Welcome to the end of October! We really missed the sun the first half of this week. I am sure it was not easy for anyone to get up and out on those dark, dreary days. We are so happy to finally see the sunshine, especially as the weekend approaches.

I want to take this opportunity to THANK our RUNKLE PTO and especially Jen Reed (Organizer) and Alisa Ridruejo (Haunted Walk) for such an incredible event last Friday night. I cannot recall EVER seeing so many Runkle families having such a good time at the Halloween Fair. However, it's not over. I hope everyone enjoys Trick of Treating on Monday. I'm giving out full size Kit Kats and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in West Roxbury, trying to fill the void of having no boys at home:(

Runkle students DO NOT wear costumes to school on Monday. The Halloween Fair is our celebration. It is important to remember that Halloween is not observed by every Runkle family.

Our K-2 teachers, with the support of our Literacy Specialists, finished the first round of mClass assessments last Friday. We now have critical data that will inform our literacy instruction for every level of reader. Our teachers will be receiving more professional development during the afternoon of November 8th related to decodable texts. I am very proud of Runkle's staff and their investment in learning everything there is to know about the science of reading in order to reach all students.

Mr. Cramer's 6th and 7th grade math students have been busy creating jack-o’-lanterns using Desmos. Students used points in the coordinate plane to trace and carve circles, ellipses and polygons out of their pumpkin. Some students spent hours trying to problem solve and create their intricate designs. Please join us in voting for your favorite pumpkins by clicking on the link below. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, funniest and most original designs.

Please Vote Here.

This year's Cross Country Team was exceptional. We had students place well at each grade level (5th-8th). I was impressed with every participant in this event. Runkle students encouraged each other and demonstrated great sportsmanship. We had 8th grade volunteers who ran alongside their peers who needed support. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors and witness firsthand how amazing our Runkle students can be. Thank you to Coach Dan Hack and the paraprofessionals who helped him all season; Skylar Gelinas, Grace Frigos and Pisey Samon-Men!

Students in grades 6-8 were informed this week that Student Council is returning to Runkle. Information about the process of running for a seat on the Council was shared during WIN blocks this week. Ms. Sneider also posted the information on her Canvas page for each grade level. Students have notified Ms. Finnegan if they are interested in running. All candidates will be reading their speeches during WIN on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd (7th and 8th graders) and during 6th grade Advisory on Thursday, Nov. 3rd. Please see this short Fact Sheet or more details.

Check out our Music Teacher, Sarah Gardner, with her Phillie's Fans! The top shot is before the Philadelphia Eagles played in the 2018 Super Bowl. Today's picture is in honor of the Phillie's Game 1 start in the World Series tonight! Students recreating the photo op are Jaclyn, Yael and Savionne (R-L). They may not be Boston fans, but we love them anyway:)

• Sunday, Nov 6 - Daylight Savings...Fall back an hour!

• Tuesday, Nov 8- No School - Teacher PD Day

• Wednesday, Nov 9 - Early Dismissal at 12:40 - Teacher Conferences

• Friday, Nov 11 - No School - Veterans Day

• Thursday, Nov 17 - Early Dismissal at 12:40 - Teacher Conferences

• Wednesday, Nov 23 - Noon Dismissal - Thanksgiving break

• Thursday, Nov 24-25 - No School - Thanksgiving break

• Thursday, Dec 1 - Early Dismissal at 12:40 - Teacher Conferences

• Wednesday, Dec 7 - Early Dismissal at 12:40 - Teacher Conferences

Donna