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
