Get to Know Miss Lampe

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 Jennifer Lampe, who is in her second year as a Mighty Hawk.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  Prior to joining us at Lucas, where did you live and what did you do?

Miss Lampe:   Prior to joining Lucas I lived in Gilbert and taught 3rd grade at Gilbert Intermediate.  

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

Miss Lampe:  My absolute favorite part about working at Lucas is being with the kids all day.  I love coming to school each morning and can't wait to see the kids when the bell rings.  Lucas students are such amazing kids!

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  Which teacher from your past made the biggest difference in your life?

Miss Lampe:   My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Buchanan.  I had her at Stewart's Creek, where I grew up, just north of Dallas, TX.  I remember her always being happy and willing to help.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  If you could spend your winter break anywhere in the world (and take your family and dogs with you), where would it be?

Miss Lampe:   If I could spend my winter break anywhere in the world, I would definitely go somewhere tropical. My two golden retrievers love to swim and my entire family loves the beach.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  What’s your favorite healthy food?  What’s your favorite treat?

Miss Lampe:   My favorite healthy food would be salads with chicken on them.  I am not a big fan of sweets, but I love salty foods.  My favorite treat is popcorn made on the stove.

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  What are you most proud of?

Miss Lampe:  I am most proud of all of my years in teaching.  This is my 16th year, and I love it more and more each year.  I have the most rewarding job!

The Mighty Hawk Messenger:  Is there anything else you’d like the Lucas community to know about you?

Miss Lampe:  I love being at Lucas and have felt so welcome here.  It is a great school, with wonderful staff and students.

PTO meeting Nov. 11 includes presentation from Kindergarten teachers

Our next PTO meeting is Monday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in the art room (agenda.) Free childcare is available in the Kindergarten room.

Please take a moment before Monday's meeting to review the October meeting minutes, which include details about last month's report from the first grade teachers, in which they shared information about their curriculum, teaching techniques, goals and strategies. This month, the Kindergarten teachers will offer a report from their classrooms, so Kindergarten parents, if you've been curious about PTO, this is the month to jump in with both feet!

Avoid the August rush, order school supplies now

Lucas families have the opportunity to order school supplies for next year through a company called SchoolKidz. Lucas teachers provide their supply lists for all grade levels, SchoolKidz fulfills the orders, and the complete package is waiting for you at the Popsicles with the Principal event just before school starts in August. You can place your order now through Wednesday, June 5.

To order:

1. Go to www.shopttkits.com
2. Enter the account number: 72011
3. Choose the appropriate grade level kit - REMEMBER TO CHOOSE THE GRADE YOUR CHILD WILL BE ENTERING IN THE FALL!
4. Enter your child’s first and last name
5. Add to cart; confirm your order and checkout.


Note: You do not need to sign in or create an account when checking out. You may check out without an account by entering your email address only.

If you have any questions, please contact Lucas parent volunteer Brooke at brookemhill@gmail.com.

"Black Girls Do Science" workshop is April 13 at UI

The University of Iowa Chapter of National Society of Black Engineers invites 4th-8th grade minority girls to a one-day event, "Black Girls Do Science," on Saturday, April 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30-p.m. This program will introduce careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through workshops such as bridge building and liquid nitrogen ice cream. The theme of the program is "What Does A Scientist Look Like"

The program will be held in the Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences on the UI campus (S. Capitol St., west of Old Capitol Town Center shopping mall.)

Campus Map showing Seamans Center

Online registration is available: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8e5ZcXy8X98hGEB

For more information, view this flyer or contact event organizer Bryne Berry, bryne-berry@uiowa.edu or 515-707-6239

Science and math tutoring offered for 5th-12th grade students

The University of Iowa's Multi-Ethnic Engineering and Sciences Association (MESA) offers free tutoring for Iowa City students in grades 5 through 12. The program is offered on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. at the University of Iowa's Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences (located at Washington and S. Capitol Streets downtown, just south of the Old Capitol Town Center and Iowa City Transit hub.)

The first session is Tuesday, Oct. 2. To register, call the school district's equity office at 688-1000. More information is available in this brochure. 

Children's Museum seeks nominations for Active Learning Award

The Iowa Children's Museum is seeking nominations for the Robert E. Yager Active Learning Award honoring exceptional teachers, administrators and educational staff. This award is specifically for elementary educators (teachers, administrators, para-professionals, specialists) who are helping students become engaged learners and dynamic thinkers. Nominations can be submitted online by parents, educators, administrators, students or community members.

