Stay connected with our School App! Gold Rush has a mobile app! This is a great tool for getting all things GRE at your fingertips. Click on the following links to download this app. Google Play Apple App Store |
March/April 2020
** March 16th - March 20th **
January/February 2020
Writer's Workshop:
We have switched from writing "Small Moment" stories to writing informational books! Students enjoyed writing "How-To" books giving step-by-step instructions on how to do something. Now we are focusing on writing "All About" books teaching our audience about a certain topic. We learned about informational text features during Reader's Workshop and are now applying these text features to the informational books we are writing. Students have picked one African animal to research and write about after Spring break! Feel free to take your child to the zoo over break to watch their animal in action and read other information books or websites to research with your child.
Social Studies/Science:
Students are had a blast learning about Animal Classifications! They are now experts at the difference between mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish! We also learned about globes, maps and map features. We zoned in on Africa and studied the different ecosystems in Africa including the animals that live in those areas.
Math Workshop:
These are some of the concepts and activities students have been working through during math workshop:
* Addition can be shown in different ways (objects, fingers, mental images, drawings etc)
* Adding one or more objects to an existing group is one interpretation of addition
* Putting together parts to make a whole is one interpretation of addition
* Writing equations to represent, show, and explain addition
* Solving addition problems
* Good math thinkers know how to pick the right tools to solve math problems.
* Subtraction can be shown in different ways, such as with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.
* Separating parts from a whole is one interpretation of subtraction.
* Taking parts from a whole is one interpretation of subtraction.
* Subtraction equations using - and = can be used to show subtraction situations.
* Objects, words, drawing, counting, and equations can be used to help solve subtraction problems involving taking from.
* Patterns can be used to help solve subtraction problems.
We have switched from writing "Small Moment" stories to writing informational books! Students enjoyed writing "How-To" books giving step-by-step instructions on how to do something. Now we are focusing on writing "All About" books teaching our audience about a certain topic. We learned about informational text features during Reader's Workshop and are now applying these text features to the informational books we are writing. Students have picked one African animal to research and write about after Spring break! Feel free to take your child to the zoo over break to watch their animal in action and read other information books or websites to research with your child.
Social Studies/Science:
Students are had a blast learning about Animal Classifications! They are now experts at the difference between mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish! We also learned about globes, maps and map features. We zoned in on Africa and studied the different ecosystems in Africa including the animals that live in those areas.
Math Workshop:
These are some of the concepts and activities students have been working through during math workshop:
* Addition can be shown in different ways (objects, fingers, mental images, drawings etc)
* Adding one or more objects to an existing group is one interpretation of addition
* Putting together parts to make a whole is one interpretation of addition
* Writing equations to represent, show, and explain addition
* Solving addition problems
* Good math thinkers know how to pick the right tools to solve math problems.
* Subtraction can be shown in different ways, such as with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations.
* Separating parts from a whole is one interpretation of subtraction.
* Taking parts from a whole is one interpretation of subtraction.
* Subtraction equations using - and = can be used to show subtraction situations.
* Objects, words, drawing, counting, and equations can be used to help solve subtraction problems involving taking from.
* Patterns can be used to help solve subtraction problems.
November 2019
Resiliency and Civic Responsibility are two 21st Century Skills that Kindergarteners are currently working on during our workshop times, recess, and throughout our entire day! Before starting an activity we talk about what these skills look like and sound like and come up with ways students can demonstrate these examples. After an activity I ask students to score themselves according to the rubric that we came up with as a class and share why they earned that score!
Book Fair November 18th - November 22nd:
If you would like your child to attend the Book Fair you must take them during the hours listed. Students will not be visiting the book fair during regular school hours.
If you would like your child to attend the Book Fair you must take them during the hours listed. Students will not be visiting the book fair during regular school hours.
Annual Family Feast and Celebration of Learning Wednesday, November 20th:
Our celebration of learning will be from 10:40 to 11:10. This is an opportunity for your child to share with you some of the great things they have been working on so far this year! After our Celebration of Learning is over we welcome you to join your child in the cafeteria for a family feast from 11:15-11:35. **Please pre-purchase parent and sibling feast tickets at Myschoolbucks.com. Students may use their regular lunch account to buy their feast that day.
Below is a schedule of all classes just in case you have other children here at Gold Rush.
Our celebration of learning will be from 10:40 to 11:10. This is an opportunity for your child to share with you some of the great things they have been working on so far this year! After our Celebration of Learning is over we welcome you to join your child in the cafeteria for a family feast from 11:15-11:35. **Please pre-purchase parent and sibling feast tickets at Myschoolbucks.com. Students may use their regular lunch account to buy their feast that day.
