Pen-Pal Letters

1.  Log in to your Google Drive account using your school email and universal password.  (This can all be found inside the front cover of your agenda.)

ex: studentname@s.dcsdk12.org

2.  Finish typing your Pen-Pal letter.  (Make sure you ask your pen-pal questions, so that they can write back to you.)  

If you need the directions for writing the letter, you will find it in Google Classroom.

3.  Have an adult check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

4. Send it to me using the share button pictured below.  (Remember you have to use my whole name: Jessalyn Russell)









5.  Bring in a picture (if you would like) to put in your envelope.

Missing Forms

Linked below are a few forms we are still missing. If you could please, print & fill out and return by Wednesday that would be great! Thank you very much!

• Emergency Dismissal Form (required)

• Gold Rush School Directory (required, even if you are choosing to ‘Opt Out’, please mark accordingly and turn in. If you already turned in the form to another child’s teacher, then don’t worry about it. Just let me know so I can mark you off my list)

• Class Directory Form (optional)

• Class T-Shirt Order & $8.00 (optional. You can just write the size on the check if that’s easier)

• Parent Questionnaire (optional)

Important Info

Schedule

August 5: Meet Your Teacher

Parents show their child how to walk to his/her new classroom.

August 8: First Day of School

Students meet their teachers in a line outside for an opening flag ceremony.

Teachers show their students how to walk to their classroom.

August 9: Second Day of School

Students walk to their classrooms between 8:20AM - 8:30AM.

Parents say good-bye outside of the building.

Bell System

8:20 AM First Bell

Signals that students can enter the building.

Cross walk supervision begins.

Students should not arrive to school prior to this bell.

8:30 AM Start of the School Day

8:35 Tardy Bell

Sign up for important updates from Ms. Russell

Welcome Back

Hi! My name is Jessalyn Russell, and I am so excited to be teaching at Gold Rush again this year. I love third grade and all the exploring, learning, problem solving and fun we get to have. What an amazing journey we are about to embark on together! You will not believe how much your child will grow this year.


I am the youngest of two children.  My older sister is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired in our home town, where both of my parents retired as educators.  I initially studied sign language in junior college, but after taking a job as a substitute teacher, I realized my true passion was teaching and joined the family profession. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico Highland University and moved to Arizona.  I taught third, fourth, and fifth grade in the Cartwright and Deer Valley School Districts for 13 years. I spent one year as a math teacher for 5th and 6th graders, one year as a Gifted Instructional Coach and four years as a Gifted Cluster Teacher.  I also have taught English in the Czech Republic for five summers with International Needs Network.


I loved living in Arizona but I made a huge leap of faith and followed my heart by moving to Highlands Ranch a year ago.  I have enjoyed every minute of this beautiful weather and experiencing 4 seasons.  I love playing and watching sports, especially softball and baseball, and have experience coaching girls basketball and softball.  I like to read, craft, and spend time with my beagle Snoopy.