Order Your Lucas Cookbook Today!

Lucas 3rd Grade Teacher Tres Brown and parents Paula Everleigh and Deb Manning have been hard at work compiling a cookbook featuring Lucas family recipes and student artwork. Don’t miss this chance to order this Lucas treasure! Just $10 per cookbook! You should receive an order form in you child's backpack. Or, you can download and print the form by clicking here. You must return the order form and payment to your student’s teacher by Friday, April 8. The cookbooks will then be ordered and sent home with your student sometime in May. Return the order form with payment to your student’s teacher: Make checks payable to: Lucas PTO.

Questions: Contact Ashley Cahoon at 351-4024 or d_cahoon@mchsi.com.

We Need More Fun Night Cakes

Please consider donating more cakes to the Lucas Family Fun Night. Our Fun Night cake walks are our most popular events. In order to have more winners, we need more cakes! The class that donates the most cakes wins a Popsicle Party! Bring your cakes to the Lucas office between 3 and 5 p.m. on April 8th. Questions? Call Amy at 530-8290 or email her at dagreazel1@msn.com.

March/April Newsletter Now Online!

Look for exciting news about Family Fun Night, Jump Rope for Heart results, a visit to Lucas by author Robert San Souci, a new Lucas cookbook coming out soon, and news about a new direct-ask fundraising campaign launching this fall in the March/April 2011 Robert Lucas Newsletter.

'Make a Mighty Difference' Starting August 1!

The countdown has begun! On August 1, the Lucas Elementary School PTO will launch the school’s first-ever direct-ask fundraising campaign, “Make a Mighty Difference: The 2011 Lucas Elementary Fund Drive.” Our goal is to raise $25,000, or an average of $90 per Lucas family.

Your child won’t be asked to sell wrapping paper, trinkets or chocolate-covered macadamia nuts this fall. Instead, your family and friends will have a chance to make tax-deductible donations to help equip Lucas classrooms with 21st Century technology (like interactive SMART Boards), create a new outdoor learning space, and provide ongoing support for field trips, visiting authors, classroom and library materials and meet other academic and experiential needs.

Look for more details in the coming weeks and months, including right here on The Mighty Hawk Messenger blog. Or ask Fundraising Committee Members Ben Hill, Dave Snyder, Stephen and Melinda Pra- darelli, Ruthina West, Joey Young or Renee Speh.

Go Mighty Hawks!

Lucas PTO Can Drive April 16

Save your recyclable cans for the PTO Can Drive!

Saturday April 16th 9:00-11:00 am

Drop off your soda cans and bottles at the Lucas circle drive

Post-Spelling Bee coffee meeting set for Saturday

Joe Pavelich and Jeffrey Fields invite you to join them for coffee this coming Saturday at 8 a.m. at the First Avenue Hy-Vee to talk about the Spelling Bee. They'd like to hear feedback about this year's bee and past bees, and to begin planning for 2012. Everyone is invited.

If you cannot make coffee and would like to share ideas, please email them to Joe and Jefff and they'll relay them to the rest of the spelling bee team.

"Thanks to everyone who's helped make the spelling bee a success," Jefff said. "Joe and I get lots of kudos, but we know this is a team effort and those kudos belong to us all."

Jefff can be reached at 319-936-1750 or jeffrey.fields@yahoo.com. Joe can be reached at j.pavelich@mchsi.com.

Recipes for new Lucas Recipe Book due March 23!

Lucas teacher Tres Brown is spearheading the creation of the first-ever Lucas Cookbook, but we need your help! If you haven't done so already, please send her one or more of your favorite recipes by Wednesday, March 23.

Recipes must be submitted using this form (a paper copy of which is also available in the Lucas office) and can be returned to Lucas in your student's backpack.

Also, students are encouraged to contribute ideas for the title of the cookbook and cover art. They can drop their ideas and artwork into a container in the Lucas office. Students will have an opportunity to create artwork during art class the week after spring break.

Questions? Contact Tres at Brown.Tres@iccsd.k12.ia.us.

