Annual fundraiser was a MIGHTY big success!

We end this week with some great news: Not only did we achieve the fundraising goal for the 2013 Make a Mighty Difference campaign, but we exceeded it by nearly $1,000!

The PTO leadership team thanks you for your generosity in 

donating $10,984 and pledging more than 300 volunteer hours!

We especially want to recognize our students who tapped into their own piggy banks to contribute $36 in cash and coin donations. Special thanks also to our business donors including Abundant Playscapes, Alliant Energy Foundation, Alpla, Inc., Century Roofing, Expectations Salon, The Printing House and Plank Family Dentistry.

Your contributions allow us to continue to fund enrichment activities for our students, support special requests from our teachers, and enhance the playgrounds and outdoor spaces around our school. In fact, we are excited to share this image of a new bouncy play structure slated for installation in Spring 2014 on the 3-6 playground (north side of school building):

Please note that you can make a tax-deductible donation to Make a Mighty Difference any time of year by visiting our web page www.makeamightydifference.org. If you would like information about contributing your TIME to support our school, please contact Nancy Cassady, PTO volunteer coordinator, ncassadyim@gmail.com.

A MIGHTY BIG THANK YOU to all who participated in the 2013 Make a Mighty Difference campaign!

Abundant Playscapes
Aguilar-Rosales Family
Alliant Energy Foundation
Alpla, Inc.
Anonymous (9)
John and Marcia Anderson
Renee Baird & Jen Jordan
Jason and Catherine Burke
Sharon Burke
Ann and Chad Campion
Patricia Cantagallo
Brian and Nancy Cassady
Ana Cassady
Century Roofing, Inc.
Mason Chase
Patricia Clinton
Dennis Crall & Aprille Clarke
Mary and R.J. Daughenbaugh
Michael Davis
Kate Degner
Ryan Downing & Jennifer Sherer
Tobi and Damond Drake
Joelle Dickerson
Expectations Beauty Salon
John and Mayuri Farlinger
Dawn Fitzpatrick & Brad McDowell
Mike Frasier & Jennifer Horn-Fraiser
Crystal and Stan Galloway
Kyle and Sarah Galloway
Kristin Giuliani
Gary and Sara Glenn
Amanda and James Goodrich
Jill Graff
Carol Greve
Phillip and Andrea Gugliuzza
Kristopher Halter
Marie Hicks
Marta Hamity
Jody and Shawn Harmsen
Ronald and Beverly Herman
Ben and Brooke Hill
Sarah Holmes & Zara Wanlass
Jennifer Hyduke
Ruthanne Hyduke
Chris and Sheral Jensen
Shella and Brandon Johnson
John and Mary Kenyon
Morgan Langfitt
Megan Lavelle
Leah Lee
Jenilyn Lewis
Maddy Lewis
Timothy Lewis
Les and Nancy Lipschutz
Lucas On Campus
Sarah and Andrew Lynch
Debbie and Joseph Manning
Tara and Rod Martin
Maria and Jesús Martinez
Jun-Nicole Matsushida & Huy Tong
Anna and Rob McComas
Emmy McComas
Karrie Merriweather
Roy and Mollie Miller
Paul and Shelby Myers-Verhage
Carroll Novak
L. Charles & Cathy Novak
Richard and Sun Hee Oberfoell
Debra and Brian Parrott
Mike and Pat Pavelich
Joseph Pavelich
Kevin and Michele Pellinen
Christine and Jay Phillips
Cruz Phillips
Plank Family Dentistry
Steve and Nancy Pohlman
Beatrice Puryear
Jen Reynolds
Sara and Erika Riggs
Heather and Damien Roth
Sara Schwindt
Nicole Scott & Susan Summers
John Shoop
David Snyder
Erin Snyder
Barbara Solomon & Jeff Arnold
Renee Speh & Anthony Miller
Kristen and Clay Surom
Suellen and Will Swain
Joan Taylor
Tim & Julie Taylor
Mary Therese and Tom Teegarden
Sander Tompkins
Andrew and Leslie Veit
Mr. and Mrs. George Veit
Patricia Verhage & James Blanchard
Helene Volkert
Larry and Marilyn Walberg
Claudia Zambrano

Dine out at Shorts Dec. 11 to benefit Lucas PTO

Short’s Burgers Eastside
521 Westbury Dr, Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 338-7743

Please join us at Short’s Burgers Eastside on Wednesday, December 11, to have a great meal and help support Lucas PTO.

