Gold Rush Elementary
Principal's Message - April 4, 2025
“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,
Honor Differences & Care for Others”
PAWSITIVELY BRILLIANT STUDENTS IN ACTION
We are thrilled to share that our theme of Pawistively Brilliant is coming to life across our school, as students and staff continue to demonstrate the power of positivity, teamwork, and a growth mindset in all areas of learning. Here’s a peek at some of the exciting ways our theme is shining through!
S.T.E.M. Special: Teamwork Trails
In our S.T.E.M. movement lessons, students are engaging with the book Teamwork Trails by Kylee Kalloo. This humorous and heartwarming story about a dog emphasizes the importance of positive teamwork. Key lessons from the book, such as taking responsibility, staying positive, and being a good sport, are woven into our activities.
This week, students were challenged to work together in a movement activity where they had to move the entire class under a jump rope. It was wonderful to see how encouraging and supportive everyone was, practicing the power of positivity while tackling the challenge. The students’ ability to collaborate and lift each other up was truly inspiring!
Pawsitively Brilliant Buddies: Kindergarten & Fifth Grade Collaboration
Our kindergarten and fifth-grade buddies are also living our theme of Pawistively Brilliant. Both grades have been studying standards related to the sun, and our fifth-grade students have been working closely with their younger buddies to explore the basic principles of shadows. The fifth graders helped their buddies trace their shadows and understand how the sun interacts with different objects. It was a great example of teamwork and kindness as our older students helped their younger peers learn and grow.
Student Council Clap In
Student council also embraced the theme this week. They made encouraging signs and clapped students into the building. Their enthusiasm was contagious and started everyone's day with a smile. We appreciate how they brought our theme to life and set the tone for the week.
A Whole-School Focus
From the youngest to the oldest students, our theme of Pawsitively Brilliant truly reflects the work that happens every day across the building. Whether it’s through collaborative learning, hands-on STEM activities, or supporting one another in class projects, we’re excited to see our students embodying the principles of positivity, teamwork, and excellence.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students strive to be Pawsitively Brilliant every day!
PARENT INPUT FOR CLASS PLACEMENT
We know that creating a positive, collaborative learning environment is essential to all students’ success. Creating balanced classes that meet the needs of all students is a difficult endeavor. This process involves hours of thoughtful dialogue between classroom teachers, administrators and other staff members. The school takes this responsibility seriously and takes each child into consideration.
We value parent input and welcome any insight you wish to share about your child’s strengths, needs and learning style. We will take into consideration all pertinent information that you share with the principal on or before Friday, April 11. While we welcome your input, we cannot honor specific teacher requests. Please share your thoughts on this google doc. Please make sure you communicate your thoughts via the google doc so we can track your input and refer back to it throughout the process.
SPRING STATE ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE: GRADES 3-5
After Spring Break, students in grades three through five will take the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) assessment. This important test measures students' knowledge of grade-level literacy and math standards, helping us understand their academic progress.
Please mark the testing dates below on your calendar. We kindly ask that you schedule any appointments outside of the testing window, as it’s crucial for students to be present and focused during the assessment. A solid attendance record ensures the best possible results and helps avoid disruptions to the testing process.