MEETING STUDENTS' INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Teachers implement a workshop model in reading and writing to meet students' individual needs in both reading and writing.  Teachers begin workshops with a brief mini lesson.  In mini lessons teachers model a research-based strategy or craft lesson that is used by adult readers and writers.  Topics shared in reading mini lessons include synthesizing and summarizing, determining importance, inferring, monitoring comprehension, visualizing and activating prior knowledge.  In writing students learn about the craft and structure of informational, narrative and persuasive writing.

During the independent portion of the workshop, students apply the strategy/craft lesson and work on individual goals set with the teacher.  This year classroom teachers participated in book studies focused on small guided reading groups and individual student conferences.  Teachers learned additional strategies that have helped them plan and instruct students with varying needs and abilities.  They also explored additional materials and ways to track students' progress over time.  We are proud of teachers' continued efforts to best meet students' needs.

First Grade Guided Reading Group

Fifth Grade Reading Conference

KINDERGARTNERS CODE ROBOTS DASH & DOT
Kindergarten students learned how to program robots Dash and Dot this week.  Students began by practicing voice commands and physically moving to ensure their directions were accurate.  They ended the week coding Dash and Dot using their ipads.  Students helped Dash and Dot move, dance and cheer.  Our youngest students enjoyed being creative and problem solving with their partners.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
Students who participate in Battle of the Books put their knowledge of new books to the test as they compete in school and local competitions.  Teams of students answer questions about the important characters and events.  This week Gold Rush's intermediate teams competed against each other to determine our school representatives.  All teams did an incredible job!  We are proud of the amount of books all students have read and their comprehension.  We thank Mrs. Golish, Ms. Meredith and Ms. Russel for facilitating this student club.

UPCOMING EVENTS
* February 2: Sock Hop
* February 14: Valentine's Day
* February 15: SAC Meeting @ 4:30-5:30 in the Gold Mine Room
            

ELECTRONIC THURSDAY FOLDER

STAR SPELLERS
We were proud of all of our students who participated in the school spelling bee Friday.  They did an incredible job preparing and spelling in front of their peers.  Ashley Houlberg will be representing Gold Rush at the District level competition.  We thank fifth grade teacher Mrs. Rayens for making this event possible!

STUDENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE IN WRITING 
Students are sharing their expertise with others through their studies on informational writing.  In kindergarten students are writing "how to" pieces where they explain how to complete a task or activity they know well.  In their writing students have taught others, for example, how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, dance and play the piano.

In fourth grade students are researching a topic of interest to them that is related to either Colorado history or U.S. history.  Students chose a range of topics including World War II, the Gold Rush and Native Americans.  Students are currently researching their topics using books and digital resources.  We look forward to reading all students' final products!

Kindergarten students work on their "how to" pieces.

4th grade students analyze other students' informational writing and reflect on what they want to include in their own writing.

TECHNOLOGY HELPS STUDENTS UNCOVER THE PAST
First graders continued to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights era.  They read digital texts and viewed videos on this topic using their ipads.  As students reviewed multiple digital sources they practiced one of their key reading strategies - determining importance.  Students reflected on information that was interesting versus information that was essential.




UPCOMING EVENTS
* February 2: Sock Hop                   

ELECTRONIC THURSDAY FOLDER

 CELEBRATING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. THROUGH SONG
As a school we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a whole school sing along.  Students and staff were moved by the songs from the time period.  As a community we also listened to speeches from Dr. King and our student council president, Meredith Barnheart.  The lyrics, mood and tone of the music allowed students to visualize this important time in history.  We thank our music teacher, Mrs. Petty, for this incredible experience.

FURTHERING SCHOOL MATH GOAL FRIDAY
Gold Rush teachers are committed to meeting each student's unique academic, social and emotional needs.  This year our school goal focuses on meeting a range of needs in the area of math.  At Gold Rush we use differentiation strategies to accomplish this goal.  Differentiation is a method of planning and instructing that reflects teachers' knowledge of individual student's abilities, interest and learning styles.  This deep understanding of each child is obtained through formal and informal assessments.  During our professional development day teachers continued to learn strategies that will allow them to provide students with a range of needs with meaningful, rigorous learning in the area of math.  These strategies include providing different tasks that address the same concept, but differ in levels of complexity.

HEALTHY START TO 2018
Just like in years past, students will participate in Jump Rope for Heart during physical education class.  Representatives from the American Heart Association kicked off our efforts by speaking to students about healthy habits.  Students were reminded to drink water, eat vegetables and exercise regularly.  Information regarding fund raising for this organization was sent home.  Please know that fundraising is optional and that all students will have the opportunity to jump regardless of your desire to contribute financially.


UPCOMING EVENTS
* January 15: No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
* January 18: SAC Mtg @ 4:30-5:30 Agenda
* February 2: Sock Hop                   

ELECTRONIC THURSDAY FOLDER