10% of proceeds from all sales on that day, both lunch and dinner, will be donated to Lucas PTO.

You can dine in or carry out. Tell your friends, grandparents, neighbors and co-workers!

Funds raised for PTO help us bring a number of enriching opportunities to Lucas students including visiting authors, class field trips, musical performances and playground improvements.

Hope to see you there!!

PTO meets Monday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m.

We hope you can join us for the next PTO meeting, Monday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in the art room (agenda.) Free childcare is available in the Kindergarten room. At this month's meeting you'll have the opportunity to meet our new School Administrative Manager, Angela Roe. We will also discuss a number of fun events coming up after the first of the year including Family Supper, Family Night at Mercer, and our annual Fun Night carnival and raffle.

Please take a moment before Monday's meeting to review the November meeting minutes.

PTO meeting Nov. 11 includes presentation from Kindergarten teachers

Our next PTO meeting is Monday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in the art room (agenda.) Free childcare is available in the Kindergarten room.

Please take a moment before Monday's meeting to review the October meeting minutes, which include details about last month's report from the first grade teachers, in which they shared information about their curriculum, teaching techniques, goals and strategies. This month, the Kindergarten teachers will offer a report from their classrooms, so Kindergarten parents, if you've been curious about PTO, this is the month to jump in with both feet!

Save the tricks, but share the treats: Make a Mighty Difference for Lucas

As your ghosts and goblins prepare for tomorrow's school Halloween festivities, keep in mind that the Halloween dance is just one of many fun activities the Lucas PTO sponsors for our kids. You can play a vital role in ensuring that these and other opportunities continue by supporting the Make a Mighty Difference fundraiser with a financial or a time commitment.

Lucas parents just like you have committed dozens of hours to creating a fun and memorable afternoon for our students. Additional activities are planned throughout the school year that will need your support. We ask that you consider how you might best support our Lucas community and then make a commitment--either of money or time or both--to Make a Mighty Difference.

On the campaign web page you'll find links donate time and money--both of which are vital for carrying out PTO activities.

Lucas PTO makes a Mighty Difference by funding:

• Technology - Computers, Smart Boards, I-Touch
• Enrichment - Field Trips, Visiting Authors, School of the Wild
• Outdoor Educational Playscape - Outdoor classroom space, Nature based play, Prairie Pocket, School Garden, playground equipment
• Family Activities - DEED events, Family supper, Free Family Nights, Fun Night

Lucas families Make a Mighty Difference by volunteering to:

• Prepare food for teachers on conference nights
• Assist on picture day (helping students move from classrooms to photo room)
• Set-up, serve, and clean-up Family Supper
• Organize games for Fun Night
• and MUCH MORE!

You can donate online by clicking here, or by downloading this form and sending in with cash or a check payable to 'Lucas PTO' to:

Lucas PTO c/o ICCSD Foundation
1725 N. Dodge St.
Iowa City, IA 52245

You can add your commitment of volunteer hours to our tally by filling out this online form or by contacting Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Cassady at ncassadyim@gmail.com.

A mighty big THANK YOU to everyone who has committed time and money so far! Please see our Wall of Fame for a list of donors.

Un-stuff your house with Lucas "Stuff the STUFF Truck" Oct. 26

Here's a great way to turn your unwanted and outgrown stuff into support for Lucas--bring your stuff to "Stuff the STUFF Truck" on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Lucas parking lot. STUFF Etc. consignment will have a big box truck available to haul everything you want to donate. Receipts will be available for tax purposes. No appointment necessary! Proceeds from anything they are able to re-sell in their store will go to the Lucas Family Resource Center, which supports a wide variety of needs in our Lucas community.

Lucas prairie pocket work weekend scheduled for Oct. 26-27

Channel your inner Pa Ingalls on Oct. 26 & 27 as we work to prepare the Lucas Prairie for spring revitalization. This area on the east side of the school grounds has wonderful potential as a learning space as part of our Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape Initiative. But it needs lots of Lucas muscle to bring it under control.

We will be working:

• Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 4 p.m.

We are asking all members of the Lucas community to consider committing some time during the weekend to assist with the project. Plenty of tasks for the kids and adults!

