teachers to develop lessons as well as how the reading curriculum is delivered in large group, small group and one-on-one formats.

Volkert said that in addition to reading with their children at home, parents can participate in reading development by talking about letter sounds, rhyming words and constructing and deconstructing word sounds (younger readers); and encouraging readers to predict or infer what will happen in a story and use vocabulary words in every day context (older readers.)

In response to a parent question, Principal Julia Burton acknowledged that unfortunately district budget cuts mean fewer students in need of reading support are receiving it this year. PTO President Dave Snyder said this is another reason parent volunteers are such a vital part of the Lucas community. Watch this space next week for more information and a call for volunteers.

Be sure to mark your calendars for next month’s PTO meeting, Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., when a similar presentation focused on the math curriculum will be on the agenda.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Food drive nets more than 2,000 pounds

Thank you to all who donated to this year's food drive, sponsored by the Lucas Student Council. It took four vehicles to deliver the bounty to the Johnson County Crisis Center--2,046 pounds in all. That will keep 100 local families fed for a full week. Mr. Ryan's 5th/6th grade class won the pizza party with 464 items. Great work by everyone!

Farmer Fair Friday featured in Press-Citizen

Thanks to everyone who helped to organize Friday's Farmer Fair as well as to those who volunteered at the event. It was a great success and fun for all. If you haven't seen it already, check out the article in Saturday's Press-Citizen.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Volunteers needed Nov. 18 to complete food drive

The Lucas Student Council food drive has been an amazing success. So much food has been donated that we don't have enough people and cars to deliver it. If you are available Friday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. to load the donations and drive them to the Crisis Center Food Bank (1121 Gilbert Court) please contact Renee Hansen at Hansen.Renee@iccsd.k12.ia.us. We'll meet in the circle drive to load cars.

Thanks to all who have donated food items and a big kudos to the Student Council for organizing this effort.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Local organizations offer help for the holidays

Families in need of a little extra help for the holidays are encouraged to connect with these local resources:

Salvation Army Toys for Tots

Register with the Salvation Army at 1116 Gilbert Ct., Iowa City (337-3752) on the dates below. To receive toys, applicants must bring the following to register: Iowa issued picture identification card; proof of Johnson County residency; social security cards for each member of the family; and proof of income.

Registration Dates & Times:
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Nov. 2 to Dec. 2 from 1-5 p.m.
  • Monday through Friday, December 5 to 9 from 1-6 p.m.
Pick-Up Dates & Times: 
  • Appointment times will be scheduled at registration

St. Mark’s Church "Gifts for Parents" Program

This annual event gives children in our community an opportunity to experience the joy of giving. On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon, children ages 3 to 14 can "shop" for gifts for the significant adults in their lives. Volunteers help the children choose presents from among items donated for up to 4 adults in their lives. Other volunteers wrap the gifts. All enjoy a free pancake breakfast provided by St. Mark's United Methodist Men. No pre-registration required.

Location: St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 2675 East Washington Street, Iowa City (337-7201)

Date & Time: Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to noon

Monday, November 7, 2011

Nov. 10-11 Book Fair benefits Lucas Library

Plan to arrive early or linger after your parent-teacher conference Nov. 10 or 11 to allow time to browse the Scholastic Book Fair. The displays will be set up in the multi-purpose room from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10 and from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. Proceeds from the sale are used to purchase new books for the Lucas library.

Student Council sponsors food drive through Nov. 18

Today kicks off the annual Food Drive sponsored by the Student Council. Please bring canned or other non-perishable food items to your classroom collection box by Friday, Nov. 18. The class donating the most food will win a pizza party. All donations will be delivered to the Johnson County Crisis Center Food Bank. A list of the top ten needed items is on the Crisis Center website.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Holiday Sale offers great gifts for future Little Hawks Nov. 13

Get a jump start on you holiday gift list at the Little Hawks Club annual Holiday Sale, Sunday, Nov. 13, 1-5 p.m. in the City High gym.

This is a great opportunity to get your past, current or future Little Hawk some brand new City High merchandise. The sale includes everything from bags and many other popular novelties to some never-seen-before clothing items. All proceeds from the sale go directly back to the City High and South East Junior High athletic programs.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Old Creamery Theater presents "Pinocchio" Nov. 5 in Coralville

The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences has added a performance of Pinocchio to its calendar and will present the show Saturday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. at the new Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.

The whole family will love this classic children's tale of a little wooden puppet who's dearest wish is to become a real boy. In this  “Commedia dell’Arte”  production, sound effects, masks and lots of humor make the characters truly unforgettable.

Tickets for Pinocchio are $10 per person. Reservations are highly recommended. For tickets call the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts at (319) 248- 9370 or reserve online at www.coralvillearts.org

Monday, October 24, 2011

Supt. Murley is guest at Monday's PTO meeting

Note: The email sent out this afternoon about the PTO meeting was in error; PTO meets tonight, not Tuesday night.

The Lucas PTO will meet tonight, Monday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in the Lucas multi-purpose room. Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Steve Murley will be the guest speaker.

Childcare is available.

Lucas celebrates Halloween with K-2 costume parade, classroom parties Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.

Lucas celebrates Halloween this Friday, October 28. Students may wear costumes beginning at 2 p.m. The Annual Halloween Parade for K-2 students takes place at 2 p.m.; classroom parties will also begin at 2 p.m. There is not a dance this year. We will be having a winter dance.

Remember that costumes may not be gory or frightening. Weapons and simulated weapons are absolutely not allowed.

Farm to School – Farmer Fair is Coming to Lucas Nov. 18

Lucas Elementary is partnering with the ICCSD Farm to School Chapter to host a Farmer Fair on November 18. The Farmer Fair will be an in-school field trip for kindergarten through third grade that brings local food, local farmers, and nutrition educators into schools to get kids thinking about where and how their food is grown, and making healthy food choices. 

