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.

Submissions invited for Awesome Autism Art Project

The ARC of Southeast Iowa is seeking students to participate in the Awesome Autism Awareness Art Project. All interested individuals in Johnson County who have Autism, Asperger Syndrome, and PDD (NOS), are invited to submit artwork for display in the show, April 21 and 22. The deadline for submissions is March 1. More information is available here or by emailing awesomeartshow@yahoo.com.

Free tax preparation help available from UI College of Business volunteers

The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business offers free tax preparation to families earning less than $50,000 in 2011. This IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides trained volunteers to help you file your taxes. For locations, dates and times, view this flyer.

PTO will discuss outdoor education opportunities Jan. 23

Fred Meyer with Backyard Abundance will speak to the PTO on Monday, Jan. 23, about outdoor education and natural playscape opportunities at Lucas. This was one of the target areas for the Make a Mighty Difference campaign. With the money in hand, we are now seeking creative ideas and input. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the school. Babysitting is available. The full meeting agenda is online.

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. 

Calling young artists to the annual MidwestOne Bank Kids Art Exhibit; entries due Jan. 27

Lucas art teacher Gwen Leslie announces the annual MidwestOne Bank Kids Art Exhibit, for which entries are due by Jan. 27. This contest is for artwork students create on their own at home, not in class.

This year the bank letter/label will not be sent home with students. Instead, it can be downloaded from the Lucas website or from the ICCSD Virtual Backpack. This label must be attached to all contest entries. Student drawings, with label completed and attached, may be placed in the box outside of the Lucas art room on or before Friday, Jan. 27.

Ms. Leslie also could use an adult volunteer or two to assist in attaching prize ribbons to the artwork before sending them to MidwestOne for display. Contact her by email Leslie.Gwen@iccsd.k12.ia.us if you are available to help during the week of Jan. 30.

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.