The February 2018 newsletter is now available.
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Get to Know Ms. Galloway
We're excited to have several relatively new staff members at Lucas, and we'll get to know them as the year progresses. This month, we talked to fourth grade teacher Melissa Galloway.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you been at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us?
Ms. Galloway: This is my 2nd year at Lucas. I worked as a 4th and 5th grade combination teacher at a school in Cedar Rapids for nine years before coming here. And one year in Omaha teaching 1st grade. That’s when I realized upper elementary is where I’m supposed to be!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your favorite part of being a Lucas teacher?
Ms. Galloway: My favorite part is the people, especially the kids! There are so many humorous, smiling faces in the halls and it never gets old! I’m lucky to be working with an amazing staff and principal as well!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: When you were a kid, did you think you'd grow up to be a teacher? If not, what did you want to be?
Ms. Galloway: I always wanted to be a teacher until right before student teaching my final year of college! That’s when I took some time off and realized that it’s for sure what I wanted to do. As I kid, I used to think my teachers were boring. I used to daydream about what I’d do if I was in charge. Then I’d practice on my one student (my little sister). So now you know what kind of a kid I was ha!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What's the biggest lesson you've learned that's helped you grow as a teacher and a person?
Ms. Galloway: I remember reading that people and students will like you if you like them, and that students who like their teacher learn better/more from them. That got me thinking big time. How do I get students to like me without being a pushover or fake? The answer I’ve learned is that I have to like them first! It’s hard to dislike someone who genuinely likes YOU. So I have to get to know people/students until I like them. I always like every student I get, because I get to know them until I do. After I know why I like them, they tend to like/respect me. A mutual like/respect between my students and I has helped me grow as a teacher and a person. It makes my job the best job ever. We have fun in here!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: In a world with unlimited time and money, what would your classroom be like?
Ms. Galloway: It would look like a much better version of what I have now! I’d love more space in order to have more active stations. I’d like to have more quality equipment for active learning as well, so it lasts longer! I’d still have my “farm” but our “patio” would be a lot cooler and more spacious. I’m talking two story cages here! With quality bean bags to sit on! I’d love more laptops and headphones that are in good condition, as well as a more extensive personal library. I don’t need unlimited time…I’m not greedy. But unlimited (or even limited!) money for my classroom, I’ll take!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ms. Galloway: I'm not necessarily picky about the location, as long as it's an all-inclusive beach resort by the ocean! And since we're playing this game, I'll fly first class please.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What's something about you that people who don't know you very well might be surprised to learn?
Ms. Galloway: Wow, this is the hardest question on here! I’m kind of an open book, but maybe people don’t know I used to be super into the guitar and writing my own music? Now all I write is cheesy math songs with no guitar accompaniment or anything. I’m still hoping to make it big, except in the instrument free math song/rap genre.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you been at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us?
Ms. Galloway: This is my 2nd year at Lucas. I worked as a 4th and 5th grade combination teacher at a school in Cedar Rapids for nine years before coming here. And one year in Omaha teaching 1st grade. That’s when I realized upper elementary is where I’m supposed to be!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your favorite part of being a Lucas teacher?
Ms. Galloway: My favorite part is the people, especially the kids! There are so many humorous, smiling faces in the halls and it never gets old! I’m lucky to be working with an amazing staff and principal as well!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: When you were a kid, did you think you'd grow up to be a teacher? If not, what did you want to be?
Ms. Galloway: I always wanted to be a teacher until right before student teaching my final year of college! That’s when I took some time off and realized that it’s for sure what I wanted to do. As I kid, I used to think my teachers were boring. I used to daydream about what I’d do if I was in charge. Then I’d practice on my one student (my little sister). So now you know what kind of a kid I was ha!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What's the biggest lesson you've learned that's helped you grow as a teacher and a person?
Ms. Galloway: I remember reading that people and students will like you if you like them, and that students who like their teacher learn better/more from them. That got me thinking big time. How do I get students to like me without being a pushover or fake? The answer I’ve learned is that I have to like them first! It’s hard to dislike someone who genuinely likes YOU. So I have to get to know people/students until I like them. I always like every student I get, because I get to know them until I do. After I know why I like them, they tend to like/respect me. A mutual like/respect between my students and I has helped me grow as a teacher and a person. It makes my job the best job ever. We have fun in here!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: In a world with unlimited time and money, what would your classroom be like?
Ms. Galloway: It would look like a much better version of what I have now! I’d love more space in order to have more active stations. I’d like to have more quality equipment for active learning as well, so it lasts longer! I’d still have my “farm” but our “patio” would be a lot cooler and more spacious. I’m talking two story cages here! With quality bean bags to sit on! I’d love more laptops and headphones that are in good condition, as well as a more extensive personal library. I don’t need unlimited time…I’m not greedy. But unlimited (or even limited!) money for my classroom, I’ll take!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Ms. Galloway: I'm not necessarily picky about the location, as long as it's an all-inclusive beach resort by the ocean! And since we're playing this game, I'll fly first class please.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What's something about you that people who don't know you very well might be surprised to learn?
Ms. Galloway: Wow, this is the hardest question on here! I’m kind of an open book, but maybe people don’t know I used to be super into the guitar and writing my own music? Now all I write is cheesy math songs with no guitar accompaniment or anything. I’m still hoping to make it big, except in the instrument free math song/rap genre.
Spotlight on Reading Buddies
Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Oakes partners with third grade teacher Ms. Lopez's class. She and Ms. Lopez looked at their classes and selected the match-ups, and those relationships remain consistent throughout the school year. Mrs. Oakes enjoys supporting the friendships that develop between the students. "I really love that my students get to be with a Lucas peer who is kind of like their brother or sister, and get the one on one attention that they thrive on." When they read together, the third graders can hone their reading skills and help the younger kids enjoy the books.
