We are excited to share school news using a new email version. This new format sends information directly to your email account and reduces the amount of clicking parents needed. Please see prior email blasts below.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Thursday, November 8, 2018
FOCUSING ON LITERACY
Teachers in grades K-5 are implementing a new reading resources from Lucy Calkins. Our new Reading Units of Study provides each grade level with additional strategy lessons that promote comprehension in different genres. In the primary grades, these new lessons teach students multiple ways to attack unfamiliar words and determine deeper meaning, such as the author's message. Students in the intermediate grades are analyzing text and writing more about what they are reading. Students are being asked to use evidence from the text to infer themes and complex character traits.
On Tuesday we were fortunate to have a trainer share additional strategies for implementing this new resources. Teachers in all grade levels learned instructional tips and tools to push students' thinking in both whole group instruction and one on one conferences. We all left our training energized! We are excited to continue to try these new lessons and grow our already strong practice.
Here are a few research-based practices that serve as the foundation of this resource.
Here are a few research-based practices that serve as the foundation of this resources.
10 Things That Matter When Teaching Reading
* Provide a Balanced Approach to Reading
* Read Aloud Daily
* Provide Children with Feedback
* Have Children Read Fiction & Non Fiction
* Have Children Talk About What They Read
* Provide Explicit Instruction
* Expose Children to More Difficult Books
* Give Students Choice within "Just Right Books"
* Give Students Long Stretches of Time to Read
* Ensure that Students Have Good Teachers
THANKSGIVING FEAST & CELEBRATIONS OF LEARNING
Please join us for our Annual Thanksgiving Family Feast and Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, November 14th. Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with your child and view his/her great work in the classroom during Celebrations of Learning.
We still need many volunteers to make this a success. Our flexible volunteer schedule allows you to enjoy lunch with your child and still help out. View your child's schedule below and click here to volunteer. Parents and siblings can pre-order tickets at MySchoolBucks.com. Students will use their lunch accounts to order that day. We hope you are able to join us!
GRE FORMS FIRST ELEMENTARY INTERACT CLUB
Gold Rush is proud to pilot the first elementary Interact club! Interact is a service learning club affiliated with Rotary International. While Interact clubs tend to form at the High School level, Gold Rush students were certain they too could make a difference. Charged with completing one local and one international service project this year, students jumped in. The focus of their local project is to spread our No Waste Food Initiative to Cimarron Middle School. As you recall, Gold Rush students have been donating food that would have otherwise gone in the trash after lunch periods to the Parker Task Force. Last year we packed 198 backpacks with food for local families. We are excited to help the Middle School re-purpose their waste. Students are currently working on their presentation and they look forward to traveling to Cimarron in January to help them launch this project!
2019-2020 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION & OPEN ENROLLMENT PROCESS
It's hard to believe, but we will are already starting to plan for next school year. In order to assist us, please complete the enrollment confirmation survey for your child(ren) by Friday, November 16th. Please click here for the survey. This will help ensure your child's classroom placement for next year.
First Round Open Enrollment will open on November 1st. Click here to apply for open enrollment. Schools will extend offers based on available space by December 7th. Parents can see offers in the EngagED Parent Portal after December 10th and they have until December 17th at 4:00 PM 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 8:00 AM. Tours and Presentation will be offered on November 13th at 9:00 AM, November 29th at 9:00 AM & 5:30 PM, and December 14th at 9:00 AM.
In addition, we will host a Kindergarten Registration open house on Wednesday, December 12, from 5:00-7:00 PM. This is an opportunity for the parents of incoming kindergartners to complete registration paperwork, learn more about our programming and tour the school. This event is for parents only. We look forward to welcoming students in the spring with their own special evening.
* November 12 - 16 Fall Book fair
* November 13 - Open Enrollment Presentation
* November 13 - Open Enrollment Presentation
* November 14 - Thanksgiving Feast & Celebrations of Learning
* November 15 - SAC Meeting @ 4:30-5:30 PM - Agenda
* November 15 - SAC Meeting @ 4:30-5:30 PM - Agenda
* November 19-23 - Fall Break
Friday, November 2, 2018
A HAPPY HALLOWEEN INDEED
We had a wonderful Halloween despite the weather! Students enjoyed the games, treats and costumes. We were proud that our first indoor parade in 7 years also went off without a hitch! We thank our parents who helped celebrate and facilitate classroom parties. See pictures of the festive day below.
THANKSGIVING FEAST & CELEBRATIONS OF LEARNING
Please join us for our Annual Thanksgiving Family Feast and Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, November 14th. Enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with your child and view his/her great work in the classroom during Celebrations of Learning.
We are also looking for volunteers. Our flexible volunteer schedule allows you to enjoy lunch with your child and still help out. View your child's schedule below and click here to volunteer. Parents and siblings can pre order tickets at MySchoolBucks.com. Students will use their lunch accounts to order that day. We hope you are able to join us!
CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY
As a part of their civics unit, second graders learned
about the rights, roles and responsibilities of those in the community. Third graders studied the Town of Parker over
the years and explored numerous differences from the past and present.
As students discussed the community in greater detail, several entered a
contest that celebrated what makes the Town of Parker unique. We are pleased to share that several students
were chosen as finalists and third grader Isabella Hartley won. Isabella is excited to have lunch with mayor Mike Waid soon!