If you’d like to volunteer to help plan the Farmer Fair and/or help out on November 18, please contact Julia Burton at Burton.Julia@iccsd.k12.ia.us

The ICCSD Farm to School Chapter, a project of the Johnson County Local Food Alliance, is one of 19 Iowa Farm to School Chapters throughout the state that is helping to get kids thinking about where their food comes from and adding more local foods to school lunches. Other projects the Chapter is working on include developing a district-wide school gardening program and developing school composting systems.

Learn more about Farmer Fairs, and view photos/videos from the events at Longfellow Elementary (last fall) and Mann Elementary (last spring) at: https://sites.google.com/site/iccsdfarmtoschool/projects.

Lucas teachers receive WalMart gift cards

WalMart selected Lucas Elementary School teachers to receive ten $100 gift cards. Parent Carol Greve, a WalMart employee, nominated Lucas teachers for this award. The teacher names were randomly selected. WalMart has been a strong Lucas supporter. In addition, the school received 500 BOXTOP points.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Support the Roths with Hat Day, meals

Don't forget to wear your favorite hat tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 21, and bring a donation for the Lucy Jane Roth medical fund. Kudos to Student Council for organizing this fundraiser!

In addition, some friends have put together this meal sharing website in the hopes of making hectic evenings go a little more smoothly for Lucy, Jake, Damien and Heather. You can sign up to deliver a dinner any Wednesday or Sunday or call the contact person listed on the site to arrange another day/time.


Free family fun for Halloween

Get a head start on your Halloween celebration at the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Halloween Parade and Carnival, Friday, Oct. 28, from 6-8 p.m. Put on your costumes and meet at the Weather-Dance fountain on the Downtown Plaza at 6 p.m. for a parade to the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center (corner of Gilbert and Burlington--just a two-block walk.) Then enjoy treats, tricks, prizes, crafts, dancing, face painting, cookie decorating and more at the Rec Center until 8 p.m. There is NO COST to attend this event! All ages are welcome and children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
* In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled, but the carnival will be held rain or shine.

Then, on Sunday, Oct. 30, University of Iowa fraternity and sorority members invite kids ages 0-12 to Trick or Treat with the Greeks from 2-5 p.m at the Iowa Memorial Union (corner of Madison and Jefferson Streets.) Wear your costumes and bring your treat bags. Activities will include: crafts, mummy races, a movie, snacks, pumpkin bowling, frosted cookies and more! For more information, call 319-335-3059. Parking is available in the IMU ramp (across Madison St. from the IMU) or North Campus ramp (one block north of IMU.) There is an hourly parking fee, but the event is FREE!

Friday, October 14, 2011

What's for dinner Monday? Pancakes at Lucas!

Don't forget to include the Lucas Pancake Supper in your meal plan for next week. We'll be serving pancakes, sausage, juice and milk from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Lucas multi-purpose room. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids under 12. Lucas staff members are free. 

If you are available to help with this event, even for 30 minutes, please contact PTO Hospitality Co-Chair Emily Spellman at 541-2063 or easpellman@msn.com as soon as possible.

Tip of the hat to Student Council for Roth family fundraiser

Lucas Student Council is sponsoring a Hat Day fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 21. This will be a free-will donation benefitting the Lucy Jane Roth medical fund. Lucy, 2, is the sister of Jake Roth, a current Lucas student. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in August and is currently undergoing treatment at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

Wear your favorite hat and donate an amount your family finds appropriate. This is a great way for the kids to support Jake and for the Lucas Family to support one of our own.

Hy-Vee "Smart Points" could bring new technology to Lucas

For every $20 of Procter & Gamble products you purchase at Hy-Vee from October 1, 2011– December 30, 2011 you earn 100 SMART Points to donate to the school of your choice. Get 100 additional points when you purchase two (2) or more Sara Lee Fresh Bakery products in the same transaction as your qualifying $20 Procter & Gamble purchase. 

(Participating brands include: Align®, Always®, Aussie®, Bounce®, Bounty®, Braun®, Camay®, Cascade®, Charmin®, Cheer®, Clairol®, Clearblue®, Cover Girl®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Dreft®, Duracell® ,Era®, Febreze®, Fixodent®, Gain®, Gillette®, Gleem®, Head & Shoulders®, Herbal Essences®, Iams®, Joy®, Luvs®, Metamucil®, Mr. Clean®, Natural Instincts®, Nice ‘N Easy®, Olay®, Old Spice®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Pepto Bismol®, Prilosec OTC®, Pringles®, Puffs®, Pur®, Safeguard®, SaraLee®, Scope®, Secret®, Swiffer®, Tampax®, Tide®, Vicks®.)

Find the promotional code printed on your receipt of purchase, and enter it by clicking on the "Donate Points" button. From there, select the school for which you would like to make a donation. More than 200 schools with the most points will win! Plus, this year the participants with the most points earned from each winning school will win an iPad® for a child at the winning school. 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Educational change is afoot; video asks, "Will Iowa lead or follow?"

This Iowa Future video highlights the drastic changes occurring in Iowa and the world, and shows that schools are struggling to keep up in today's dynamic new global environment. The video premiered at the School Administrators of Iowa Conference, Aug. 3, 2011.

While sharing some sobering statistics about the fast pace of change, it reminds us that "We must prepare our students for their future, not our past."

You're invited to join the conversation at www.iowafuture.org

School district seeks community input in operational audit

The Iowa City Community School District is holding an open meeting on Monday, Oct. 17, from 7-8:30 p.m. in City High Opstad Auditorium regarding the district's operational review, currently underway. Phil Hansen, chief operations officer for Synesi Associates, LLC, will facilitate the session.

This is part of the district's response to several operational errors over the last year. The district retained an outside firm to conduct a process audit to review business procedures and identify ways to mitigate future errors.

This audit will include interviews of District personnel and community members in individual, small group, and open forum settings.  Provide the auditors with as much open, honest feedback as possible will ensure that they have a full and complete understanding of the district's operations and challenges. Community input is crucial to the success of this audit. This specific forum will be facilitated by the auditing organization and not District personnel to allow for an open dialogue.

For more information contact Kate Moreland, ICCSD community relations coordinator, moreland.kate@iccsd.k12.ia.us or 688-1000 ext. 2505.