What we are doing:

1. Collecting seeds to save for prairie replanting in the spring (we will have a burn this spring prior to seed spreading).
2. Cutting down trees that have grown within the prairie. Applying roundup by painting it directly onto the tree stumps (controlled roundup application) to prevent future growth of trees post burn. The trees are considered weeds in the prairie.
3. Stomping tall grasses and plants to assist with prairie burn prep.

What we need:

1. Volunteers to complete the tasks above. We are asking that volunteers bring their own tools, work gloves, etc. 
2. Girl Scout Troops, Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troops are also welcome and encouraged.
3. Volunteers to bring refreshments (drinks and food)
4. Site cleanup as needed.

If you can help, please contact Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape committee chair Sarah Lynch at sarahrlynch@gmail.com

Box Tops = $$ for Lucas; send your Box Tops to school by Oct. 22

Those little pink rectangles on your cereal boxes and other packages add up to big $$ for Lucas! Send your Box Tops to school between now and Tuesday, Oct. 22, for our fall collection. The classes with the most Box Tops collected will win a prize!

Students have received a flyer that collects up to 25 Box Tops (just tape, staple or glue them on.) If you have been saving them up for a long time (or just eat a lot of Cheerios!) please send bundles or bags of 50 to assist our parent volunteer in counting/sorting before they can be redeemed.

If you've been sacrificing your Box Tops to the recycling fairies, never fear! Start saving them now for our next collection. Grandparents and other relatives are also excellent sources of Box Tops.

While each little rectangle is worth only 10 cents on its own, when we work together, they add up to more than $1,000 every year for the Lucas PTO budget.

Lucas PTO makes a Mighty Difference by funding:

Technology - Computers, Smart Boards, I-Touch
Enrichment - Field Trips, Visiting Authors, School of the Wild
Outdoor Educational Playscape - Outdoor classroom space, Nature based play, Prairie Pocket, School Garden, playground equipment
Family Activities - DEED events, Family supper, Free Family Nights, Fun Night

Fall fundraiser tops $5,000 on the way to $10,000 by month's end

As we enter the final four weeks of our fall Make a Mighty Difference campaign, we have already raised half of our $10,000 goal. A mighty big thank you to all of our donors!

If you haven't donated yet, now is the time; if you have donated, please tell your fellow Lucas parents why you believe in this effort and encourage them to join you in supporting our school

The Iowa City Community Schools Foundation is assisting us with online donations. You can donate online by clicking here, or by downloading this form and sending in with cash or a check payable to 'Lucas PTO' to:

Lucas PTO c/o ICCSD Foundation
1725 N. Dodge St.
Iowa City, IA 52245

When you contribute to this fundraiser, you can be confident that your full donation is directed to our students and teachers. Ask your friends with students at other area elementary schools about their sales-based fundraisers. Chances are, they will tell you they wish their school had a direct giving campaign like Make a Mighty Difference.

One of the major projects we hope to fund through this year's campaign will be significant improvements to the 3-6 playground.  We also have ongoing commitments to pay for class field trips (Kindergarten to Wilson's Orchard, 4th graders to School of the Wild, and more.)

Lucas PTO makes a Mighty Difference by funding:

• Technology - Computers, Smart Boards, I-Touch
• Enrichment - Field Trips, Visiting Authors, School of the Wild
• Outdoor Educational Playscape - Outdoor classroom space, Nature based play, Prairie Pocket, School Garden, playground equipment
• Family Activities - DEED events, Family supper, Free Family Nights, Fun Night

Celebrate reading at Family Literacy Night Sept. 24

Are your bookshelves bursting? Are you looking for new readers for some of your kids' outgrown favorites? Gather them up and bring to the Lucas Book Swap!

Drop your books in the basket outside the office by Friday, Sept. 20, and then come to Lucas Literacy Night on Tuesday, Sept. 24, to look through other families' offerings and make a selection. The event runs from 5:30-7 p.m.  (A free dinner will be served.)

Also during Literacy Night you'll have a chance to enjoy fun family activities, read stories with a local celebrity, and even get an Iowa City Public Library card. (Bring proof of address and photo ID to receive your library card.)

Get in the Little Hawk spirit with tailgate Sept. 20 and Homecoming parade Sept. 25

Bring the family out for the DEED tailgate Friday, Sept. 20, 5-6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Our Redeemer Church, corner of 1st. Ave. and Court St. The DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) dads will be grilling up hot dogs and serving dinner for all (vegetarian option also available.) Whether or not you attend the City High football game, this is a great opportunity for Lucas families to get together for fun and food!

