Dear Lucas Families,

On behalf of the Lucas Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization, WELCOME to a new year at Lucas! This year continues to be unconventional, but we are so proud of the efforts the school and our Lucas families have made to move forward into uncharted educational territory. We’re all in this together!

A little bit about the Lucas PTO and what we do: Lucas PTO is independent from the school and district, but we are involved in many activities that make the educational experience at Lucas rich and diverse. 

Lucas PTO makes a Mighty Difference by funding:

• Classroom health and safety supplies

• Educational enrichment opportunities: field trips, visiting artists, community collaborations

• Outdoor Educational Playscape - outdoor classroom space, nature-based play, Prairie Pocket, school garden, & our recent playground equipment renovations!

• Reimbursements for teachers’ out-of-pocket classroom expenditures

• A few “just for fun” things, like the sixth grade memory book and special treats, like last year’s free Sno Biz voucher

  
  

  Of course, we can't do it without the generosity of parents, community partners and other Mighty Hawk supporters like YOU! So please make a tax-deductible donation TODAY and know that your donation will go to helping Lucas students - and the fine teachers and staff who are educating them.

  How to Donate

  1. Complete the attached form and return to Lucas Elementary with your child in the provided envelope

  2. OR donate online by following the instructions here:

  • Don’t forget to choose “Lucas Make a Mighty Difference” in the drop-down menu

  
  

  Thank you again for your help in making Lucas PTO a strong and successful partner to the teachers, staff and students at Lucas Elementary!

Order yearbooks online!

Order yearbooks now!


The yearbooks are happening!  If you’ve already sent in a paper order form and payment, we will honor it.  If you have not yet placed your order, you can order by credit card online:
https://my-site-105550-109109.square.site

You can also find this information on our Lucas Elementary PTO Facebook page.

Volunteers from the PTO will provide contact-free delivery to students’ homes.  The delivery dates/times mentioned on the website are just a guess—the books haven’t arrived yet, but when they do, we’ll let you know by email when we’ll be dropping them off.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this unusual territory.  Lucas rocks!  Mighty Hawks!

March 2020 Newsletter

The March 2020 newsletter is now available.

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Spanish

Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Ms. Razo

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 Fatima Razo.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your role at Lucas, and what did you do before joining us here?

Ms. Razo:  I am one of the fifth grade teachers here at Lucas. I just graduated from the University of Iowa in December so I was a full time college student before this. Last semester I student taught at Mann Elementary in a fourth grade classroom.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Where did you grow up?  Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher, or was that a later decision?

Ms. Razo: I was born in Utah but grew up in Davenport, Iowa. In high school I wanted to be a physical therapist until I realized I had to take so many science courses to do so. I knew I wanted to be a teacher going into college but my parents did not support my decision. I was an open major until the end of my sophomore year when I finally declared my major.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: You’re in an unusual position, stepping into a classroom mid-year.  What have been some of challenges and surprises about taking on this job?

Ms. Razo:  Coming in mid-year has been more challenging than I expected. At the start of a school year, the teacher goes over the expectations and routines with the class. In this case though, those were already in place. It was a challenge trying to keep some routines the same for the students’ sake (especially with all the changes they went through) and also trying to implement new ideas that I had for my classroom. I see Mr. Ryan as a great experienced teacher that probably did an awesome job in the classroom so it was also challenging having to remind myself that I couldn’t compare myself to him and that it was okay to struggle especially with this being my first teaching job. I was surprised though by how fast the students warmed up to me. I thought students would compare me to Mr. Ryan but that has not been the case at all.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  In a world with no financial or practical limitations, where would you take your class for a Spring Break field trip?  Why?

Ms. Razo:  If I could, I would take my class to my family’s hometown in Mexico. Both my parents are from Mexico and that’s where my grandparents live so we visit often. I would really love to show students more about my culture and have them experience that. I would want to show them not only all the differences in food, environment, music, etc. but also have them see the similarities. I think if I could take my classes it would be such a fun time!

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What are your real-life Spring Break plans?

Ms. Razo: Unfortunately, I will not be going anywhere fun this year for spring break. I am looking forward though to lounging around, catching up on work, and binge watching shows on both Hulu and Netflix. I also am currently reading Hidden by Helen Frost so I’m hoping to finish that book during spring break.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  What is something Lucas families might be surprised to learn about you?

Ms. Razo:  I don’t know if many know about this (besides my classes) but Spanish is my first language. I didn’t learn English until halfway through kindergarten. I used to have horrible anxiety as a kid because I had to translate everything for my parents from insurance bills, to talking to workers at the stores. Having to translate so much though really helped me with both languages and now I feel comfortable being able to translate anything from Spanish to English and vice versa. 

February 2020 newsletter

The February 2020 PTO newsletter is now available.

English

Spanish

Get to Know a Mighty Hawk: Ms. Yseth

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 tutor Haley Yseth.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your job at Lucas?  How long have you been with us?

Ms. Yseth: I am serving Lucas as a ReadingCorps literacy tutor through the AmeriCorps program.  I work one-on-one with K-3rd grade students practicing reading skills.  This is my first year at Lucas and I started at the beginning of the school year.  

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What did you do and where did you live prior to working at Lucas?

Ms. Yseth: Prior to working at Lucas, I lived in Seattle with my sister.  I was a wellness coach and studio manager.  I am passionate about healthy and balanced living.  Prior to this work, I taught 3-6 year old children in the Montessori method.  

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: What is your favorite part about working at Lucas?

Ms. Yseth: My favorite part about working at Lucas is seeing the dedication of the staff.  Educators wear many hats and I am inspired by the relationship building between staff and students.  I also appreciate Shelly's sense of humor!  Laughter is a positive way to start and end the work day.  

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: Is  there a teacher or other educator from your life who really made a difference for you?  What was it that made him or her so special?  

Ms. Yseth: Yes!  Mrs. Jensi Andrus was my high school biology teacher.  I remember many days where she would enter the classroom and write "ACCOUNTABILITY" on the board.  Through repetition and reflection on this word, I learned a lot about choices and responsibility.  She built a genuine, personal relationship with every student, like she really wanted to know us.  

The Mighty Hawk Messenger: We’ve had several school cancellations already this year.  What’s your favorite way to spend an unexpected day off? 

Ms. Yseth: During the last snow day, I took the dogs for a walk and played in the snow!   I spent some time reading and writing and made a few delicious meals.  I spent time catching up with friends by phone. And took a nap somewhere in there too.  So you could say I enjoy resting and relaxing!    

January 2020 Newsletter

The January 2020 newsletter is now available.

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Spanish

The December 2019 newsletter is now available.

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Spanish

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:  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?

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. 

November newsletter

The November 2019 PTO newsletter is now available.

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Spanish

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!

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.  

The October 2019 newsletter is now available.

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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.

September 2019 Newsletter

The September 2019 newsletter is now available.

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Spanish

Summer hours at the Lucas library and MORE!

Champions Before & After School Program

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/

May 2019 Newsletter

The May 2019 newsletter is now available.

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Español

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? 

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? 

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?  

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? 

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? 

Mr. Moore: I am a Star Wars and Monty Python fan.