Leave the kids with DEED and enjoy lunch with Lucas moms May 3

The Lucas Dads group, Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED) is planning a luncheon for Lucas moms, grandmas, mothers-in-law, and other special women of Lucas Elementary. The event is Saturday, May 3, at Blackstone restaurant from noon to 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per person, which includes meal, drink, tax and gratuity. Payment will be collected at the restaurant. For more information, see the event flyer. RSVPs requested by Wednesday, April 30.

The DEED dads are providing babysitting, including pizza lunch for the kids, starting at 11:45 a.m. at River Community Church. Volunteer dads are needed to assist--contact Joe Bell at jk.bell@mchsi.com

If you would like to attend but the cost is a barrier, please contact Ms. Yolanda at 319-688-1472 or stop in her office (next to the art room).

Get in the Little Hawk spirit with tailgate Sept. 20 and Homecoming parade Sept. 25

Bring the family out for the DEED tailgate Friday, Sept. 20, 5-6:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Our Redeemer Church, corner of 1st. Ave. and Court St. The DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) dads will be grilling up hot dogs and serving dinner for all (vegetarian option also available.) Whether or not you attend the City High football game, this is a great opportunity for Lucas families to get together for fun and food!

Hold on to that Little Hawk spirit throughout the week and join us for the City High Homecoming parade on Wednesday, Sept. 25. There are two ways to join the fun:

• As a participant--meet in the Mercer parking lot after 5:15 and look for others wearing Lucas t-shirts. The parade starts at 6 p.m. This event is sponsored by DEED; all students must be accompanied by an adult to walk in the parade. 
• As a spectator--park yourselves along First Ave. between Bradford and Court and cheer on the Lucas contingent and the rest of the marchers. If you choose this option, please consider supporting the City High Ambassadors "Pack the Pick-up" effort to gather food donation for the Crisis Center Food Bank. Exchange non-perishable food for candy as the group makes its way along the parade route.

Regardless of whether you walk or watch, the City High PTSO invites you to share treats at the end of the parade on the Hoover Elementary playground.

DEED planning meeting is Aug. 17

Calling all dads! The first DEED meeting of the new school year is this Saturday, Aug. 17, at the 1st Ave. Hy-vee at 8:30 a.m. DEED is starting out the year with a bang with three events in the first month--Night out with the Kernels, City High football Family Tailgate, and City High Homecoming Parade. We can use as many volunteers as we can get to help make these events a big success. For more information, contact Joe Bell. 

Take (the family) out to the ballgame with DEED Aug. 24

Please join us for Lucas Elementary night at the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Saturday, August 24 at 6:35 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and students who attend the game may be selected to participate in on-field activities and contests. The night will end with a spectacular fireworks show!

Lucas Elementary families can buy tickets at a special reduced rate of just $7. Tickets can be purchased using this flyer, by calling the Kernels ticket office at (319) 896-7560, or online at the URL below: (Please select the special Lucas elementary area of Section 112 when ordering tickets online.)

If we sell 200 tickets, then the Kernels will send us a fundraising check for $200. What a fun way to Make a Mighty Difference!

https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=92625&promocode=rlucas

NOTE: After you click on the link above and the page loads, click on the + sign next to club seating and the special Robert Lucas Elementary price of $7 will be given as an option. This special link will be active until Friday, August 23, at midnight. 

DEED chair Joe Bell can answer any questions and will be available at the Aug. 19 Popsicles with the Principal event at school.

DEED wins Volunteer Excellence award

Congratulations to our Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED) group, which has won an Excellence in Education Award from the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce. Group representatives will receive the award at a ceremony this afternoon (Wednesday, April 24) at the Iowa City Community School District Office, 1725 N. Dodge St.

The group was recognized for volunteer excellence. The nomination materials noted the many different events DEED organizes to build community here at Lucas including, City High tailgate, Spelling Bee, Kernels game, Bike Rodeo, and Iowa Women's Basketball game. "This group has provided such a positive experience for the teachers, parents, and students of Lucas Elementary," the nomination reads. "Excitement is evident through the students’ eyes whenever the dads with their DEED shirts are present at an activity."

Thank you DEED for your commitment to and support of Lucas Elementary!

Lucas Day at Iowa women's basketball is Dec. 1

The Mighty Hawks will be cheering on the Hawks on Saturday, Dec. 1, when the Iowa Women's Basketball team takes on UNI at 2:30 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. 

In honor of this Lucas Elementary Day, Lucas will be recognized at the game and all Lucas students receive $2 admission. Parents, teachers, and other adult guests may purchase tickets at the discounted rate of $5 (normally $10). Additional youth tickets (18 and under) are $2 (normally $6).

All students must be accompanied by an adult.