Hold on to that Little Hawk spirit throughout the week and join us for the City High Homecoming parade on Wednesday, Sept. 25. There are two ways to join the fun:

• As a participant--meet in the Mercer parking lot after 5:15 and look for others wearing Lucas t-shirts. The parade starts at 6 p.m. This event is sponsored by DEED; all students must be accompanied by an adult to walk in the parade. 
• As a spectator--park yourselves along First Ave. between Bradford and Court and cheer on the Lucas contingent and the rest of the marchers. If you choose this option, please consider supporting the City High Ambassadors "Pack the Pick-up" effort to gather food donation for the Crisis Center Food Bank. Exchange non-perishable food for candy as the group makes its way along the parade route.

Regardless of whether you walk or watch, the City High PTSO invites you to share treats at the end of the parade on the Hoover Elementary playground.

Parent program focuses on discipline, self-esteem Thursday, Sept. 19

Lucas will be hosting a program for parents on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6-8 p.m. Free child care for school-aged children will be provided. The program is the Smart Discipline program for parents, which focuses on techniques to improve cooperation from children and methods for parents to help boost their children's self-esteem.

The Smart Discipline for Parents Workshop was created in 1985 by Dr. Larry Koenig, a family therapist from Baton Rouge, LA. Certified trainers present these workshops in communities all over the country.

We encourage you to join us next Thursday for this seminar that could hold the key to harmony in your household.

Location change for school board election

The Lucas polling place for tomorrow's school board election has been moved to Mercer Park Recreation Center, 2701 Bradford Drive. This is a temporary change, only in effect for this election.

All polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. Early voting is available at the Johnson County Auditory's Office today, Monday, Sept. 9, until 5:30 p.m.

There are nine candidates vying for three open seats on the School Board. Information about the candidates was shared in an Aug. 26 MIghty Hawk Messenger post.

Voters will also be asked to renew the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) in this election.

PTO meets tonight at 7 p.m.

The agenda for tonight's PTO meeting has been posted. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. with free child care available. Look for signs in the school front entrance as our meeting and babysitting rooms may change to take advantage of air conditioned spaces.

Sept. 10 Open House canceled

The Open House scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 10, has been canceled due to expected extreme heat and humidity. A decision on rescheduling is pending.

Learn more about fall fundraiser at Sept. 10 Open House

You might not have realized it, but Mighty Hawk gold is a fine complement to parched-lawn brown!

If you'd like to accent your home with one of our fine Make a Mighty Difference yard signs, be sure to visit the PTO information table at next week's Open House, Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 5:15-7 p.m.

All Lucas students and families are invited to come and see the students' early work and chat with the classroom teachers from 5-6 p.m. Our school neighbors at The River Church will be serving a free dinner from 5:15-7 p.m., but you have to visit the classrooms first to pick up your free dinner ticket!

While you're in the classrooms, take note of the many items--Smart Board technology, instruments, library books, supplies--that were made possible by PTO.

PTO leaders will be available at this event to answer any questions you may have about how to Make a Mighty Difference, how the money will be spent, or why we ask for direct donations rather than having the students sell items to family and friends.

This week the Make a Mighty Difference fundraiser crept tantalizingly close to 40% of our financial goal thanks to a few new donors. We're still looking for broad participation in this campaign and want to remind everyone that all gifts are celebrated, no matter the size. Whether you can pledge $1, $10, $100 or more, all donors are recognized equally on our Wall of Fame.

City High Principal John Bacon writes to future Little Hawks

As principal of City High, I want our elementary and junior high school students to be excited and proud to be a future Little Hawk. 

Click here to read full newsletter

Make connections at first PTO meeting Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

The first PTO meeting of the year is right around the corner. Mark your calendar for Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. to come learn about ways you can be involved in building the Lucas community. You could win a Lucas t-shirt (and find out why it says RRCS.) You'll probably pick up a tasty treat. And you'll certainly connect with fellow Lucas parents.

All Lucas parents are members of the PTO and your level of involvement is totally up to you. Our meetings last one hour, and free child care is provided in the Kindergarten room.