Parents with children of Autism Spectrum Disorder invited to April 14 meeting

April is Autism Awareness Month, and as part of the recognition the Iowa City Community School District is inviting parents to participate in a Collaborative ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Team Meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 14. The meeting will be held in the Central Administration Office Boardroom, 509 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City.

This is the first of what the district hopes to be quarterly meetings that will be facilitated by a planning committee of parents and administrators, including ICCSD Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Furlong and Director of Special Services Cheryl Kiburz.

Everyone who attends the April 14 will help shape what is on the agenda for future Collaborative ASD Team meetings.

Please note that the goal of these meetings is to improve outcomes for all ASD students, and meetings will focus on the big picture rather than personal stories.

Student scholarships available to attend UI educational and recreation programs

The University of Iowa Center for Diversity & Enrichment is now administering the E. B. Green Scholarship. This scholarship has funds available to provide financial assistance to high school students and below who demonstrate financial need in order to attend educational and/or recreational programs on the University of Iowa campus. This would specifically include the summer sports schools, journalism, music and drama camps, science short courses, pre-college academic programs and all other similar programs. These funds could cover tuition, fees, and materials related to attending a UI summer youth program and must be used in excess of funding already received. The typical award range is up to $500.

The application deadline is April 5.

The application can be found at http://cde.uiowa.edu/

To download the application, click here.

For more information, contact Andrew Freeman, Center for Diversity Enrichment, University of Iowa,  335-3555.

Lucas families who would like assistance determining if their child may be eligible for a scholarship, or who would like help with the application process, please contact Lucas Family Resource Center Director Yolanda Spears at Spears.Yolanda@iccsd.k12.ia.us.

Lucas Student Council Bake Sale Wed. March 9th to Benefit Lee Family

Lucas Student Council is hosting a Bake Sale after school on Wed., March 9th. All proceeds will benefit the Lee family--the Lucas family who recently experienced a house fire. All Lucas families are encouraged to contribute baked goods. Just have them individually wrapped, and please take them to Mrs. Hansen's office the morning of the 9th. All items will sell for 50 cents a piece. Thank you!

Run or walk for a cause April 2!

If you're an avid runner, a walker, or just want to support the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic, consider registering for the 2011 "Doc Dash," a 5k run/walk that takes place 9 a.m. Saturday, April 2. All proceeds benefit the Free Medical Clinic and the University of Iowa College of Medicine Mobile Clinic.

The race begins and ends at the Carver College of Medicine. Registration, which includes a T-shirt and race numbers, is $20 for online early registration (prior to March 19), $25 after that and $30 for on-site registration at 8 a.m. April 2.

To register, visit http://www.active.com/running/iowa-city-ia/doc-dash-2011. To view the race route, visit https://sites.google.com/site/uidocdash/map. And for more information, send an email to UIDocDash@gmail.com.

PTO Meeting Monday, March 7

Just a friendly reminder that the next PTO meeting is this Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the art room. If you are interested in any PTO chair positions -- including PTO president! -- PTO will be taking nominations this Monday. Also, if you have any questions about chair positions, please contact Melinda Pradarelli at pradarelli@mchsi.com.

Pictures from Lucas 'Read Across America' celebration available online!

What a FUN and fabulous day! Lots of Lucas students and staff dressed as their favorite book characters as part of Lucas Elementary School's "Read Across America" celebration this week. It was a  fun idea that got kids talking about many other books to read. Now that's always a good thing!

Dawn Barbouroske

[Having trouble seeing the images below? See a gallery of all the images by clicking here.]

Lucas Read Across America Month event covered in Press-Citizen

Iowa City schools kick off Read Across America Month

U.S. world team member Brent Metcalf said he likes to read.

"It's something I enjoy doing," the former University of Iowa wrestler told a group of sixth-graders Wednesday at Lucas Elementary. "In my spare time, I like to read."

Metcalf was among the guest readers for Lucas Elementary's celebration of the start of Read Across America Month. Part of a nationwide campaign organized by the National Education Association to encourage students to read, guest readers that included Metcalf, Iowa City Fire Chief Andy Rocca and Iowa City Schools assistant superintendent Becky Furlong read stories of interest to students.

