Gold Rush Elementary

Principal's Message - March 1, 2024

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,

Honor Differences & Care for Others”

CREATING WITH CLAY

Gold Rush is proud that all students have art, music, physical education and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) as a part of their school day. It is exciting to watch students experience new learning, collaborate and create in each of these disciplines!

Students are currently engaged in some of their favorite activities in specials. In art students are working with clay. Depending on the grade level, students are either making pinch pots or coil pots. Our fifth graders have started a tile project that will serve as their legacy. Fifth graders are designing their own personal tile that reflects who they are as a unique individual. Completed tiles are hung in the cafeteria as a reminder of their time at Gold Rush.

We thank our highly skilled specials team for their contributions to our students!

PARENTS VISIT NEW LIBRARY

It was exciting to have our families visit the new library this week! Students enjoyed pointing out new furniture, seating and colors to their parents. Students also enjoyed checking out new books with their families. The number of positive responses to the remodel is overwhelming. We are glad that our school community is pleased with the new space.

If you are unable to attend the opening this week, please visit the space during the Spring Bookfair the week of March 11. While the space will be reogarnized for the fair, parents will be able to see the transformation.

LOCKDOWN PRACTICE: MARCH 5

Gold Rush students and staff practice lockdown drills twice a year. The school would go into a lockdown if there was a threat within the school. This differs from a hold (formerly a lockout), which occurs if there is a threat outside of the building. 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 the afternoon of Tuesday, March 5, 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 students 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 a lockdown 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 Monday, 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

SPRING CONFERENCES: MARCH 12 & 14

We are looking forward to celebrating your child's growth during Spring Conferences on March 12 and March 14. This is a great wayt to see what all students have learned and their next steps for the reaminer of the year. Please see classroom communication to sign up for a time.