Gold Rush Elementary

Principal's Message - July 26, 2024

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,

Honor Differences & Care for Others”

NEW THIS YEAR: SPANISH & SECURITY SPECIALIST

As we prepare for the upcoming school year we are thrilled to share additional opportunities. In addition to our summer renovations, Gold Rush added two new positions this year - Spanish and a School Security Specialist. Both of these positions were made possible through the passing of 5A last fall. We know that these new positions will enhance our educational offerings and campus security.

Spanish Language Program for Grades K-5: One of the highlights for the upcoming year is the introduction of a Spanish language program for students in grades K-5. We are delighted to announce that this program will be led by Mrs. Sutherland, a dedicated parent and educator. Mrs. Sutherland brings with her a wealth of experience teaching Spanish K-12. Mrs. Sutherland is a native Spanish speaker and her passion for the language and culture is sure to enrich the learning experience for our students. We are confident that this new elective will be a favorite among students across all grade levels.

School Security Position: In addition to our new Spanish program, we are also pleased to introduce a new school security position. This role was earmarked in 5A by the District as an additional way of ensuring students' safety. The presence of a dedicated security professional on campus underscores our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for everyone at Gold Rush Elementary.

We are pleased to share that Mrs. Hemenway will serve as our GRE's Security Specialist. Mrs. Hemenway was a Gold Rush parent and employee. She graduated from the police academy and attended District security training this summer. Mrs. Hemenway is unarmed and will be primarily responsible for securing the perimeter, ensuring safe and regulatory traffic flow and collaborating with District security officers and the Parker Police Department.

These new positions will enrich our school community and provide enhanced educational opportunities for all students. None of this would have been possible without the support of our wonderful community and the passing of 5A. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and we are excited to see the positive impact these additions will have on our school.

Thank you for being a part of the Gold Rush Elementary family and for your ongoing support. Please see additional information regarding the start of our school year below.

REGISTER VIA EXPRESS CHECK-IN TODAY

All students must register for the upcoming school year using Online Express Check-In by Wednesday, July 31st. In addition to registering your child, you will update your contact information, pay school fees, complete the rope & climbing wall waiver, student directory and order a yearbook (listed under "Optional Express Check In Fees''). Click here to login. When logging in on the Single Sign on page, the email requested will be your Infinite Campus Parent Portal username followed by @p.dcsdk12.org. Click here for password assistance.

Please note that the Emergency Dismissal form must be printed and turned in to your teacher during Meet Your Teacher (Grades 1-5), Balanced Beginnings (Kindergarten) or the first day of school. For assistance please contact one of the individuals below:

Shala Goehl - GRE Registrar

sgoehl@dcsdk12.org

303-387-7707

Anita Rudman - GRE Administrative Assistant

anita.rudman@dcsdk12.org

303-387-7704

VIEW CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

We know that your child is eager to know who his/her classroom teacher will be. You can view your child's teacher assignment in Parent Portal. Click the schedule tab and then select your child in the upper right corner. You can look forward to receiving a welcome letter from your teacher via email by Friday, July 26.

MEET YOUR TEACHER & PICTURE DAY (GRADES 1-5 ): AUGUST 6

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 Tuesday, August 6th, and drop off school supplies . Please plan to drop off any medications taken during the school day and physician forms in the main 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 a specific time. Click here for our online scheduler, which is open until July 31th. 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.

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (GRADES 1-5 ONLY): AUGUST 7

The first full day of school for students in grades 1-5 is Wednesday, August 7th. 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.

On the second day of school students will enter the building at their assigned locations between 8:20 AM-8:30 AM and walk directly to their classrooms. These locations are different from where students met for the opening Flag Ceremony. Click here for year long classroom arrival locations. Teachers and older students will assist our younger students. Parents of preschool students need to walk their children through the preschool playground to the preschool door and sign their child in.

BALANCED BEGINNINGS (KINDERGARTEN ONLY): AUGUST 7-9

Kindergarten students have a transitional start to the school year called Balanced Beginnings. Kindergarten students will meet with a small group of students on August 7th, 8th or 9th for two hours. Parents will drop their child off at their classroom's exterior door.

Students will get to know classmates and partake in engaging activities. Classroom teachers will begin to build community and learn each child's social, emotional and academic strengths and needs. Students will take their picture with their parents between 11:00 AM-1:00 PM on their selected day. Please plan to drop off any medications taken during the school day in the main office at this time.

Parents need to click here to sign up for Balanced Beginnings. Again, times are alloted on a first come first serve basis.

Kindergarten students’ first full day of school is Monday, August 12th. 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 12th.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT: AUGUST 21

Mark your calendars for Back to School Night! This is a great way to get to know your child's teacher and learn about the coming school year.

The principal will share school celebrations and school goals in the gym from 4:15-4:30 PM. Teachers will then present an overview of the school year at 4:35-5:05 PM and 5:05-5:35 PM in their classrooms. Back to School Night is intended for parents only.

We hope you will join us for these informative sessions!

AUGUST 2024

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

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 be present to 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

Grades 1 & 2

3:30 PM

Grades 3-5

**Rolling carloop begins

At 3:20 PM Kindergarten teachers will walk their students out their exterior classroom door. Students in first and second grade will follow out the main entrance at 3:25. K-2 teachers will meet at the same place students lined up during arrival. Please see the map below or click here.

At 3:30 PM 3-5 teachers will walk students out of the building. Third graders will dismiss out the main entrance and fourth and fifth graders will dismiss out the back gym doors. Teachers will escort students who are getting picked up in the carloop to the shade structure on the front blacktop.

Parents can park and meet their child at their teacher's identified location or use the rolling car loop. The car loop for all students will begin at 3:30 PM. Parents cannot park in the loop at any time before or after school.