Future meetings (always the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m.) are:

• October 14
• November 11
• December 9
• January 13
• February 10
• March 10
• April 14
• May 12

PTO Makes A Mighty Difference by supporting:

• Technology - Computers, Smart Boards, I-Touch
• Enrichment - Field Trips, Visiting Authors, School of the Wild
• Outdoor Educational Playscape - Outdoor classroom space, Nature based play, Prairie Pocket, School Garden, playground equipment
• Family Activities - DEED events, Family supper, Free Family Nights, Fun Night

While you have your calendar handy, here are a few additional dates:

Tuesday, Sept 10 - Open House at Lucas with dinner provided by The River Church

Friday, Sept 20 - Lucas Family Tailgate at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church prior to the City High football game. Hosted by DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) our Dad’s group at Lucas.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 - City High Homecoming Parade (Lucas group organized by DEED)

If you have any questions about Lucas PTO or a specific event, please feel free to contact PTO co-presidents Leslie Veit or Renee Speh

Butterflies, bees, beautiful prairieland; Fall is fabulous for outdoor learning

Families interested in outdoor education, a cornerstone of our annual Make a Mighty Difference campaign, may want to check out upcoming events at the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids and with the Johnson County Heritage Trust here in town.

On Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m., Indian Creek will host an information session about the struggling monarch butterfly, a species in decline due to lack of habitat and food sources. The nature center is raising about two dozen monarch caterpillars, which they plan to tag and release that afternoon. Children will also have the opportunity to catch monarchs on the prairie and help naturalists tag and release them. The cost is $4 for members, $6 for non-members and $2 for children. Advance registration is encouraged; call 319-362-0664 or register online.

Indian Creek will celebrate another troubled species with HoneyFest on Sunday, Sept.  15 from 1-4 p.m. Spend a fun afternoon as a family learning about the important role bees play in your life--meet bee-keepers, see a live bee beard, play old fashioned games, make crafts to take home, and eat bee-licious treats. KCRG-TV9 meteorologist Justin Gehrts will talk about the challenges weather poses to bees and other pollinators. Tickets are $5 at the door or $3 in advance.

Also on Sept. 15, the Johnson County Heritage Trust will host a free Family Day at Belgum Grove, four miles west of Hills on the south side of 500th St. It’s the perfect time to get outside, smell the wildflowers, soak up the sun, explore the creek, fish in the pond and reconnect with the best that nature has to offer. Move through different stations, visit with local naturalists and experience fun, hands-on activities that teach about Johnson County’s natural prairies, streams, wetlands, and woodlands.

Dress comfortably and wear boots or sturdy shoes to enjoy all of these natural areas. Children are welcome to bring their own fishing poles. Two kayaks will be available for exploring the pond. The event is free, happens rain or shine, and all are welcome.

Johnson County Heritage Trust is a local, non-profit conservation land trust made up of citizens committed to the conservation, restoration, preservation and enjoyment of locally significant natural areas. For more information, call 319-338-7030 or email info@jcht.org.

For more information about Lucas's outdoor education and playscape initiative, contact committee chair Sarah Lynch.

Help Target help Lucas; "Give with Target" campaign supports schools one click at a time

Have you voted yet in the Give with Target campaign? This may be the easiest way ever to help raise money for Lucas.


The Target Corporation is giving away $5 million to schools through this campaign through Sept. 21. Every vote we get equals $1. Will you help us get up to 100 votes before the end of the day Saturday? Just click the link above to be taken to our voting page and encourage your friends and family members to do the same.

Then vote again on Sunday. Everyone can vote once per week (new week starts each Sunday.) Don't delay--last year Target reached the $5 million cap well before the official end date.

Girl Scout information night is Sept. 5 at Lucas

Attention all girls! Would you like a club just for you and your friends? Do you like crafts? Games? Songs? How about cookies, trips, or horses? 

All of this and more is available to every Girl Scout, even if you don’t want to be in a troop!  Girl Scouts will be visiting Lucas on Thursday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room to answer questions and help you get involved in scouting. Ask your teacher or the office for one of the colorful stickers that Girl Scouts provided us.  See you at Girl Scout night!”

 

Fall fund drive shows steady progress toward goals

A mighty big THANK YOU to all who have already contributed to our annual fall fund drive, Make a Mighty Difference. In just the first month we've raised more than $3,200 -- almost 1/3 of our financial goal!

