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!

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 26^th.  This is the last submission of this year.  Every top counts as we raised $1,404 alone this fall!