Volunteers needed for Lucas Pancake Supper Monday

Volunteers are needed to help make and serve pancakes, clear tables and provide other support for the Lucas Elementary School Pancake Supper, which runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. next Monday, October 17, in the Lucas Multipurpose Room. Even if you can only volunteer 30 minutes, you can provide huge support to Lucas PTO and Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED), which are sponsoring the event.

If you can help, please contact PTO Hospitality Co-Chair Emily Spellman at 541-2063 or easpellman@msn.com as soon as possible.

See you Monday!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Make a Mighty Difference Tops 2010 Fundraiser

A mighty thanks to the entire Lucas community- parents, teachers, grandparents, neighbors, alumni, and local businesses- who stepped up to support Lucas Elementary school, giving (at last count) $10,525.14 $10,964 (updated October 11). This was our first attempt at a direct donation drive, and we were still able to surpass what our 2010 fall fundraiser brought in!  


As a result of your support, Lucas PTO will be able to continue to help Lucas teachers, provide classroom supplies and educational materials, and support new technology and outdoor learning initiatives. 

Although the formal campaign ends today, you can continue to support Lucas by attending a PTO meeting, by volunteering or — if you haven't done so yet — continue to donate to Lucas PTO any time of year by visiting or www.makeamightydifference.org or sending cash or check to the Lucas Elementary school office.  

If you have feedback regarding the 2011 Make a Mighty Difference campaign or ideas on how we could improve our fundraising efforts, consider attending the PTO meeting in April 2012, where we will dedicate time to discuss this topic. Stay tuned for details as the date approaches. 


The Lucas PTO Fundraising Committee

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Little Hawk Baseball Club seeks 8- and 9-year-olds

The Little Hawk Baseball Club, which serves serves as the official feeder system for City High baseball, is looking for 8- and 9-year-olds to participate on baseball teams for the 2012 season. An initial try-out in September yielded 7 boys on each team. Rather than cut players to make one 9U team, they are having a
second tryout to find more participants. This tryout will take place on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 5:30-7 p.m. on Field 3 at Mercer Park. To be eligible to participate, boys must attend an elementary school in the City High district and be either 8 or 9 years old, or younger, on May 1, 2012. Practices will begin in January. More information is available in their tryout flier.



Friday, October 7, 2011

Just three days left to 'Make a Mighty Difference'

As of today, the Lucas Elementary School "Make a Mighty Difference" campaign has raised $9,955.15! Which puts us only about $90 short of matching the amount of money we raised last year, without anyone having to sell popcorn tins and wrapping paper. Way to go, Lucas community! 

With three days left in our campaign, we can do even better during the home stretch.

If you haven't already, please use this final weekend of the campaign to remind your friends, neighbors, co-workers, grandparents etc. of what they've been spared, and to consider showing their appreciation with a donation to support Lucas students' educational experience. 'Like' the campaign on Facebook, or share the link to our website: http://www.makeamightydifference.com

Every dollar makes a difference!





Boost brainpower with breakfast during Iowa Assessments Oct. 10-14

Next week, Oct. 10-14, students in grades 3-6 will be taking the Iowa Assessments, formerly known as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. We will be taking the state assessments each morning. Subjects include reading, math, science, social studies, and language arts. Please make sure your children have a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and get to school on time! We anticipate having the results by conference time in November.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Yes you CAN (donate your deposit to Lucas PTO Oct. 8)

Lucas PTO is collecting all for-deposit cans and bottles on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8:30-10 a.m. Bring those cans and bottles that have been piling up in your garage to the Lucas front entrance on Saturday, and PTO representatives will take them to the Can Shed to redeem for cash to support our projects.

Help the school and save yourself from the Hy-Vee can room. It's a win-win!

Fly away with Peter Pan Oct. 14-16 at City High

City High Drama and the Young Footliters will perform the children’s classic, J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan in Opstad Auditorium at City High School. Shows will be held Friday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m.

General admission tickets will be sold either by pre-sale or the evening of the show and are $12 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Ticket order forms are available at www.iowacityhigh.org or www.youngfootliters.org. Ticket forms may then be dropped off at the City High Main Office.  For more information call the City High Main Office at 688-1040.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Silent Auction Benefit for Roth family Saturday, Oct. 1

Friends of the Roth family have organized a silent auction fundraiser for this Saturday, Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m. at The Vine in Coralville. All proceeds will go to the Lucy Jane Roth Medical Fund. Lucy, 2, is the sister of Jake Roth, a current Lucas student. She was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in August and is currently undergoing treatment at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. You can read more about Lucy and the Roths in today's Press-Citizen and Gazette.

Herky will attend the event from 6-7 p.m. Many individuals and businesses have donated items for the auction, including:
  • Autographed sports memorabilia - footballs, jerseys, hockey puck, posters, shoes, and more from many different teams: Iowa, Nebraska, Penn State, NHL, NFL, NBA
  • Restaurant, store, and services gift certificates
  • Gift baskets
  • Art and collectible items, and much more
  • A raffle for Press Box Tickets to Iowa vs. Northwestern game on October 15, tickets are $20 each
  • A raffle for an original art work in foil imaging by local artist Kimberlee Rocca, tickets are $15 each
All are invited to The Vine on Saturday for this fun event to support a fellow Lucas family.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

October lunch menu starts next week


Here's what's for lunch at school in October. Can you guess which day's choices include 
  • Broom Stick Fish Sticks
  • Frog Eyed Tater Tots
  • Spider Web Coleslaw
  • Haunted WW Sugar Cookie

Mighty Hawks on parade

In case you missed today's Press-Citizen, here's Mighty Hawk (aka Principal Julia Burton) marching in the City High Homecoming parade Wednesday evening.
Additional parade photos

Monday, September 26, 2011

What's for dinner Thursday? Area restaurants serve up profits for schools

The Iowa City Community School District Foundation is partnering with 32 area restaurants for "Food for Thought: Dine Out for Education" Thursday, Sept. 29. Participating restaurants will donate 10% of their sales (excluding alcohol) to the Foundation. Click for a list of participating restaurants.

