PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Runnels has always been the school for all races, religions, and national origins.
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In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, school is closed on Monday, January 21. We'll see you on Tuesday!
In
Focus
this week: Runnels Crowns Its First Homecoming King and the 2019 Homecoming Queen; Fifth Grade D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony; Newly Published Poets; Exploring the Writings and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; "Kid Inventors' Day"; Remember To Re-Enroll at Runnels by February 1; Kudos and Notable Events; We Sincerely Thank; Weekly Photo Album; Athletic Corner; Friendly Reminders.
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(Above:
The 2019 Homecoming Court
- front row, from left, freshman Ryan Roper, sophomore Sophie Edwards, junior Annie Fink, senior Anna Claire Pousson, senior Sophia Torres, 2019 Homecoming Queen Emma Tooraen, senior Kayla Evans, junior Catherine Bonaventure, sophomore Mia Alfonso, freshman Hailey Lester; back row, freshman Collin Coates, sophomore Wesley Stevenson, junior Brandon Hall, senior Tyler Robbins, senior Ian Lansing, 2019 Homecoming King Daniel Mayeaux, senior Peterr Lukinovich, junior Ryan Ly, sophomore Barrett Couvillon, and freshman Josh Freeman.)
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Adding a King to Homecoming Court
Runnels School has a homecoming king for the first time in its history. Senior Daniel Mayeaux was crowned 2019 homecoming king and Emma Tooraen, also a senior, was named the 2019 homecoming queen at a special assembly held in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre this afternoon. Joining us as special guests to present the crowns and scepter were Founding Headmaster Dr. L.K. Runnels and Mrs. Gladys Runnels.
The new king and queen and the 18 class maids and escorts elected to the 2019 Runnels Homecoming Court will be presented once again tonight during halftime at the varsity basketball game when the Raiders take on Mt. Hermon in the Catalano Gym.
We sincerely thank the sophomore class, its officers, president Madisan Milam, vice president Ansley Brown, and representatives Mollybeth Wilkinson and Sophie Edwards, and class sponsors April Wilkinson and Kacy Edwards for planning, organizing, and hosting this week's Homecoming events with such grace and style.
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(
Photo: We Have a Queen AND a King!
For the first time ever, Runnels High School students have elected both a king and queen for homecoming. Emma Tooraen, our the 2019 homecoming queen, is the daughter of Letitia Karl and John Tooraen and Daniel Mayeaux, the 2019 homecoming king, is the son of Keith and Susan Mayeaux. Both are 2019 National Merit Semifinalists. Emma, who is active in theatre, has been at Runnels since she was two years old, and Daniel, a member of the tennis, boys soccer, and cross country teams, came to us in the seventh grade.)
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Fifth Grade Completes D.A.R.E. Program
To mark the successful conclusion of the 18-week D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, the fifth-graders held a graduation ceremony in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre on Monday. Hosting the event was Capt. Randy Aguillard of the EBR Parish Sheriff's Office, who has served as the D.A.R.E. instructor at Runnels since 1994.
This year's D.A.R.E. essay winners, Alex Griffin, 5A, Henry Frederic, 5B, and Lexie Matens, 5C, read their compositions aloud and were presented with special certificates and essay winner pins by Capt. Aguillard.
At the ceremony, each fifth grader received a certificate of completion for the course, a logo t-shirt, his or her completed D.A.R.E. workbook, a gift bag, and a handshake from Capt. Aguillard. As a thank you, social studies teacher Cheyenne Davis presented Capt. Aguillard with a gift certificate to the Outback Steakhouse and a thank you note signed by the entire fifth-grade class.
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Photo: D.A.R.E. instructor Capt. Randy Aguillard and essay winners, from left, Lexie Matens, Henry Frederic, and Alex Griffin.)
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Newly Published High School Poets
Eighteen freshmen have had original poems accepted for publication in Creative Communication's 2019 fall anthology
A Celebration of Young Writers.
The writers and their poems are Emma Allerheiligen,
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year; Collin Coates,
O' Giving Gifts; Nicholas D’Gerolamo,
Halloween Cowboys; Zayne Mandujano,
Halloween Poem; Drake Tooraen,
Firework Pops; Bailey Ourso,
The Trees Are Always Waiting; Avery Matens,
Petrified with Dread; Gareth Oram,
Christmas Ham; Blane Nicholson,
Dark Night; Marcus Glaze,
Tardis Bells; Reese Seymour,
Nyctophobia; Lily Guidry,
Christmas in Louisiana; Lunn Hitchcock,
Tricky Treat Night; Robby Harrison,
Evergreens; Joshua Freeman,
They Come Out Only at Night; Lindsey Huynh,
Halloween Nights; Drew Burbank,
Monsters Play; and Emily Schacht,
The Twisted Tale of Monsters. Congratulations to all!