Save the date: Lucas Open House is Sept. 17

Be sure to add the Lucas Open House to your Sept. 17 calendar. This is a great opportunity for students to share with parents their early work and for parents to hear from teachers about upcoming projects and events. Teachers will welcome families to the classrooms from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

New this year, a free dinner will be available from 5:45 to 7 p.m. in the circle drive outside the main entrance. This burgers and hot dogs meal (including vegetarian alternatives) is generously provided by our neighbors at The River Church.

Take a minute for a "brain break"

Today's Daily Iowan features an article on Iowa City teachers using one-minute "brain breaks" to keep kids engaged throughout the school day. How many times have we thought, "Woah, these kids need to burn off some energy!" The article points to new research that shows the benefits of taking a short break to move your body. (Probably something we parents could benefit from as well!)

Steve Murley, the superintendent of the Iowa City School District, is quoted, saying he expects the use of brain breaks to expand.

“Our goal is to get kids up and active while learning,” he said. “It’s no longer the belief that when kids have extra energy to let them burn it off, but a research-based program that shows how physical education can help them learn because it’s stimulating blood flow to the brain.”

Mark your calendars for year-end awards and 6th grade promotion ceremony

Lucas students will receive awards for Optimist Good Reader, Student Council, Leadership, Perfect Attendance, and many other achievements at the annual Awards Assembly Tuesday, May 29, at 9 a.m. In addition to the awards, items from the Student Council Time Capsule will be on display. The assembly is for students in grades 3-6.

Later that week, we'll send off our 6th graders with a promotion ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 31. Those students may may leave with their parents after the ceremony.

Save the date(s): Spring 2012 general music programs scheduled

Mark your calendars for your child's class music performance this spring.

Lucas music teacher Mr. Kelley says the performances are held during the school day to insure that all the children can participate. We hope parents will be able to take an hour off (perhaps a late lunch?) to join us as the students demonstrate what they have learned in music classes this school year.

Thursday, April 12
1 p.m. 1st grade
1:30 p.m. 2nd grade

Thursday, May 10
1 p.m. 3rd grade
1:30 p.m. 4th grade

Thursday, May 17
1 p.m. Kindergarten
1:30 p.m. 5th grade

The 6th grade performance will be part of graduation ceremonies on the last day of school.

PTO hears two presentations about outdoor education

As a late addition to the monthly meeting agenda, two students from Horn and Weber schools spoke to the Lucas PTO Monday about their participation in Planet Recapture, which is a new and growing youth environmental group in Iowa City. After starting last spring as a group of kids who love to play Capture the Flag, they've expanded from their initial commitment to spent 15 minutes before each game cleaning up their play area. In the fall, they partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources IOWATER program to test water quality in Willow Creek Park. They also held a clean up that removed 1,000 pounds of waste and recyclables from the creek.

Now they are seeking additional participation and have petitioned all Iowa City principals to include Planet Recapture groups among their student organizations. They are looking for parent volunteers to lead each school chapter and will host members from all schools at their monthly meetings and activities. Contact information for the two students who started the group as well as their parents is available on the website linked above.

In addition, Fred Meyer with Backyard Abundance, spoke about his group's efforts to create and support natural playscapes and other opportunities for children to become immersed in nature. He cited examples of the group's collaborations with other schools including Willowwind here in Iowa City and Maharishi School in Fairfield. In addition, Backyard Abundance created an edible forest maze in Wetherby Park on Iowa City's Southeast side.

Additional details are outlined in the PTO meeting minutes. Natural playscape/outdoor classroom will be one of the items under discussion at the next meeting, Monday, Feb. 13, when the PTO finalizes its decisions for spending the money raised through the Make a Mighty Difference campaign. Technology and other classroom needs will also be under discussion for funding.

District-wide Collaborative Autism Team meeting is Feb. 16

Parents, school staff, and anyone interested are invited to the second district-wide Collaborative Autism Team meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the ICCSD Board Room, 1725 N. Dodge St. (new location for the district central office.)

This second meeting of this team will include a recap of the last meeting (April 2011) and will introduce new Special Services director Rozy Warder.

The group will discuss, "Programming for Autism: How to Go from Good to Great." ICCSD administrators and Sue Baker from the Iowa Department of Education will explain new self-assessment initiatives.

This forum provides an opportunity for parents to have an open dialogue with ICCSD administrators and staff regarding best practices for students with autism spectrum disorders, and share information about resources and learning opportunities. The goal is improved outcomes for all ASD students, so these meetings are to focus on the big picture rather than personal stories.

