PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Runnels has always been the school for all races, religion, and national origins.
FRIDAY FOCUS
Welcome to  Friday Focus , our weekly e-newsletter from Head of School Marcia Mackay.


In the light of recent occurrences, we know you will join us in sending prayers and thoughts for recovery to the victims of Hurricanes Irma and Harvey. Our hearts go out to those in Florida, Texas and southwestern Louisiana struggling to recover from such devastating losses. 

In an effort to help in the best way we can, Runnels School and the RPO has established "Raider Relief" a campaign to collect Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Visa gift cards for schools identified as needing help due to damages sustained in the recent hurricanes. 

If you would like to help, please donate a gift card to "Raider Relief." Collection jars are located in all school offices. Another way to help is to work with a campus organization to sponsor a fundraiser (car wash, bake sale, cake walk, etc.) to collect gift cards for schools affected by these tragedies.  "Raider Relief" fundraisers already on the books include the RPO's Raising Cane's Night (date to be determined) and Fall Fling on Oct. 27. For more information: admissions@runnels.org.   

We were excited to see the names of our four National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, Kaylen Howe, Isabelle McCall, Alex Matthews and Sam Matthews, listed among the state Semifinalists in this week's Baton Rouge Advocate. We again congratulate these students and their families.


In focus this week: Painting Like Jackson Pollock; Annual Giving Campaign in Progress; Runnels Art Faculty Show at Firehouse Gallery in October; New Elementary Robotics Club; 2017-18 Class Officers Elected in Junior and Senior High; Blood Drive at Runnels on Sept. 27; Kudos and Thank yous; Friendly Reminders and Sports.


The Unsinkable Molly Brown ensemble lights up the stage in high style at a salon in Paris.
Molly Brown & Company, Take a Bow!

Congratulations to the cast and crew of our Alumni, Friends and Students Summer Production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, which ran for three performances in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre Sept. 8-10. The powerhouse musical featured a large cast and crew, with students, parents, alumni, and friends of our school family contributing to its success both on stage and behind the curtain. 

Running the show was director Neena McLain, who was assisted by stage manager Madalyn Arboneaux, a Runnels alum, and assistant stage manager Camille Doucet, a Runnels junior. Freshman Alex Vallaire and juniors Connor Thompson and Emma Tooraen ran the Light Board and senior Brandon Kelfstrom worked the Sound Board. Karli Hebert, grade 10, was the Property Mistress, junior Maddy Sutton was in charge of Set Design, Kayla Evans, also a junior, handled the Box Office and created the playbill, and junior Sophia Torres designed the playbill cover. The High School Tech Classes constructed the set. 

Music was provided by Aaron Turnipseed on the piano, Runnels 4th- and 5th-Grade Band Director Shanna Drescher on the flute, Runnels alum Thomas Burke on drums, and Runnels elementary teacher John Baird on the double bass. Runnels Chorus Director Johnice Thoms provided vocal assistance to the performers.

We sincerely thank everyone who helped bring this musical, which celebrates hope, love, determination, courage, and a never-give-up attitude, to life on our stage. 

Caroline Collins, grade 9, as mountain girl Molly Brown in the first act of the show. 
Molly Brown after her transformation into a high society diva. 
Guest artist Elijah Wilson as Johnny Brown and Caroline Collins as Molly Brown. 
   

more photos...

With their abstract expressionist painting are (from left) art teacher Fred Parker and elementary students Parker Wright, Maeve Dolan, Damien Tinsley, Mason Pizzalato, Carli Shay and Alaina Milam.
Painting Like Jackson Pollock 

The painting style of American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock made a comeback on our elementary campus this week. Students in Fred Parker's art classes had a go at replicating Pollock's creative process, first on paper in the classroom and later on large canvasses outside on the playground. Each class created its own supersized masterpiece, with students flinging and splattering paint on canvass as the spirit moved them. Using rollers, paint stirrers and brushes, they created unique paintings in the manner of Pollock that were blazing with color and energy.  
 
"Before attempting to paint in Pollock's style, the students learned about how he was a leading force behind the abstract expressionist movement in the Americas," said Mr. Parker. "They also learned how color relates to moods and emotions." In addition, the youngsters saw a film from the mid-50s showing Pollock at work and viewed many of his famous paintings. 

1st Hour Artists: With Mr. Parker (far left) are Kelly Messenger, Madelyn Sandifer, Bryant Aucion and Dru Hairford.
3nd Hour Artists: Lexie Matens, Rebecca Ortlieb, John Kirby Francios, Cameron Stevenson, Laura Golda, Emily Khalil, Lizzie Castille, Sawyer Suchanek, Eddie Eeds. Behind them is art teacher Fred Parker. 

Your Gift Matters: Annual Giving Campaign Underway 

The Ever Forward 2017 Annual Giving Campaign is our school's yearly appeal in support of the entire Runnels experience as we move forward in our strong recovery. Annual gifts help fund academics, athletics, arts, professional development opportunities and many other day-to-day essentials in our operating budget that tuition alone cannot cover. As the heart of our school's fundraising efforts, the Annual Giving Campaign has an immediate and direct impact on the lives of today's students.
 
