Gold Rush Elementary

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,

Honor Differences & Care for Others”

At Gold Rush, we are excited to share how our students engage in two types of writing throughout the school day: process writing and analytical writing. Teaching students these two types of writing deepens their understanding across various subjects.

Process Writing
In process writing, students explore different genres, including informational texts, narratives, opinion pieces, and poetry. Through this practice, they learn the unique craft and structure of each type of writing, allowing them to express their thoughts and creativity effectively. Whether they're crafting a story or expressing an opinion, students gain valuable skills that will serve them throughout their education.

Analytical Writing

In addition to process writing, our students engage in analytical writing. This involves responding to one or more texts or informational sources. During these activities, they learn how to gather evidence from the texts to support their ideas and arguments. This practice is particularly beneficial in subjects like science, literacy, and math, where critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning are essential.

Together, these writing approaches equip our students with the tools they need to communicate effectively and think critically. We are proud of their progress and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as writers. We look forward to sharing students' work during fall parent teacher conferences.

We are excited to share an inspiring initiative happening across our District again this year! Each year, the District selects a book to unite students in a shared reading experience. This year, the chosen text is the fascinating nonfiction book, Whale Fall, which explores how these magnificent creatures contribute to their ecosystems.

In art class, our students dove into this theme by reading Whale Fall and then channeling their creativity into creating their own unique whale artworks. Using both markers and paints, they brought their interpretations to life with incredible detail and imagination. We were truly impressed by the variety of artistic expressions and the thoughtful designs each student produced.

This project not only fosters creativity but also deepens students' understanding of marine life and environmental stewardship. We encourage you to ask your child about their whale creation and what they learned from the book!

We are excited to share that Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! These conferences provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about your child's many accomplishments and current goals. It’s also a valuable time to review your child's fall work and data.

Conferences will be held the evenings of October 8th and 10th. Teachers will be sending out conference links through their classroom communication next week, so please keep an eye out for that information. We truly hope you can attend, as your involvement is key to your child's success.

Gold Rush students and staff practice lockdown drills twice a year. The school would go into a lockdown if there was a threat within the school. This differs from a hold (formerly a lockout), which occurs if there is a threat outside of the building, such as a wild animal. During a lockdown students remain seated and silent in their locked classroom. In a hold, students remain within the building, but they are able to proceed with usual routines.

On Friday, September 27th, students and staff will participate in the lockdown drill with District Security and the Parker Police. We inform students that if they were not in their classroom when a lockdown was announced they would run to the closest room. If they were in the bathroom students are told to remain in a locked stall with their feet up. If they are outside they are directed to run away from the school and find a safe spot until a safe person finds them.

When we signal the drill we use a system that immediately informs both the Parker Police Department and the District. It also announces that we are in a lockdown outside the building. If you are to hear the announcement on Friday, please know that this is a scheduled practice.

The National Association of School Psychologists provides some tips for talking with children. They provide seven suggestions shown below. Click here for the full article.

1. Assure Children They Are Safe

2. Make Time to Talk

3. Make Explanations Developmentally Appropriate

4. Review Safety Procedures

5. Observe Children's Emotional State

6. Limit Television Viewing

7. Maintain a Normal Routine

On August 27, the Douglas County School District Board of Education unanimously voted 7-0 to place a $490 million Bond on the November 2024 ballot.

If passed by voters, this new funding would be used at our school to:

• Enhance safety and security

• Refresh student and staff technology

• Upgrade HVAC controls

• Upgrade fire alarm system

• Recaulk control joints

• Reseal exterior block walls

• Repair flashing at entry

• Install new intercom system

If passed by voters, a $490 million Bond would be used to upgrade aging schools and facilities; build additional career and technical education pathways; upgrade school safety and security; and construct and expand neighborhood schools. The Bond would provide two new elementary schools in growing areas of our county, as well as the expansion of one existing middle school.

A $490 million Bond would not increase current property taxes.

You can read more about DCSD’s funding challenges on our website. Thank you for being an engaged and informed member of our school community!

GRE PTO is excited to be hosting Western Night on Friday, October 4th from 5 to 7pm. Events include food trucks, games, face painting and glitter tattoos, raffle baskets, themed photo area, and mini pumpkin patch. We will also have a horse on site for our pony poop game, and we will be offering pizza by the slice as well as a general store stocked with western gear and candy. PURCHASED TICKETS ARE ACCEPTED FOR EVERYTHING EXCEPT FOOD TRUCKS.

TICKETS

* Tickets are on sale now and discounted if you participate in presale! Buy yours HERE.

* Pony poop plots are on sale now and will not be available for purchase at the event. Purchased plots are randomly assigned and you'll receive a land deed via email. If the horse poops on your plot, you win $100. Buy your plots HERE

*Our silent auction is online and opening next week. Be sure to check Thursday Folder for the link to bid!

HELP WANTED

* We have several ways to support this event - sponsorship, raffle/silent auction donations, and volunteer opportunities. Click HERE to volunteer.

* This year we are excited to have themed grade level silent auction baskets. If you'd like to donate to your child's grade, please click HERE. Donation deadline is this Thursday, September 19th.

12021 South Swift Fox Way, Parker, CO, USA

303-387-7700

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