December is moving by quickly with only two full weeks left until our winter break. Runkle students and staff have been highly engaged in learning this month. The full weeks have allowed us to build momentum and stamina across the curriculum. Our kindergarteners took a pledge of kindness this month. They have been spreading joy throughout the building with notes to teachers, smiles in the hallways, and inclusion of peers at recess, just to name a few. This week culminated with a Reading Parade on Friday. It was heartwarming to watch all of Runkle cheer on our kindergarten readers. Please view the short video above.

I was so proud to be a juror on Thursday at Runkle's Mock Trial at the Brookline Courthouse. The students have been preparing for this event for months, guided by Discovering Justice and Runkle parents who met with them weekly. Thank you to Jonathan Simpson, Joshua Dupuy, Rebecca Weitz-Shapiro and Mark Josephs. I apologize if I left anyone out. Our students presented a case involving 4th Amendment rights and the principal's role in a questionable search of a student's laptop and phone. It was not an easy one for me! The students presented opening and closing statements, questions for witnesses and cross examinations. Impressed in an understatement. Our students are really going places!

Brookline Food Pantry provides Brookline families in need with food and basic necessities like toiletries and diapers. Families can stop by the Brookline Food Pantry to get the food and supplies that they need at no cost.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the Brookline Food Pantry has helped more than ever. They serve over 650 families weekly.

Brookline Food Pantry is able to do this thanks to the donations from families like yours. Before winter break, we will be running a food drive at Runkle to get donations for the Brookline Food Pantry. You can contribute by donating:

• Canned foods

• Cereal

• Boxed or prepared snacks

• Chicken and vegetable broth

• Cooking oils

• Special treats like Jarred Olives, Pickles, Dried fruit, and Chocolate

• Pet food

• Diapers

• Shampoo

• Lotion

• dish soap

• Ziplock bags

They have plenty of canned tuna and beans. If you choose to donate, please donate something else, if you can.

You can drop off your donations at Runkle School in the donation bins located in the lobby and outside the cafeteria.

So this holiday season, talk to your families about the Brookline Food Pantry and consider making a donation.

THANK YOU!

RASP stands for Runkle After School Programs. This PTO program has provided some incredible enrichment activities for students after school in the past. We have not been able to get it up and running since the pandemic. We are very excited to announce that RASP is returning in January for a Winter Session. Please see the attached flier for more information about classes and registration. Thank you to all the PTO volunteers who made this happen!

Monday December 12th, FOOD DRIVE for BROOKLINE FOOD PANTRY begins! Boxes in upper and lower lobbies.

Monday December 12th: 9:00am-12:00pm, Brookline Senior Staff Meeting in Runkle Library

Thursday December 15th: 8:15am, Grade 2 Concert in Multipurpose Room, Families Welcome!

Friday December 16th: 1:45pm, Candy House Decorating in the Cafeteria (PTO Sponsored)

Wednesday December 21st: 2:45-5:00pm, Kindergarten Pizza and Movie with Ms. Finnegan (Fundraising Contest Winners)!

Friday December 23rd: NOON DISMISSAL, Grab and Go Lunches

Tuesday, January 3rd: Students return to school.

Donna