Gold Rush Elementary

Gold Rush wants all students to model and reason in math. When students model, they apply mathematics to real-world situations, analyze relationships between values, draw conclusions and create and analyze models to represent their thinking. When students reason, they interpret and critique the reasoning of others and are precise in their calculations and communication. Modeling and reasoning require higher levels of thinking and integrate reading and writing. While modeling and reasoning are difficult, these problems require complex thought processes and application, which is important for all students.

We are fortunate that our Envision math curriculum incorporates multiple opportunities for students to model and reason in daily lessons. Opportunities are evident in teacher-led mini lessons and word problems that students complete independently, with a partner or in small groups. Opportunities to model and reason are also included in students’ homework.

We further support students’ ability to model and reason in the math portion of the S.T.E.A.M.M. special. Former GRE coach and teacher, Mrs. Barta, engages students in math exploration that allows students to identify patterns, create models and represent their thinking with words and pictures.

It is exciting to see students’ excitement and energy come to life as they work together to solve difficult problems.

Gold Rush exceeded state standards for student achievement as measured by the 2023 Colorado Measures of Academic Success Assessment (CMAS). Student achievement is defined as the number of students meeting or exceeding state standards. Gold Rush exceeded achievement measures in both English Language Arts and Math.

Even when viewing celebratory data, there are always opportunities for growth. Teacher teams are currently analyzing student results to identify instructional practices, prioritize standards and set individual goals. They are reviewing multiple data points, including Spring 2023 CMAS results, fall I Ready and fall Fountas and Pinell reading assessments. Teachers have been having meaningful conversations about grade level and individual student needs.

Teams also noticed that modeling and reasoning in math described above and written responses in literacy are areas of growth across grade levels. Teachers are identifying additional opportunities for students to write about what they read and engage in math word problems.

Teachers are looking forward to sharing your child’s data and specific goals and growth areas at fall conferences.

Gold Rush is continuing its efforts to renovate exterior play spaces. If you have been to the back playground recently you have seen the progress of the current project. The school is using school funds to turf to the left side of the back playground. A set of paved bike racks will be installed as well as a secured bouncy ball path that students can jump across or bounce on. The bouncy path was made possible through a generous donation from a Gold Rush family.

We know that all students will enjoy the additional play space. We look forward to completing this project by fall break.