Ann Kessler, a Lucas first-grade teacher and an organizer of the school's activities, said a committee of teachers wanted to expand the Read Across America week to continue throughout March. She said she was encouraged by the number of guest readers who came by, especially the men, who got the attention of the boys."A lot of the teachers said it was good to have so many men come in and read," Kessler said. "That's our goal, getting them excited about reading."

To read the full story, click here.

Join the new ICCSD Academic Booster Club!

This is from Stephen F. Murley, Superintendent of Schools:

I am excited to join the Iowa City Community School District Foundation in announcing the launch of the Foundation’s Academic Booster Club! The Academic Booster Club (or ABC) is just one way individuals and businesses in the Iowa City area can show their support for students in the district.

Similar to a sports booster club, the ABC provides an easy way for members to show pride in the excellent educational experience provided to children in the Iowa City area –a colorful window decal that can be displayed on an automobile or in a storefront.

We hope every family in the district will choose to join the Academic Booster Club!

All proceeds from ABC memberships benefit the Foundation’s Excellence Fund that supports programs and services to enhance the educational experience of our students. During 2010-2011, the Excellence Fund provided grants for programs spanning all grade levels and all schools.

We hope to welcome you as a founding member of the Academic Booster Club. And we hope you will display your commemorative decal in a prominent place to show your support for allchildren in the Iowa City Community School District!

To learn more about the Academic Booster Club and join today, click on the ABC link at www.iccsdfoundation.org.

If you have questions about the Academic Booster Club or the Iowa City School District Foundation, contact Marsha Grady at 319-688-1012 or grady.marsha@iccsd.k12.ia.us.

Sincerely,

Stephen F. Murley

Superintendent of Schools

Cookbook News from Lucas PTO

Dear Families,

We are pleased that there is so much interest in our school community combining efforts to produce the first Lucas cookbook. If you returned your note of interest, you will be receiving a recipe sheet for the number of recipes you offered to contribute. If you wish to send more, please get extra forms from the envelope in the office. Please print all information neatly and proofread carefully to assure the recipe is accurate. Our cookbook dividers will be:

appetizers, beverages and snacks, 

desserts and sweet treats 

meats and main dishes 

soups and salads 

vegetables and side dishes 

breads and rolls

Send completed forms to your child’s homeroom teacher or drop off in the office. We would like to have the recipes turned in before spring break if possible. Our goal is to have the completed cookbook available in May. Thanks for your help.

Tres Brown and the cookbook committee

Minutes available from Feb. 14 PTO meeting

Minutes are now available from the February 14 PTO meeting. Please review them ahead of this coming Monday's (March 7) PTO meeting at 7 p.m. in the Lucas Art Room -- please remember this date as the meeting was rescheduled so it wouldn't conflict with spring break. Also, if you are interested in any PTO chair positions -- including PTO president! -- PTO will be taking nominations this Monday.

 

Lucas PTO Minutes

Monday, Feb. 14, 2011

Present: Ashley Cahoun, Joey Young, Sarah Holmes, Heather Roth, Amy Greazel, Deb Manning, Mara Goodvin, Ania McComas, Ruthina West, Dave Snyder, Carol Greve, Sara Glenn, Joe Pavelich, Stephen and Melinda Pradarelli

Opening

January Minutes approved

President’s Report

·       DPO Scholarship proposal due 3/1. Barb Holderness nighttime janitor approved as person to be submitted.

·       Kindergarten registration- 3/1, will have PTO table at Roundup

·       ICCSD calendars on blog and Lucas web site

·       Dance Marathon earned $1402.00

·       February was Paraeducator Appreciation Month-PTO gave $10 Panera gift certificate to each Lucas paraeducator

·       Coin Drive will be in April – Brooke Hill in charge.

·       Fundraising Subcommittee roles have been identified: Ben Hill is coordinator; Dave and Ruthina are working with the budget; Renee is doing donor thank you’s; Joey will identify businesses to offer lead gifts; Julia is providing lead goals. Steve and Melinda Pradarelli will handle communications and marketing, and help to bring definition to the three major goals. One of these goals involves developing a scholarship and funds for children and families in need at Lucas. The committee also requested that PTO board members each consider an early financial contribution to this campaign.

