Gold Rush Elementary

Inspiring Purpose, Compassion & Excellence

Across all grade levels, Gold Rush students are strengthening their math skills through modeling and reasoning.

Modeling involves representing mathematical ideas in different ways, such as with pictures, diagrams, or number lines. For example, first graders are using ten frames to make adding single-digit numbers easier, while fifth graders are working with hundreds grids to model the multiplication of decimals.

Reasoning, on the other hand, requires students to explain their thinking clearly—using both words and equations. These practices are consistently embedded in our EnVision Math curriculum, which is implemented with fidelity across grades K–5.

By modeling and reasoning, students build a deep conceptual understanding of math and strengthen their critical thinking skills. We are so proud of their focus, perseverance, and growth mindset as they tackle increasingly complex math problems!

Students across all grade levels had the exciting opportunity to listen to author Matthew Cordell as he shared insights about his book, To See an Owl. This year, the Douglas County School District is honoring this beautiful story through its One Book One District initiative.

As you may know, Gold Rush students read To See an Owl during both art and library classes. In art, students explored the book’s themes by creating their own realistic owl artwork, connecting creativity with literacy.

On Wednesday, our students joined a live stream with Matthew Cordell, where he shared the creative process behind his writing and illustration. He even led a live drawing demonstration, which our students enthusiastically followed along with. During the event, several Gold Rush students had the special opportunity to showcase their artwork across the District!

We are so grateful to Mrs. Golish and Ms. Dazzio for bringing this meaningful District literacy experience to life at GRE and for inspiring our students to see reading and art in new and creative ways.

Second grade students recently ventured to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to see science in a new light! This experience kicked off their new life science unit, where students will observe plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

What better place to explore habitats than the museum? Students were able to see firsthand how animals and plants adapt to various environments, sparking their curiosity and excitement for upcoming classroom investigations.

We are grateful to our PTO for helping make this memorable field trip possible by subsidizing bus costs for all grade levels. The day was filled with discovery, learning, and a renewed enthusiasm for the wonders of the natural world!

To help us plan for the 2026–2027 school year and maintain small class sizes, we ask that all families complete this Intent to Return Survey as soon as possible. Knowing your plans helps us determine the grade levels where we can welcome new students.

We’re excited to share that open enrollment and kindergarten registration begins throughout the district on November 3rd. Click here to register a child for kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year and click here to open enroll. At Gold Rush, we have limited open enrollment spots available for the upcoming school year.

To help families learn more about our wonderful school community, we will be hosting building tours on November 10th at 9:00 AM and November 13 and December 4 at 5:00 PM. This is a great chance to explore our facilities and meet our dedicated staff. Tours are intended for adults. Additional opportunities for incoming kindergartners and students who are accepted through open enrollment will be offered in the spring. Click here to RSVP if you are interested in attending a tour.

Please note:

• Current open enrolled families do not need to reapply for grades 1-5.

• Current open enrolled families need to open enroll incoming kindergartners.

• Current open enrolled families with students transitioning to Cimarron Middle School for 6th grade need to open enroll.

2021 South Swift Fox Way, Parker, CO, USA

303-387-7700

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