Run for the Schools update

Did you know that schools receive money from Run for the Schools based on participation, both from runners and volunteers? Take a look at this year's totals from all over the district. Thank you for helping our music and PE programs--next year let's do even better!

Run for the Schools participation totals 2017

Run for the Schools

Run for the Schools 

Sunday, October 15!

​The 20th annual Run for the Schools race, which raises money for the Iowa City Community School District and Regina Catholic schools, is October, 15, 2017.  Races include Half-Mile and Mile Fun Runs, 5K and 10K Run/Walks, and a Half-Marathon Run.  Sign up individually or as a family.  Register by September 30th to get a Run for the Schools T-shirt!

There are 3 ways for you to participate and earn participation credit for your school:

Run or Walk in the race – Register now or get more information at www.runfortheschools.com

Volunteer to help on race day! Volunteer RFTS Sign Up

Make a donation for Run for the Schools to the ICCSD Foundation at Run for the Schools Donation

When is "fun" spelled B-E-E? At the annual Lucas Spelling Bee--sign up now!

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 2017 Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday April 25 (grades 1-2, and 5-6) and Thursday April 27 (grades 3-4) 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!

To participate, please sign up via this online form by Wednesday, April 12.

Then start reviewing the spelling lists provided for each grade level:

1st & 2nd grade lists

3rd & 4th grade lists

5th & 6th grade lists

Note that the challenge of this event comes from learning words at a higher grade level. Thus the 1st & 2nd grade list includes 3rd grade words; the 3rd & 4th grade list includes 5th grade words; the 5th & 6th grade list includes 7th grade words.

We will make every effort to ensure that each team includes members from both grade levels in the bee.

Spelling Bee Rules

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Kenyon at mgkenyon8@yahoo.com

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).

Free Family Night at Mercer Jan. 10 is a sure cure for cabin fever

If you're starting to feel like the walls are closing in, make plans to join us for Free Family Fun Night this Friday, Jan. 10, from 6-8 p.m. at Scanlon Gym/Mercer Aquatic Center. All Lucas families are invited to come release some energy in the gym, where we'll have roller skating (skates provided), a bouncy house, and games. A selection of healthy snacks will be provided in the adjacent activity room.

Parents/guardians MUST stay with students--
absolutely no drop offs allowed!

We are looking for volunteers to monitor the bouncy house in half hour shifts and to assist with snack distribution. Please go to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094BA4A72FA75-free to sign up.

Lucas prairie pocket work weekend scheduled for Oct. 26-27

Channel your inner Pa Ingalls on Oct. 26 & 27 as we work to prepare the Lucas Prairie for spring revitalization. This area on the east side of the school grounds has wonderful potential as a learning space as part of our Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape Initiative. But it needs lots of Lucas muscle to bring it under control.

We will be working:

• Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 4 p.m.

We are asking all members of the Lucas community to consider committing some time during the weekend to assist with the project. Plenty of tasks for the kids and adults!

What we are doing:

1. Collecting seeds to save for prairie replanting in the spring (we will have a burn this spring prior to seed spreading).
2. Cutting down trees that have grown within the prairie. Applying roundup by painting it directly onto the tree stumps (controlled roundup application) to prevent future growth of trees post burn. The trees are considered weeds in the prairie.
3. Stomping tall grasses and plants to assist with prairie burn prep.

What we need:

1. Volunteers to complete the tasks above. We are asking that volunteers bring their own tools, work gloves, etc. 
2. Girl Scout Troops, Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troops are also welcome and encouraged.
3. Volunteers to bring refreshments (drinks and food)
4. Site cleanup as needed.

If you can help, please contact Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape committee chair Sarah Lynch at sarahrlynch@gmail.com

Fall fund drive shows steady progress toward goals

A mighty big THANK YOU to all who have already contributed to our annual fall fund drive, Make a Mighty Difference. In just the first month we've raised more than $3,200 -- almost 1/3 of our financial goal!

We seek to raise $10,000 and 250 volunteer hours by November 1, 2013.

We are hoping for 100% participation among our school families, including both financial donations and commitment of volunteer hours. As you consider your family's contribution, keep in mind that all funds will go directly to our school for a wide variety of PTO projects and all volunteer hours will support projects that directly benefit our students.

Lucas PTO Makes a Mighty Difference by funding:

• Technology - Computers, Smart Boards, I-Touch
• Enrichment - Field Trips, Visiting Authors, School of the Wild
• Outdoor Educational Playscape - Outdoor classroom space, nature based play, prairie pocket, school garden, playground equipment
• Family Activities - DEED events, family supper, free family nights at Mercer, Fun Nigh

Lucas families Make a Might Difference by volunteering to:

• Prepare food for teachers on conference nights
• Assist on picture day (helping students move from classrooms to photo room)
• Set-up, serve, and clean-up Family Supper
• Organize games for Fun Night
• and MUCH MORE!

