Gold Rush Elementary
2020-2021 School Year
CELEBRATING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Gold Rush students recognized Martin Luther King Jr.'s significant contributions to our society. Throughout the week students read poems and books about Dr. King. As students learned more information about him they determined what information was important and what was interesting. Students also reflected on new learning.
 
In writing, students are analyzing Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Third graders are working on persuasive essays and they looked at how the words and ideas in the speech specifically addressed the audience. Fifth grade students are working on literary essays, which describe the most essential attributes of a leader. They referenced multiple sources, including Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech," to prove essential characteristics leaders embody. Click here for a sample from two students.
UNDERSTANDING MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES
Students are exploring the skills essential to teamwork and collaboration. In physical education students were tasked with using both verbal and nonverbal communication to simultaneously pass several different types of balls around their small group. Students related the balls to different opinions and ideas, noting their equal importance to achieving their overall goal. They commented on how understanding where each teammate was and the balls' differences helped them accomplish the task together. 
 
The concept of differences and multiple perspectives was also explored with GRE's counselor Mrs. Fitch. Students examined how each individual has their own experiences in life and they discussed how they can see the other side of the story and put themselves in other people's shoes. Classes noted that when they stop, pause and think they can understand another person's viewpoint. Mrs. Fitch shared that by understanding other perspectives we build empathy and are able to compromise.
 
We were impressed with students' reflection and deep thinking. We know that these skills apply to multiple content areas, contexts and the real world.
REVISED QUARANTINE PRACTICES
All elementary schools must continue to comply with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidelines for quarantining. It is important to note that the guidelines have been revised. Key changes are listed below.
 
  • Individuals quarantine for 10 days versus 14 days.
 
  • Students can choose to get a COVID test on or after the fifth day of exposure. If students receive a negative test and they are symptom free they can return to extra curricular activities after day seven.

  • Families can share negative test results with the principal or school nurse (not the classroom teacher) . At that time Gold Rush will communicate if we are able to have students return on the eighth day (versus the tenth day). There are several factors that will play into that decision, including our ability to staff the classroom and provide instruction virtually and in-person simultaneously. This will be done on a case by case basis. Please plan on virtual learning for ten days.
 
The school will continue to inform you via email of positive COVID cases at Gold Rush. You will receive additional communication if your child was in close contact with an individual who tests positive or is demonstrating significant COVID symptoms. If you have more than one child at Gold Rush, you will recall District communication does not clearly specify which child is directly impacted. The school will send a third email clarifying the affected classroom/grade level and your child's remote learning plan.
 
We will continue to send student devices home daily. A copy of your child’s current quarantine schedule will be in his/her technology folder. Please note that some grade levels made minor revisions to their schedules after implementing them in December. 
 
We will also provide materials and instruction for individual students that the school identifies as needing to quarantine. This applies to individual students who are healthy, but cannot be at school because they were in close contact with someone who tested positive. Students in this position at kindergarten through second grade will see weekly assignments in their Google classroom. Students in third through fifth grade will be able to join live reading, writing and math mini lessons via Google Meets. Unfortunately we are only able to provide this support for students who the school identifies as needing to quarantine. Our efforts to accommodate families that chose to quarantine proved unmanageable this fall. We also know that students who are sick need time to rest and recover.
 
As always, we appreciate your cooperation and continued support. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or the office if you have specific questions or concerns.
SAFETY REMINDERS
 Please know that we will continue to implement safety measures adopted earlier this year. Students will continue to wear masks in school and remain with their class during lunch and recess. Parents are still required to wear masks and socially distance at all times while on school grounds. This includes the parking lot and sidewalks. 

Click here for a more detailed list of daily safety precautions.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2021-2022
We are currently accepting enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year. Please drop off your completed packet to Christi Dismang at cldismang@dcsdk12.org if you have not done so already. A completed enrollment packet and required documents must be submitted to Gold Rush Registrar, Christi Dismang, to begin the enrollment process.

Click here for the enrollment packet. You will need the following documents:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Immunizations
  • Proof of Residence
  • Warranty Deed, Deed of Trust, Tax Notice, Assessor Page, Notarized Proof of Residency form (completed by the person you are living with if you are living with someone and your name does not appear on the proof of residency. A copy of their proof of residency must be given at enrollment.)

If you have questions regarding registration please contact Christi Dismang at cldismang@dcsdk12.org / 303-387-7707.
CALENDAR
Click here for the 2020-2021 District Calendar
Click here for the 2021-2022 District Calendar
January 18: No School - Martin Luther King Jr.

Gold Rush Elementary | 12021 S. Swift Fox Way Parker CO 80134
Main Line 303-387-7700 | Fax 303-387-7701 | https://gre.dcsdk12.org/