The December 2019 newsletter is now available.
English
Spanish
Monday, December 2, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Ms. Abrams
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to sixth-grade teacher Abigail Abrams.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you been at Lucas? What did you do before joining us?
Ms. Abrams: I have been at Lucas for five years. The year before that I was a substitute teacher in the district.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite part of being a sixth-grade teacher? Have you ever taught other grades, and if so, how does this age group differ?
Ms. Abrams: My favorite part of teaching sixth grade is that the students can be deep and insightful at times but also be playful and childlike as well. They like to play and be silly but are also capable of being so enlightened and curious.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What made you decide to be a teacher? Is there a teacher from you past who really inspired you?
Ms. Abrams: In college I wavered back and forth between several majors. After directing a summer camp one summer, I decided there would be one last change in my college direction. It was so appealing to me that this job is a little bit different every single day. Getting to know students and guide them through their learning is such an engaging experience.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What made you decide to be a teacher? Is there a teacher from you past who really inspired you?
Ms. Abrams: In college I wavered back and forth between several majors. After directing a summer camp one summer, I decided there would be one last change in my college direction. It was so appealing to me that this job is a little bit different every single day. Getting to know students and guide them through their learning is such an engaging experience.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: In a world with unlimited time and financial resources, what project would you love to do with your class?
Ms. Abrams: Our most recent science unit was a geology unit centered around the Grand Canyon. In a world with unlimited time and financial resources we would journey together to the Grand Canyon. Obviously we would charter a jet to get there. Once there we would be led on a tour of the canyon guided by top geologists and local guides to lead us safely around the canyon. We would definitely do some kayaking while we were there. Hopefully we could be involved in an active dig site as well. It would be a very full itinerary!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s something about you most Lucas families might not guess?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s something about you most Lucas families might not guess?
Ms. Abrams: Families might not know that I am from Iowa CIty and attended Lucas as a student as well as South East Jr. High and City High.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Mrs. Weis
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to lead preschool teacher Beth Weis. The preschool students call her Ms. Beth.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you been a teacher? Have you always taught preschool, or have you taught different grades?
Ms. Beth: I have been a teacher for about 14 years with a 20-year gap while staying home with my three children as they were growing up. Along with preschool, I have also taught Kindergarten! :)
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Where are you from originally, and how long have you been in the Iowa City area?
Ms. Beth: I grew up in Decorah, Iowa, and then came to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa. After graduation, I moved to the Chicago area where I had my first teaching jobs. My husband and I then moved to Ames, IA, and finally back to Iowa City in 2000 where we have lived ever since
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your favorite thing about teaching preschoolers?
Ms. Beth: Teaching preschool is full of many amazing experiences! Seeing the joy and excitement in each preschooler's eyes as they begin this new journey is truly heartwarming! Also being a part of and helping contribute to those Aha! moments makes the job extra special!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up? Do you have a favorite memory of him/her to share?
Ms. Beth: My favorite teacher was my 8th grade teacher, Mrs. Jordan! Her enthusiasm as a teacher made such a difference in our learning! We were eager to go to school every day to see what new activities she had planned for us!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What are your plans for the upcoming holiday breaks?
Ms. Beth: We usually go back to Decorah for part of our break to spend time with my family and also my husband's. Our family loves Decorah so we try to get up there as often as we can.
I want to thank the Lucas community for being so welcoming toward our preschool staff! We are enjoying the opportunity to be part of the Mighty Hawk family!
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Run for the Schools 2019
Run for the Schools 2019 is Sunday, October 27!
Early bird pricing and T-shirt registration deadline is October 11! Register or Volunteer today at http://www.runfortheschools.com
Remember, it pays to for staff, students, and families to register and volunteer.
Schools receive monetary Participation Awards from the Iowa City Road Race group for both their PE and Media Centers for having as few as 20 participants/volunteers. Both runners and volunteers count toward this!
Run for the Schools TORCH trophies are awarded to the top three schools with the highest percentage of student participants in the run, based on that school’s total enrollment.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Mr. Malone
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to head custodian Dante Malone.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us?
Mr. Malone: I have been working for Lucas elementary for an year now. Prior to working for Lucas elementary I was a night sub working out of the physical plant and I also was an employee at loparex for 10 years in Iowa City driving the fork truck and machine operator
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Where are you from?
Mr. Malone: I am originally from the westside of Chicago, Illinois. I moved to Iowa City back in 2004
The Mighty Hawk Messenger:Tell us about your family—you have a son who goes to Lucas, right? Do you have other kids? Do you like working in the same place he goes to school?
