Hello Gold Ridge families and friends,

We are so excited that you found our new page!  It features updates from teachers and the opportunity for students to share recommendations from their summer activities – such as a favorite book or recipe. The goal is to keep our school community connected throughout the summer months. We hope the site will be a place where you can come to share ideas and learn new things about classmates, teachers and the Sacramento community. 

We hope to hear about all your summer break and the books you're reading. Keep checking the site for updates!

As summer is coming to an end, the teachers are back at school learning all about the brand new science curriculum, Amplify Science. (August 7, 2019)

"As summer comes to an end we are trying to fit in 1-2 more books." Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) is starting Wishtree by Katherine Applegate (also, the author of the One and Only Ivan), and her daughter Carmella (Kinder) is reading You Are My Happy by Hoda Kobt (anchor on the Today Show). (August 1, 2019)

Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) and family have been splashing through the past few mornings to beat the heat and stay cooler. Her girls love running in the sprinklers too! (July 30, 2019). 

Today is the day the office is officially open for the 2019/2020 school year! The hours are from 7:30 - 4:00 pm, and the office staff (Ms. Kris pictured) can't wait to see you all. (July 26, 2019)

Gold Ridge has been working hard all summer to get the “Multi” updated with new flooring. It’s not quite done yet, but it should be done really soon! (July 25, 2019)

Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) and family went on a walk this morning to see the goats in Gold Ridge community. They are located in the open space between Riley and East Bidwell. (July 24, 2019). 

Fun Fact: Goats help keep weeds low and help with fire protection, want to learn more (check out the link below)?

 https://assist.folsom.ca.us/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1723&TargetID=1

Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) and family had a wonderful night at Quarry Park a few weeks ago, it is such a beautiful park with lots to do and only about 20 minutes away from Folsom. (July 23, 2019)

If you haven't had the chance to check out the park here is a little description... "Quarry Park is a central gathering place and picturesque setting for community events, concerts, and active play. Quarry Park is home to an adventure park, amphitheater, trails, open space, and wildlife." 

https://www.rocklin.ca.us/QuarryPark 

With her last days in Tahoe, Mrs. Duarte relished in a peaceful kayak ride. (July 22, 2019)

Interested in kayaking for the day check out the links below...

Folsom: http://visitfolsom.com/attraction/california-canoe-kayak/

Lake Tahoe: https://tahoeadventurecompany.com/ourtrips/wateradventures/lakekayaking/

Second-grade teachers Mrs. Swanson and Mrs. Thomas are flying high enjoying the California State Fair. (July 19, 2019)

The fair is opened until July 28th and has something for everyone in the family! 

https://www.castatefair.org/

Mrs. Duarte (3rd grade) and family are soaking up family time, the fresh mountain air and sunshine in beautiful Lake Tahoe for the week. (July 28, 2019)

Have you been to the beach this summer? We'd love to hear about it!

It is a big misconception that teachers don't work over the summer. :) Here is a picture of the 2nd-grade team Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Fowler and Mrs. Sutton (missing from picture Mrs. Thomas) planning for the upcoming year. 

Reminder: The office is still closed until July 26th, 2019 

Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) and family attended the Red, White and Blueberry weekend at Boa Vista Orchard a few weekends back. They had all the blueberry treats and can't wait to go berry picking soon. (July 16, 2019)

Summer is the perfect time to go berry picking, especially right now. If you are interested in berry or fruit picking at a local orchard, please check out the links below for days, hours and types of fruit. 

https://applehill.com/berry-farms/

https://applehill.com/category/you-pick-farms/

https://blog.sacramento4kids.com/fruit-picking-with-kids-sacramento-area/ 

Mrs. Fowler (2nd grade) and Family are enjoying one of the beautiful beaches of Tahoe. (July 12, 2019)

Lake Tahoe is a less than a 2-hour trip from Folsom, and we are so lucky to live so close. Many people from around the country and even the world make Lake Tahoe one of their vacation destinations. There is so much to do in Lake Tahoe that you can make it a quick day trip or a week trip. Check out the visitors guide below for more information. 

https://visitinglaketahoe.com/

Mrs. Kepler and family stayed up late last night watching the Espy's. This awards show was particularly special because we knew the recipients of the Jimmy V. Award. Mrs. Kepler's husband worked with Coach Rob Mendez years ago and his perseverance, attitude and joyful demander had always been admirable. If you have a few minutes, I hope you watch one of these inspirational videos and are as inspired and motivated as I am... Especially with this new school year approaching. (July 11, 2019)

"Who says I cant? Nobody." - Coach Rob Mendez

" ...focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t do, you really can go places in this world.” - Coach Rob Mendez

https://www.si.com/high-school/2019/07/10/rob-mendez-high-school-coach-jimmy-v-award-speech 

 A couple of Gold Ridge retirees (Mrs. McLaughlin and Mrs. Pace), current teachers (Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Duarte, Mrs. Kepler and Mr. English... Plus sister :)), and a wonderful parent (Vicki Cook) attended a local Bingo Night and had a blast! (July 10, 2019)

Have you been playing any game this summer? We want to hear about it!

