14673 Mono Way
Sonora, CA 95370.
Call us at (209) 533-8644.
Fax us at (209) 532-9234.
Email us at info@goldrushcs.com
Giving parents choices
Giving children opportunities
Course Descriptions
There are many different classes offered here at Gold Rush Charter School. Below is a course description of each class, the instructor that teaches the class, the times that the class is offered, and the location of the class.
Country School:
Language Arts - This is a class that is taught by Mrs. Divine-Jonas. Each class will begin with a root word of the day (Latin and Greek) and a daily oral language activity (DOL= revision practice). Various classes will involve reading in class, answering content and grammar questions, writing essays and a research paper as mandated by California State Standards for grades 6-8. Homework will be assigned as needed.
Math - This is a class that is taught by Mrs. Divine-Jonas. It will include 176 lessons covering Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. The State of California Standards mandate that all 8th graders take and pass Algebra 1.
High School:
Algebra 1A - Algebra is a mathematics curriculum which emphasizes the following: INQUIRY-BASED format and an incremental concept approach for problem solving, math reasoning, number relationships, systems and theories. Students will understand concepts of positive and negative numbers, equations containing variables, graphing linear and non-linear equations, applying algebraic methods to solve real-life problems.
Drawing - Emphasis on creative expression through drawing using a variety of media to explore the elements of art, and aesthetic valuing of works of art, including the student’s own, by analyzing the use of the principles of design in the artwork.
English 1 - This is a two-semester class for freshman taught by Mr. Blake. The units covered will be Literary Analysis, Principles of Grammar, Principles of Writing in Different Formats and Genres, Public Speaking Principles, Critical Thinking Principles, Understanding New Media, Poetry, STAR Test Preparation, Understanding the Principles of Drama, and Principles of Writing a Research Paper.
English 2 Literature - This is a two-semester class for sophomores who completed English 1 taught by Mrs. Walker. Together with the writing component of this course, by the end of the two semesters, the class will use and understand the features of informational materials, analyze Grade-level texts (Reading Comprehension 2.0), evaluate the credibility of an argument, read and respond to literary works of historical or cultural value (Literary Response and Analysis 3.0) , write coherent and focused essays that demonstrate audience awareness (Writing Strategies 1.0), deliver coherent and focused presentations that demonstrate clear and distinct perspectives and solid reasoning (Listening and Speaking Strategies 1.0)
English 3 Writing - This is a two-semester class for juniors enrolled concurrently with English 2 Literature taught by Mrs. Walker. This class will respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature, write analyses of world literature from a variety of authors, write coherent and focused texts that convey a well-defined, perspective and tightly reasoned argument (Writing Strategies 1.0), combine strategies of narration, exposition, persuasion, and description to produce texts of at least 1500 words (Writing Applications 2.0), write and speak with a command of standard English conventions (Written and Oral English Language Conventions 1.0)
Life Skill Health - Students will study and practice important life skills to help them function in today’s society in a safe and informed manner. Such life skills will include knowledge of what constitutes mental health, physical health, and social health. Mental health skills encompass emotional well being, healthy relationships, and managing stress. Physical health will involve personal health and safety, family life, and nutrition. Social health will include preventing diseases and disorders, preventing drug abuse and learning to resolve conflict.
Physical Fitness - This is a semester long course intended to help build a life-long habit of physical fitness. It is intended for all 9th and 10th grade students, as well as those who have not met P.E. requirements. The class will meet every Tuesday from 2:15 – 3:00 p.m. and will explore the importance of balanced nutrition, implement a personal fitness program, and learn to appreciate others’ achievements in this area. Along with the weekly class, students are required to maintain a fitness log and journal, detailing the physical activities done for each learning period. Upon successful completion of the semester, you will earn 5 P.E. credits.
U.S. History - This is a two-semester class for high school juniors taught by Mr. Gallno. This is a review of US history with concentration on the 20th century. The 1st semester will cover early U.S. history through the New Deal (1939). There will be weekly homework assignments, a term paper, mid-term and final exam.
World History - This is a two-semester class for high school sophomores taught by Mr. Gallno. This is concentrating on Modern (20th Century to present) world history. There will be a quick review of ancient history through the Renaissance. The semester will end with a review of the world just prior to WWI. There will be weekly homework, a term paper, a mid-term and final exam.
Work Experience - This is a two-semester class for high school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and over taught by Mrs. Hobbs. The class will learn the life skills of working in the work force through a job and through classes. We will be discussing and learning Child Labor Laws, sexual harassment, protecting your identity, dressing for success, proper behavior at work, excelling within the working environment, and the maturing process of a responsible working adult. We will also be learning the financial side of working: budgeting, banking, balancing bank statements, paying taxes, filing tax return and taking responsibility for your earnings.