We seek to raise $10,000 and 250 volunteer hours by November 1, 2013.

We are hoping for 100% participation among our school families, including both financial donations and commitment of volunteer hours. As you consider your family's contribution, keep in mind that all funds will go directly to our school for a wide variety of PTO projects and all volunteer hours will support projects that directly benefit our students.

Lucas PTO Makes a Mighty Difference by funding:

• Technology - Computers, Smart Boards, I-Touch
• Enrichment - Field Trips, Visiting Authors, School of the Wild
• Outdoor Educational Playscape - Outdoor classroom space, nature based play, prairie pocket, school garden, playground equipment
• Family Activities - DEED events, family supper, free family nights at Mercer, Fun Nigh

Lucas families Make a Might Difference by volunteering to:

• Prepare food for teachers on conference nights
• Assist on picture day (helping students move from classrooms to photo room)
• Set-up, serve, and clean-up Family Supper
• Organize games for Fun Night
• and MUCH MORE!

You can donate online by clicking here, or by downloading this form and sending in with cash or a check payable to 'Lucas PTO' to:

Lucas PTO c/o ICCSD Foundation
1725 N. Dodge St.
Iowa City, IA 52245

You can add your commitment of volunteer hours to our tally by filling out this online form.

Take some time to learn about school board candidates

School board elections are coming up on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Now is the time to get to know more about the nine candidates vying for three open seats.

Friends of Community Inclusion is sponsoring a school board candidate forum tonight, Monday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. in meeting room A of the Iowa City Public Library. All nine school board candidates are expected to participate, discussing issues related to special education in the district.

Also this week, the candidates will participate in a forum Thursday, Aug. 29, from 7-9 p.m. at the Iowa City School District Main Office, 1725 N. Dodge St. The forum will be cablecast live on Mediacom Channel 21 in the Iowa City-Coralville area and replayed at times still to be scheduled.

The Iowa City Educators Association will host a forum Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Coralville Public Library.

More information about the candidates is available from several online sources:

ICEA candidate questionnaires

Press-Citizen editorial (8/21/13, pdf)

A Blog About School (written by a local parent)

Meet your teacher, share a popsicle with the principal Aug. 19

It's that time of year again--back to school! To get the year started off right, come to Popsicles with the Principal on Monday, Aug. 19, any time between 4-5:30 p.m. Check the class lists at the front door to find out who your teacher is and head off to your new classroom to drop off your school supplies. Then visit Principal Merriweather in the front drive and meet up with your friends for a cool popsicle treat.

You'll have opportunities to connect with PTO leaders to become involved with our events happening throughout the year. We'll also have information about the next phase of our Lucas Outdoor Education Playscape Initiative, which includes enhancements for the 3-6 playground.

If you have not already done so, you can pay your book fee at this event. And while you have your checkbook handy, why not Make a Mighty Difference with a donation to our PTO annual fund drive?

We're looking forward to a great year and hope you'll join us in support of our Lucas Might Hawks!

DEED planning meeting is Aug. 17

Calling all dads! The first DEED meeting of the new school year is this Saturday, Aug. 17, at the 1st Ave. Hy-vee at 8:30 a.m. DEED is starting out the year with a bang with three events in the first month--Night out with the Kernels, City High football Family Tailgate, and City High Homecoming Parade. We can use as many volunteers as we can get to help make these events a big success. For more information, contact Joe Bell. 

Take (the family) out to the ballgame with DEED Aug. 24

Please join us for Lucas Elementary night at the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Saturday, August 24 at 6:35 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and students who attend the game may be selected to participate in on-field activities and contests. The night will end with a spectacular fireworks show!

Lucas Elementary families can buy tickets at a special reduced rate of just $7. Tickets can be purchased using this flyer, by calling the Kernels ticket office at (319) 896-7560, or online at the URL below: (Please select the special Lucas elementary area of Section 112 when ordering tickets online.)

If we sell 200 tickets, then the Kernels will send us a fundraising check for $200. What a fun way to Make a Mighty Difference!

https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=92625&promocode=rlucas

NOTE: After you click on the link above and the page loads, click on the + sign next to club seating and the special Robert Lucas Elementary price of $7 will be given as an option. This special link will be active until Friday, August 23, at midnight. 

DEED chair Joe Bell can answer any questions and will be available at the Aug. 19 Popsicles with the Principal event at school.