You can donate online by clicking here, or by downloading this form and sending in with cash or a check payable to 'Lucas PTO' to:

Lucas PTO c/o ICCSD Foundation
1725 N. Dodge St.
Iowa City, IA 52245

You can add your commitment of volunteer hours to our tally by filling out this online form.

Volunteers bring nature back to K-2 playground

BEFORE

Did you notice the K-2 playground looked a little different this week? Thanks to the dedication of our  Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape Initiative committee and many hours of muscle power from about two dozen parents, teachers and kids on Saturday, we've taken the first major step toward a more natural play area for our students. More pictures are posted on the PTO Facebook page (be sure to "like" us while you're there!) And the Press Citizen featured us in Sunday's paper. Thanks to all who contributed to the planning and execution of this project. Watch for more opportunities to participate as the project continues!

AFTER

Fun Night committee thanks volunteers, donors

A Mighty big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and sponsors that made this years Fun Night a great success, raising more than $7,000 that PTO will use to support a wide array of activities and events for Lucas students!

In particular, a few donors were an integral part of the accomplishment: Hy-Vee (pizza and cookies), Midtown Family Restaurant (walking tacos), Noodles & Co. (pasta), Texas Roadhouse (rolls), Fareway (soda pop) Pepsi (water), and Bissinger Chocolates (Chocolate “games”). 

In addition, the following also made contributions:

Adventureland
Aero Rental
Aspen Leaf Yogurt
Ben Franklin Crafts
Blick Art Materials
Bob's Your Uncle
Burger King
Carlos O'Kelly's
City High Boosters
Cookies & More/Dairy Queen (Sycamore Mall)
Coral Ridge Ice Arena
Coral Ridge Mall
Costco
CR Kernels
CVS
Daylight Donuts
Englert Theatre
Game Day Iowa
Gasby's Convenience Stores (Muscatine Ave)
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
Hamburg Inn
Heyn's Ice Cream
Hills Bank
Hy-Vee Drug
Iowa Book
Iowa City Parks & Recreation
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Iowa Cubs
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack
Johnson County Safe Kids Coalition
Midwest One Bank
National River Museum (Dubuque)
Olive Garden
On the Go Convenience Stores (Muscatine Ave)
Pancheros
Pizza Pit
Pizza Ranch
Prairie Lights Books
Quad Cities River Bandits
Renee's Ceramic Café
Riverside Golf Resort & Casino
Riverside Theater
RSVP
Running Wild
Scheel's
Sheraton Hotel
St. Louis Cardinals
Target
UI Athletics Hall of Fame
Walgreens
Wal-Mart
Westport Touchless Autowash
Whitey's Ice Cream
Z'Mariks

Also a special thanks to the Kohl’s employees that continue to come back year after year to help with this important event. If you visit one of these sponsors, please considering thanking them for their consideration and for contributing to the education of our children. Thanks again for the help of everyone involved.

Be a part of the Lucas playground transformation: Work day is Saturday, May 1

The Lucas Outdoor Educational Playscape Initiative (LOEPI) is hosting a playground work day on Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome, including Lucas students accompanied by adults.

The project involves the renovation of a portion of the K-2 playground on the south side of the school building. We will be removing some asphalt and putting in a mulch area with natural play objects.

Join us anytime during the day for as long as you wish!

• Starting around 8 a.m. we will be tearing out asphalt and loading it on trucks.
• By mid-day we'll be ready to preparing the area (digging out areas of the dirt and adding a drainage area). Also, we will be laying down landscaping fabric. 
• Later in the day we will be placing the mulch in the play area, putting in the play objects that we have and cleaning up.

Items needed: Mulch forks, wheel barrows, shovels, rakes and brooms. Come dressed to work and get messy! Water and snacks will be provided – please bring a water bottle to help save on cups

and trash.

For more information, see this flyer or contact Ann Campion,  ann.campion@gmail.com or 319-330-0896

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!

PTO will discuss Fun Night, elect 2013-14 officers Monday, April 8

That voice has been in your head since September: "One of these months, I'm seriously going to make it to a PTO meeting." Answer the call and see how easy it is to make a difference for your kids' school by joining us Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. to discuss the final preparations for Fun Night, and elect new leadership for next school year. We meet in the Art Room with free child care available in the Kindergarten room.

Agenda

Have another commitment, but still want to participate? Sign up to volunteer during Fun Night by contacting co-chairs Amy Greazel Dagreazel1@msn.com and/or Carol Greve Cgreve9@aol.com.

Volunteers needed for Fun Night, April 19

Our amazing Fun Night planning committee has been working for months to make this annual event a success. Now it's time for you to jump in, and all we're asking for is an hour! Fun Night is Friday, April 19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Room coordinators are needed for the following games:

• Bouncy House
• Fishing
• Football Toss
• T-Shirt Decorating

As the coordinator, all you have to do is make sure the room is set up (with materials provided!) at the start, cleaned up at the end, and staffed throughout the evening. If you recruit three to five friends, you can cover the entire evening. This is a great opportunity to practice your arm-twisting skills on your fellow parents.

