Highlight of the Week

Wonderful Writers

Our students’ writing continues to amaze me!  The Lucy Calkin’s writing program that we are implementing is challenging students to develop themselves as writers.  As you recall, students across grades K-5 are currently working on informational writing, or writing about nonfiction topics.  This week first graders were writing chapter books on topics that they have expertise on.  They were elaborating on their ideas by writing additional details, or drafting twin sentences.  Our second graders were writing like scientists.  This week Mrs. Wilson’s class created different roller coasters and students recorded their results and drew conclusions based on how far the marble rolled (see pictures below).  In third grade students are studying how paragraphing can help their reader understand their nonfiction topic.  We are all impressed with students’ writing abilities and look forward to sharing their work with you at conferences.

TCAP Testing

Our third through fifth grade students begin the state testing next week.  The Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) will measure students’ achievement and growth in the area of reading, writing and math.  Please make sure your child has a good breakfast and a good night sleep.  We ask that you see the schedule below and schedule outside appointments around these times. 

March 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12 -  3^rd Grade Writing & Math

March 4, 5,  6, 11 & 12-  4^th & 5^th Grade Reading, Writing & Math

Mark Your Calendar

March 13^th – Parent Teacher Conferences

March 13^th -20^th – Book Fair

March 18^th – Parent Teacher Conferences

March 21^st – No School

March 24-April 4^th – No School - Spring Break

Reminders

·      Click here to sign up for your parent teacher conference on either March 13^th or March 18^th.  We look forward to talking about your child’s progress at this time!

·      If you haven’t ordered your yearbook, it is available to purchase online until March 15. Click here to order today. Yearbook pictures can be sent to GREphotos@gmail.com or put onto a CD and left in the PTO mailbox located in the office.

Highlights of the Week

Student Performances

Our final primary arts performances were as successful as the first two!  I thank our music teacher, Mrs. Petty, our physical education teacher, Mrs. O’Day, our art teacher, Mrs. Dazzio and our technology teacher, Mrs. Menk, for making each performance possible.  Check out more students’ artwork and pictures from the performances below.

Sock Hop

We hope to see you at the Sock Hop this evening from 6-8PM!  We are all looking forward to dancing, eating and having fun!  We thank our PTO for making this event possible!

Mark Your Calendar

March 13^th – Parent Teacher Conferences

March 13^th -20^th – Book Fair

March 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12 -  3^rd Grade Writing & Math

March 4, 5,  6, 11 & 12-  4^th & 5^th Grade Reading, Writing & Math

March 18^th – Parent Teacher Conferences

March 21^st – No School

March 24-April 4^th –  No School - Spring Break

Reminders

·      Click here to sign up for your parent teacher conference on either March 13^th or March 18^th.  We look forward to talking about your child’s progress at this time!

·      If you haven’t ordered your yearbook, it is available to purchase online until March 15. Click here to order today. Yearbook pictures can be sent to GREphotos@gmail.com or put onto a CD and left in the PTO mailbox located in the office.

·      Sign up your incoming kindergarten student on Thursday, February 27, from 8AM to 6PM in the main office. Learn about Gold Rush, the programs our school provides and take a tour of the building with the principal from 4:30-5:30 PM.

Happy Valentines Day!

Highlights of the Week
Valentines Day

Students enjoyed showing their creative side on Valentines Day!  Students created all types of Valentines and Valentine boxes.  We all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon.  

First & Second Graders Pay Tribute to America
We had another great performance from our first and second graders Thursday evening! Their talent continues to amaze me! See more of their art work below. We cannot wait for the final performance next Thursday!

Professional Development Day Focus
Teachers are excited to spend their professional development day on Friday continuing to study Lucy Calkins' writing program.  As you recall, Lucy Calkins is a nationally recognized writing expert and teachers across grades K-5 are currently implementing her informational writing unit (see students' work in prior blogs). Our work on Friday aligns to our school improvement goal that focuses on our desire to build common grade level expectations in writing and a collective understanding of best writing practices.  

We will spend the afternoon learning how we can incorporate the following 21st century themes into our instructional planning: problem solving, resiliency, global awareness, financial awareness, health and wellness and civic responsibility.  A national organization, called the Partnership for 21st Learning, identified 21st century themes and the 4c (creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration) as skills that students will need to be successful in the future.  As a school we will examine what it looks like to naturally incorporate these skills into our teaching. We are excited to share our learning with you in future posts.    

Mark Your Calendar

February 20^th – First & Second Grade Performance – Woolums, Wilson, Lewis & Aldridge

February 21^st – Sock Hop!

March 13^th – Parent Teacher Conferences * Date Correction

March 18^th – Parent Teacher Conferences
March 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12 -  3^rd Grade Writing & Math
March 4, 5,  6, 11 & 12 0 4^th & 5^th Grade Reading, Writing & Math

Reminders

If you haven’t ordered your yearbook, it is available to purchase online until March 15. Click here to order today. Yearbook pictures can be sent to GREphotos@gmail.com or put onto a CD and left in the PTO mailbox.

Highlights of the Week

First & Second Graders Pay Tribute to America

Gold Rush first and second grade students sang, danced and decorated the school with patriotic flair.  The first of three performances reminded me of how talented our students are!  Their performance and artwork was exceptional!  We look forward to our remaining two shows (see schedule below).

Gold Rush Supports the Homeless

In exchange for wearing pajamas, Gold Rush students donated change and canned goods to support the homeless.  I couldn’t be prouder of students’ willingness to support such a worthy cause!  I know that our students felt good about giving back and wearing comfy clothing during such a cold week.

Third Grade Students Take State Reading Test

Third grade students will take the first part of the state reading test, referred to as TCAP, on February 11^th and 12^th.   This assessment is a great opportunity for our students to apply their understanding of reading strategies and critical thinking.  Please help prepare your child for this testing session by ensuring that your son/daughter has enough sleep and a good breakfast.  Students in grades 3-5 will continue this assessment on the following days:

3^rd Grade Writing & Math:  March 4, 5, 6, 11 & 12

4^th & 5^th Grade Reading, Writing & Math: March 4, 5,  6, 11 & 12

Safety Tips

·      Please dress your child in winter clothing when temperatures are low.

·      Please remain in your car when dropping off or picking up your child.

Mark Your Calendar

February 11^th – PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM

February 13^th – First & Second Grade Performance - Murray, McMillan & Martino

February 14^th – No School / Teacher Professional Development Day

February 20^th – First & Second Grade Performance – Woolums, Wilson, Lewis &

                               Aldridge

February 21^st – Sock Hop!

March 12^th – Parent Teacher Conferences

March 18^th – Parent Teacher Conferences

Reminders

If you haven’t ordered your yearbook, it is available to purchase online until March 15. Click here to order today. Yearbook pictures can be sent to GREphotos@gmail.com or put onto a CD and left in the PTO mailbox.

Please join us at Community Night with the Denver Cutthroats- minor league affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche-on Monday, February 17 at 4:00PM.  The Cutthroats will donate $3 of each ticket purchased directly to Gold Rush! Click here to order tickets and then select your school to proceed.