Gold Rush Elementary
Principal's Message - April 10, 2026
Ms. Dazzio’s art room turned into a high-energy hub of engineering and imagination! There is something uniquely magical about Caine’s Arcade, which was the inspiration for their current project. Caine's original arcade proves you don’t need high-tech sensors to create a high-impact experience—just some cardboard, tape, and a lot of heart.
This rotation students are turning simple cardboard into arcade games. By observing how one person’s "trash" became another’s "treasure," students learned that art is a service—it’s meant to be shared and enjoyed by others. Students created a wide variety of games, including classics like the claw machine and skee-ball. Student groups also created original games that were truly unique.
The culminating event wasn’t just about winning prizes; it was a masterclass in collaboration. Students were given the opportunity to play one anothers' games and give feedback. Celebrating each other's mechanical wins (and laughing through the inevitable cardboard "glitches") built a supportive studio culture.
We thank Mrs. Dazzio for fostering a space where students aren't just making projects, but are building memories and learning that their hands have the power to create joy from the simplest materials.
At Gold Rush we appreciate our amazing staff. Our educators don’t just teach; they truly care for each child, actively seeking out every possible opportunity to celebrate and encourage them.
Beyond their heart for kids, their talent is simply unparalleled. Whether it’s targeting specific instruction or creatively pivoting resources to meet a student's unique needs, our team demonstrates a level of professional excellence that makes us proud every single day.
We are incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to celebrate two of our standout staff members during the recent District Apple Awards. Please join us in congratulating kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Padrnos and educational assistant, Mrs. Mudd. Their unwavering dedication to our learners ensures every student feels seen and capable.
This week, we also took some time to recognize a vital pillar of our leadership team: Mrs. Bergner.
In honor of National Assistant Principal’s Week, we want to publicly thank her for her leadership, her vision, and her commitment to our school culture. Gold Rush truly wouldn’t be the same without her steady hand and kind spirit.
While we highlighted three specific individuals this week, we know that the "Gold Rush Magic" is a team effort. Our full, dedicated staff works around the clock to create a safe, rigorous, and loving environment for your children.
