One of the key benefits of our core literacy program, Benchmark, is the wide variety of genres it introduces to students. In addition to engaging with both fiction and nonfiction texts, students read, analyze, write, and perform poetry and drama.
Currently, our fourth graders are diving into the world of drama by analyzing how settings and characters influence their understanding of a play. They are especially enthusiastic about bringing stories to life through their own readers’ theater performances.
In poetry, students are expressing their creativity through several types of poems, including color poems, self-descriptive poems, and poems about the change they wish to see in the world. This meaningful work is helping students build both their literacy skills and their voices as writers.
Gold Rush educators are proud to be part of a professional learning community. This week, our teachers are looking forward to a dedicated planning day focused on supporting every individual student as we prepare for the upcoming school year.
The day will begin with our staff attending the State of the District presentation led by Superintendent Kane. Following this, our team will return to Gold Rush to celebrate our shared successes and collaborate on refining common building practices through the lens of our IMTSS framework.
IMTSS—which stands for Integrated Multi-Tiered System of Supports—guides our approach to supporting the whole child. It includes systems related to academics, behavior, family and community partnerships, physical health, mental wellness, and emotional development. IMTSS is a preventative, data-driven framework designed to ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive.
During our planning day, teachers will:
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Reflect on and celebrate current practices under each IMTSS area
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Identify opportunities for growth across the school
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Place students into classes with thoughtful attention to their academic, social, and emotional needs
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Review parent input and curriculum plans to help guide these decisions
We are incredibly proud of our educators’ commitment to collaboration and student-centered planning. We are confident that this important day will set the stage for another great year at Gold Rush!
