Calling all inventors: Camp Invention coming to Lucas June 11-15

This summer, Camp Invention will come to Lucas from June 11-15, offering students entering grades 1-6 a chance for a fun week of learning and discovery. The Camp Invention program is designed to challenge children with a hands-on, discovery-based curriculum that enhances their knowledge in such key areas as science and mathematics. One week at camp develops creative thinking, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills through exploration and lots of fun!



Participants will:

• Work in teams to design a magnet-powered city!
• Travel on a time machine to create futuristic inventions!
• Take apart broken appliances and use the parts to build a multi-step balloon-bursting machine!
• Stimulate your mind and your body while inventing fun new outdoor games!

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day of the week of June 11. To register: 800-968-4332 or www.campinvention.org

Take a trip around the world Saturday, March 31, at UI's Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival

CORRECTED: The event is Saturday, March 31 (originally stated Sunday.)
The 23rd annual Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival is Saturday, March 31, at the University of Iowa Field House from noon to 5 p.m. This free event is open to the public. Free parking is available in Lot 43 located west of Kinnick Stadium.

This is a tremendous learning opportunity for all community members, and presents a chance to experience and broaden awareness of other cultures. The festival brings people from more than100 diverse international and domestic cultures together to demonstrate and share customs, traditions, and world perspectives in a fun and social event.

With thousands of people attending every year, Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival has become the second-largest non-athletic event sponsored by the UI. Inspiring activities include: Sports demonstrations, live music, diverse food booths, dance performances, and much more! For more information, visit ccdfestival.uiowa.edu

Lucas students will perform with East I.C. band May 8

Lucas musicians will join with other east side elementary band students for a concert on Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at City High's Opstad Auditorium. All students who attend the after school band rehearsals regularly at Southeast Jr. High will be performing. Come and see what our talented children can do!

Concerts are open to the public; doors open at 6:30. There is an admission charge of $2 for adults and $1 for senior citizens/students unless you have purchased the family passes earlier in the year.

Beginning Band students are to report to the high school band room NO EARLIER than 6:30 p.m. Advanced Band students (6th grade) are to report to the high school orchestra room NO EARLIER than 6:30 p.m. Parents and students should discuss ahead of time where to meet when the concert concludes.

April showers bring...coins?

The PTO is sponsoring a coin drive fundraiser during the first week of April, asking students and families to "Shower Lucas with Coins."

Monday, April 2-pennies

Tuesday, April 3-nickels

Wednesday, April 4-dimes

Thursday, April 5-quarters

Friday, April 6-dollars

With your support and a bit of fun we could raise as much as $1,000 for our school. For more information, please contact Ann Kessler.

Press-Citizen's "School Pride" section features Teresa Smith

Don't miss the Press-Citizen's feature on Lucas Kindergarten teacher Teresa Smith in the recent "School Pride" special section.

Press-Citizen features Opera Iowa visit to Lucas

Students and staff alike responded with enthusiasm to yesterday's visit from Opera Iowa, the Educational Touring Troupe of the Des Moines Metro Opera performing “Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing.” A story about the event, including a photo of kindergartners Natalie Wildes and Kaylee Westfall and a quote from first grader Sarah Brennaman, is on page 3A of today's Press-Citizen. It is also available online. Thanks to Nathan Kelley and everyone who helped with this wonderful opportunity for our students.

All Lucas dads invited to DEED meeting Saturday, March 24

The next DEED meeting (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) is this Saturday, March 24,at 8 a.m. in the breakfast area of the 1st Ave. Hy-Vee. DEED veterans are actively recruiting new members to keep this vital group going as the founders' children approach the end of their Lucas years. DEED hosts many fun, family-oriented activities throughout the year. For more information, contact Joe Bell, at jk.bell@mchsi.com.

New youth track club seeks participants; first practice March 25

Calling all runners! A new youth track club is forming in Iowa City and all students in second through sixth grades are invited to check it out. The first practice is this Sunday, March 25, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the University of Iowa Recreation Center/Indoor track (across from Kinnick Stadium.) Weather permitting, this practice may move to the outdoor track; if so, a note will be posted on the indoor track doors. Participants should wear running shoes and athletic clothing.

The club is founded and run by Iowa City parents Heather and Joey Woody, both former track stars at the University of Northern Iowa. Joey Woody is currently an assistant track and field coach at the UI.

For more information, contact Heather Woody at 404-4984 or coachheather10@gmail.com.

Burton "shines" as school leader

Congratulations to Lucas Principal Julia Burton, who was among the first recipients of the new Shine Awards from the ICCSD Foundation! The award, which will be given monthly, recognizes district teachers, staff and administrators who have gone above and beyond to positively benefit our students, our schools, and our community. Thanks, Julia for all you do for our kids!

Welcome back from break! PTO meets Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m.

Whether you've been away or enjoyed our glorious Iowa City weather this week, Monday brings a return to routines, including our monthly PTO meeting at 7 p.m. This month we'll discuss plans for Fun Night, which is coming up on April 20. This is a significant annual fundraiser that offers a great night of family fun, but only with the help of many parent volunteers. Join the discussion Monday to find out what you can do to support our school. Childcare is available during the meeting.

We also will be accepting nominations for our next slate of PTO officers for the 2012-13 school year. Elections will take place during the April 16 meeting.