Principal Message

We been very busy wrapping up the end of our 2022-2023 School Year at Runkle. This week will be filled with some great field trips and will culminate with our 8th Grade Graduation on Friday. I will keep this message brief and share some great pictures from the past week. I promise to send information about WHEN and HOW families receive information about next year's class placement in the coming weeks.

I had a great lunch date with the winners of Lunch with Principal from the PTO Gala. The Roper boys (Anthony and Aidan) were a joy! We talked everything basketball and Marvel, and they ate every last bite of their lunch. Tomorrow, Leah and John Giarusso will be Principals for the Day (or a portion of it). I could really use the help!

Ms. Lewis, our 7th and 8th grade Math Teacher, has managed to keep her 8th graders engaged by dividing them into Hogwart House from the Harry Potter book series. The students have activities that take them all around the school to gain points for their houses. Staff can even take points away for "unexpected" behavior, but that never happens in 8th grade:). Ask you 8th graders to see their videos from the Yule Dance Competition...priceless.

Beach Blanket Books was a huge success on Thursday. All of our students went outdoors for the last hour of the day with blankets, towels, and books and READ! They read to themselves, they read to their lower grade buddies, and staff read to whole classes if requested. The entire kindergarten and 8th grade class even sang "Happy Birthday" to Ms. Haynes! We have it on video. Thank you to our Literacy Specialist, Melissa Harris, for bringing this new tradition to Runkle School!

Ms. Schwartzberg's 8th graders shared their most recent projects on World War II and the Holocaust in a museum format in our library. Families and staff were able to walk through the museum on Friday morning. Although somber and often painful, the projects included both factual and personal stories from our Runkle students that brought tears too many eyes. Thank you Ms. Schwartzberg for bringing back this important Runkle tradition. Thank you to our students and their families for sharing your history with all of us.

Lastly, twelve Runkle students put on a great performance of Willy Wonka, Jr this past weekend. Opening night was Friday. There is one more performance today at 2:00pm if you are looking for an afternoon activity. Our Musical Director, Zara Lemieux, has been selfless in her work and dedication to this musical. We have learned just how challenging this can be for one person and will plan differently for next year. Thank you to everyone who has participated in Willy Wonka and to the PTO for providing extra support.

Our lettuce project, led by EL teacher, Lauren Carroll, with help from Ashley Haese (K teacher) and Lauren Tavares (SLP), was a SUCCESS and DELICIOUS. Students planted and harvested the lettuce in our courtyard. The lettuce was sent to the cafeteria on Thursday to be washed by our very own Food Manager, Merima Kantardic. It was then served in salads on Friday. The pictures say it all. Well Done!

Sunday, June 11th - 2pm Willy Wonka in Multi

Monday, June 12th - Grade 7 to Kimball’s Farm (lunch provided at event)

Tuesday, June 13th - 8th Grade Whitewater Rafting (lunch provided at event),

Wednesday, June 14th - Grade 4 Concert at 8:15am in Multi

Wednesday, June 14th - Kindergarten/8th Grade to Hall’s Pond, 8th Grade Lunch and Movie in the Multi

Thursday, June 15th - 8th Grade to Martha’s Vineyard

Friday, June 16th - 8th Grade Breakfast/Yearbook signing, Rehearsal for Graduation

Friday, June 16th - 8th Grade Graduation 4-5pm

Friday, June 16th - First Grade Celebration at Dean Park 10am-12pm

Monday, June 19th - No School - Juneteenth

Tuesday, June 20th - Grade 4 to Georgia's Island

Tuesday, June 21st - Last Day of School, 12 Noon Dismissal, Grab and Go lunch

Have a Great Week,

Donna