Gold Rush Elementary

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,

Honor Differences & Care for Others”

Gold Rush students and staff had a wonderful time showing their spirit during Legend Feeder’s homecoming week! Daily spirit events showcased students’ creativity and desire to participate. Our running club and student council also enjoyed representing Gold Rush during the parade on Wednesday. A highlight of the week included an assembly led by the High School’s football team, poms squad and band. Our students loved cheering along with the older students. We thank Legend for bringing us together as a feeder.

Go Titans!

Gold Rush students and staff practice lockdown drills twice a year. The school would go into a lockdown if there is 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 Tuesday, October 3, 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 is announced they should 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 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 Tuesday, please know that this is a scheduled practice.

The National Association of School Psychologists provides some tips for talking with children. They suggest the items listed 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

Gold Rush gathered as a school community to celebrate the Digger Dash. The fastest girl and boy from each class spray painted the Principal and Assistant Principal while their classmates cheered them on. It is clear from the picture above that the winners enjoyed their prize and took the task seriously!

The school has raised $35,473 to date and donations are still coming in! This is the most the school has raised in the last several years. 100% of donations will go to updating the library. Gold Rush will continue to accept donations through October.

A school team is currently approving a final remodel design. The school hopes that the project will be completed over winter break. All students and families will enjoy the new collaborative spaces. Gold Rush is grateful for our community's partnership on this meaningful project!

We look forward to fall conferences on October 10th and 12th. This is a great opportunity to celebrate your child's growth, discuss his/her goals and establish next steps. Your child's teacher will be sending sign up links in the coming days if she has not done so already.

We look forward to meeting with you soon!

On August 8, the Douglas County School District Board of Education unanimously voted 7-0 to place a

$66 million Mill Levy Override (MLO) and $484 million Bond on the November 2023 ballot.

If passed by voters, these new funds would be used at our school to:

• Increase teacher and staff pay

• Enhance safety and security

• Addition of Campus Security Specialist

• Refresh student and staff technology

• Make much needed repairs and upgrades to our building

• Recaulk concrete joints

• Reseal exterior walls

• Repair flashing

• Upgrade fire alarm system

• Upgrade control system

• Install new intercom system

Teachers in the Douglas County School District earn, on average, $19,000 less compared to a neighboring school district. Additional MLO funding, if passed by voters, would enable DCSD to pay teachers and staff more competitively and to increase security staffing support for our schools.

• DCSD teachers, on average, would receive a 9% pay increase, as reflected in these salary schedules

• Support staff, such as bus drivers, educational assistants, custodians, etc., would receive a 9% pay increase

• Other staff would receive a 7% pay increase

A $484 million Bond, if passed by voters, would be used to expand trade, career and technical education opportunities; perform safety and security upgrades; and ensure safe and adequate learning environments for students and staff. The Bond would provide for three new elementary schools in growing areas of our county, as well as the expansion of two middle schools.

If the MLO and Bond are approved by voters, Douglas County homeowners can expect to pay approximately $200 per year for a home valued at $1,000,000.

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

2021 South Swift Fox Way, Parker, CO, USA

303-387-7700

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