Treat  yourself to a night off in the kitchen. Ditch the brown bag and make it lunch AND dinner. It's for the kids!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Lunch and school fee waiver applications must be submitted by Sept. 30

Friday, Sept. 30, is the deadline to submit an application for free/reduced lunch or other school fee waiver. Families are also reminded to check School Dining account balances regularly to ensure sufficient funds. Please read this memo from ICCSD Family Support Services for additional information.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Make a Mighty Difference, y, Haga una diferencia tremenda


As of today, “Make a Mighty Difference” has raised $8,465.14! This is an amazing success for our first-ever direct donation drive, which will allow PTO to support Lucas education more effectively than with past sales-based fundraising events.
If every Lucas family contributes $90, we’ll reach our goal of $25,000 with ease! 100% of your donation will benefit Lucas through classroom supplies, library books, special events and field trips, music and physical education, and more.
If you haven't donated, please consider doing so now- every donation counts!  Write a check to the Lucas PTO, send cash to the office, or donate online at www.makeamightydifference.org

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Help "Pack the Pick-up" during City High Homecoming Parade Sept. 28

City High students are incorporating a service project into their homecoming festivities and asking those attending the parade on Sept. 28 to bring a non-perishable food item to "Pack the Pick-up." A City High parade marcher will safely take the items from those along the route (1st. Ave. from Bradford Drive to Court St.) and exchange it for a sweet treat. As a reminder, the parade starts at 6 p.m.

Those unable to attend the parade may still contribute to this food drive at donation bins in area grocery stores. All donations will support the Crisis Center Food Bank.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Picture day is this Friday, Sept. 23

Your child should have received an informational sheet from Lifetouch regarding school pictures this Friday, Sept. 23. Parents have the option of ordering pictures online or with the order form/envelope included with this information sheet. The information sheet has a school code needed to complete the online order. When your online order is complete, you will be prompted to print the order form for your child to present to the photographer. If you prefer to use the order form, please send the completed form and payment (cash, money order or check payable to "Lifetouch") with your child on Friday.

"Virtual Backback" will reduce paper pile-up in actual backpacks

In the next few months, all Iowa City elementary schools will be moving to new websites, which offer a number of great capabilities including a "virtual backpack" to house all of the community fliers that are approved by the district. You will be asked to check the "virtual backpack" on a regular basis for information on local events and activities.  

Paper copies will still be available by request.  Please inform the office if you need paper copies.  


These new Edline websites will also have an option to translate into numerous languages.

Boost your Little Hawk (or Trojan) spirit with $25 student athletic pass


Student athletic passes are available for purchase in the school office. This $25 pass will cover admission for all City High or West High athletic events, excluding post-season contests, for the 2011-2012 school year. 

Monday, September 19, 2011

March with Lucas Elementary in the City High Homecoming Parade September 28

 
Help celebrate Mighty Hawk and Little Hawk pride Wednesday, September 28, by marching with Lucas Elementary School in the City High Homecoming Parade. 
 
Lucas families are invited to gather at Mercer Park no later than 5:15 p.m. and look  for the Lucas Mighty Hawk Banner. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and ends at Bates Field (City High).

All Lucas families are invited, but students MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Wear a Lucas shirt if you have one. And bring a bag of candy if you want to hand it out along the parade route.

Questions? Contact Joe Bell at jk.bell@mchsi.com or 319-354-2281.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Friday Fundraiser Update: $7,993.12

As of this morning, the Lucas PTO Make a Mighty Difference 2011-12 fundraiser has raised $7,993.12! Thanks especially to the folks who have stepped up in the past couple weeks to give, including:

Antonio and Diane Malkusak
Shelby and Paul Myers-Verhage
Donald and Emily Spellman
Ruthina West
Rebecca Worthington


View the full list of donors at our Make a Mighty Difference Donor Wall of Fame at http://themightyhawkmessenger.blogspot.com/p/donor-hall-of-fame.html

Meanwhile, there are just over three weeks left before our campaign officially ends on Monday, October 10! If you haven’t given yet, please consider doing so today! Every dollar counts as we try to raise $25,000 to support our teachers and students. It’s easy, and your donation is tax-deductible. For information about how to give, click here.

And Go Mighty Hawks!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Next PTO meeting is Monday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.

The PTO will meet on Monday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room (MPR.) Free babysitting will be provided. Pam Ehly, ICCSD director of instruction, will be the guest speaker, discussing Iowa Assessments (formerly Iowa Test of Basic Skills.)
Complete agenda

K-3 Back-to-School Night is tonight at 6:30

Families of students in kindergarten through 3rd grade are invited to Back to School Night from 6:30 to 7:30 this evening. Let your child show you around the classroom and take the opportunity to chat with the teachers.

Don't forget to vote in school board election today

Area voters are electing five new members of the School Board for the Iowa City Community School District today. Polls are open until 8 p.m. In school elections, several polling places are consolidated, so be sure to check your voting location before you head out. Most families in the Lucas neighborhood will cast school ballots at Lemme Elementary (3100 E. Washington) or City High (1900 Morningside Drive.)

Monday, September 12, 2011

Free Science & Math Festival Sept. 18 at UI



It's never too soon to start planning your weekend. On Sunday afternoon from 1-5 p.m. check out iExploreSTEM, a FREE festival to nurture the interests of Iowa's K-12 children in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The event will feature more than 45 fun hands-on educational activities including:


Future Engineers Contest -- Create the tallest tower in 8 minutes
CyberAnatomy -- Learn anatomy like a medical student
Pitch and Win -- Pitch your business idea to investors in 3 minutes!
Turbine Testing -- See a model working wind turbine & make your own
Diagnostic Detectives -- Diagnose a case and play lab Jeopardy
Mobile Science -- Visit working mobile weather and communications labs
AND LOTS MORE!!!


When: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 1-5 p.m.

Where: State Hygienic Lab, UI Research Park, Coralville, IA

Information: www.iExploreSTEM.org or gina-schatteman@uiowa.edu

Friday, September 9, 2011

Shout out to donors who are making a Mighty Difference!

