Gold Rush Elementary

Principal's Message - August 4, 2023

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks, Honor Differences & Care for Others”

GOLD RUSH STAFF DREAM BIG, WORK HARD & STAY KIND

Gold Rush was excited to welcome its full staff back this week! The energy and excitement for the new year was palpable. Teachers from across the building came together to Dream Big, Work Hard and Stay Kind, which is the theme for the year. Teachers shared their dreams for their students and the year ahead. Please look for your teachers’ dream star in the front vestibule when you are in the building.

The staff also celebrated the results of their hard work, evident in preliminary spring 2023 state assessment results. School celebrations, including significantly higher average scores than the District and in several cases higher scores than all schools in Parker (Public and Charter), will be shared with families during Back to the School Night.

We cannot wait to see your child and family next week! Please remember that all students must be registered in Express Check-In by the end of the day today. Please contact the staff members below if you need assistance.

Shala Goehl - GRE Registrar

sgoehl@dcsdk12.org

303-387-7707

Anita Rudman - GRE Administrative Assistant

anita.rudman@dcsdk12.org

303-387-7704

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EXPERIENCED TEAM RUNS S.T.E.M.M LAB

We know that the teacher is the most important factor in creating an engaging and meaningful learning environment. This year Gold Rush had an incredible opportunity to combine three outstanding educators in the S.T.E.M.M. lab. We are excited to welcome former Gold Rush teachers, Mrs. Warner and Mrs. Barta, back for this elective. They are joined by experienced science and technology teacher Mr. Thomas. Together this highly skilled team will offer students opportunities to collaboratively problem solve in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Movement!

Mrs. Barta and Mr. Thomas will lead the science, technology, engineering and math opportunities each Thursday and Friday. Mrs. Barta and Mr. Thomas will alternate rotations so students are able to have both of their areas of expertise. Mrs. Warner will provide opportunities for students to move and engage in collaborative games every Monday through Wednesday. These physical education activities are in addition to students' physical education rotation.

We know that students will find this special stimulating and fun because of the talented team. We cannot wait to highlight students' activities, deep thinking, creativity and collaboration throughout the year!

RECESS BEFORE LUNCH

Research shows that students who have recess before lunch are healthier and happier. Schools that have made this change claim students that play first are calmer and less rushed during lunch. Research notes that students make healthier choices and eat more fruits and vegetables as a result of this change.

Gold Rush saw positive effects with one grade level last year. Fourth graders had a second recess prior to lunch on Fridays and the identified benefits were evident. As a result, Gold Rush decided to make this change for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Staff are excited to practice this change with students on their first day of school.

NEW DEVELOPMENT ON SWIFT FOX

As you are aware, the new development on the South end of Swift Fox is open. Please note that the District does not provide crosswalk coverage in the roundabout on Swift Fox Way. If your child uses this crosswalk please ensure that he/she is aware and actively monitoring traffic. You may also identify an alternative way to walk to school. Please also be mindful of the increase in traffic in this area during arrival and dismissal. Safety is our top priority and your patience and cooperation are appreciated.

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL: GRADES 1-5

MEET YOUR TEACHER & PICTURE DAY (GRADES 1-5)

Monday, August 7

8:30-8:45

8:50-9:05

9:10-9:25

9:30-9:45

9:50-10:05

10:10-10:25

10:30-10:45

We believe that it is important for students to have the opportunity to meet their teacher and visit their classroom prior to the first day of school. Families are welcome to visit their classroom on Monday, August 7th, and drop off school supplies. If your child takes medication at school please plan to drop off the medication and paperwork in the office. Students will take their school picture in the gym after they visit their classroom.

We want to ensure that families are able to spend time with the teacher in a small group setting, so we ask that parents sign up for one of the time slots shown above. Click here for our online scheduler which opens July 20th and closes July 28th. The password is digger. The sign up is first come first serve, so please sign up as soon as possible if you have a preferred time or you wish to align siblings’ times. School supplies ordered through the PTO will be delivered to your child’s classroom. Click here for a map of teachers’ classrooms.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL & FLAG CEREMONY (GRADES 1-5)

Tuesday, August 8

The first full day of school for students in grades 1-5 is Tuesday, August 8th. Students will meet their teachers on the front blacktop on the first day of school for an opening flag ceremony that begins at 8:30 AM. Click here for a map of your classroom location for our opening ceremony. All teachers will have a sign with their name on it. Students will walk into school with their teacher at the end of the ceremony.

ROLLING START (GRADES 1-5)

Wednesday, August 9

Our rolling start ensures a smooth start to the day. On the second day of school first through fifth graders will enter the building at their assigned locations between 8:20 AM-8:30 AM and walk directly to their classrooms. These locations differ from where students met for the opening Flag Ceremony. Click here for classroom arrival locations. Teachers and older students will be available to assist younger students. Parents of preschool students need to walk their children through the preschool playground to the preschool door and sign their child in.

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL: KINDERGARTEN

BALANCED BEGINNINGS & PICTURE DAY (KINDERGARTEN)

Kindergarten students have a transitional start to the school year referred to by the District as Balanced Beginnings. Kindergarten students will meet with a small group of students on August 8th, 9th or 10th for two hours. Parents will drop their child off at their classroom's exterior door. Mrs. Harrison and Ms. Andersen will meet their classes outside the lower exterior door between the main office and the bus loop.

Students will get to know classmates and partake in engaging activities. Classroom teachers will help students make connections while learning students' individual social, emotional and academic strengths and needs. Students will take their picture with their parents between 11:00 AM-12:45 PM on their selected day. If your child takes medication at school please plan to drop off the medication and paperwork in the office.

Parents will need to click here to sign up for Balanced Beginnings starting July 20th. Times are designated on a first come first serve basis.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (KINDERGARTEN)

Kindergarten students’ first full day of school is Friday, August 11th. A staff member will meet students at their classroom's exterior door between 8:20-8:35 AM. Kindergarten parents are invited to a Tears and Cheers Breakfast in our cafeteria at 8:45 AM on August 11th.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

ARRIVAL

Gold Rush has had tremendous success with our rolling start! If you are returning to Gold Rush, you are aware that all students enter the building between 8:20-8:30 AM and head directly to their classroom. Grade levels/classrooms are assigned a specific entrance and all entrances are monitored at 8:20 AM by GRE staff.

Classroom teachers will show students how to enter the building and proceed to their classroom on the first day of school. Additional adults will support students during the first week of school.

It is imperative that students are not dropped off prior to 8:20 AM unless they have a previously scheduled meeting or activity as supervision is not available.

DISMISSAL

We also had great success with our staggered dismissal times for primary and intermediate students. Please see GRE’s dismissal schedule below.

3:20 PM

Kindergarten

3:25 PM

First & Second Grade

3:30 PM

Third Through Fifth Grade

**Rolling carloop begins

At 3:20PM kindergarten students will be dismissed at their exterior doors or identified arrival location. At 3:25PM first and second grade teachers will walk students out the front door and wait until all students have been picked up. K-2 teachers will meet at the same place students lined up during arrival (see map above). At 3:30PM 3-5 teachers will walk students out of the front entrance of the building. Third graders will be dismissed out the front doors and fourth and fifth graders will exit through the back of the building.

Parents can park and meet their child at their teacher's identified location or use the rolling carloop. The rolling car pick up will start for all students at 3:30 PM. Parents cannot park in the loop or an unmarked parking spot at any time. We appreciate your cooperation!