Tuesday, August 30, 2016

10 Questions

Our first writing assignment was inspired by the Time Magazine article "10 Questions."  We used this well known article as a mentor text to model out own writing after.  Students discovered that there we commonalities in the articles from week to week which included formatting, fun, easy language, and that previous research was done before the interview was conducted.  They then thought about what aspects make them interesting; what makes them special.  This was used as a starting point to ask questions around and answer.

I chose this assignment first, not only as a way to get accustomed to using mentor text, but also as a way to get to know each other in class.  If feel like all enjoyed the challenge and enjoyed writing about what makes them a cool kid.

This was also our first assignment using Google Classroom.  I created a template for them to download on to their Google Drive, which they can access from anywhere.  They were able to work on it in class and at home.  It also allowed them to get familiar with some features they might not have worked with before: using tables, bolding and italicizing, and importing photos.  Finally, students were able to just click "turn in" for me to look over and give feedback.  Overall this was a great first writing assignment!

Monday, August 29, 2016

Cog At

Hello All! 
Here is a letter from Jenny Brown discussing upcoming CogAt testing.  It's been in her weekly blog, but I just wanted to make sure you all saw it.


Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Family Survey

Please take a moment to fill out the following survey as to give me just a bit more information about your kiddo!

Monday, August 1, 2016

GRE Back to School Parent Letter

Repost: From the Desk of Jenny Brown


July 15, 2016
Dear Gold Rush Families,
I hope you are having a great summer! We are eagerly awaiting the start of another wonderful school year!  I want to provide you with important information regarding the start of the year.  It is my hope that this information will make you aware of upcoming events and timelines.
Monday, July 18th – Monday, August 1st – Online Express Check In
Online Express Check In will open at 12:01 AM on Monday, July 18.  Click here to login.  You will use Online Express Check In to update your contact information, pay school fees and sign up for volunteer opportunities.  Please note that some of the forms need to be printed and turned in to your teacher during Meet Your Teacher Day on Friday, August 5, or the first day of school.  All students must register via Online Express Check In by August 1st.  For assistance please contact one of the individuals below:
·       GRE Registrar Anita Rudman: anita.rudman@dcsdk12.org or 303-387-7700
·       GRE Administrative Assistant Janis Panico: janis.panico@dcsdk12.org or 303-387-7700
·       Student Data and Information Services Summer Hotline: 303-387-0016
·       Business Services: 720-433-1244
·       IT Support Center: 303-387-0001
Monday, July 18th - Class Placement
We know that your child is eager to know who his/her new classroom teacher will be!  Starting July 18th you can click here to access parent portal.  You will be able to view your child’s teacher by selecting your student and clicking on the schedule tab. You can look forward to receiving a welcome letter from your child’s teacher via email by the end of the month.
Friday, August 5th - Meet Your Teacher
We believe that it is essential for students to have the opportunity to meet their teacher and visit their classroom prior to the first day of school.  Families are welcome to visit their classroom on Friday, August 5, and drop off school supplies.  We want to ensure that families are able to spend time with the teacher in a small group setting so we ask that you sign up for one of the times shown below by clicking here for our online scheduler.  The online scheduler will be available between July 18th to August 1st  and the password is digger.  Each time slot is reserved for a maximum of six students.  The sign up is first come first serve, so please sign up as soon as possible if you have a preferred time or wish to align siblings’ times.  If you ordered an Edukit, it will be delivered to your child’s classroom.  Click here for a map of teachers’ classrooms.
Sign Up For One of The Following Times on Friday, August 5th
9:30-9:55
10:00-10:25
10:30-10:55
11:00-11:25
11:30-11:55
Monday, August 8th -  First Full Day of School
The first full day of school for students in grades K-5 is Monday, August 8th.  Students will meet their teachers on the front blacktop on the first day of school for an opening flag ceremony.  Each teacher will have a sign with her name on it.  On the second day of school students will enter the building through the front door on their own between 8:20-8:30 and walk directly to their classrooms.  Teachers and older students will be available to assist younger students.  This rolling start will ensure a smoother, safer start to the day.  Parents of preschool students will need to walk their children into the building using the west entrance and sign their child in.  School will be in session from 8:30AM-3:30PM next year.    
Click here for the 2016 2017 Split Fall Break Modified Calendar
Click here for information regarding the Rolling Start to the School Day
Click here for general drop off and pick up procedures.
Wednesday, August 17th – Back to School Night for Parents Only
Classroom teachers will provide parents with an overview of the school year on Wednesday, August 17th, during the following two Back to School Night sessions: 6:00-6:30PM & 6:35-7:05 PM.  We hope you will join us for these informative sessions.
Thursday, August 18th or Friday, August 19st – 1 Assessment Hour
In an attempt to gain more targeted information regarding your child’s academic strengths and needs, each child will come to school for one hour only on either August 18th or August 19st to complete reading and math assessments.  Having students complete assessments with their teacher at the end of the second week of school allows students to adjust to classroom practices and procedures.  The assessments administered will 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 18th – August 1st to select your assessment day and time.  The password again is digger.  Because we value the information we obtain on these days, it is mandatory that all children complete their assessments on either August 18th or August 19th.  Please bring your child to the front vestibule and teachers will escort him/her to his/her testing location.  Students will conclude their assessment day in the gym where your child take his/her school picture.  Our Before and After School Enrichment program (B.A.S.E.) will be available on both August 18th and 19th.  Please contact B.A.S.E. as soon as possible as spaces are limited.
We look forward to seeing your family in August!  Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation!
Kindly,
Jennifer Brown
Principal