Third grade teacher Ms. Lopez has found that including a variety of activities has helped the students bond and have fun together. Along with reading aloud to each other, the students do crafts and play board and card games with the goal of teaching good sportsmanship and how to follow game rules. Ms. Lopez says that her students really enjoy taking on a teaching role and developing friendships with the kindergarten students. Mrs. Oakes notes that the third graders' patience improves as they work with the kindergarten students.
All grades participate in Reading Buddies, so today's kindergartners will shift to the "big kid" role in the future. Ask your child about his or her Reading Buddies experience!
Monday, January 8, 2018
Get to know Mr. Stern
We're excited to have several relatively new staff members at Lucas, and we'll get to know them as the year progresses. This month, we talked to fifth grade teacher Mark Stern, who is in his third year as a Mighty Hawk.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us here?
Mr. Stern: This is my third year at Lucas. I originally started teaching in 1991. Prior to coming to Lucas I had my own team dealer/sporting goods business.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What do you like best about being a Lucas teacher?
Mr. Stern: The kids here at Lucas are great! I enjoy going to school every day. I work with a great group of teachers, staff and administrators so that makes my job fun.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a teacher? What did you learn from the experience?
Mr. Stern: One of the biggest challenges as a teacher is dealing with diverse populations and bringing them together to learn. I have an increased sense of awareness of the different challenges and backgrounds that students have. Being responsive to their needs and aware of them helps me to be more responsive to their needs.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is something about you that people who don’t know you well would be surprised to learn?
Mr. Stern: One thing people may not know about me is that I am avid tennis player.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year? What’s the best movie you’ve seen?
Mr. Stern: The best book I've read in the past year was The Slight Edge. by Jeff Olson and the best movie I've seen this past year was Justice League
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: When you were a kid, did you expect you’d become a teacher? If not, what did you want to be?
Mr. Stern: When i was a kid I had aspirations of becoming a sportscaster. I went to UNI and earned a BA in Broadcasting. I went back and earned my BA in Education in 1991.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us here?
Mr. Stern: This is my third year at Lucas. I originally started teaching in 1991. Prior to coming to Lucas I had my own team dealer/sporting goods business.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What do you like best about being a Lucas teacher?
Mr. Stern: The kids here at Lucas are great! I enjoy going to school every day. I work with a great group of teachers, staff and administrators so that makes my job fun.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a teacher? What did you learn from the experience?
Mr. Stern: One of the biggest challenges as a teacher is dealing with diverse populations and bringing them together to learn. I have an increased sense of awareness of the different challenges and backgrounds that students have. Being responsive to their needs and aware of them helps me to be more responsive to their needs.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is something about you that people who don’t know you well would be surprised to learn?
Mr. Stern: One thing people may not know about me is that I am avid tennis player.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year? What’s the best movie you’ve seen?
Mr. Stern: The best book I've read in the past year was The Slight Edge. by Jeff Olson and the best movie I've seen this past year was Justice League
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: When you were a kid, did you expect you’d become a teacher? If not, what did you want to be?
Mr. Stern: When i was a kid I had aspirations of becoming a sportscaster. I went to UNI and earned a BA in Broadcasting. I went back and earned my BA in Education in 1991.
Spotlight on Peacebuilders
Peace Builders, a Lucas group led by second-grade teachers Miss Hill and Mrs. Brown, is a long-standing tradition in our school. Though she's not sure about the exact date of its inception, Miss Hill says Peace Builders has existed all nineteen years that she's been at Lucas. Previously, it was led by guidance counselor Renee Hansen until her retirement in 2013.
Fourth-grade students are invited to be part of Peace Builders. Those who choose to take on this role receive special training by Mrs. Brown and Miss Hill. Every day, members assist during the second-grade noon recess. Two or three members circulate around the playground and watch out for second-graders who are having conflicts. They help these younger students find peaceful solutions and encourage them to think through their issues. Member Molly Carlson says she joined Peace Builders because "when I was in kindergarten, I saw the Peace Builders being kind and helping the teachers outside, and I really looked up to the Peace Builders. Also, two of the best, kind, strong leaders run it."
This relationship is beneficial to the second-graders as well as the Peace Builders. Second-graders respect and admire the older students, and the Peace Builders gain confidence by serving as helpers and role models to the younger students. It also provides them with an opportunity to gain responsibility. Peace Builder Liz Degner says that sometimes it's tough when kids argue. However, she finds it rewarding "when you see kids following your directions and they are safer than what they were before."
Sydney Schwindt, another Peace Builder, recalls a challenging situation she helped defuse. "One kid came up to me and said someone punched him. The person who was accused of punching ran away from all Peace Builders." With the support of a teacher, Sydney was able to talk to the students and help them. "I was complimented for my choice of words and how I handled the situation."
"This is a very positive program for Lucas School," says Miss Hill. "Mrs. Brown and I check in with the Peace Builders daily, and they talk to us about the recess activity. They are a delight to work with each day as they enjoy being a Peace Builder. It is also great to see the second graders respecting the Peace Builders. The Peace Builders have a lot of fun, and they enjoy working together as a team."
Liz provides this advice for students who would like to be Peace Builders in the future: "Be nice and try to respect the kids you’re helping—even if they argue with you." Molly says, "It's one of the best memories you can make."
Fourth-graders who are interested in joining Peace Builders should talk to Mrs. Brown or Miss Hill. A parent or guardian must sign a permission form.
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