Gold Rush Elementary
Principal's Message - September 26, 2025
Our fifth graders had an incredible time at their outdoor education trip at High Trails! Students settled into their cabins, organized their bunkbeds, and quickly began exploring the beautiful mountain setting.
The days were filled with adventure, learning, and fun. Students hiked along the scenic mountainside, tested their bravery on ropes courses and explored their curiosity at the nature center. They even gathered around cabin-side campfires to share stories and connect with their classmates. These campfire moments created lasting memories and were the perfect way to end the day.
A highlight was watching students step into leadership roles during meal times. They rotated jobs, serving their peers and cleaning tables—a wonderful demonstration of responsibility, teamwork, and community.
We could not have asked for a better outdoor education experience and are so proud of how our students embraced every opportunity. We thank our fifth grade teachers and additional GRE staff for making outdoor education possible!
At Gold Rush, we are proud to operate as a true Professional Learning Community (PLC). As a PLC, our teachers meet regularly and discuss best instructional practices, analyze student data, and plan meaningful interventions and enrichment for all learners. This reflective and collaborative culture is one of the things that makes Gold Rush so special.
Our recent professional development day was a great example of this commitment. Teachers came together to share student writing samples created using the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) framework across grades K–5. Together, they discussed how this new structure is introduced in the early grades and how rigor increases as students move from grade to grade.
We were truly amazed by the growth and success our students are demonstrating with SRSD. Their writing showed the ability to write longer, cite evidence from texts, and explain how their ideas are supported—skills that will serve them well throughout their academic journey.
Teachers also discussed strategies for solving complex word problems in math. Students discussed ways they can support students' understanding of problems and their ability to explain their reasoning.
We are so proud of both our students and staff for embracing this powerful learning process and for continuing to grow as writers and teachers of writing!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news about our very own Gold Rush library! Last year, our librarian, Mrs. Golish, received the inaugural HESL Award in recognition of the incredible environment she has created for our students. This year, she was honored with a second HESL Award for her work in updating and enhancing the library curriculum.
Mrs. Golish is dedicated to ensuring that students have access to the most engaging and relevant books. She carefully weeds the collection to make room for fresh titles that spark curiosity and a love of reading. The infographic included highlights the many reasons we refresh our library collection and the positive impact this has on students’ learning.
We are also proud to partner with an organization that resells and recycles outdated texts, ensuring that no book goes to waste.
Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Golish for her hard work, innovation, and passion. Thanks to her leadership, the Gold Rush library continues to be one of the best places for students to learn, grow, and explore!
