Meet your teacher, share a popsicle with the principal Aug. 19

It's that time of year again--back to school! To get the year started off right, come to Popsicles with the Principal on Monday, Aug. 19, any time between 4-5:30 p.m. Check the class lists at the front door to find out who your teacher is and head off to your new classroom to drop off your school supplies. Then visit Principal Merriweather in the front drive and meet up with your friends for a cool popsicle treat.

You'll have opportunities to connect with PTO leaders to become involved with our events happening throughout the year. We'll also have information about the next phase of our Lucas Outdoor Education Playscape Initiative, which includes enhancements for the 3-6 playground.

If you have not already done so, you can pay your book fee at this event. And while you have your checkbook handy, why not Make a Mighty Difference with a donation to our PTO annual fund drive?

We're looking forward to a great year and hope you'll join us in support of our Lucas Might Hawks!

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.

Make a Mighty Difference for Lucas this year

With the next school year around the corner, Lucas students are anticipating new classrooms, new teachers, and new experiences.

You can help make it another great year at Lucas by joining in our annual fall fundraiser, "Make a Mighty Difference."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_wfCH99Wxw

The money raised for Lucas PTO by "Make a Mighty Difference" directly supports Lucas Elementary School through:

Educational Enrichment like library books, field trips, visiting authors, and School of the Wild

Technology for Learning like SmartBoards, computers and iPod touches

Community Events like the Fall Family Tailgate, the Lucas Family Supper, and Family Fun Night

Lucas Outdoor Playscape Initiative, an ongoing effort to enhance the Lucas playground and outdoor learning space.

In 2013 we made visible improvements to the K-2 playground, and our goal this year is to make major progress on the 3-6 playground - but it can only happen with the financial support and volunteer energy of the Lucas community!

As of August 1st, Lucas PTO has already raised $2,450-- almost 25% of our goal! We need your help to reach $10,000 and 250 volunteer hours pledged by Nov. 1.

Make a Mighty Difference for Lucas today:

• Make a tax-deductible gift to Lucas PTO www.makeamightydifference.org
• Sign up to volunteer for a Lucas PTO event or project www.makeamightydifference.org
• "Like" Lucas PTO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LucasElementaryPTO

Additional ways to help once school starts:

• Buy a 'Make a Mighty Difference' yard sign for $12 at Lucas School and show off your support
• Attend a Lucas PTO meeting (second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.; free child care provided)

Thank you for making a mighty difference for Lucas students!

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.

Final Box Top collection of the year runs through Friday, May 24

We will have one last Box Top contest May 20 - 24th. Three popsicle parties will be awarded
to a K-2, 3-4, and 5-6 winner. Box Tops can again be placed on the flyers sent home last week or they can be put in baggies and given to the classroom teacher.

 For those that are ambitious, they can send them in counts of fifty. A spruced up Box Top box will again be in the office on Monday for collection or they can be given to the classroom teacher, just make sure the homeroom teacher is listed on the baggie.

By saving those little Box Tops from a variety of products you already use, you have already helped Lucas PTO raise more than $2,000 this year. Every dime counts!

4th grade attends School of the Wild

Lucas 4th graders spent the Week of May 13-17 at School of the Wild, a special program offered by University of Iowa Recreation Services. They went hiking, explored wetlands, identified animal tracks and plants, and even got to release a hawk that had been rehabilitated from a wing injury.

Thanks to the 4th grade teachers, the School of the Wild staff and all of our parent volunteers for making this a great experience for our students!