Mr. Malone: Me and my wife I have four children, ages from 27, 24, 12, and 4 years old. My 12 year old daughter attends 7th grade at Southeast Junior high, and my 4 year old son attend Lucas elementary where I currently work. My 27 year old son graduated from Mount Mercy University back in 2017, and my 24 year old daughter graduated from University of Iowa, same year. I love working where my son attends school one because he has warmed up pretty fast because I work there. I love that they have started a preschool program this year,
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Mr. Malone: My dream vacation would be to be able to take my kids, all of them, to Disney World, and also for me and my wife to go to the Bahamas.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger:What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Mr. Malone: Something people don't know about me I have a granddaughter that's 3 years old.
Mr. Malone: I have been working for Lucas elementary for an year now. Prior to working for Lucas elementary I was a night sub working out of the physical plant and I also was an employee at loparex for 10 years in Iowa City driving the fork truck and machine operator
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Where are you from?
Mr. Malone: I am originally from the westside of Chicago, Illinois. I moved to Iowa City back in 2004
The Mighty Hawk Messenger:Tell us about your family—you have a son who goes to Lucas, right? Do you have other kids? Do you like working in the same place he goes to school?
Mr. Malone: Me and my wife I have four children, ages from 27, 24, 12, and 4 years old. My 12 year old daughter attends 7th grade at Southeast Junior high, and my 4 year old son attend Lucas elementary where I currently work. My 27 year old son graduated from Mount Mercy University back in 2017, and my 24 year old daughter graduated from University of Iowa, same year. I love working where my son attends school one because he has warmed up pretty fast because I work there. I love that they have started a preschool program this year,
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Mr. Malone: My dream vacation would be to be able to take my kids, all of them, to Disney World, and also for me and my wife to go to the Bahamas.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger:What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Mr. Malone: Something people don't know about me I have a granddaughter that's 3 years old.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Order school supplies online
Want to get your school supplies ordered for $30-$40 and without a rush trip to the store during Back-to-School shopping? Want to have your supplies shipped directly to the school so that you can pick them up at the Ice Cream Social rather than store them at your house until school starts? Click here to order now using our school code LUC007: https://www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks/
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Mr. Moore
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to fifth grade teacher Mike Moore..
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: I understand that you’re the longest-serving teacher at Lucas. How long have you been here? Have you always taught fifth grade?
Mr. Moore: 27th year and I have always taught 5th grade.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do prior to teaching at Lucas?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do prior to teaching at Lucas?
Mr. Moore: Substitute taught, coached, worked as an electrician's apprentice, and played a lot of golf and softball.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: You’re famous for your passion for social studies. How did you become interested in that subject?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: You’re famous for your passion for social studies. How did you become interested in that subject?
Mr. Moore: I have always enjoyed history because of my father and mother's interest in history. Being an only child I went on every vacation with my parents and we stopped at every historical site possible. I saw some really memorable places, like; Ford's Theater, The Oval Office, Gettysburg, Jamestown, Yellowstone National Park, The Vatican, The Colosseum, Venice and many more.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What do you enjoy most about your students’ work in that area?
Mr. Moore: I think the Pioneer Unit and the student's Challenge Projects are really cool. The kids really enjoy this unit.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could travel to any time and place in history, where and when would you choose?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could travel to any time and place in history, where and when would you choose?
Mr. Moore: I would like to have been living before, during and after the Revolutionary War. I believe I would have been a Patriot and been right in the middle of the conflict. Ha, strange???
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your favorite part about being part of the Lucas community?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your favorite part about being part of the Lucas community?
Mr. Moore: It has been my home for 27 years. All the families that have come through my classroom will always be part of my growth as a person, husband, father and teacher. I can't imagine being somewhere else.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is something Lucas families might not guess about you?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is something Lucas families might not guess about you?
Mr. Moore: I am a Star Wars and Monty Python fan.
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Teacher Appreciation Week
Our Lucas teachers work hard to engage and educate the minds and hearts of our kids and we want to give them a big THANK YOU.
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10, and we will have several opportunities to let our teachers know how much their hard work means to us. We will need Lucas families and students to help us Chalk the Walk on Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m., and we will be asking parents to sign up to bring in food and treats during the week. Look for the sign-up emails in your inbox!
Don't forget to thank our amazing staff and specials teachers too!
Monday, April 1, 2019
2019 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 2019 Spelling Bee will be held on Monday, April 22 (grades 3-4) and Thursday, April 25 (grades 1-2 and 5-6) 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!
Please contact Mary Kenyon (mgkenyon8@yahoo.com) with any questions or for the complete rules.