Below is a schedule of all classes just in case you have other children here at Gold Rush.
October 2019
Our Halloween party will be held on Thursday, October 31, from 8:40-9:30 AM. Parents are welcome and encourage to come help out little hands making a craft and playing games. Our school parade will follow at 9:30-9:45 AM. We will walk around the back playground and then around the front playground and finally back into the school. If you would like to watch just pick a spot outside that route :) Students who do not wish to participate in Halloween activities can join our class at 9:45 AM. We will resume with a normal school day schedule at that time so please have your child wear regular clothes under their costume or bring regular clothing in their backpack to change into.
We encourage students to be creative with their costumes, but safety remains our number one priority. Please adhere to the following guidelines when selecting a costume:
* Students should come dressed in their costume and bring a change of clothing.
* Costumes can not be demeaning, offensive or promiscuous.
* Face paint, face masks and weapons are not permitted.
We encourage students to be creative with their costumes, but safety remains our number one priority. Please adhere to the following guidelines when selecting a costume:
* Students should come dressed in their costume and bring a change of clothing.
* Costumes can not be demeaning, offensive or promiscuous.
* Face paint, face masks and weapons are not permitted.
Small Moment Writing:
Now that we have returned from Fall Break we have started our "Small Moment" writing unit. During this unit students will write short personal narratives about things they have done, places they have visited, and everyday activities. In order to help your child with this, be sure to talk with them about some fun experiences they may have had in their life. We will practice taking a big idea like a vacation and "zoom in" on "small moments". For example a student may have taken a trip to Disney Land, we will ask them to pick a favorite ride to write about. We will ask them to write what they did, state who was there, and then add a few details and how they were feeling. The more you can talk about things at home the easier this process can be. We will spend a lot of time talking about these experiences first and then put these ideas into writing. |
Reader's Workshop:
Students have been working incredibly hard learning new reading strategies to use when they are "stuck" on words while reading books. We call these reading strategies our READING SUPER POWERS! These are strategies your child can apply no matter what level book they are reading. While reading with your child at home , if he or she comes to a challenging word, remind them to use "reading powers" to figure it out.... don't just tell them the word. Encourage them and guide them through the struggle. See our chart of POWERS below:
Students have been working incredibly hard learning new reading strategies to use when they are "stuck" on words while reading books. We call these reading strategies our READING SUPER POWERS! These are strategies your child can apply no matter what level book they are reading. While reading with your child at home , if he or she comes to a challenging word, remind them to use "reading powers" to figure it out.... don't just tell them the word. Encourage them and guide them through the struggle. See our chart of POWERS below:
In addition to learning what to do when we get “stuck” on hard works students have also been working on reading comprehension. Students should be able to not only decode words while reading but also REMEMBER what they read. We practice this by re-reading the same book several times, closing the book, and then telling all the details we can remember from the book to a partner. |
September 2019
Writing / Name Study:
To build phonemic awareness (calling attention to the sounds) and develop some important understandings about words and letters, we are focusing on one student’s name each day. This special student will be the focus for our writing workshop and literacy activities. Some of these activities include: sharing items in special bag, the story of their name, writing a sentence about the special student, adding their name to the word wall, using the alphabet chart to find letters that match the sounds they hear, creating a picture to match the sentence written, counting and rearranging letters, and noticing the letter-sound relationships. (*Basically, its like writing bootcamp!)
Math Workshop:
We have started to explore some of the math materials (manipulatives) that we will use throughout the year: pattern blocks, geoblocks, connecting cubes, buttons, colored tiles, and unifix cubes. Students are using these tools to sort objects that have common attributes. We are building our math vocabulary, classifying by attributes, answering daily surveys and graphing answers, and thinking about data. Each day, they are becoming little MATHEMATICIANS!
Students are also hard at work representing numbers in different ways. We practice number formation but also show each number as many ways as possible such as using tally marks, marking it on a ten frame, drawing it on a number line, and making equal sets. Each day, they are becoming little MATHEMATICIANS!
Reading Workshop:
Your child may have started talking about their "schema" while at home! We have been learning about how our current schema (what we already know) helps us to make connections to books that we read. Making connections while reading helps us all better understand and remember the books we are reading. Our schema grows and changes as we read more books and learn more information.
Before, during, and after reading ask your child a lot of questions and what it reminds them of in their life or maybe in another book.
