The March 2018 PTO newsletter is now available.
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Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Spotlight on Spelling Bee
Mark your calendars--the annual Lucas Team Spelling Bee is coming up on March 6th (1st/2nd grades and 5th/6th grades) and 8th (3rd/4th grades). All events take place at school and start at 6:30 p.m. Students must register ahead of time to participate.
This is an exciting tradition that has been going on since 2009. It was originally hosted by DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams), and while that group has dissolved, the PTO has continued their most popular activities. One thing that makes the Lucas Team Spelling Bee unusual is the team format. Mary Kenyon, a Lucas parent and the organizer of the spelling bee, describes it:
"For many people, the term 'spelling bee' conjures horrible mental images (flashbacks?) of the nerve-wracking anticipation of speaking in front of the whole class or school and the fear of humiliation at getting the word wrong. Our team approach eliminates the fear and puts the spotlights on what kids know, rather than what they get wrong. Working together, teams of two or three students have about 20 seconds to decide how the word should be spelled and then write it on a white board. When time is called, the teams hold up their boards and our volunteer judges make note of which teams got the correct spelling. This is done quietly at the judges' table--no announcement is made and often the kids don't know who spelled the word right or wrong. They all just move on to the next word. At the end of the 20 minute round, the judges tally the total number of correct words for each team and the top teams advance to the second round. This time, the teams can still confer and decide together what the correct spelling is. Then one member of the team stands and spells the word out loud. Again, the judges quietly tally the total number of correct words for each team. At the end of the oral round, the team with the most correct words is declared the winner."
Students have the opportunity to study a large list of words ahead of time, and the organizers choose a random set of words from the lists. Miles Crall, a fourth grader, has been participating in the spelling bee since he was in first grade. He says the hardest word he's come across in his preparation has been monotonous. An adult volunteer, usually a teacher, reads the words for the teams to spell. Mary remembers laughter erupting in last year's first and second grade bee when Mr. Turnquist announced that they should spell underwear.
This is an exciting tradition that has been going on since 2009. It was originally hosted by DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams), and while that group has dissolved, the PTO has continued their most popular activities. One thing that makes the Lucas Team Spelling Bee unusual is the team format. Mary Kenyon, a Lucas parent and the organizer of the spelling bee, describes it:
"For many people, the term 'spelling bee' conjures horrible mental images (flashbacks?) of the nerve-wracking anticipation of speaking in front of the whole class or school and the fear of humiliation at getting the word wrong. Our team approach eliminates the fear and puts the spotlights on what kids know, rather than what they get wrong. Working together, teams of two or three students have about 20 seconds to decide how the word should be spelled and then write it on a white board. When time is called, the teams hold up their boards and our volunteer judges make note of which teams got the correct spelling. This is done quietly at the judges' table--no announcement is made and often the kids don't know who spelled the word right or wrong. They all just move on to the next word. At the end of the 20 minute round, the judges tally the total number of correct words for each team and the top teams advance to the second round. This time, the teams can still confer and decide together what the correct spelling is. Then one member of the team stands and spells the word out loud. Again, the judges quietly tally the total number of correct words for each team. At the end of the oral round, the team with the most correct words is declared the winner."
Students have the opportunity to study a large list of words ahead of time, and the organizers choose a random set of words from the lists. Miles Crall, a fourth grader, has been participating in the spelling bee since he was in first grade. He says the hardest word he's come across in his preparation has been monotonous. An adult volunteer, usually a teacher, reads the words for the teams to spell. Mary remembers laughter erupting in last year's first and second grade bee when Mr. Turnquist announced that they should spell underwear.
Mary offers this advice for students who take on the Lucas Team Spelling Bee challenge. "It is helpful to review the word lists and take note especially of the homophone pairs. Then remember to listen carefully when the word reader uses the word in a sentence so you know which word is called for. I've seen plenty of kids get 'thrown' by the word throne! Most importantly, just have fun with your friends and put forth your best effort."
Miles appreciates the supportive, low-stress environment. He suggests that students participate even if they're feeling nervous. "You have nothing to lose if you lose," he says.
Though there's not much time left to study, students can still register for the spelling bee. The online registration form, as well as the word lists and official rules, are available at http://themightyhawkmessenger.blogspot.com/2018/02/2018-team-spelling-bee.html.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Grades 3, 4 and 5 ELP Parent Nomination
The yearly screening of students for participation in the Extended Learning Program (ELP), the
elementary program for gifted and very high ability students, is underway for the 2018-2019 school
year. This program is appropriate for students who are at the highest academic levels in their grade.