Please place your ticket orders ahead of time by calling the UI Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-IA-HAWKS (be sure to mention Lucas Elementary Day to receive the discount) or by completing and mailing a ticket order form. Order by Friday, Nov. 23 to receive tickets by mail; order by Nov. 29 to print tickets at home.

Members of the Iowa women's basketball team will visit Lucas on Monday, Nov. 19.

DEED hosts Dads' Night Out Monday, Oct. 1

Lucas dads will gather at 2 Dogs Pub on Monday, Oct. 1, for Monday Night Football, Bears v. Cowboys. Organizer Joe Bell says the event will last "from 6:30 p.m. until at least half time," when it remains to be seen whether anyone has the stamina to last for the whole game! This event is sponsored by DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) and all Lucas dads are invited. Joe promises the dads will step up for kid duty when the moms have their night out in the near future. Contact Joe Bell with any questions.

Mighty Hawks On Parade

Thanks to Joe Bell and the DEED dads for corralling an energetic bunch of Mighty Hawks for the City High Homecoming Parade Thursday. It was a great turn out and great fun for all.

Today's Press-Citizen article on the parade quotes Lucas sixth-grader Liam McComas.

For more photos, video and Mighty Hawk spirit, visit the Lucas PTO Facebook page.

Know before you go: City High Homecoming Parade

Walking: All Lucas students and families are invited to march with our school group in the City High Homecoming Parade, Thursday, Sept. 27. We will meet at Mercer Park at 5 p.m. (look for Joe Bell surrounded by a sea of kids in Lucas RRCS shirts or other Lucas apparel. If you don't have a Lucas shirt, no worries, just come as you are!) ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN. The parade ends at City High's Bates (football) Field. The City High PTSO invites all elementary groups to enjoy treats at the Hoover Elementary playground (immediately south of the football field) following the parade.

Watching: If you will be cheering from the curbside as the parade goes by, consider bringing a non-perishable food item to Pack The Pick-Up for the Johnson County Crisis Center. City High Ambassadors, Interact, and Student Senate will be trading candy for food donations along the route. Items most in demand at the Food Bank are canned fruit & 100% fruit juice, hearty soups & stews, canned meat & peanut butter, pasta & rice, canned vegetables, baby diapers (all sizes), baby formula & food, toilet paper and laundry detergent.

EVERYONE: Please share your parade photos on the Lucas PTO Facebook page. Everyone who "likes" the page has the ability to share content and comments. It's a great way to interact with fellow parents.

Safety first! Lucas Bike Rodeo is Saturday, May 5

The second annual Lucas Bike Rodeo will be this Saturday, May 5, from 9-11 a.m. in the front parking lot of the school. All students are invited to bring their bikes and helmets for a safety check and to practice riding safely, using hand signals, through an obstacle course. This FREE event is sponsored by Lucas DEED (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) Bicyclists of Iowa City, AAA, Boyd Murray Insurance, Iowa City and Coralville Bike to Work Week.

Sugar Bottom Bikes of North Liberty will be on hand to help with minor tune ups. Bike registration will also be available and helmets will be for sale.

Any questions please contact Joe Bell (DEED Chairman) at 354-2281  In case of rain this event will be postponed until May 19.

All Lucas dads invited to DEED meeting Saturday, March 24

The next DEED meeting (Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams) is this Saturday, March 24,at 8 a.m. in the breakfast area of the 1st Ave. Hy-Vee. DEED veterans are actively recruiting new members to keep this vital group going as the founders' children approach the end of their Lucas years. DEED hosts many fun, family-oriented activities throughout the year. For more information, contact Joe Bell, at jk.bell@mchsi.com.

Photos: Lucas Day at Iowa Women's Basketball

Thanks to all who came out for Lucas Day at the Iowa Women's Basketball game last month. We had a great turn out, the Hawks upset Purdue with a second-half comeback, and a few of the kids even managed to pay more attention to the game than the snacks! DEED has made this a great annual tradition, so if you couldn't make it this year, be sure to watch for information next season.

Lucas Elementary Day at Iowa Women's Basketball is Jan. 28

The Mighty Hawks will be cheering on the Hawks on Saturday, Jan. 28, when the Iowa Women's Basketball team takes on Purdue at 2 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Lucas families are also invited to a special buffet lunch before the game at Delago Mexican Cafe, 708 1st Ave. in Coralville.

In honor of this Lucas Elementary Day, Lucas will be recognized at the game and all Lucas students receive $2 admission. Parents, teachers, and other adult guests may purchase tickets at the discounted rate of $5 (normally $9). Additional youth tickets (18 and under) are $2 (normally $5).

Please place your ticket orders ahead of time by calling the UI Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-IA-HAWKS (be sure to mention Lucas Elementary Day to receive the discount) or by completing and mailing a ticket order form. Order by Jan. 20 to receive tickets by mail; order by Jan. 27 to print tickets at home.

