Gold Rush Elementary

Our new Benchmark Reading and Writing Workshop curricula expose students to a wide variety of genres. In addition to fiction and nonfiction text, students read and discuss dramas, fantasy and fairy tales. Poetry is also included in reading and writing units and lessons. Second and third graders are currently studying poems. As students analyze different poems they are identifying the author's perspective and the tone and structure of the poem. Third graders are analyzing poems in even greater depth. They are inferring multiple meanings within non rhyming poems and identifying evidence to support their thinking. Second graders are exploring a variety of craft moves including onomatopoeia, rhyme and patterning as they create their own poems about people, places and things that they enjoy.

Teachers and students appreciate this additional literature included in the new Benchmark resources. They also enjoy the additional opportunities to be creative. Please see an example of a second grader's poem titled People.

GRE's library remodel is underway and students are eager to see their new space! All the shelves and furniture have been removed and a fresh coat of paint has been applied. A new color has been applied to the railing, an accent wall and the elevator. Cleaning the floors is next on the list, followed by the new furniture in early February.

As you are aware, our remodel is made possible through our Digger Dash Dollars and school funds. We thank our parent community for contributing to this meaningful project. We feel fortunate that our strong financial position and our community contributions allow us to complete a full remodel.

We cannot wait for students, staff and parents to see the bright new space!

We will share opportunities for families to visit the remodeled space at the end of February.