Please contact Fun Night co-chairs Amy Greazel Dagreazel1@msn.com and/or Carol Greve Cgreve9@aol.com to sign up. You're not really going to tell these dedicated Mighty Hawk parents that you can't spare a single hour are you?

Party planners needed for Lucas 50th bash

This spring Lucas Elementary will celebrate its 50th anniversary. A committee is forming to plan the event, tentatively set for Sunday May 5 from 2-4 p.m. If you are interested in helping plan the event, please contact 1st grate teacher Ann Kessler at kessler.ann@iccsd.k12.ia.us

The first planning meeting is scheduled for this Monday, March 4 at 3:15 p.m. (Your faithful blog correspondent apologizes for the late notice. This inadvertently scrolled off the radar amid a hectic week. Apparently snow day + 4-day weekend = mind lost. Who knew?)

If you are in touch with any retired Lucas teachers, staff, and/or principals please contact Ann Kessler so that we can invite them back for the celebration.

Will you answer the call? Seeking volunteers for Lucas events

Are you looking for ways to become more involved in the Lucas community? Why not volunteer at a school event?  Requests for volunteers are sent out as needed, and you may respond according to your own availability.

To be added to the notification list for volunteer opportunities, please contact Nancy Cassady at ncassadyim@gmail.com. Upcoming opportunities include preparing food for the teacher lunch during conferences on Feb. 26, greeting incoming Kindergarten parents as they arrive for registration, also Feb. 26, assisting during picture day (school hours), helping out on Fun Night (evening) and more.

Still on the fence? Check out our Facebook page to read your fellow Lucas parents' thoughts on the importance of participating in school events. We hope to see you soon!

PTO is seeking raffle prizes for Fun Night

The PTO is currently seeking donated items for the raffle we hold during our annual Fun Night on Friday, April 19. Past raffles have included a wide range of prizes from restaurants, hotels, bowling alleys, movie theaters, salons, book stores, banks, radio stations, sports teams, and more.

If you have items to donate or know of (or work for!) a local business that would consider donating goods or services, please contact Raffle Chairperson Mary Kenyon at mgkenyon8@yahoo.com.

A number of PTO members are busily working behind the scenes in preparation for Fun Night. Watch for more information and calls for volunteers in the coming weeks.

School Buddies volunteers needed

Spend your lunch hour helping a child who needs extra support and guidance from a mentor like you.

School Buddies volunteers meet with a student one day a week. The volunteer and child spend their time together playing board games, reading, eating lunch, working on academics or just hanging out and talking. This relationship-focused program, coordinated by Big Brothers Big Sisters and Lucas staff, has been shown to boost participants’ academic and social skills. Lucas supporters can volunteer here or at one of the other nine elementary schools throughout the district that offer the School Buddies program.

For more information, contact Elyse Sable of Big Brothers Big Sisters at 319-337-2145 or elyse@bbbsjc.org.

Student Council demonstrates spirit of giving with food drive

The Lucas Student Council annual food drive runs through Dec. 14. Each class has a collection box and the class that brings in the most items will have a pizza party. Contributions will be delivered to the Johnson County Crisis Center on the afternoon of Dec. 14. If you are available to help drive the items to the Crisis Center, please contact Renee Hansen.

The Crisis Center lists the following among its most needed items: canned fruit & 100% fruit juice, canned meat & tuna, hearty soups & stews, pastas & rice, canned vegetables, baby diapers (all sizes), baby formula & food.

Chess Club seeks parent volunteers; no chess experience necessary

Lucas Chess Club is looking for a volunteer to help out at our weekly Chess Club on Fridays from 3-4 p.m., when approximately 23 Lucas kids meet to learn and play chess. Volunteers need not play chess. Their chief function is to help introduce and match up children who need a partner, and, as games finish, help children find a new opponent. In general, volunteers guide children to be constructive, polite, and quiet. At the end of each session, volunteers assist children in making sure chess sets are properly put away and chairs placed on the tables.

We currently have a chess teacher and usually two volunteers, but could use another. Interested persons may email lucaschessclub@gmail.com or call Stephen Heywood, Parent Coordinator, at 354-3778.

Lucas students will Jump Rope for Heart Feb. 21-24

Lucas students will be skipping through the week of Feb. 21. Not skipping in the halls. Not skipping school. Skipping rope to raise funds and awareness through the American Heart Association Jump Rope for Heart program.

Students in 2nd - 6th grades will participate during their regularly-scheduled P.E. classes Feb. 21-24. Information will be sent home with the students, and Mr. Lowry requests all donation envelopes be returned to him by Wednesday, Feb. 29. 

To generate excitement for the event and to reinforce the importance of heart health, the Iowa Skippers Jump Rope Team will visit Lucas for an assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 15. This team of 4th - 12th graders is based in Cedar Rapids and was organized 20 years ago by two Cedar Rapids physical education teachers. 

Please contact Mr. Lowry with any questions or to volunteer during the week of Feb. 21. You can download the parent information letter here. For more information from the American Heart Association about this event, visit www.heart.org/jump