The Lucas PTO wants to send a shout-out and a tip of the hat to some of the folks who have already made a difference by supporting the Make a Mighty Difference fundraiser at Lucas Elementary School. A HUGE thank-you to:

ConAgra Foods
Goodfellow Printing
Sara Baird
Julia Burton
Judy & Ben Clark
The Cox Family
Freda Dixon
Tobi Drake
Lorie Dykes
Kristi Fitzpatrick
Dawn Fitzpatrick & Brad McDowell
Joel and Jill Graff
David Amy Greazel
Stephen Heywood
Ben & Brooke Hill
John & Mary Kenyon
Jennifer Lee Howard
Jeni Lewis
Les & Nancy Lipschutz
Andy & Sarah Lynch
Jennifer Lynch
Debbie & Joe Manning
Rob & Anna McComas
Kathleen McKay
Michelle Norman
Cathy & Charles Novak
Joseph Pavelich
Jay & Chris Phillips
Stephen & Melinda Pradarelli
Pam & Steve Quigley
Dave Snyder
Renne Speh
Danella Van Tasell
Leslie & Andy Veit
Mary Lee & George Veit
Helene Volkert
Larry & Marilyn Walberg
Wayne & Dixie Walker
Janis Williams
Joey Young

THANKS for making a Mighty Difference!

The Lucas PTO Fundraising Committee

Make a Mighty Difference fundraiser tops $7,000

The Make a Mighty Difference fundraising campaign has brought in $7,068.12 as of today! 

Thanks to all of you who have dug deep so the Lucas PTO can continue to support our great school without requiring our students to sell items many of you told us you didn't want or need. 

Despite our progress, we still have a way to go to reach our goal of raising $25,000 by October 10. So if you haven't given, please consider doing so today -- whether it's $25, $50, $100 or more! Every dollar makes a difference. And if every Lucas family donates $90, we’ll reach our goal with ease. 

Don't forget that 100 percent of your tax-deductible donation will benefit Lucas through classroom support, library books, special events and field trips, music and physical education and more. You can write a check to the Lucas PTO or donate online at www.makeamightydifference.org.

Also, please look for a flyer in your child's take-home folder today encouraging Lucas families to give. And, as always, Go Mighty Hawks!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Free Winter Clothing Distribution

2011 Children’s Free Coats and Socks & Underwear Distribution
(Children MUST be present)

This is a free distribution of winter clothing in infant, child and adult sizes.
Included in the distribution are coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, sweatpants, sweatshirts, sweaters and blue jeans.

Date: Saturday, October 8

Time: 9:00AM to Noon

Three Locations Near You:

North Liberty
NL Community Pantry
85 North Jones Blvd

Iowa City
Eastdale Mall
1700 S. 1st Ave

Coralville
Community of Christ
2121 South Ridge Dr

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

September Lucas News now online

The first newsletter of the 2011-12 school year is now online! Click here to view the September issue of the Robert Lucas Newsletter.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Fundraiser slowly gaining ground, but we need more help!

The Lucas “Make a Mighty Difference” fundraising campaign pulled in a little more support since last Friday, for a new total of $5,902.80. Again, hats off to the parents, grandparents, school staff, community members and others who are digging deep to help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 for our great school by October 10 – just over five weeks away!

Remember, if every Lucas family donates $90, we’ll reach our goal with ease! So if you haven’t given yet, and you’re looking for motivation to do so, consider the testimonials from members of the Lucas community below.

And as always, Go Mighty Hawks!!!

The world has changed a lot since the time I went to elementary school in Iowa City. Getting our kids ready to be productive members of society means providing them with real life learning opportunities. I have contributed to the Make a Mighty Difference campaign because I want Lucas students to have the same opportunities for learning that kids in new schools have. In fact, I want Lucas kids to be not only connected through technology, I want them to be just as comfortable exploring nature and caring for the environment as they are interacting online! I am proud to be the principal at Lucas. Our kids deserve our support.
- Julia Burton
Principal, Lucas Elementary

We have been part of the Lucas family for more than 10 years. This is a school that has given our two girls a fantastic elementary experience. Now with the Make a Mighty Difference campaign we are excited to be able to give directly to Lucas instead of having our donated dollars go to a third party fundraising company. We are proud to be part of this campaign, which will help ensure every child has the opportunity to receive an excellent education. Go Mighty Hawks!
- Melinda and Stephen Pradarelli
Lucas parents

We were excited to give to the Make a Mighty Difference Campaign because we love Lucas Elementary School and we don't want our kids to have to sell things to our family, friends and neighbors. We support the PTO's efforts to streamline fundraising so our kids can focus on learning.
- Renee Speh
Lucas parent

Lucas kids are lucky to receive high quality education, which Iowa City schools are known for, from dedicated teachers and staff who do an amazing job with increasingly finite resources.  There is no shortage of ways we can choose to spend our money these days, but I did not hesitate to give to the Make a Mighty Difference campaign because it is an investment in our children and their future.
- Ben Hill
Lucas Parent

Friday, August 26, 2011

Weekly Fundraising Update: $5,547.26!

Thanks to you, Mighty Hawk supporters, the Lucas PTO has raised $5,547.26 as of today, moving us closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by October 10. But we still have a way to go. If you haven't given already, please consider doing so today, and be sure to tell your friends, family and other Lucas supporters to give a tax-deductible donation to the Make a Mighty Difference campaign. Learn how here.

Go Mighty Hawks!!!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

UI Children's Hospital offers autism workshops

Lucas families who want to learn more about autism may be interested in a series of workshops being presented by the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Autism Center, starting in September. All the workshops are free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Register online at www.uihealthcare.org/autismcenterworkshops or by calling 319-467-5658

The workshops, which run from 10 a.m. to noon, are:

  • September 10: Managing Your Child’s Feeding Problems (Register by September 3)
  • October 8: Managing Challenging Behaviors (Register by September 30)
  • November 19: Teaching Your Child Independence (Register by November 11)
  • December 10: Improving Your Child’s Social Skills (Register by December 2)

Detailed information about each workshop may be found at http://www.uihealthcare.org/autismcenterworkshops/.