If you plan to join the lunch at Delago, please email Joe Bell, jk.bell@mshsi.com, so he can provide a rough estimate to the restaurant. Lunch will include beef, shredded chicken, vegetarian options, beans, rice, chips and salsa, and a drink. The cost is $7.99 for adults and $4.99 for kids. 

What's for dinner Monday? Pancakes at Lucas!

Don't forget to include the Lucas Pancake Supper in your meal plan for next week. We'll be serving pancakes, sausage, juice and milk from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Lucas multi-purpose room. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for kids under 12. Lucas staff members are free. 

If you are available to help with this event, even for 30 minutes, please contact PTO Hospitality Co-Chair Emily Spellman at 541-2063 or easpellman@msn.com as soon as possible.

Volunteers needed for Lucas Pancake Supper Monday

Volunteers are needed to help make and serve pancakes, clear tables and provide other support for the Lucas Elementary School Pancake Supper, which runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. next Monday, October 17, in the Lucas Multipurpose Room. Even if you can only volunteer 30 minutes, you can provide huge support to Lucas PTO and Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED), which are sponsoring the event.

If you can help, please contact PTO Hospitality Co-Chair Emily Spellman at 541-2063 or easpellman@msn.com as soon as possible.

See you Monday!

Register now for August 20 Kernels game; ride in style!

Want to watch some exciting baseball and fireworks and show your Mighty Hawk spirit? Then sign up now to attend the August 20 Lucas Elementary School Night at the Cedar Rapids Kernels. The deadline for buying tickets, for a discounted price of $6.50 (versus $9 at the gate), is August 18, so hurry to download the order form and mail it, along with a check made out to the Cedar Rapids Kernels, to:

Joe Bell
5 Dunuggan Court
Iowa City, IA 52240

Lucas students, parents and teachers will have an opportunity to take part in special activities before and during the game, including participating in on-field contests, forming a tunnel to high-five players as they take the field, and standing with Kernels players as members of the "Dream Team" during the singing of the National Anthem.

Also, new this year, thanks to a generous donation from our friends at Hills Bank, Lucas Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED) has reserved a Windstar Charter Bus to transport anyone planning to attend the game for an additional $11 per person round-trip. The bus will be leaving promptly at 3:25 p.m. the day of the game, and will return right after the fireworks. To secure a seat on the bus, contact Joe Bell at 354-2281, or visit him during the upcoming Lucas Meet and Greet and Popsicles with the Principal event from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16 at Lucas Elementary.

DEED meeting postponed until May 21

The DEED meeting originally scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at the First Avenue Hy-Vee has been postponed until Saturday, May 21, at 8 a.m.

DEED meeting Saturday, May 14 at Hy-Vee

Lucas Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams is meeting for coffee and doughnuts at the First Avenue Hy-Vee at 8 a.m. this Saturday, May 14. 

DEED will be discussing upcoming events. 

New members are always welcome! If you're a DEED member and know of a dad whose child is starting kindergarten this fall, please invite them. 

Students invited to Bike Rodeo May 23 at Lucas

Students can have their bicycles inspected and adjusted (seat height, handlebar placement and tire inflation), test their skills riding through an obstacle course, learn important safety tips and win fun prizes during the free Lucas Elementary School Bike Rodeo from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 23, on the Lucas playground. In case of rain, the event will be cancelled.

In addition to the activities and drawings, the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital will sell bike helmets for $9 each.

Lucas Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED), Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC), AAA and the Bike to Work Week Committee is sponsoring the event.

Similar Bike Rodeos have been offered at other area elementary schools in previous years, including Horn, Hoover, Longfellow, VanAllen and Wood.

"This is a great chance for kids to get their bikes ready for summer, to learn some safe riding skills and to have a lot of fun," Lucas physical education teacher and Lucas Bike Rodeo organizer Chad Lowry said. "I hope we get a great turnout!"

For more information on BIC, visit http://www.bicyclistsofiowacity.org/. For more information on the Lucas event, contact Chad at Lowry.Chad@iccsd.k12.ia.us or DEED member Joe Bell at jk.bell@mchsi.com.

Post-Spelling Bee coffee meeting set for Saturday

Joe Pavelich and Jeffrey Fields invite you to join them for coffee this coming Saturday at 8 a.m. at the First Avenue Hy-Vee to talk about the Spelling Bee. They'd like to hear feedback about this year's bee and past bees, and to begin planning for 2012. Everyone is invited.

If you cannot make coffee and would like to share ideas, please email them to Joe and Jefff and they'll relay them to the rest of the spelling bee team.

"Thanks to everyone who's helped make the spelling bee a success," Jefff said. "Joe and I get lots of kudos, but we know this is a team effort and those kudos belong to us all."

Jefff can be reached at 319-936-1750 or jeffrey.fields@yahoo.com. Joe can be reached at j.pavelich@mchsi.com.