Gold Rush Elementary
Principal's Message - January 9, 2026
Inspiring Purpose, Compassion & Excellence
A GREAT START TO THE NEW YEAR
Our students did an amazing job transitioning back to school this week! We were so proud of their focus, resilience, and determination to jump right back into learning. Students across all grade levels transitioned seamlessly into instructional routines, demonstrating maturity and readiness for the weeks ahead.
As we approach the second half of the semester, many students took time to reflect and set meaningful goals for the year. Classes also reestablished classroom promises that help ensure every student can meet their full potential. In addition, many groups reunited as teams by identifying both big and small acts of kindness that make their classrooms welcoming and supportive environments.
We are incredibly proud of our students’ excitement to reconnect with friends and their eagerness to continue learning. Their positive attitudes and goal-setting mindset will undoubtedly help them go far this semester.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to help our students thrive!
SCIENCE RETURNS TO THE S.T.E.A.M. LAB
We were excited to welcome Mr. Thomas back to our S.T.E.A.M.M. special this semester! During the first rotation, Gold Rush students had a wonderful opportunity to incorporate the arts into S.T.E.A.M.M. through drama. Students did an amazing job expressing themselves creatively while participating in engaging activities led by Mrs. Hanna.
As we begin the second semester, Mr. Thomas has stepped in to bring science, technology, and math back into the rotation. Students were thrilled to see him again and eagerly participated in his interactive science, engineering and technology activities. This week fourth graders redesigned stronger homes for the three little pigs while third graders built bridges to support as many cars as possible. Students in other grade levels explored grade level science standards, such as sound waves, force and motion and mixtures and solutions through hands-on activities.
We truly appreciate the variety of experiences all students are able to enjoy through this elective. The unique collaboration among the instructors has fostered creativity, collaboration, and movement, making S.T.E.A.M.M. a dynamic and enriching experience for our learners.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Hanna, Mr. Thomas, and Ms. Warner for their combined efforts and dedication to our students!
COGAT TESTING IN FEBRUARY
DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations, we implement Universal Screening for all second grade students in February.
2nd Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in second grade not already identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 2nd. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school. If your child is already identified for gifted programming, he/she will not participate in this universal screen testing.
Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in K or 1st grade and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process. Please note that requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked here.
Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