The workshops will be held at the UI Children’s Hospital Center for Disabilities and Development, Rembolt Conference Room (first floor), 100 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City.

Supervised play for children ages 3 to 10 will be provided. When registering, please let the organizers know the number of children needing supervision, their ages and whether there are any specific behaviors your child displays or accommodations the organizers need to make to provide the best supervision. If supervised play is needed, parents will be asked to sign a consent form on the day of the conference allowing organizers to provide supervision.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Campaign nears 20 percent of $25,000 goal!

As of today, the Lucas Elementary School Make a Mighty Difference campaign has raised $4,865.46, or nearly 20 percent of our $25,000 goal!

Thanks to generous donations by Lucas families, Lucas supporters and others, we're on our way toward meeting our fundraising goal by October 10. But we still have a ways to go! So if you haven't given yet, or know a friend, family member or other fan of your Lucas student, please ask them today to send in whatever they can, because every penny counts!

For more information about giving, visit http://themightyhawkmessenger.blogspot.com/p/fundraising.html.

And Go Mighty Hawks!!!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Make a Mighty Difference Update: $2,725 raised to date!

[This is a corrected announcement -- we've raised more than the $1,725  posted earlier today!] 

Total as of Aug. 12: $2,725
Thanks to generous donations since the Make a Mighty Difference campaign kicked off August 1, the Lucas PTO has raised $2,725 as of today! So a big Mighty Hawk shout-out to those who have contributed to our goal of reaching $25,000 by October 10.

Lucas families should have received in the mail by now a brochure with information about the Make a Mighty Difference campaign, including information about what your money supports, and how to give. If you haven't given yet, please consider doing so today so PTO can continue to support Lucas educational and experiential opportunities throughout the year! Giving is easy -- you can send a check, or donate online. For details, go here.

And remember, because of our "direct ask" campaign, our students won't be asked to sell popcorn, candy or wrapping paper this year, and nearly every penny donated during the campaign will directly benefit Lucas. So give today!

You can also give during Meet and Greet at Lucas from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the school -- just look for the PTO representatives!

Go Mighty Hawks!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Register now for August 20 Kernels game; ride in style!

Want to watch some exciting baseball and fireworks and show your Mighty Hawk spirit? Then sign up now to attend the August 20 Lucas Elementary School Night at the Cedar Rapids Kernels. The deadline for buying tickets, for a discounted price of $6.50 (versus $9 at the gate), is August 18, so hurry to download the order form and mail it, along with a check made out to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, to:

Joe Bell
5 Dunuggan Court
Iowa City, IA 52240

Lucas students, parents and teachers will have an opportunity to take part in special activities before and during the game, including participating in on-field contests, forming a tunnel to high-five players as they take the field, and standing with Kernels players as members of the "Dream Team" during the singing of the National Anthem.

Also, new this year, thanks to a generous donation from our friends at Hills Bank, Lucas Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED) has reserved a Windstar Charter Bus to transport anyone planning to attend the game for an additional $11 per person round-trip. The bus will be leaving promptly at 3:25 p.m. the day of the game, and will return right after the fireworks. To secure a seat on the bus, contact Joe Bell at 354-2281, or visit him during the upcoming Lucas Meet and Greet and Popsicles with the Principal event from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16 at Lucas Elementary.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

'Patch' reports on 'Make a Mighty Difference' Campaign

Lucas Elementary's "Make a Mighty Difference" campaign got some additional publicity this week, with articles in the Iowa City Press-Citizen and on Patch.com, an online publication that covers the Iowa City Area. The Patch.com article is pasted below and can also be read online here.
Lucas Elementary PTO is Hoping to Raise $25,000 with new Fundraising Plan

The parent teacher organization hopes to reach its monetary goal by October 10 using direct ask fundraising instead of using legions of students selling various goods.

Fret not members of the Lucas Elementary School neighborhood.

When you fail to see young children at your door this fall trying to sell you popcorn or wrapping paper, it won't mean something has gone wrong. It will mean that the Lucas Elementary Parent Teacher Organization's (PTO) new fund-raising plan has already gone into effect.

Stephen Pradarelli, Lucas PTO co-president, said this fall will mark the first year that the PTO will use a direct ask fundraising strategy to meet its fundraising goal, which this year is to raise $25,000 by October 10.

Pradarelli said this method will allow the PTO and other parents to ask members of the community for funding directly rather than members of the community buying items from children than they don't necessarily want from students. He said this will also let the young sales people focus on more important matters.

"This is a way for the parents to get more involved and let students focus on learning," Pradarelli said.

Pradarelli said that PTO fundraising is more important than ever as funding becomes more scarce for the school district. The PTO uses the funding each year to provide students with school supplies, classrooms with new technology and to fund class trips.

There also is a long term plan to turn a portion of land outside Lucas into an outdoor classroom using funding from the PTO. This is a plan with several years ahead of it that requires funding to get off the ground, but the prospect of an outdoor classroom still excites Lucas Principal Julia Burton.

"Creating outdoor learning and natural play spaces will enhance every Lucas child’s life,” Burton said. “Studying the natural world impacts science education, but it also encourages thinking creatively about solving the environmental problems we face. Kids are naturally curious about bugs, plants, and dirt. Learning does not just happen in a classroom.”

Pradarelli said the direct donation campaign, called the "Make a Mighty Difference Campaign," is a way for the PTO to respond to members of the community who have asked for such an option when the Lucas PTO used items sold by students for all of its fundraising in the past.

"There have been so many people who have asked, 'Can I just write you a check?'" Pradarelli said.

He said that fundraisers will have to adapt to the fact that people won't be getting an item in exchange for their donation any more, but he's confident that the PTO will meet its goal.

"It's a generous community and I think people really appreciate the opportunity to give directly to the school," Pradarelli said.

