New farmer's market starts Tuesday 5/7 at Mercer Park

Iowa City's newest Farmer's Market is practically in the back yard of some of our Lucas families. Be sure to stop by Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for  fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, jewelry, gift items, and other products from area farmers, bakers, and artisans. The first market is this Tuesday, May 7; it will run weekly through  October 29.

For those unfamiliar with the area, Mercer Park is located on Bradford Street (off of First Avenue), next to Southeast Junior High. The Mercer Park Farmer’s Market will be held in the parking lot directly north of the baseball fields.

For more information, contact Emily Ambrosy at the City of Iowa City at emily-ambrosy@iowa-city.org.

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!

New blog feature: FAQ for Kindergarten parents

Just in time for this week's Kindergarten roundup (Thursday, April 18) we've added a page of Frequently Asked Questions for new parents. We can't claim to be exhaustive, but tried to highlight areas that might put your mind at ease as you get ready to send your child to school for the first time. We would love to expand this resource with more questions and answers. Just comment below or email the Mighty Hawk Messenger and we'll track down the answers you're seeking. Welcome to Lucas--it's great to be a Mighty Hawk!

Music to your ears: Spring general music concert dates announced

Check the schedule below and mark your calendars for the time and date of your child's class music performance. The students will share a sample of what they've learned this year in music classes with Mr. Kelly.

Thursday, April 25
1 p.m.: Kindergarten
1:30 p.m.: 1st grade

Thursday, May 9
1 p.m.: 2nd grade
1:30 p.m.: 4th grade

Thursday, May 16
1 p.m.: 3rd grade
1:20 p.m.: 5th grade

Last day of School: 6th grade musical entertainment

Students recognized for good citizenship

Congratulations to Nahn To, Cade Hanrahan and Kate Goodvin, who were selected by their classmates to receive the Good Citizen Award from the Iowa City City Council. They received the award during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 9. We are proud of you!

This award was created to recognize the positive citizenship of Iowa City's young people. Nominees must demonstrate good citizenship by: obeying rules and being helpful and considerate of others; taking responsibility for their actions; demonstrating helpfulness and positive interaction with others; and displaying of diligence and improvement that benefits the student, their school and the community.

Celebrate Lucas 50th anniversary Sunday, May 5

Mark your calendars for the Lucas Elementary 50th Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, May 5, from 2-4 p.m.! Program includes remarks from Supt. Steve Murley, ICCSD Board President and former Lucas teacher Marla Swesey and former Lucas principal Brian Lehmann. Friends, neighbors, former students and teachers are invited. Birthday cake for all!

ICCSD Facilities Visioning Workshops

The Iowa City Community School District is seeking input from the community as it moves forward with facilities planning for the future. This includes renovations in current buildings as well as construction of new schools. All members of the community are invited to attend one of three upcoming "facilities visioning workshops." All will be held at Parkview Church, 15 Foster Road.

• Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m.-noon
• Monday, April 8, from 9 a.m.to noon (childcare available)
• Tuesday, April 9, from 6-9 p.m.