Students can enter this screening pool by Iowa Assessments scores, teacher nomination or parent
nomination.
No forms will be accepted after March 23rd, 2018 at 4:00 PM.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Time to turn in Box Tops for Spring 2018
It's Box Tops time again! Please return trimmed, unexpired Box Tops to your child's teacher by next Monday, February 26. Thanks for your support!
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Ms. Lopez
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 third grade teacher Danielle Lopez.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us?
Ms. Lopez: This is my 3rd year. Prior to teaching, I worked at an advertising firm in the Los Angeles area for 8 years.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite part of being a Lucas teacher?
Ms. Lopez: The students. I love that every student has a different background and all bring with them something unique that we can learn from.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could take your whole class with you anywhere in the world for Spring Break, where would you go and what would you do?
Ms. Lopez: In a perfect world, Opening Day at Fenway Park. We would eat Fenway Franks, peanuts, and licorice, and watch the game in the Green Monster seats. Go Red Sox!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: It’s been a year full of interesting and controversial news. Do you and your students discuss current events? How do you guide discussions in a constructive and age-appropriate way?
Ms. Lopez: We have many discussions, especially topics that come directly from our read aloud books. We are currently discussing WWII and the Nazi invasion through the eyes of young Ada, the protagonist in The War I Finally Won. Prior, we unfolded the breaking of segregation and gender roles in Hidden Figures. My main job is to keep the students safe. When we have these "mini college discussions", as I like to call them, I always feel the room out. When it seems that the content is getting too mature for them, I segue to another topic that is more relatable to them.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: You’re from California, correct? Has it been a culture shock to live in Iowa in terms of teaching or any other area?
Ms. Lopez: Yes! The weather! However, believe it or not, I do appreciate all 4 seasons now, even winter. In terms of teaching, I am glad that Iowa still incorporates the Humanities. Those classes were the first to go in California.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is something about you most Lucas families might not know?
Ms. Lopez: I love road trips. Put me in a car and I will go anywhere!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us?
Ms. Lopez: This is my 3rd year. Prior to teaching, I worked at an advertising firm in the Los Angeles area for 8 years.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite part of being a Lucas teacher?
Ms. Lopez: The students. I love that every student has a different background and all bring with them something unique that we can learn from.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could take your whole class with you anywhere in the world for Spring Break, where would you go and what would you do?
Ms. Lopez: In a perfect world, Opening Day at Fenway Park. We would eat Fenway Franks, peanuts, and licorice, and watch the game in the Green Monster seats. Go Red Sox!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: It’s been a year full of interesting and controversial news. Do you and your students discuss current events? How do you guide discussions in a constructive and age-appropriate way?
Ms. Lopez: We have many discussions, especially topics that come directly from our read aloud books. We are currently discussing WWII and the Nazi invasion through the eyes of young Ada, the protagonist in The War I Finally Won. Prior, we unfolded the breaking of segregation and gender roles in Hidden Figures. My main job is to keep the students safe. When we have these "mini college discussions", as I like to call them, I always feel the room out. When it seems that the content is getting too mature for them, I segue to another topic that is more relatable to them.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: You’re from California, correct? Has it been a culture shock to live in Iowa in terms of teaching or any other area?
Ms. Lopez: Yes! The weather! However, believe it or not, I do appreciate all 4 seasons now, even winter. In terms of teaching, I am glad that Iowa still incorporates the Humanities. Those classes were the first to go in California.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is something about you most Lucas families might not know?
Ms. Lopez: I love road trips. Put me in a car and I will go anywhere!
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
2018 Team Spelling Bee
Spellers, start your engines...er, brains! The annual Lucas Spelling Bee
is right around the corner, and you won't want to miss it. This is a
fun way to challenge yourself and your friends in a friendly,
non-intimidating competition.
The 2017 Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, March 6 (grades 1-2, and 5-6) and Thursday, March 8 (grades 3-4) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on both nights.
This is a team spelling bee, in which groups of 2-3 students will work together to spell words in both a written and oral round. Members of the winning team from each of the bees will have their names added to the plaque in the front hallway at Lucas. It’s an exciting Lucas tradition!
To participate, please sign up via this online form by Monday, February 26.
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