Hays discusses Everyday Math; free math game apps available Dec. 20

If your child's math homework seems as unrecognizable to you as a lesson in Swahili, fear not. It's a curriculum vastly different from the one most parents remember from their school days, but one that research shows is more effective in teaching kids to think and solve problems than previous methods based on rote memorization.

That was the message from Julie Ewert Hays, math resource specialist, to the PTO at last night's monthly meeting. Hays offered an overview of the Everyday Math curriculum, shared examples of the types of problems students are working as they gain a mathematical foundation, and offered ideas for ways parents can help, even if the methods seem foreign.


Developed at the University of Chicago and used in Iowa City schools for at least seven years, Everyday Math uses everyday situations to encourage thinking and problem solving while instilling basic math in all students. Hays said that every concept is revisited five times in a two-year stream, so that if students don't fully master it the first time through they have plenty of additional opportunities to solidify their skills before moving forward. Students rarely use a text book, but a resource book with definitions and detailed explanations of how each type of problem is done is available to borrow from your child's teacher.


Hays noted that the curriculum is language-based, relatively fast-paced and cyclical, which can be difficult for some students with learning disabilities. In such cases, Hays is available as a resource specialist to work with the classroom teachers to identify resources that will address an individual student's needs.


Hays encouraged parents to help foster their children's mathematical growth through classroom volunteering, parent letters, Home Links/Study Links and playing math games at home. She also shared that Everyday Math is offering 12 math game apps for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch for free on Tuesday, Dec. 20. (These are usually $1.99 each.) To download these games search "Everyday Math" in your app store.

In addition, there are resources for parents available on the Everyday Math website. Some of these require a login, which is available from your child's teacher.

Guest speaker will discuss math curriculum at Dec. 12 PTO meeting

Julie Ewert Hays, math resource specialist, will speak to the PTO on Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. about the math curriculum our children are studying and the best ways for parents to support learning, growth and development in math. This presentation is relevant for all grade levels and comes on the heels of a similar presentation focused on reading at last month's PTO meeting.

PTO learns how to go beyond reading aloud in support of developing children's reading skills

Helene Volkert, the Lucas language arts resource specialist and reading teacher, spoke to the PTO at last night’s meeting about the reading curriculum and ways parents can support their children’s reading development. Parents at the meeting had the opportunity to view and flip through classroom reading materials for all grade levels and even participate in an exercise designed to simulate the experience of a young reader approaching an unfamiliar picture book.

Volkert described the wide range of materials available for teachers to develop lessons as well as how the reading curriculum is delivered in large group, small group and one-on-one formats.

Volkert said that in addition to reading with their children at home, parents can participate in reading development by talking about letter sounds, rhyming words and constructing and deconstructing word sounds (younger readers); and encouraging readers to predict or infer what will happen in a story and use vocabulary words in every day context (older readers.)

In response to a parent question, Principal Julia Burton acknowledged that unfortunately district budget cuts mean fewer students in need of reading support are receiving it this year. PTO President Dave Snyder said this is another reason parent volunteers are such a vital part of the Lucas community. Watch this space next week for more information and a call for volunteers.

Be sure to mark your calendars for next month’s PTO meeting, Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m., when a similar presentation focused on the math curriculum will be on the agenda.

Boost brainpower with breakfast during Iowa Assessments Oct. 10-14

Next week, Oct. 10-14, students in grades 3-6 will be taking the Iowa Assessments, formerly known as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. We will be taking the state assessments each morning. Subjects include reading, math, science, social studies, and language arts. Please make sure your children have a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and get to school on time! We anticipate having the results by conference time in November.

Principal Burton discusses classroom assignments, special requests

At Monday’s PTO meeting, Principal Julia Burton announced that student
classroom assignments will be announced one week before school starts,
rather than at the end of the current school year. Additionally, she said
she would no longer consider special requests from parents to assign
students to particular teachers.

She said these measures are necessary for several reasons. First, because
new students to the area register throughout the summer, it’s difficult to
predict how many classes there will be for a particular grade level until
just before the school year. Second, she said teachers and staff work very
diligently throughout the summer to determine the appropriate mix of
students for a particular class, taking into consideration their academic
needs, socialization skills and a host of additional factors, and special
requests can easily upset that balance to the detriment of other students.

She said Lucas would post the class lists for the fall 2011 student
assignments on the front door of school one week before the first day of
classes, which is August 18.

Reminder: Lucas Classroom Open House is Tuesday night

Lucas parents, don't forget -- the Lucas Classroom Open House is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 28. Formerly called Back to School Night, this is your chance to meet your child's teachers, visit classrooms and learn about the curriculum being taught. Students are welcome -- but not required -- to attend with their parents.