Gold Rush Elementary

January 20, 2023

“Foster Growth by Challenging Critical Thinkers to Take Risks,

Honor Differences & Care for Others”

READY FOR BATTLE

Gold Rush’s Battle of the Books teams are ready to demonstrate what they learned in the Parker competition. Students participating in Battle of the Books read multiple books identified by the Douglas County Libraries and work as teams to answer questions about the different texts. We are proud to have the most students at any school participating in this club! The regional competition begins this week. Gold Rush teams challenge teams from other schools in the area. We thank fifth grade teacher Mrs. Russell and parents, Mrs. Talbot, Mrs. Max, Mrs. Berning, and Mrs. Levisay for making this club possible! We wish our teams the best of luck throughout the competition. Despite the outcome, we are proud of their love of reading!

DISCOVERING PASSIONS

Gold Rush is committed to developing students’ ability to take risks.  We know from brain research that demonstrating a growth mindset by trying new activities and making mistakes develops students' brains and builds confidence.  


One way students can do this is by participating in one of our numerous before or after school activities.  Gold Rush has a range of clubs that appeal to academics, the arts and community service.  In addition to Battle of the Books, students are able to participate in art club, Young Rotarians, Student Council and more!  Students in the art club are currently working on origami while Young Rotarians are decorating bags for those that need in-home meals.  


Students push themselves outside of their comfort zones and develop new passions as a result of participating. Please see GRE’s Thursday folder for additional information on current clubs and how to get involved.

UNIVERSAL GIFTED & TALENTED TESTING

As part of our universal screening process the following students will take the Cognitive Abilities Test in February.


* All Students in 2nd grade who have not been identified for gifted programming



* Students referred for gifted identification in kindergarten or 1st grade


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.


The CogAT is comprised of three subsections:


● The Verbal Battery assesses students’ abilities to use search, retrieval, and comparison processes that are essential for verbal reasoning.


● The Quantitative Battery assesses students’ abilities to reason about patterns and relations using concepts that are essential in quantitative thinking.


● The Nonverbal Battery assesses students’ abilities to reason with somewhat more novel questions that use spatial and figural content.


The results of these tests will serve several functions. First and foremost, the scores and reports will be used to inform instructional practices in the classroom. The scores will guide efforts to adapt learning opportunities to meet the needs and abilities of the students. The scores are also used as ONE component of the body of evidence to determine areas of strength and

possible identification for gifted programming.


We ask that you avoid scheduling any appointments that would require your student being absent from school during this testing window. You can help your student do his/her best on the CogAT by encouraging him/her to approach the testing with a positive attitude, and by making sure he/she has a good night’s sleep the night before testing, and a good breakfast each morning of testing.


If you have any questions regarding the information in this letter please feel free to contact GRE's Gifted Education Facilitator, Stephanie Brown.

STATE OF COLORADO RECOGNIZES GOLD RUSH

FOR ACHIEVEMENT & GROWTH

The State of Colorado awarded Gold Rush Elementary the John Irwin Award for Achievement AND the Governor's Distinguished Growth Award.  These designations are based on intermediate students’ performance on the Spring 2022 Colorado Measures of Academic Success Assessment (CMAS). Gold Rush attributes its success to teachers’ commitment to research-based practices and high expectations, students’ stamina and dedication to learning and parents' continued support. We could not be more proud of our school community! 

CARLOOP REMINDERS


Please help us start the year off in a safe way by adhering to the following:


* Please pull all the way forward

* Please have your child ready to exit your car

* Please cross at the cross walk

* Please do not pull around other cars

2023-2024 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

We are currently accepting kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year. If you have an incoming kindergartner, please turn in your enrollment packet to the front office as soon as possible. Feel free to pass this information on to friends and neighbors as well. Packets are available on our website.

JANUARY 2023

THURSDAY FOLDER

STAY CONNECTED

Gold Rush Elementary | 12021 S. Swift Fox Way Parker CO 80134

Main Line 303-387-7700 | Fax 303-387-7701 | https://gre.dcsdk12.org/