We are asking you to make a gift to our Ever Forward 2017 Annual Giving Campaign to enhance the educational experience available to all students at Runnels. Since Runnels is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization, your donation is tax deductible. Your gift will help us maintain our tradition of excellence and continue to keep alive our mission and vision. 

Click here to donate online...

Runnels Art Faculty Show Set for Firehouse Gallery
 
"Those Who Teach, CAN," an exhibit of original work by members of our current art faculty and a few from bygone days, will be hosted by the Arts Council of Baton Rouge at its Firehouse Gallery starting in October. 

The mixed media show features paintings, prints, sculptures, graphic design pieces and photographs by Runnels elementary and junior and senior high art teachers Burgundy Brumfield, Lauren Downing, Nicole Latiolais, Sydney Ruth McGraw, Fred Parker and Lee Brandt Randall and former art faculty members, Cetin Ates, Emily Randall Gaunt, Amy Monett and Kelli Scott Kelley. 

The show runs from Oct. 2 through Oct. 28, with a reception on Friday, Oct. 13 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Firehouse Gallery, located at 427 Laurel Street, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. 

It's standing room only at the first meeting of the new elementary Robotics Club this week.
The Runnels Robotics Program Amplification

We now have two robotics clubs at Runnels School! In addition to our very successful junior and senior high robotics team, the elementary school launched its own club that will put 5th and 6th graders into competition at the First LEGO League tournament this fall. 

The elementary robotics club has already attracted grants in the amounts of $1,500 from BASF and $800 from DOW Chemicals and the AIAA Foundation/Boeing Company. Meetings are scheduled for Mondays from 3:30-4:30 in the elementary computer lab and library. Sponsoring the club are Aprille Wright and Alicia Tate.

The junior and senior high school robotics club, which debuted last year, is also off to a great start this season. The program received $2,525 in grants from First Inspires and Dow Chemicals. The club, sponsored by Jennifer Leeper and Wendy Herumin, will compete in the First Tech Challenge League this year.

For more information on the Runnels Robotics program, contact Ms. Leper at j.leper@runnels.org.

Casting her vote for class officers on Monday in the Andy Mack Memorial Library is freshman Tamera Adejare.
New Class Officers for Junior and Senior High

After considering candidates' speeches last week, students in grades 7-12 cast their ballots for class officers in the Andy Mack Memorial Library on Monday. Congratulations to the newly elected class officers for junior and senior high: 

Seniors - Natalie Justus, president; Kaylen Howe, vice president; and Ali Garrity and Jourdan Milton, representatives. Juniors - Madison Sutton, president; Emma Tooraen, vice president; Kayla Evans and Anna Claire Pousson, representatives. Sophomores - Anna Manning, president; Catherine Bonaventure, vice president; Sarah Stanfield and Riley Mockler, representatives. Freshmen - Madisan Milam, president; Ansley Brown, vice president; Mollybeth Wilkinson and Sophie Edwards, representatives. Eighth Grade - Blaiklee Guillot, president; Sydney Worsham, vice president; Dawson Latona, representative. Seventh Grade - Sophia Horridge, president; Emma Collett, vice president; and Phoebe Koontz and Simone Sharp, representatives. 

Runnels Blood Drive Sept. 27

The Our Lady of the Lake bloodmobile will make a stop on our main campus for the Annual Runnels School Fall Blood Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh 110 pounds or more and present a picture ID along with a list of any medications currently being taken.   All donors will receive light refreshments and a free t-shirt. 

Please consider rolling up your sleeve to donate the gift of life when the bloodmobile comes to Runnels on Sept. 27. 

Runnels Annual Fall Blood Drive
Wednesday, Sept.  27, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
S. Harrell's Ferry Rd. Campus


Notable Events 

Get Your Tickets!
Tickets always go fast for our elementary musicals, and this year's monumental production, Giants in the Sky, will be no exception! 

Showtimes are Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, and $12 for all at the door. 

click here for online tickets...


Beta Club Fundraiser for Hurricane Harvey Victims 
The Sr. Beta Club is collecting money to supply underwear to victims of Hurricane Harvey through the nonprofit, Undies for Everyone. Donation jars are located in junior and senior high English classes. 

Book Sale Thank Yous 
A huge thank you goes to the parent and student volunteers who helped make our Annual Fall Used Book Sale in our libraries so successful. We also thank the legion of library supporters who donated books and/or purchased them. A special shout-out goes to Runnels mom Kim Cox for mentioning the event to a friend at another school. Her referral resulted in the purchase of 100 used books for that school! 

Proceeds from the book sale will go to our library programs, the Houston Food Bank and the Texas Diaper Bank.  Pet food donations will be given to rescue organizations involved in the recovery of dogs affected by Hurricane Harvey.


Newly Published
An additional 17 Runnels students have had their original poems accepted for publication in Creative Communication's upcoming fall anthology,  A Celebration of Poets. (We reported in a previous Friday Focus that 23 Runnels students had poems accepted to the anthology.) The additional poems were submitted to the publisher's poetry contest this summer by high school English teacher Michele Stanfield. 