Mrs. Hardng (Library Clerk) has been enjoying hiking many beautiful trails this summer with her family. (July 9, 2019)

If you are interested in hiking around Folsom and surrounding areas (Auburn and Foresthill have great trails too) check out the two links below which give ratings on trails (level of ease, reviews, distance, elevation, etc.)

https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8007182/sacramento-and-folsom

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/us/california/folsom

Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) and daughters enjoyed a day of playing and swimming at the Folsom Aquatic Center. (July 8, 2019)

The Steve Miklos Aquatic Center is opened daily from 1-6pm for kids, and they even have a 18+ swims on Wednesday nights from 9:15-10:15pm.

https://www.folsom.ca.us/parks/aquatic_center/default.asp 

Ms. Ly (K-1 SDC) and adorable sons enjoyed fireworks on the 4th of July. (July 5, 2019)

Still looking to enjoy fireworks? The Folsom Pro Rodeo has them for the next two nights... https://www.folsomprorodeo.com/. 

Mrs. Nakano, Mrs. Kepler and their children had an awesome morning celebrating Folsom and our incredible community at the Hometown Parade last weekend! (July 3, 2019). 

If you are looking for something fun to do in the Sacramento area to celebrate the 4th of July please check out this link https://www.kcra.com/article/30-norcal-4th-of-july-events-your-whole-family-will-love/22026595. 

Mr. Frankel is spending time paddling this summer... here is an image from a five-day canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. (July 2, 2019)

If you are interested in learning new water sports, visit the CSUS Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma. http://www.sacstateaquaticcenter.com/

Mrs. Duarte, daughter and mom had a fun day at the El Dorado Hills library. (July 1, 2019)

Let us know if you got a new library card this summer, or are doing a summer reading challenge! 

El Dorado County Library Page - Opened Monday through Saturday

https://www.eldoradolibrary.org/ 

Folsom Library Page - Opened Tuesday through Sunday

https://www.folsom.ca.us/city_hall/depts/library/default.asp

Mrs. Nakano (4th grade) and family enjoyed a few days exploring nature while camping. (June 28, 2019)

Looking for a campsite close to Folsom? Check out this site https://outdoorzer.com/camping-near-sacramento/

Mrs. Hopkins (4th grade) at one of her writing groups this summer. (June 27, 2019)

Mrs. Duarte (3rd grade) and her sweet daughter, Colette, enjoyed an afternoon stroll around the neighborhood. (June 26, 2019)

3 quick tips while using the trails by Mrs. Kepler

(Photo taken on Rainbow Bridge, Folsom)

1. Protect yourself from the sun - sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. 
2. Stay hydrated - drink lots of water
3. Be alert - avoid tall grass or stepping where you can't see, snakes can be hiding. 

Mrs. Kepler (3rd grade) and her kids went to a free "Mommy and Me" event at Raley Field, don't forget to check around town or surrounding towns to see what free and fun things you can do too! (June 21, 2019)

Next Saturday, June 29th at 9:30 am, Folsom is having its very own Hometown Parade on Sutter Street.

https://www.historicfolsom.org/2019/06/29/1886/historic-folsoms-hometown-parade-2

Mrs. Hopkins and her son signed up for the summer reading program at their local library. First stop, they attended an art journaling class together. (June 20,2019)

Mrs. Duarte, Mr. English and Mrs. Kepler enjoyed great company, fabulous music and a perfect view at the Summer of Music last Friday, which is a free concert every other Friday from 7-9pm. Don't miss the next one on June 28th! 

https://www.folsom.ca.us/parks/events/events/concerts.asp

Mrs. Fowler (2nd grade) and Haley (incoming kindergartner) have been supporting her older daughter, Ashley (former Gold Ridge student), during her softball tournaments this summer. (June 18, 2019)

For two full days, Mr. English (5th grade) and 50 other Folsom Cordova teachers came together to study to become Google Certified Level 1 Educators.

Don't forget you too can use our school's instructional websites (iReady, Lexia and Reflex) for the next two and a half weeks, July 5th. (June 17, 2019)

Mrs. Swanson, Mrs. Thomas (2nd grade), Mr. English (5th) and Laurie McClure enjoyed a beautiful hike on the Independence Trail in Nevada City. (June 14, 2019). 

Mrs. Hopkins (4th grade) and her kids enjoying the sun with family. (June 13, 2019)

The daughters of Mrs. Fowler (2nd grade) and Mrs. Nakano (4th grade) are enjoying a local summer camp this week for a kids K-8. Their daughters will be attending Gold Ridge in the fall. (June 12, 2019)

Mr. Fergusson (3rd grade) and Pup, Sophie, are keeping cool on these 100+ degree days by playing fetch in the pool. (June 11, 2019)

Mrs. Marin (1st grade teacher) has been enjoying beautiful morning runs along a few Fair Oaks trails, this one overlooks the American River. (June 10th, 2019)

Mrs. Saxen (1st grade) and 5th-grade families are enjoying their Washington DC trip and exploring the many historic national treasures. 

Mrs. Nakano (4th-grade teacher) and family (her daughter Malea is starting Kindergarten at Gold Ridge this fall) are keeping it "cool" on this hot day by making shadow art. 

Mrs. Kepler (3rd-grade teacher) and Carmella Kepler (incoming Kindergartener) are excited to start their summer reads! Check out the reading recommendation page to find out more information.