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Ms. Crowe
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to ELL teacher Lydia Crowe.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what did you do prior to joining us?
Ms. Crowe: I have worked at Lucas for 5 years. I started working here in January of 2014. Before that, I had just finsihed student teaching in Atenas de Alajuela, Costa Rica. Prior to student teaching, I worked at the University of Iowa Press, in the exciting world of copyright!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Can you describe your role as an ELL teacher?
Ms. Crowe: I work with all kinds of different students. What they all have in common is that they can speak two different languages -- or sometimes three or more! I teach small groups of students and we do lots of fun activities to practice our reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English. My students each have a unique set skills and knowledge because of their different backgrounds, so they also teach each other and teach me a lot about the world.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Describe a day in your work life. What kinds of activities do you and your students do?
Ms. Crowe: I see 10 different grade level groups of students for about 30 minutes at a time. The day moves fast! We study units centered around different science or social studies themes. For example, right now in fourth grade we are learning about the power of wind and water, and in fifth grade we are learning about what risks people have taken for justice. We learn vocabulary words that are important to the theme, and we read fiction and nonfiction stories to help us learn more about it. We also talk about the theme to practice various speaking skills, such as making an argument, and learn about grammar topics, like how to form the plural. There's a lot to do!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What are some of the language and cultural backgrounds from which your students come?
Ms. Crowe: There is a lot of linguistic and cultural diversity at Lucas. Some of the languages spoken by our students are Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Lao, Swahili, Arabic, French, Ewe, and Fulani. I have had families that came from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Congo, Tanzania, Togo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, North and South Sudan, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and more.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What are some of the interesting things you’ve learned as you’ve worked with kids and families from different cultures?
Ms. Crowe: I love it when students share some of their home traditions with me. One of my Vietnamese students a couple years back showed me mesmerizing videos on YouTube of lion-costumed dance performances at Tet (the new year). Other students have brought me food from home, like arepas from Colombia -- and I love learning through my stomach. I also enjoy learning from families about how different school looks from one country to the next, or even from one area to the next in the same country. There are so many different ways to "do" school, and many things that we take for granted here aren't necessarily part of school in other places.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Any plans for the summer?
Ms. Crowe: Well, I'm having my first baby in June! I'm told that will take up a lot of my free time, but I'm skeptical. Babies love rock concerts, right?
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Mr. Crandall
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to building sub Chris Crandall.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do prior to joining us at Lucas?
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your role at Lucas, and how long have you been in that position?
Mr. Crandall: My role at Lucas is Building Substitute. I have been in that position since Sept. of 2018.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do prior to joining us at Lucas?
Mr. Crandall: Prior to Lucas I have been a substitute in both the Iowa City and Solon school districts.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite part of working at Lucas? What’s the biggest challenge?
Mr. Crandall: My favorite part of being at Lucas is the kiddos. I have gotten to know some of them very well. They are all amazing. The biggest challenge has been trying to keep my immune system strong enough to survive this winter system.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How did you keep busy during the school cancellations over the last month?
Mr. Crandall: I kept busy by having a great amount of family time. My wife and I have four kids, so keeping up with all of their activities is a full time job. We played a lot of board games and PS4.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s something about you that Lucas students and families might not guess?
Mr. Crandall: Something that Lucas and its families might not guess is that I was born in Wisconsin and my jokes are kind of "cheesy"!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: If you could teleport to any place in the world right now, where would you choose?
Mr. Crandall: If I could teleport anywhere in the world right now it would be Finland.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Mrs. Ryan
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to reading specialist Katie Ryan.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what is your current role?
Mrs. Ryan: I began working at Lucas in 2017 as the building sub, and my current role is half-time Title reading. I absolutely love teaching small groups!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do prior to your job at Lucas?
Mrs. Ryan: Prior to teaching at Lucas, I taught grades 3-6 at Wickham Elementary for seven years.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Who was your favorite teacher or other role model as kid? Why was he/she so memorable?
Mrs. Ryan: My all-time favorite teacher was Miss King at Longfellow Elementary. She was my 5th/6th grade teacher. I loved her because she truly cared about us and she made learning FUN! I helped her every Wed. after school with my best friend.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: It’s great that many Lucas staff members live in the neighborhood. What do you like about having your whole family as part of the Lucas community?
Mrs. Ryan: I am so incredibly thankful that my son Henry (1st grade) and my husband, Mr. Ryan are with me every day at Lucas. I get to see Henry interact with his friends and his teacher. Sometimes he even gives me a hug in the hallway. It is a very special time for our family being together at school. And I go spy on Mr. Ryan every day! It’s the best.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite way to spend your weekends and breaks?
