Friday, October 19, 2018


GRE IS RECOGNIZED BY THE DISTRICT
Gold Rush was celebrated at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday for our significant gains in student growth and achievement on the Spring state CMAS assessment.  As you recall, students in grades 3-5 are assessed in English Language Arts and Math.  Fifth graders are also assessed in the area of Science.  We were proud to be one of 11 schools out of 87 in the District to receive 90 percent of points on the state performance framework.  We also celebrated that our average scale score in English Language Arts was higher than 90% of schools in the state of Colorado and 78% in the area of math.

I was able to celebrate teachers' and students' efforts.  I spoke about teachers commitment to continuous improvement and daily collaboration.  I also highlighted teachers ongoing discussions around common outcomes, students' assessment results and curricula and programming.  Student ownership of their own learning and their ability to set goals was highlighted.  I also celebrated our professional development aimed at supporting students' with a range of strengths and needs was also addressed.  I was honored to represent our incredible community and share our students' and teachers' work.



We were also excited to have Assistant Superintendent, Ted Knight, visit Gold Rush this week.  Here were his top four celebrations.

1) Students were actively engaged and enjoyed learning!
2) Students had great relationships with their peers and teachers!
3) Student learning focused on building a deep understanding of concepts!
4) Students reflected on their new learning and thinking as they worked!







HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
Halloween is right around the corner and students are already asking how we will celebrate at Gold Rush.  Halloween breakfast parties will be held on Wednesday, October 31, from 8:40-9:30 AM.  It is recommended that party treats be balanced with both nutritious options and sweets.  We know that many parent attend our parties.  We are encouraging all families to bring an item for the Parker Task Force when you are in.  A list of needed items are shown below.  All donations can be placed in collection bins in the main vestibule.

Our school parade will follow at 9:30-9:45 AM.  The parade route is included below.  Students who do not wish to participate in Halloween activities can rejoin the class at 9:45 AM.  We will resume with a normal school day schedule at that time.

We encourage students to be creative with their costumes, but safety remains our number one priority.  Please adhere to the following guidelines when selecting a costume:

* Students should come dressed in their costume and bring a change of clothing.

* Costumes can not be demeaning, offensive or promiscuous.

* Face paint, face masks and weapons are not permitted.


Parker Task Force

LEGEND FEEDER SPOOKTACULAR - TRUNKS & TREATS NEEDED
We are excited to participate in the Legend Feeder Spooktacular Trunk or Treat next Thursday, October 25, from 5:00-6:00 PM.  If you are interested in volunteering your car please click here to sign up.  We are also accepting candy donations for this event in the Gold Rush main office.





2019-2020 ENROLLMENT CONFIRMATION & OPEN ENROLLMENT PROCESS
It's hard to believe, but we will be starting the planning process for next school year soon.  In order to assist us in this planning, complete the enrollment confirmation survey for your child(ren) by Friday, November 16th.  Please click here for the enrollment survey.  This will help ensure your child's classroom placement for the next year.


First Round Open Enrollment will open on November 1st.  Schools will extend offers of open enrollment based on available space by December 7th.  Parent can see offers in the EngagED Parent Portal after December 10th and they have until December 17th at 4:00PM to log back in and accept. In the event you did not receive an offer during First Round, you will remain on a wait list for Second Round of Open Enrollment, which opens on January 22nd at 8:00AM.  Click here for additional information.

DIGGER DASH PLEDGES DUE
We are excited to purchase books for students at all grade levels using Digger Dash Dollars.  Please return all Digger Dash Pledge envelopes to the office by Friday.



INFORMATION REGARDING the BOND & MILL
The 2018 Colorado General Election is quickly approaching. Did you know that Colorado’s elections are mail-in only? Are you registered to vote? Is your address up-to-date? Do you know where to drop off your ballot?


Below is an “Election-Ready Checklist” provided by Douglas County. You can get additional information at www.DouglasVotes.com


On August 21, the Douglas County School District Board of Education voted to place a $40 million Mill Levy Override (MLO) and $250 million no-new-taxes Bond on the 2018 ballot. Unlike our neighboring school districts, Douglas County School District has not passed a MLO or Bond since 2006.


If passed by voters, these new funds would be used at our school to:


  • Increase teacher and staff pay
  • Add counselors for our students
  • Enhance safety and security systems


Douglas County School District would also evaluate our building for additional needed repairs that would make our learning environments as safe and productive as possible for our students.


New MLO/Bond funding would also be used to upgrade information technology (such as classroom computers) and transportation (such as aging buses), and offer more student programming opportunities, including additional career and technical education options.


The average Douglas County homeowner, with a home valued at $470,000, will pay an additional $17.33 per month ($208 per year) if both measures are approved. If neither are approved, the average homeowner would see their school property tax bill decrease by approximately $67 in 2019.


You can read more about Douglas County School District’s funding challenges at www.dcsdk12.org/funding.


Thank you for continuing to be an engaged and informed member of our school community!


Election-Ready Checklist (provided by Douglas County Government).


Colorado 2018 General Election -- Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Did you know that Colorado Elections are administered by mail only? Instead of casting your vote on equipment at a polling place, you will receive your ballot in the mail and vote your ballot at your convenience. You may choose to deliver your voted ballot by mail or save on postage and use one of nine convenient 24-hour ballot drop-off locations throughout Douglas County — long before Election Day.
Are you registered to vote in Douglas County?  Knowing the answer is as simple as visiting DouglasVotes.com.  Here you may register to vote, check voter registration status, update your mailing address or affiliate with a party. You will also find important dates and deadlines pertaining to the November 6 General Election.
Is your voter registration mailing address accurate? If your mailing address has changed since you last voted in a Douglas County election, you will want to update your voter registration information with your current address.  Visit DouglasVotes.com. A current address will ensure that your ballot, as well as other important election information is sent to the proper address.
When will I receive my ballot? Ballots for the November 6 General Election will be in the mail beginning October 15 to all active registered voters in Douglas County. If you have not received your ballot by October 22, please contact the Douglas County elections staff at 303-660-7444 or visit a Douglas County Voter Service and Polling Center for assistance, beginning October 22.
Do you know all the ways you may return your voted ballot? After you receive and vote your ballot, visit DouglasVotes.com for a listing of our nine 24-hour ballot drop-off locations. Vote your ballot right away. Don’t wait until November 6!
Know the ballot deadline. Your ballot must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark of Nov. 6 is not valid as the received date. Your ballot must be placed in a designated ballot box by 7 p.m. on Election Day or you must be in line at a designated ballot drop-off location or a Voter Service and Polling Center no later than the close of polls (7 p.m.) on Election Day, Nov 6.
In need of assistance from elections staff? Contact them by phone at 303-660-7444 or visit the Douglas County Elections Office, 125 Stephanie Place, in Castle Rock, any weekday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., visit a Douglas County Voter Service and Polling Center for assistance, beginning October 22.

Click here for additional information regarding the funding needs of the District.





ELECTRONIC THURSDAY FOLDER

UPCOMING EVENTS
* October 25 - Legend Feeder Trunk or Treat & Pumpkin Palooza 5:00-7:00 @ Legend High School
* October 29 - November 16 Food Drive for the Parker Task Force
* October 31 - Halloween Breakfast Parties @ 8:45-9:15 - Halloween Parade 9:30
* November 6 - No School - Teacher Professional Development Day
* November 7 - PTO Mtg @ 8:45 - 10:00
* November 12 - 16 Bookfair