Social Studies:
We are integrating our Civics & Economics Units throughout the day in each subject area. Students are learning:
To build phonemic awareness (calling attention to the sounds) and develop some important understandings about words and letters, we are focusing on one student’s name each day. This special student will be the focus for our writing workshop and literacy activities. Some of these activities include: sharing items in special bag, the story of their name, writing a sentence about the special student, adding their name to the word wall, using the alphabet chart to find letters that match the sounds they hear, creating a picture to match the sentence written, counting and rearranging letters, and noticing the letter-sound relationships. (*Basically, its like writing bootcamp!)
Math Workshop:
We have started to explore some of the math materials (manipulatives) that we will use throughout the year: pattern blocks, geoblocks, connecting cubes, buttons, colored tiles, and unifix cubes. Students are using these tools to sort objects that have common attributes. We are building our math vocabulary, classifying by attributes, answering daily surveys and graphing answers, and thinking about data. Each day, they are becoming little MATHEMATICIANS!
Students are also hard at work representing numbers in different ways. We practice number formation but also show each number as many ways as possible such as using tally marks, marking it on a ten frame, drawing it on a number line, and making equal sets. Each day, they are becoming little MATHEMATICIANS!
Reading Workshop:
Your child may have started talking about their "schema" while at home! We have been learning about how our current schema (what we already know) helps us to make connections to books that we read. Making connections while reading helps us all better understand and remember the books we are reading. Our schema grows and changes as we read more books and learn more information.
Before, during, and after reading ask your child a lot of questions and what it reminds them of in their life or maybe in another book.
Social Studies:
We are integrating our Civics & Economics Units throughout the day in each subject area. Students are learning:
- How to be a good citizen - the rules needed, such as courtesy, honesty, going for the GOLD (Give Respect, Own Your Actions, Listen & Learn). They are having fun earning golden tickets! :)
- How to make decisions - learning and following rules, creating a classroom community
- How to understand ownership - asking permission and sharing in group settings
August 2019
A Backpack
Lunch (pack a sack lunch or put money in your child's account to buy a school lunch)
2 Healthy Snacks
Daily Communication Folder
Messages/Homework: Your child will have a daily “Communication Folder”. This folder will go back and forth every day and needs to be checked nightly for letters and messages from me. You may also put notes to me in the folder. Their very first homework assignment will be to complete a story about how you picked their name and fill a bag with a few small items that tell about them. We will be using these to share with the class (one per day) and get to know each other. Once your child has shared their bag I will send it back home with them. Please complete it as soon as possible! As the year progresses I will be sending homework home in this same folder. The homework will include a book to read, word work, letters, math skills, and occasionally writing and family projects. I’ve found that if you don’t send a backpack, the folder is quickly lost. Please keep this communication constant and send the folder zipped in their backpack daily. Make sure you remove any letters from me so I know that you received them. I’ll do my part and get it stuffed back in the backpack and zipped up before they leave.
Snacks:
In FULL day Kindergarten we have a morning and afternoon recess/snack time. You may send one or two snacks with your child to eat during this time. You may also send a water bottle for them to take outside but no juice, milk, or soda please. Some have found it easiest to pack multiple snacks in a lunch bag right along with their packed lunch. A bag is easy for students to "grab and go" outside.
Letter to Teacher
In order for me to get to know you and your child please email me a letter letting me know a little bit about your child. Include anything and everything you think I should know about your child both academically and socially. Please email me your letter by August 1st! Feel free to attach a picture so I can associate a name with a face!
Balanced Beginnings Schedule for Kindergarten Students ONLY
With the transition to free full day kindergarten, we have the opportunity for additional transition days for our youngest students. Please see information below regarding our start of the year events for kindergarten students only. These opportunities allow our kindergarten students and families a comfortable transition to their new school.
Individual Meet & Greet - August 6th or 7th
We plan to meet with kindergarten families during an Individual Meet and Greets on either August 6th or August 7th. The meet and greet sessions are an opportunity for your family to explore the classroom and begin to build a lasting relationship with your child's teacher.
We ask that you sign up for a time by clicking here for our online scheduler. The online scheduler will be available July 17th through July 31st and 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 day or time.
Balanced Beginnings - August 8th or 9th
We will also offer Balanced Beginnings Days on August 8th and 9th. Kindergarten students will meet with a small group of students for an hour on either the 8th or 9th. Kindergarten students will get to know other students in the classroom and partake in classroom activities. This is an opportunity for classroom teachers to observe your child's social, emotional, and physical strengths and needs.
Again we ask that you sign up for a time by clicking here for our online scheduler. The online scheduler will be available July 17th through July 31st and the password is digger. The sign up is also first come first serve.
