"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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.