Happy Lunar New Year to all of our families observing this important holiday!

I hope this message finds everyone happy and healthy in the new year. Runkle students and staff have been busy diving into their academic, athletic and social events this month. Mr. John Strecker (Grade 4 Teacher) hosted a challenging Spelling Bee this past Tuesday for students in grades 4-8. We appreciate Mr. Strecker spearheading this event. Mrs. Jillian Lynch (EL Teacher) pronounced and defined words while Mr. Pelton and Ms. Boyle acted as judges. Our Spelling Bee Champion was 5th grader, Georgie Green. Our First Runner Up was 5th grader, Navaz Lienau-Rana. Ms. Gervais (and everyone) is very proud of her 5G students!

Congratulations to EVERY student who participated! It takes incredible courage and nerve to stand in front of an audience of teachers, families and peers and SPELL. We are proud of EVERYONE who participated.

Our 7th and 8th Grade Basketball season is off to a great start. Our teams have experienced nail-biting victories and well played losses. Ms. Lewis (7/8 Math Teacher) and Mr. Herd (RISE Para) coach our teams, developing dedicated and respectful players. I have been most impressed by Runkle's high level of sportsmanship in these games. Show me who you are when you are down 20 points. We do this well...and come back! I know very little about basketball, but our students are a joy to watch.

1. Please remind students to DRESS for the WEATHER. We go outside everyday for recess. This is required as part of Brookline's Wellness Policy. We watch the weather and use the Child Care Weather Watch to make decisions about having indoor or outdoor recess. Students often ask about how I make decisions. Feel free to share:)

2. February 1st is Walk, Bike or Roll to School Day. Start the day by walking, biking, or rolling to school to be active, connect with your community, and raise awareness about the impact fuel emissions have on the environment. Please contact Joshua Dupuy at joshuadupuy@gmail.com with any questions or for more information on Massachusetts' Safe Routes to School program. The flyer is attached.

3. We have NO PLASTIC CUPS in the office for students to use for water. Students must bring water bottles to school if they do not want to drink directly from water fountains. There are quite a few water bottles in the Lost & Found. Remind students to look there.

4. School Site Council Meeting - Wednesday, January 25th 4:15-6:00pm in the Runkle Library. We will be planning for our next School Improvement Plan this week.

5. Kindergarten Snuggle and Read this Friday, January 27th at 8:00am.

6. February Break is the Week of Monday, Feb. 20th through Friday, Feb. 24th.

Have a Wonderful Week,

Donna