Donations can be made on-line, by check or by cash. More information is available at www.makeamightydifference.org.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Press-Citizen covers 'Make a Mighty Difference' Campaign

Iowa City Press-Citizen reporter Rob Daniel interviewed Lucas Fundraising Chair Ben Hill for this recent article today (August 8, 2011) about our Make a Mighty Difference fundraising campaign, which kicked off August 1 and runs through October 10. Clear here to read the original story.

Lucas PTO raising $25,000 for books, technology
Parents and teachers at Lucas Elementary are hoping to raise $25,000 in a new fundraising campaign.
The campaign “Make a Mighty Difference” was launched on Aug. 1 and asks for contributions to help the school’s parent-teacher organization, or PTO, with buying new library books, technology for the classrooms and a new outdoor learning space.
Ben Hill, fundraising chairman for the Lucas PTO, said the campaign takes the place of sales-based fundraisers in which students sell everything from snacks to wrapping paper.
“Everyone got to the point of, ‘let’s do something else,’” he said.
Borrowing from similar campaigns used at other schools, including Longfellow Elementary, the fundraiser asks for families at the school and others to make a tax-deductible donation to the PTO. Hill said this is a more efficient way of raising money than the sales, which could see half of the money collected paying for overhead costs such as the merchandise.
“It’s easy to sell people on their kids’ education,” he said. “It’s hard to sell on a frozen croissant or whatever.”
With the money from the fundraiser, the PTO plans to buy supplies for classrooms, pay for field trips and special in-school events, and bring in more technology such as computers and Smart Boards, according to a news release. Parents also hope to build an outdoor learning space, possibly with a small structure where science classes could take place along with picnics and other activities.
By asking directly, Hill said he and other PTO leaders were confident families at Lucas and others would be more committed to the school.
“It’s not just about raising money, but about getting people excited and involved in their neighborhood school,” he said.

Monday, August 1, 2011

3, 2, 1, blastoff! Make a Mighty Difference Campaign launches today

Today the Lucas Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization makes history by launching its first ever "direct-ask" campaign, which we're calling Make a Mighty Difference! Our goal is to raise $25,000 in support of our amazing school by October 10, 2011, money that will be used to buy books for the library, technology for classrooms, a new outdoor learning space, help pay for field trips and visiting artists, and much, much more! [Play the video below to see some of PTO's money in action at Lucas!]

Of course, we can't do it without the generosity of parents, community partners and other Mighty Hawk supporters like YOU!!! So please make a tax-deductible donation TODAY -- $50, $100, $150 or more -- and know that, unlike past fund-raisers where more than 40% of product sale revenue went to a company, nearly EVERY PENNY* OF YOUR DONATION will go to helping Lucas students -- and the fine teachers and staff who are educating them.

You can donate online by clicking here, or by downloading this form and sending in a check.

More information about the campaign is available here. Or contact Fundraising Chair Ben Hill at baidanhill@gmail.com.

Go Mighty Hawks!!!

* This online payment option is provided for your convenience- however, there are nominal transaction fees that PTO must pay to accept donations online, so we do encourage families to donate using cash or checks if and when possible.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Photos from recent Sunprint Workshop now online

Photos: Lucas Elementary sixth-grade students took part recently in a Sunprint Workshop with Iowa City Community School District art educator Rebecca Kobos. Art produced during the workshop, which was funded by the Lucas PTO, will be on permanent display at the school this summer. Arts Educators of Iowa named Kobos the 2006-2007 Art Educator of the Year. 




Monday, May 30, 2011

A Note From Jude Jensen

Dear Lucas Families:

You may have heard the news that I have been displaced from Lucas Kindergarten next year. I have loved being at Lucas for the last 9 years. My Lucas family includes many terrific parents and talented teachers, as well as, those wonderful Lucas children. I will sure miss watching them grow up but I have faith that they will be well taught and cared for by the wonderful Lucas staff and, of course , by you. I hope to see you and the kids around town.

Leaving Lucas may not be my choice but I am sure that because I have learned so much from you and your children and my co-workers that wherever I land, I can do well. Please stay connected at school to help Lucas be the best it can be. Thank you for the honor of teaching your children.

Sincerely,

Jude Jensen

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May Newsletter now online!

The May 2011 Lucas News newsletter, the last of the school year, is now online. To view it, click here.

Friday, May 20, 2011

City High Girls Soccer Elementary and Junior High Appreciation Night

City High Girls Soccer invites you to Elementary and Junior High Appreciation Night Tuesday May 24th at 4:15 p.m. YOU are welcome to attend the final home game for the City High Girls Soccer team vs. Dubuque Senior High School FOR FREE if you are an ELEMENTARY or JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT! 

Be sure to get to the game early because members of the Varsity team will be throwing out autographed prizes to students in the crowd, including autographed soccer balls!

Stick around after the game for another autograph session and picture taking session before senior night festivities.

Game field is located behind Longfellow Elementary School.

May 2011 City High newsletter to elementary schools now online

The May 2011 issue of City High Principal John Bacon's newsletter to elementary schools, "The Littlest Hawk," is now available online. You can view it here.

Job Description: Lucas On Campus Director


Iowa City Before-and-After-School Program Director: Seeking a self-motivated, energetic, detail-oriented person to lead and administer a nurturing, child-centered before-and-after-school program at Lucas Elementary School.  Letter of application, résumé, and 3 references due by June 4 to LucasOnCampus@gmail.com.

This salaried position requires 30 to 35 hours per week.  The Lucas On Campus (LOC) before-and-after-school program operates from 7 – 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. MTWF.  Thursday hours are 7 – 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.  Between 50 and 70 children are expected to enroll for the 2011 – 12 school year.  The Director also leads one staff meeting per month and participates in one LOC Board meeting per month.

Responsibilities of the LOC Director position include the following:

  • Administer program in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Coordinate fiscal management of the program with the Lucas On Campus Board of Directors.
  • Supervise program staff through hiring, scheduling, discipline, and evaluation.
  • Maintain an orderly physical environment that is conducive to optimal growth and development of children.
  • Establish open and consistent communication with staff, parents, the Board of Directors, and the building principal.
  • Follow DHS and school procedures to safeguard the health and safety of the children in the program.
  • Establish a safe, supportive, and consistent environment that affords respect and fair treatment for each child.
  • Plan and conduct daily activities for the program that contribute to the growth and development of the children attending.
  • Perform administrative functions, including planning and record keeping.