First Full Day of Kindergarten - August 12th
Kindergarten students’ first full day of school is Monday, August 12. A staff member will meet families at the exterior doors near his/her classroom between 8:20-8:35 AM. Parents are invited to a Tears and Cheers breakfast on August 12th from 8:45-9:30 AM in our cafeteria.
Wednesday, August 21st – Back to School Night K-5 (for Parents Only)
Classroom teachers will provide parents with an overview of the school year on Wednesday, August 21, during the following two Back to School Night sessions: 6:05-6:35 PM & 6:40-7:10 PM. The principal will share school celebrations and upcoming goals for the year in the gym from 5:45-6:00 PM. We hope you will join us for these informative sessions.
Tuesday, August 27th – 1 Hour Assessment & Picture Day Grades K-5
In an attempt to gain more targeted information regarding your child’s academic strengths and needs, every child will come to school for one hour only on August 27th to complete reading and math assessments. The assessments administered allow educators to alter their instruction to meet your child’s individual needs and learning style.
Click here for the online conference scheduler between July 17th – July 31st to select an assessment time for your child. The password is digger. Because we value the information we obtain on these days, it is mandatory that all children complete their assessments on August 27th. Please bring your child to the front vestibule and teachers will escort him/her to his/her testing location. Students will conclude their assessment hour in the gym where your child will take his/her school picture. Our Before and After School Enrichment program (B.A.S.E.) will be available on the 27th. Please contact B.A.S.E. as soon as possible as spaces are limited.
We are looking forward to an incredible year! We look forward to seeing you in August!
In order for me to get to know you and your child please email me a letter letting me know a little bit about your child. Include anything and everything you think I should know about your child both academically and socially. Please email me your letter by August 1st! Feel free to attach a picture so I can associate a name with a face!
Balanced Beginnings Schedule for Kindergarten Students ONLY
With the transition to free full day kindergarten, we have the opportunity for additional transition days for our youngest students. Please see information below regarding our start of the year events for kindergarten students only. These opportunities allow our kindergarten students and families a comfortable transition to their new school.
Individual Meet & Greet - August 6th or 7th
We plan to meet with kindergarten families during an Individual Meet and Greets on either August 6th or August 7th. The meet and greet sessions are an opportunity for your family to explore the classroom and begin to build a lasting relationship with your child's teacher.
We ask that you sign up for a time by clicking here for our online scheduler. The online scheduler will be available July 17th through July 31st and 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 day or time.
Balanced Beginnings - August 8th or 9th
We will also offer Balanced Beginnings Days on August 8th and 9th. Kindergarten students will meet with a small group of students for an hour on either the 8th or 9th. Kindergarten students will get to know other students in the classroom and partake in classroom activities. This is an opportunity for classroom teachers to observe your child's social, emotional, and physical strengths and needs.
Again we ask that you sign up for a time by clicking here for our online scheduler. The online scheduler will be available July 17th through July 31st and the password is digger. The sign up is also first come first serve.
First Full Day of Kindergarten - August 12th
Kindergarten students’ first full day of school is Monday, August 12. A staff member will meet families at the exterior doors near his/her classroom between 8:20-8:35 AM. Parents are invited to a Tears and Cheers breakfast on August 12th from 8:45-9:30 AM in our cafeteria.
Wednesday, August 21st – Back to School Night K-5 (for Parents Only)
Classroom teachers will provide parents with an overview of the school year on Wednesday, August 21, during the following two Back to School Night sessions: 6:05-6:35 PM & 6:40-7:10 PM. The principal will share school celebrations and upcoming goals for the year in the gym from 5:45-6:00 PM. We hope you will join us for these informative sessions.
Tuesday, August 27th – 1 Hour Assessment & Picture Day Grades K-5
In an attempt to gain more targeted information regarding your child’s academic strengths and needs, every child will come to school for one hour only on August 27th to complete reading and math assessments. The assessments administered allow educators to alter their instruction to meet your child’s individual needs and learning style.
Click here for the online conference scheduler between July 17th – July 31st to select an assessment time for your child. The password is digger. Because we value the information we obtain on these days, it is mandatory that all children complete their assessments on August 27th. Please bring your child to the front vestibule and teachers will escort him/her to his/her testing location. Students will conclude their assessment hour in the gym where your child will take his/her school picture. Our Before and After School Enrichment program (B.A.S.E.) will be available on the 27th. Please contact B.A.S.E. as soon as possible as spaces are limited.
We are looking forward to an incredible year! We look forward to seeing you in August!