Gold Rush is implementing the Benchmark Workshop curriculum this year K-5. This program aligns to the Benchmark Readers' Workshop that Gold Rush implemented last year. Both programs utilize the same workshop model, which includes a short whole class mini lesson, a lengthy independent portion, and a 5-10 minute sharing of student work. The workshop model allows students to work at their own level and receive individual coaching from the teacher. It also ensures that students are spending the majority of their instructional blocks applying what was taught in the mini lesson.
Students in the primary grades are currently in the initial introduction writing unit referred to as the launch. The launch exposes students to all the genres students will study over the course of the year. Students are currently writing in the genre that inspires them most. Some students are working on fiction or nonfiction pieces and others are drafting poems. Students are exploring their interests and different types of writing that will be studied in greater detail this year.
Students in grades three through five are beginning their first unit on informational writing. Students are studying the nonfiction text features in mentor texts and incorporating them in their own writing. Older students too will have the opportunity to write informational pieces on topics that interest them.
Gold Rush is excited to implement this new program this year and further our practice!
Gold Rush is proud to offer all students music, art, physical education and S.T.E.M.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Movement). These special areas are a great opportunity for students to explore new disciplines and take risks.
Specials also allow students to work collaboratively. This week in music students worked in teams to create body percussion pieces. Students’ creativity soared in their sound, rhythm and movements. Students enjoyed creating pieces together and performing for their peers. In physical education, students worked in teams to move different types of equipment from one end of the gym to the other as quickly as possible. Teams used a variety of strategies to move both heavy and light objects. Students discussed their different approaches and how they changed course.
We thank our special teachers for engaging students in such meaningful games and activities!
We are thrilled to have officially kicked off our 15th Annual Digger Dash Jog-A-Thon fundraiser! As you recall, the Digger Dash is Gold Rush's only fundraiser. GRE's PTO partners with the school to help facilitate the run and donation efforts. This allows100% of donations to go directly to the school. Gold Rush is excited to announce that this year's Digger Dash Dollars will go to refreshing our school library. We are excited to replace the fifteen year old heavy furniture with cozy reading nooks, collaborative work spaces and soft seating. We know that our remodel will further all students' love for reading.
A pamphlet with additional information was sent home with your child last Friday. The PTO is currently seeking parent volunteers for race day. Click here to sign-up today! Please feel free to contact the PTO with any questions goldrushpto@gmail.com.
We are looking forward to race day on Friday, September 15th!