2019-2020 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION & OPEN ENROLLMENT PROCESS
It's hard to believe, but we will are already starting to plan for next school year. In order to assist us, please complete the enrollment confirmation survey for your child(ren) by Friday, November 16th. Please click here for the survey. This will help ensure your child's classroom placement for next year.
First Round Open Enrollment will open on November 1st. Click here to apply for open enrollment. Schools will extend offers based on available space by December 7th. Parents 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. Tours and Presentation will be offered on November 13th at 9:00 AM, November 29th at 9:00 AM & 5:30 PM, and December 14th at 9:00 AM.
ELECTION DAY - NOVEMBER 6
I wanted to send a quick reminder that there will be no school for students next Tuesday, November 6th due to Election Day. Our staff will participate in professional development on that day. All of our Douglas County School District high schools will serve as community polling centers from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
If you have not yet voted, please be sure to drop off your ballot ASAP. Please do not mail it in as it will not make it on time to be counted (postmarks are not honored). You can also vote in person if you prefer. A list of ballot drop off locations and Voter Service and Polling Centers can be found at www.DouglasVotes.com
If you have not registered to vote, that’s okay. You can register and vote at one of the Voter Service and Polling Centers mentioned above. All of the information you need to cast your vote can be found at www.DouglasVotes.com
So far, voter turnout is low amongst our parents who have children in Douglas County Schools. The voice of our parents is critical to our great community.
Part of our duty as educators is to promote students becoming active members of our democracy, which is most evident by participating in the voting process. We strongly encourage all of our community to vote in this year’s election, to discuss issues with your students as appropriate, and promote the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
As always we thank you for your partnership and for your continued support in preparing our students for their future.
ELECTRONIC THURSDAY FOLDER
UPCOMING EVENTS
* November 6 - No School - Teacher Professional Development Day & Election Day
* November 7 - PTO Mtg @ 8:45 - 10:00 AM
* November 12 - 16 Fall Bookfair
* November 13 - Open Enrollment Presentation
* November 13 - Open Enrollment Presentation
* November 14 - Thanksgiving Feast & Celebrations of Learning
* November 15 - SAC Meeting @ 4:30-5:30 PM
* November 15 - SAC Meeting @ 4:30-5:30 PM
* November 19-23 - Fall Break
Thursday, October 25, 2018
LEGEND FEEDER SPOOKTACULAR
We had a wonderful time at the Legend Feeder Spooktacular Trunk or Treat Thursday! Our students enjoyed the creative cards, treats and the festive classrooms and halloween activities. This is an incredible event that we look forward to participating in the coming years. We thank those that decorated their cars and donated candy. See pictures from the event below.
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS & REMINDERS
Halloween is right around the corner! 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.
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 cannot be demeaning, offensive or promiscuous.
* Face paint, face masks and weapons are not permitted.
Parker Task Force
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN THE STEAM LAB
Students in grades K-5 are putting the scientific method to the test in the STEAM lab. They are contemplating different inquiry questions and using the scientific method to find possible solutions and improvements. Students in all grade levels are creating a hypothesis, conducting a scientific experiment and recording their results. First through third graders are using the Lego Simple Machines to answer inquiry questions tied to this content area. Fourth and fifth graders graders are using the Lego WeDo’s to design their own experiments and determine how different variables affect their results. For example, students answered the question - What makes objects move? - by creating and programing.
Students in grades K-5 are putting the scientific method to the test in the STEAM lab. They are contemplating different inquiry questions and using the scientific method to find possible solutions and improvements. Students in all grade levels are creating a hypothesis, conducting a scientific experiment and recording their results. First through third graders are using the Lego Simple Machines to answer inquiry questions tied to this content area. Fourth and fifth graders graders are using the Lego WeDo’s to design their own experiments and determine how different variables affect their results. For example, students answered the question - What makes objects move? - by creating and programing.
Primary Scientists
Intermediate Scientists
REFLECTION IN THE ARTS
Reflection is a central part of students work in all content areas at Gold Rush because it allows for growth and student ownership. In art, reflecting is the Studio Habit of Mind that students are studying in their current project. Studio Habits of Mind are dispositions that artists use to articulate their learning. These Habits are also a framework that allows them to better understand the world around them. Reflection is one of eight Studio Habits. Also included are developing a craft, engaging and persisting, envisioning, expressing, observing, stretching and exploring and understanding community.
Students are using reflection to answer the following question: How do we know we are done as an artist? As students reflect on the where they are at in terms of completing their piece they are reflecting on all aspects of their piece, asking others for feedback and comparing their work with others. We are proud of students creativity and thoughtfulness.
SUPERINTENDENT VISITS GRE
We were fortunate to have our Superintendent, Dr. Tucker, visit Gold Rush! Here are his top four celebrations:
Students and staff...
1) Demonstrate a strong sense of community!
2) Are highly collaborative!
3) Demonstrate confidence and a willingness to take risks!
4) Are focused and engaged in learning at all times!
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.
Click here to sign your child up for a new service learning club - Interact!
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 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
* November 14 - Thanksgiving Feast & Celebrations of Learning (Information to Come)
* November 19-23 - Fall Break
* 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
* November 14 - Thanksgiving Feast & Celebrations of Learning (Information to Come)
* November 19-23 - Fall Break
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