November is winding down as we head into this short week before the Thanksgiving break. I hope everyone is able to spend time with family and loved ones this week. Runkle has much to be grateful for this year. We have teachers and staff who are dedicated to doing what is best for all of our students. Our custodians, Fran McGreal and Mojave Nedjadi, keep our building clean and safe. They are often asked to quickly set up for assemblies, author visits, meetings and more. They keep our doors locked when necessary and unlocked when need be. Their work can go unnoticed, but it is always appreciated. Runkle's Administrative Assistant, Tracey LeGendre, and Building Aide, Linda DelVecchio, are selfless. I could not function without them. Merima Kantardzic, our cafeteria manager, provides healthy food options for students each day. The cafeteria is often short-staffed, yet Merima continues to present appealing lunch options to over 400 students. Lastly, our nurses, Janet Campbell, Penney Casey and Elizabeth Hendrickson, have been working so hard this fall. Although the demands of covid have decreased, the uptick in typical childhood illnesses has increased. Each of our nurses has been struck down by a virus or two this year, yet they return. I am thankful for every person who shows up to work at Runkle on a daily basis.

We are grateful for our Runkle families. I have personally had to speak to many parents this past week alone. Not every phone call is easy. However, Runkle parents seem to understand the importance of working as a team with school staff and their children. We all want students to feel seen, heard and safe at school. It is the only environment that will allow children to learn. I appreciate Runkle parents, students and staff and wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Please enjoy the "Good News" pictures and descriptions below from the past week!

Runkle was well represented in the Spelling Bee. Other grade 5 participants were Kailash Shankar, Echo Kain, Aahil Shiekh, Leah Giarrusso, Elliot Powell and Morgan Kurd. They were supportive of each other throughout the event. Georgie won in the 7th Round spelling the word, capricious. Congratulations to everyone who participated! #RunklePride

Mr. Pelton's 8th grade science students are back to partnering with all three of Runkle's kindergarten classrooms. Ms. Henry, Ms. Haese and Ms. Haynes are working collaboratively with Mr. Pelton to provide engaging science activities that our older students can share with kindergarteners. This is but one gift that a K-8 school provides our students. It's amazing to watch!

Mr. Faulkner has performed at Runkle for years. Last year he shared his stories outdoors due to covid. We were thrilled to have him back in our multipurpose room where students could sit, listen and enjoy every minute. Again, thank you Runkle PTO for providing such a rich PAAR experience!

Runkle's Speech/Language Pathologists worked with Ms. Sands' classroom to provide a delicious and heartfelt breakfast for teachers and students this past Thursday. Students wrote notes of gratitude to adults in our building who they felt provided some level of support, guidance or kindness. This is fast becoming one of our favorite days of the year.

Monday 11/21 - Full Day

Tuesday 11/22 - Full Day

Wednesday 11/23 - 12 noon dismissal, Bag lunches provided to students, no hot lunches.

Thursday 11/24 - THANKSGIVING DAY, NO SCHOOL

Friday 11/25 - NO SCHOOL

Monday 11/28 - Return to school

Monday 11/28-Friday 12/2 - SPIRIT WEEK! Details to follow from Student Council this week!

Thursday, Dec. 1 - K-8 Early Release, 12:40 Dismissal (Last Early Release for Conferences)

Donna