Highlights of the
Week
First & Second
Grade Musical Performance
Our first and second graders put on another wonderful performance
Wednesday evening! Our students’ singing,
dancing and artwork proved just how talented they are! See the artwork below. We thank our teachers Ms. Dazzio, Mrs. O’Day
and Ms. Heitmann for a wondering evening.
We look forward to the last presentation next Wednesday!
Parent Math Night
We were excited to share information regarding our math
program - Investigations - with parents on Thursday. We showed assessment data that confirms that
our program provides students with critical thinking strategies, a strong mathematical foundation and knowledge of key concepts. The evening was focused on
how parents can help support their children at home. Primary and intermediate teachers shared specific
strategies and suggestions on how to best work with their children at
home. Click on the primary and
intermediate videos below if you are interested in the information, but were
unable to attend.
Primary
Intermediate
Stephanie Harvey
Defines “Grade Level Texts”
We all enjoyed hearing national reading expert, Stephanie
Harvey, speak on Friday during our staff development day! One of the topics that we explored was the
concept of what are “grade level texts.”
This is an important topic as our new Common Core Learning Standards
require students to apply strategies and skills using “grade level texts.”
Stephanie shared that while several leveling companies focus only on the length of texts (i.e. How many words are used?, Is it a chapter book?), she encouraged us to look at
complexity of the topics / themes presented.
She showed how short articles and visual images can be used to engage
students in higher level thinking by presenting multiple perspectives,
figurative language (i.e metaphors) etc.
This was a particularly important, especially as we think about
how we are preparing students for a more digital age that will require students
to access more information through pictures and short passages. The moral of the story… sometimes less can
offer so much more!
Yearbook Sales/Picture Donations
* Click here to purchase a yearbook for the 2012-2013 school year for $18.50. Make sure to choose
additional elementary items when ordering. The deadline for ordering is March 15.
* Click here to donate pictures to Gold Rush's yearbook!
additional elementary items when ordering. The deadline for ordering is March 15.
* Click here to donate pictures to Gold Rush's yearbook!
Honoring Talent
We are looking forward to honoring Gold Rush Apple Nominees
first grade teacher, Mrs. Aldridge, and Instructional Assistant, Mrs. Wilson,
at a District event on Saturday! We
think they are well deserving of the recognition!
Mark Your Calendar
* PTO Book Fair – February 25 through February 28
* Parent Teacher Conferences – February 28 & March 7
* State Testing for Grades 3-5 – March 5 – March
14: Additional information to come
PTO
* Calling all Box Tops! Please turn in your clipped Box Tops
by February 26th. This is the
last submission of this year. Every top
counts as we raised $1,404 alone this fall!