The Lucas On Campus family says, 'Thank you, Mrs. D!'

After 23 years of providing a safe, fun, and educational place for Lucas students before and after school, Fran Dolezal has decided to take a well-earned retirement at the end of this school year. Under the guidance of Mrs. D, hundreds of kids over the years have gotten fresh air time outside, gone on field trips, put on plays, decorated wacky cakes, gotten homework done, learned about healthy foods, learned to finger knit, made thoughtful gifts, helped to set up for school events, and countless other activities, all while building strong and lasting friendships. We are thankful for all she’s given to the Lucas community, and we wish her the happiest of retirements. Please take a minute to stop by the gym before or after school someday soon to wish her well!

The Lucas On Campus Board and Friends

Australian circus-works dance group C!rca visits Lucas

Below are photos from a May 13, 2011visit to Lucas by the Australian group C!rca, which worked with kindergarten and first graders. 

According to C!rca's Website, the dance company "creates circus that moves the heart, mind and soul. We discover, cultivate and present works and experiences from the living heart of circus – vital, challenging and delightful. We believe circus is a rich artistic territory that can deeply touch audiences and participants. To achieve this, we progress with ceaseless inventiveness (in all aspects of our art and operations) guided by safe danger and fuelled by love and respect."

More about C!rca is available at its Web site.

A



Family Resource Center Parent Survey now online


Lucas Families

The school district is conducting a Family Resource Center Parent Survey and would like your opinion. To take the confidential survey, click here. It takes a few minutes to complete.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Yolanda Spears
Lucas Family Resource Center Director

Update (May 23, 2011): Some people were having trouble with the link above. If it still doesn't work, copy and paste this URL into your browser's address window:

http://research.zarca.com/survey.aspx?k=SsXSSQsSQsPsPsP&lang=0&data=

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Draft Minutes from May 9 PTO Meeting Now Available

The draft minutes from the May 9 PTO meeting -- the last of the school year -- are now available. To view them, click here.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Spring Greens Day is June 1st

On June 1st, all ICCSD schools will serve fresh, locally-grown salad greens for lunch for the first time! The greens will be served as salads and sandwich fixings for student and staff lunches.

During Spring Greens Day students will find educational materials on their lunch table that tells them about the farmers that grew the salad greens and provides interesting facts about lettuce. Volunteers will be visiting schools during lunch to talk to students about fresh, local foods.

Farm to School has been working with ICCSD food services director, Diane Duncan-Goldsmith, and three local growers to coordinate this event. Derek Roller of Echollective Farm in Mechanicsville and Andy and Melissa Dunham of Grinnell Heritage Farm in Grinnell are growing a total of 330 pounds of lettuce to serve to approximately 6400 students. James Nisly of Organic Greens in Kalona will be washing, cutting, and packaging the greens in his licensed processing facility so that the greens can be served “ready-to-eat” in the cafeterias.

The salad greens are being purchased with an Iowa Farm to School Grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).

The ICCSD Farm to School chapter, a project of the Johnson County Local Food Alliance, is one of several Iowa Farm to School chapters across the state. The goals of Farm to School are to get kids thinking about where their food comes from and how it’s grown, help kids make healthy food choices, connect local farmers with schools, add local foods to school lunches, and provide students with hands-on activities such as school gardens and in-class cooking demonstrations. More information about the ICCSD Farm to School chapter is available at http://sites.google.com/site/iccsdfarmtoschool/

Friday, May 13, 2011

DEED meeting postponed until May 21

The DEED meeting originally scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at the First Avenue Hy-Vee has been postponed until Saturday, May 21, at 8 a.m.

Students can enroll in Elementary Orchestra program this fall

Attention 3rd Grade Students and Parents!

At the beginning of their 4th grade school year students will have the opportunity to enroll in the Elementary Orchestra program! Instrument demonstrations and program information will be presented during the first week of school. There will also be an informational meeting for parents of interested students.

Lauren Trolley

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Register by May 25 for 'Let's Play' Music Summer Camp!

Music teachers are teaming up to put together one of the first, FREE summer music camps at Lucas Elementary School, and they are inviting students from Lucas, Lemme, Mann and Wood Elementary Schools to register for this exciting event!

The "Let's Play" Music Summer Camp takes place from Monday, June 20 through Friday, June 24 at Lucas Elementary School, 830 Southlawn Drive, Iowa City. Students will participate in three sessions each day: Orff Schulwerk/Xylophones, World Drumming, and Movement/Dance. 

On Friday, the last day of camp, there will be a sharing session for parents in which the kids will share and perform what they have been working on all week. The times for these sharing sessions are:

Grades 2-3:  8:15 to 11:30 a.m.

Grades 4-6: 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Students will be placed in a group on a first come, first served basis. This camp is free! Once the classes are assigned, more information and required forms may be sent home. All forms must be completed and returned if your child is to participate by MAY 25th! Online applications are due May 27th! No Exceptions
Print, fill out and send to Lucas the following form. Or you can fill out a registration form online by going here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Student (First)_____________________________(Last)__________________________
School ___________________________________________ Grade:___________

Email: ______________________________________ Phone Number: ____________

Indicate the transportation plan for your child after each class (e.g. parent will pick up, child will walk, etc.): ________________________________________________________________

____ Yes, I plan to attend my child’s sharing session on the last day.

Would you be willing let another child in your neighborhood ride with you and your child so they can make it to summer camp? ____ Yes ____ No

Child’s Signature: __________________________________ Date:_________

Parent's signature: __________________________________ Date: _________

New calendar available for summer youth programs

Looking for activities for kids this summer? Check out the summer calendar prepared by Johnson County Social Services.

The calendar provides tons of ideas for free and reduced-free activities, including sports camps, music lessons, public library hours, and other great information.

Click here to download the PDF.