·       Upcoming events: 3/3 Spelling Bee; 3/7 PTO meeting; 3/10 visiting author Robert Van Soucie (paid for by PTO); 4/8 Family Fun Night

·       School directories prepared by Elise and Julia (paid for by UICCU)

·       PTO nominates full Board in March- please consider serving in leadership position

·       Bowling for Kids 2/26 and 2/27: Big Sisters and Big Brothers (27 in Lucas), need team from PTO and DEED, tell Elise if interested in being on a team or donating to our team

·       Kernels game August 20- DEED organizing

·       Lucas cookbooks- Tres received large numbers for potential purchases and recipes

Principal’s Report

·       9 new children started in school last week

·       2 requests from upper grade students: 1) pancake supper; 2) “East Side Got Talent” night, maybe coordinating with Hoover and Lemme. This may be in the summer at Mercer or at City High during the school year. Asking for PTO support and assistance.

·       March Madness, Read Across America, calendar next week

·       SmartBoard training for staff last week, 9 working currently, K-2 classes and one 5^th grade class still need SmartBoards. Developing classroom technology plans.

·       ICCSD is establishing more secure networks.

·       ICCSD has a new emergency notification system: dial 688-1234 to get updated emergency news such as early closures due to weather. Can also sign up for tweet and email notification.

·       Requests for specific teachers will not be accepted next year. Class assignments will be posted a week before school begins, on exterior of school building.

Teacher’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Corrections:

1.     Hills Bank balance as of January 31, 2011 was $23,102.62.

2.     In 2010-2011 budget the expense line item labeled “fun night expenses” should read “free family night”.

Ruthina has started the annual tax form 990 with FREE assistance from an accountant.

 

Discussion Items

-       Report on plans for Fun Night, April 8^th

-       Fundraising Committee Report

-       Lucas Cookbooks update (Tres Brown)

Committee Reports

• Fundraising: see President’s report above
• DEED – Save the Date: March 3 Spelling Bee (note date change)
• Big G Labels- can shop online and credit Lucas
• Can Recycling Drive- coming up in spring
• Labels for Education- will combine contest next time with Big G
• Free Family Events-
• Fun Night- Amy and Sarah: April 8. Theme is Mighty Hawks (black and gold school pride), 5:30-7:30. Need volunteers to chair activities, for particular room, or for food component. Will have bounce house. Raffle tickets will be available after spring break
• Hospitality –need volunteers for 2 conference meals,
• Newsletter/Yearbook: Emily needs photos for yearbooks ASAP, newsletter items to Emily before end of week
• Volunteer/Room Parent Coordinator- need volunteers for March 2 spring photos

Adjourned at 7:55.

Submitted by Renee Speh

 

Upcoming PTO Meeting Dates (Mondays at 7:00 p.m.):

March 7 (scheduled 1 week early to avoid a conflict with Spring Break)

April 11

May 9

Three room chairs still needed for Family Fun Night!

We still have three chair positions available for Fun Night (April 8th 5:30-7:30 p.m.)

Candy Walk (room 25)
Lollipop Tree (room 9)
Pick A Pocket (Room 8)

These are all pretty easy rooms that do not require too many volunteers per shift. So come and get 'em.... Email me if you're able and interested by clicking here.

(If you have already signed up thank you very much - I tried to take those off the list, but I am sure some got through)

Thanks everyone for helping out so often.

Sarah Holmes
Fun Night Co-Chair

A note from Principal Burton

March 2 will be a busy day at Lucas! We will have spring photos taken. And then we begin our month long reading celebration.

Guest Readers will be coming to Lucas to help celebrate Read Across America month. Guests include Iowa Coaches; Brent Metcalf, Phillip Keddy, Libby Vriezelaar, Ann Browning, Ross Wilburn, Joel Winters, Lisa Flynn, Becky Furlong, and Andy Rocca.

Our guests will share their love of reading with our Lucas Mighty Hawks!

On Friday, March 4, students may dress as their favorite literary character. (Nothing violent or scary!) Each classroom has decorated their classroom door depicting their favorite books or characters or genres. Door contest winners will be announced at the end of the day.