Mrs. Ryan: I love to relax with my family and friends. We enjoy going out to eat, seeing movies, going to parks and playing games!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s something about you most people wouldn’t guess?
Mrs. Ryan: I have 5 brothers and sisters and I played the trumpet for 8 years. Oh and I hate onions!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you worked at Lucas, and what is your current role?
Mrs. Ryan: I began working at Lucas in 2017 as the building sub, and my current role is half-time Title reading. I absolutely love teaching small groups!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do prior to your job at Lucas?
Mrs. Ryan: Prior to teaching at Lucas, I taught grades 3-6 at Wickham Elementary for seven years.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Who was your favorite teacher or other role model as kid? Why was he/she so memorable?
Mrs. Ryan: My all-time favorite teacher was Miss King at Longfellow Elementary. She was my 5th/6th grade teacher. I loved her because she truly cared about us and she made learning FUN! I helped her every Wed. after school with my best friend.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: It’s great that many Lucas staff members live in the neighborhood. What do you like about having your whole family as part of the Lucas community?
Mrs. Ryan: I am so incredibly thankful that my son Henry (1st grade) and my husband, Mr. Ryan are with me every day at Lucas. I get to see Henry interact with his friends and his teacher. Sometimes he even gives me a hug in the hallway. It is a very special time for our family being together at school. And I go spy on Mr. Ryan every day! It’s the best.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s your favorite way to spend your weekends and breaks?
Mrs. Ryan: I love to relax with my family and friends. We enjoy going out to eat, seeing movies, going to parks and playing games!
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What’s something about you most people wouldn’t guess?
Mrs. Ryan: I have 5 brothers and sisters and I played the trumpet for 8 years. Oh and I hate onions!
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Mr. Dayton
Each month, The Mighty Hawk Messenger profiles a Lucas staff member to help our community get to know him or her better. This month, we talked to our building substitute teacher, Mr. Dayton.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Can you describe your role at Lucas?
Mr. Dayton: My role at Lucas is that of building substitute teacher, which included a stint in the role of guidance teacher.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you been in the teaching field? What did you do before coming to Lucas?
Mr. Dayton: I taught for 7 years in high school and another 4 in middle school. I was a substitute teacher for Iowa City C.S.D. last year before acquiring the building sub position this year at Lucas.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What do you like most about teaching multiple grades and subjects? What is challenging about it?
Mr. Dayton: It is nice having the variety of working with students of different grade levels and subjects. Getting to see the different skill levels and nuances of their development is interesting.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What are your favorite things to do when you’re not at work?
Mr. Dayton: My favorite thing to do when I am not at work is traveling. I like to learn about the history of different cities and explore the activities that they have to offer. Lastly, I really enjoy trying different kinds of ethnic foods when I visit new places.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Who was a teacher or other adult in your life who inspired you as a child? What did he/she do that was so memorable?
Mr. Dayton: The people who inspired me as a child were my parents. They encouraged me and instilled a good work ethic.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: In a world of unlimited resources, how would you spend winter break? How does that compare to how you actually spent it?
Mr. Dayton: Given unlimited resources over winter break I would have done a lot of traveling. My actual winter break was mostly spent relaxing and spending some time with friends and family.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Can you describe your role at Lucas?
Mr. Dayton: My role at Lucas is that of building substitute teacher, which included a stint in the role of guidance teacher.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: How long have you been in the teaching field? What did you do before coming to Lucas?
Mr. Dayton: I taught for 7 years in high school and another 4 in middle school. I was a substitute teacher for Iowa City C.S.D. last year before acquiring the building sub position this year at Lucas.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What do you like most about teaching multiple grades and subjects? What is challenging about it?
Mr. Dayton: It is nice having the variety of working with students of different grade levels and subjects. Getting to see the different skill levels and nuances of their development is interesting.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What are your favorite things to do when you’re not at work?
Mr. Dayton: My favorite thing to do when I am not at work is traveling. I like to learn about the history of different cities and explore the activities that they have to offer. Lastly, I really enjoy trying different kinds of ethnic foods when I visit new places.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Who was a teacher or other adult in your life who inspired you as a child? What did he/she do that was so memorable?
Mr. Dayton: The people who inspired me as a child were my parents. They encouraged me and instilled a good work ethic.
The Mighty Hawk Messenger: In a world of unlimited resources, how would you spend winter break? How does that compare to how you actually spent it?
Mr. Dayton: Given unlimited resources over winter break I would have done a lot of traveling. My actual winter break was mostly spent relaxing and spending some time with friends and family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)