Congratulations to sophomores Matthew Alfonso, Jenna Carballo, Sam Haase, Ricky Harrison, Hudson Hillman, Jackie Hinkle, Eric Ho, Ben Holiday, Bailey Hyatt, Angele Lansing, Ryan Ly, Krya Reeves, Janie Schlotterer, Ian Shaneyelt, Gracie Smith, John Michael Spillane and Natalia Tooraen.    


Examining plant cells in Mrs. Foster's Life Science class this week are seventh graders (from left)  Amelia Breeden, Emma Collett and Alan Lam. 

In this week's album: Used Book Sale, Preschool Candids, Kindergarten Open House, Kindergarten and 6th Grade Buddies, Voting, and Science Candids.


Friendly Reminders

September 18:   RPO General Meeting (for parents of students in grades 1-12), Elementary Drama Room, 7:00 p.m.  Learn about the RPO, meet our RPO board members and grade coordinators and sign up for volunteer opportunities. RPO President Blake Stevenson said there will be give- aways and prizes at the meeting. It's a wonderful way to get involved at Runnels and meet other parents.

September 24: Kindergarten Sneak-Peek for Runnels Pre-Kindergarten Students and Parents - 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the Kindergarten Classrooms and Playground, Runnels main campus. Current Pre-Kindergartners and their families are invited to participate in organized activities and experience a trimmed down day in Kindergarten at Runnels. For more information: Admissions Director Sarah Haase, admissions@runnels.org.

September 27:   Elementary Picture Day (Grades K-6) - 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Theatre

October 4:   Preschool Picture Day - 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Preschool Activity Building 

 
ATHLETIC CORNER

Become a Booster Club Member!
   
All Runnels parents are invited to participate in the Runnels Booster Club. The organization assists the athletic department and all school sports programs by providing support in many areas such as facilities upkeep, volunteer help, and athletic equipment. There are many ways for volunteers to get involved in the Booster Club, from cooking for a crowd to manning the gate during a game. The first quarterly meeting will take place Oct. 5 in the Catalano Gym.    

Three Booster Club membership levels are available. Optional reserved seating for boys basketball and baseball is also available. To become a member, complete the Booster Club form (link below) and submit your member payment (link below). Please follow through on both links to complete your application.

             
 
VARSITY SPORTS 
CROSS COUNTRY
 
Last weekend, the Running Raiders took off at the EHS Round Table Run. "Our team has a lot of promise," said Coach Julie Fink.  Setting new PRs in the 2-mile run were Dawson Latona with a time of 12:00.4, Ryan Roper at 14:30.7 and Jonathan Harper with 14:44.0.  
 
The team will face its next challenge at the XC Battlefield Festival meet on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Port Hudson State Park beginning at 8:00 a.m..
 
SWIMMING
The varsity swim team is back in the water and competing successfully against other area high schools. At a meet held last Saturday at Crawfish Aquatics, the boys varsity swim team placed 4th and the girls team placed 6th.  
 
Senior Michael Stevenson was 3rd overall in both the 50 Yard Freestyle, with a time of 24.31, and the 100 Yard Backstroke with a time of 1:06.54. Individual finalists included Parker Rhinehart (12th)- 100 Yard Butterfly, Spencer Spivak (11th) - 100 Yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Breaststroke, and Barrett Couvillion (9th) - 100 Yard Backstroke.  Individual preliminary finalists included Parker Rhinehart (12th)- 50 Yard Freestyle, Steven Spivak (11th) - 100 Yard Backstroke, and Hudson Hillman (10th)-100 Yard Breaststroke. 
 
Jordyn Miller
Senior Jordyn Miller finished in 1st place in the 100 Yard Freestyle with a time of 59.26. Sophomore Erin Oehrle tied for 2nd in the 50 Yard Freestyle with a time of 28.18 and finished 2nd in the 100 Yard Backstroke at 1:09.40.  Freshman Kate Oehrle finished 4th in the 100 Yard Freestyle with a time of 1:03.76 and 5th in the 100 Yard Breaststroke at 1:23.62.

JUNIOR HIGH SPORTS  
SWIMMING
Last Friday at the kick off meet, the junior high swim team made a splash! Swimmers Lily Hayden, Jasmine Townsend, and Michael Hillman finished as preliminary finalists in the 50 Yard Butterfly. 
 
 
THIS WEEKEND
Friday, Sept. 15 - Varsity Volleyball at Tara Classic vs. Church Academy - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 16 -Varsity Volleyball at Tara Classic vs. Ascension Christian at 9:00 a.m. and Lee Magnet at 2:00 p.m.
 
ATHLETICS CALENDAR AVAILABLE ON RUNNEL.ORG.
Select Athletics and submit to view the current sports schedules. 
 

---- FAN PHOTO OP! ---- 
Show us your Raider Spirit by sending in your fan photos to be included in our Weekly Photo Album or featured in the Friday Focus .
Email photos to n.latiolais@runnels.org
.  
Please include the date and location of the event and the students pictured. 

Go Raiders!
 
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 17255 South Harrell's Ferry Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
225-751-2192