Kindergarten Parents FAQ

Kindergarten Parents 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school is August 23, 2017. The first week of school, August 23-25, will have early dismissal, 1:55 p.m. The school district 2017-2018 calendar is available online. 

Are there any back-to-school activities I should plan for?

Popsicles with the Principal will be held the evening of August 21.  Students will drop off their school supplies, visit with their teachers, and enjoy a cold treat with other Lucas families.

What school supplies will my child need?

A list of supplies for each grade will be posted on the Lucas website and Mighty Hawk Messenger in July.

What time does school begin and end?

Unless registered for the before-school program, students should not arrive before 7:45 a.m. The first bell rings at 7:50 a.m. Students are expected to be in their classrooms and ready to learn at7:55 a.m. The day ends at 2:55 p.m. Every Thursday is a one-hour early dismissal, with school ending at 1:55 p.m. The first week of school only, dismissal is 1:55 p.m. 

Is there a before- and after-school care program available?

Yes, Lucas On Campus (LOC) is available starting at 7 a.m. and until 5:30 p.m. For information, please contact our LOC coordinator Elise Denniston. When school is closed or dismissed early due to inclement weather, LOC is also closed.

Additionally, some area care providers, including La Petite and KidsCare send buses and vans to Lucas to transport students to after-school programs.

Who do I notify if my child will be picked up by somebody other than their usual pick up person?

Please send in a note or email your child’s classroom teacher stating the date, your child's name and the name and contact phone number for the person picking up. If sending a paper note, the classroom teacher will share it with our school secretary, Angela Kessler. If you are sending an email, please copy Mrs. Kessler. If this is a last minute change, call the main office, 688-1140.

Who do I notify if my child is ill or will be absent for any reason?

Please contact the main office, 688-1140.

My child naps. Is there a rest time during the day?

There is a short afternoon rest time in the beginning of the school year. This is gradually reduced and phased out. Regardless of whether your child is used to napping, you should expect your child to be very tired at the end of the school day and more tired as the week goes on. Friday afternoons may not be the ideal time to plan high-energy activities!

My child has a lot of energy. How much outdoor time is scheduled throughout the day?

Kindergartners have three (15-20 min.) recess periods daily: mid-morning, after lunch and end of the day.

What are my child’s options for lunch?

A hot lunch is served daily in the school cafeteria. The menu is district-wide and planned a month at a time. Each student has an account, to which you deposit funds to pay for daily meals. Students will learn their account numbers over time; kindergarten students are not expected to memorize their account numbers and receive assistance.

My child has special dietary needs. Can this be accommodated within the school lunch program?

Yes, most needs can be met. Please visit the ICCSD Food Service web page  to access the “special dietary request form.” If you have questions, you may contact Alison Demory, director of food service, demory.alison@iccsd.k12.ia.us

My child will bring a lunch box from home. Is there a way to refrigerate the food until lunch time?

No, please pack the lunch in an insulated lunch box with an ice pack

Do I need to send a snack daily?

All families will contribute to a shared snack on a rotating basis. You will know in advance when it is your child’s turn to bring snack for his/her classmates and suggestions of healthy snack items will be shared. Birthdays are worked into this schedule—whenever possible, students are scheduled to offer the snack on their birthdays.

How can I be involved in my child's classroom?

Sign up to be a room parent or volunteer for a seasonal room party, or volunteer on a more regular basis to work with the students. Some tasks would be reading with students or working on counting skills. Contact your child’s teacher for more information and ideas about ways to be involved. The Iowa City Community School District requires a one-time classroom volunteer application, which you may turn in at the school office. The application is available online  or in the school office.

How can I be involved with school activities?

• We welcome all parents/guardians to participate in the Lucas Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), which hosts a number of activities throughout the year. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the school with free childcare provided. 
• There are also plenty of ways to be involved without attending meetings. Watch for the volunteer sign-up at the beginning of the school year to add your name to the list of folks who are contacted as needs arise.
• Subscribe to this blog to receive email alerts of all updates. (Enter your email in the subscription box in the left column of the blog homepage.)
• On Facebook, “Like” Lucas Elementary PTO. We look forward to seeing you!