Make a Mighty Difference for Lucas this year

With the next school year around the corner, Lucas students are anticipating new classrooms, new teachers, and new experiences.

You can help make it another great year at Lucas by joining in our annual fall fundraiser, "Make a Mighty Difference."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_wfCH99Wxw

The money raised for Lucas PTO by "Make a Mighty Difference" directly supports Lucas Elementary School through:

Educational Enrichment like library books, field trips, visiting authors, and School of the Wild

Technology for Learning like SmartBoards, computers and iPod touches

Community Events like the Fall Family Tailgate, the Lucas Family Supper, and Family Fun Night

Lucas Outdoor Playscape Initiative, an ongoing effort to enhance the Lucas playground and outdoor learning space.

In 2013 we made visible improvements to the K-2 playground, and our goal this year is to make major progress on the 3-6 playground - but it can only happen with the financial support and volunteer energy of the Lucas community!

As of August 1st, Lucas PTO has already raised $2,450-- almost 25% of our goal! We need your help to reach $10,000 and 250 volunteer hours pledged by Nov. 1.

Make a Mighty Difference for Lucas today:

• Make a tax-deductible gift to Lucas PTO www.makeamightydifference.org
• Sign up to volunteer for a Lucas PTO event or project www.makeamightydifference.org
• "Like" Lucas PTO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LucasElementaryPTO

Additional ways to help once school starts:

• Buy a 'Make a Mighty Difference' yard sign for $12 at Lucas School and show off your support
• Attend a Lucas PTO meeting (second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.; free child care provided)

Thank you for making a mighty difference for Lucas students!

Avoid the August rush, order school supplies now

Lucas families have the opportunity to order school supplies for next year through a company called SchoolKidz. Lucas teachers provide their supply lists for all grade levels, SchoolKidz fulfills the orders, and the complete package is waiting for you at the Popsicles with the Principal event just before school starts in August. You can place your order now through Wednesday, June 5.

To order:

1. Go to www.shopttkits.com
2. Enter the account number: 72011
3. Choose the appropriate grade level kit - REMEMBER TO CHOOSE THE GRADE YOUR CHILD WILL BE ENTERING IN THE FALL!
4. Enter your child’s first and last name
5. Add to cart; confirm your order and checkout.


Note: You do not need to sign in or create an account when checking out. You may check out without an account by entering your email address only.

If you have any questions, please contact Lucas parent volunteer Brooke at brookemhill@gmail.com.

Final Box Top collection of the year runs through Friday, May 24

We will have one last Box Top contest May 20 - 24th. Three popsicle parties will be awarded
to a K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 winner. Box Tops can again be placed on the flyers sent home last week or they can be put in baggies and given to the classroom teacher.

 For those that are ambitious, they can send them in counts of fifty. A spruced up Box Top box will again be in the office on Monday for collection or they can be given to the classroom teacher, just make sure the homeroom teacher is listed on the baggie.

By saving those little Box Tops from a variety of products you already use, you have already helped Lucas PTO raise more than $2,000 this year. Every dime counts!

4th grade attends School of the Wild

Lucas 4th graders spent the Week of May 13-17 at School of the Wild, a special program offered by University of Iowa Recreation Services. They went hiking, explored wetlands, identified animal tracks and plants, and even got to release a hawk that had been rehabilitated from a wing injury.

Thanks to the 4th grade teachers, the School of the Wild staff and all of our parent volunteers for making this a great experience for our students!

Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience performs at Lucas Thursday after school

On Thursday at 2:30 p.m., Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience will perform for free at Lucas on the K-2 playground. This is a special event for LOC students, but other Lucas families are welcome to attend. Students must be accompanied by a parent.

Simien and his band are in town as part of a two week tour of Iowa communities organized by the University of Iowa's Hancher.

If you can't make it Thursday, head downtown to the first Friday Night Concert of the season, this Friday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m., to catch a bit of this unique blend of New Orleans and Afro-Caribbean funk-reggae. Simien is an eighth generation Creole from the “Capitol of Zydeco Music,” Mallet, Louisiana, and is also passionate about Creole music education and advocacy. He has created a performing arts program called “Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco.” Since its creation in 2001, the program has provided informational performances to nearly 500,000 students in the U.S., Dominican Republic, Brazil, Paraguay, and Australia.

Volunteers bring nature back to K-2 playground

BEFORE

Did you notice the K-2 playground looked a little different this week? Thanks to the dedication of our  Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape Initiative committee and many hours of muscle power from about two dozen parents, teachers and kids on Saturday, we've taken the first major step toward a more natural play area for our students. More pictures are posted on the PTO Facebook page (be sure to "like" us while you're there!) And the Press Citizen featured us in Sunday's paper. Thanks to all who contributed to the planning and execution of this project. Watch for more opportunities to participate as the project continues!

AFTER

Fun Night committee thanks volunteers, donors

A Mighty big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and sponsors that made this years Fun Night a great success, raising more than $7,000 that PTO will use to support a wide array of activities and events for Lucas students!

In particular, a few donors were an integral part of the accomplishment: Hy-Vee (pizza and cookies), Midtown Family Restaurant (walking tacos), Noodles & Co. (pasta), Texas Roadhouse (rolls), Fareway (soda pop) Pepsi (water), and Bissinger Chocolates (Chocolate “games”). 

In addition, the following also made contributions:

Adventureland
Aero Rental
Aspen Leaf Yogurt
Ben Franklin Crafts
Blick Art Materials
Bob's Your Uncle
Burger King
Carlos O'Kelly's
City High Boosters
Cookies & More/Dairy Queen (Sycamore Mall)
Coral Ridge Ice Arena
Coral Ridge Mall
Costco
CR Kernels
CVS
Daylight Donuts
Englert Theatre
Game Day Iowa
Gasby's Convenience Stores (Muscatine Ave)
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
Hamburg Inn
Heyn's Ice Cream
Hills Bank
Hy-Vee Drug
Iowa Book
Iowa City Parks & Recreation
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Iowa Cubs
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack
Johnson County Safe Kids Coalition
Midwest One Bank
National River Museum (Dubuque)
Olive Garden
On the Go Convenience Stores (Muscatine Ave)
Pancheros
Pizza Pit
Pizza Ranch
Prairie Lights Books
Quad Cities River Bandits
Renee's Ceramic Café
Riverside Golf Resort & Casino
Riverside Theater
RSVP
Running Wild
Scheel's
Sheraton Hotel
St. Louis Cardinals
Target
UI Athletics Hall of Fame
Walgreens
Wal-Mart
Westport Touchless Autowash
Whitey's Ice Cream
Z'Mariks

Also a special thanks to the Kohl’s employees that continue to come back year after year to help with this important event. If you visit one of these sponsors, please considering thanking them for their consideration and for contributing to the education of our children. Thanks again for the help of everyone involved.

Final PTO meeting of the year is tonight at 7 p.m.

You could think of tonight as your last chance to get in on PTO participation this year. Or you could think of it as a jump start on next year. We're still looking for volunteers to head up some of our annual events. Bring a friend and volunteer together--it's more fun!

For tonight's agenda, click here. As usual we'll start at 7 p.m. in the art room with babysitting available in the Kindergarten room.

Be a part of the Lucas playground transformation: Work day is Saturday, May 1

The Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape Initiative (LOEPI) is hosting a playground work day on Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome, including Lucas students accompanied by adults.

The project involves the renovation of a portion of the K-2 playground on the south side of the school building. We will be removing some asphalt and putting in a mulch area with natural play objects.

Join us anytime during the day for as long as you wish!

• Starting around 8 a.m. we will be tearing out asphalt and loading it on trucks.
• By mid-day we'll be ready to preparing the area (digging out areas of the dirt and adding a drainage area). Also, we will be laying down landscaping fabric. 
• Later in the day we will be placing the mulch in the play area, putting in the play objects that we have and cleaning up.

Items needed: Mulch forks, wheel barrows, shovels, rakes and brooms. Come dressed to work and get messy! Water and snacks will be provided – please bring a water bottle to help save on cups

and trash.

For more information, see this flyer or contact Ann Campion,  ann.campion@gmail.com or 319-330-0896

Lucas community gathers for 50th birthday bash

Mighty Big Thanks to Ann Kessler and the 50th Anniversary planning committee for a marvelous celebration. It was great to see so many current and former teachers and families celebrating together, sharing memories, and envisioning the next 50 years. Thanks also to the Orff Club for a wonderful performance and to all the students who contributed decorations. It's great to be a Mighty Hawk and has been for 50 years!