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(Photo: Among the published poets are, back row, from left, Josh Freeman, Robby Harrison, Collin Coates, Nick D'Gerolamo, Drew Burbank, Gareth Oram; front row, Emily Schacht, Avery Matens, Lindsey Huynh, Emma Allerheiligen, and Blaiklee Guillot whose poem was published in an earlier anthology. Their work was submitted to Creative Communications by English teacher Michele Stanfield.)
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Exploring the Writings and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Students have been learning about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through a variety of lessons and activities this week.
In Colleen LeBlanc's AP English Composition class, students have been analyzing the powerful rhetoric in Dr. King's 1963 "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and comparing his argument with that of American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau as put forth in his 1849 essay "Civil Disobedience" protesting slavery and the Mexican-American War.
In the Elementary Library, students have been reading Robert Coles'
The Story of Ruby Bridges. Ruby Bridges was
the first African-American child to attend an all-white school in New Orleans in 1960. Students also viewed photos and a short video clip of some events that took place during this era.
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Participating in a Socratic Seminar in Mrs. LeBlanc's AP English Composition class on Thursday to examine the rhetoric and argument in Dr. King's famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail" are clockwise, from left, Ryan Ly, Eric Ho, Annie Fink, Catherine Bonaventure, Mrs. LeBlanc, Julia Sager, and Natalia Tooraen.
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Celebrating "Kid Inventors' Day" In the Elementary Library
January 17, Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, is also celebrated as “Kid Inventors’ Day.” In the Elementary Library this week, students marked the occasion by reading about the many everyday items invented by children which include Popsicles, earmuffs, Braille, the trampoline, and magnetic wallpaper for lockers.
“In the library, we read
If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen to kindergartners and excerpts from
The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle and
The Kid Who Invented the Trampoline by Don Wulffson to fourth and fifth graders," reported elementary librarian Leah Pizzalato.
A makers project involving LEGOS also encouraged students in grades K-6 to think outside the box. “They worked on creating their own invention prototypes -- real or make-believe,” Mrs. Pizzalato said. Some students came up with seriously interesting inventions: a time machine, a device to clean dirty water from a swimming pool, a helicopter with a blender attachment in case you need to make a smoothie, an inner tube with a built-in camera so you can take pictures in the ocean, and a sibling replacement machine!
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Photo: Isabelle Kennedy, 6A, displays her LEGO invention -- a prototype for a sauna.)
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Re-enrollment Reminder: Be sure To Reserve Your Space for the
2019-2020 School Year by February 1
Friday, Feb. 1 is the "deadline" for re-enrolling for the 2019-20 school year at Runnels with no re-enrollment tuition. This can mean a savings of up to $750 per student. If you have any questions or would like additional forms or copies of re-enrollment materials, call 225-215-5706 or visit the Business Office in McMath Hall on the main campus. Open enrollment for new families begins Feb. 1. For more information, contact Admissions Director Sarah Haase at admissions@runnels.org.
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Kudos and Notable Events ...
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Spirit Banner Award
... Kudos to
the eighth grade class for capturing first prize in the Spirit Banner Contest. The eighth-grade class officers are (in
photo, from left)
Zeena Shammout,
Sadie Allelo,
Emma Collett, and
Mira Badawi.
Spirit Drawing Winners ... High school teachers were asked to nominate the "most spirited students" they encountered this week for a Spirit Week Drawing, which was held at the Presentation of the Homecoming Court today. Congrats to winners
Janie Schlotterer,
Aaron Taliaferro, and
Eli Latiolais. All received Chick-fil-A gift cards.
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Those Crazy Spirit Days ... Raider Spirit ruled on both ends of the main campus this week as students in all grades exercised their creativity in devising unique Spirit Day outfits. In junior and senior high, classes showing the highest level of participation received daily "Spirit Ribbons."
The winners were: “Wake Up or Made Up Monday” – senior class; “Athletes vs. Mathletes Tuesday” – No prize awarded; “It’s Wednesday, My Dudes” – eighth grade; “Decades Day Thursday” – senior class; “Movie and TV Show Friday” – eighth grade. Pronounced the overall winner – the senior class. (
Photo: "Athletes vs. Mathletes" Spirit Day participants, from left, Ethan Ly, 4B, Rebecca Ortlieb, 5B, and Zoe Kane, 5B.)
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Transportation Week at Preschool ...
Bo Cassidy (Connor, 3s) of RR Cassidy Construction brought three of his company's specialty trucks to the preschool on Tuesday. The 3 year olds have been learning about things that go, and trucks were high on the list for show and tell. Many thanks to Mr. Cassidy and his company for bringing the trucks to our preschool campus. (
Photo: At the preschool to talk about trucks and what they can do are, from left, an RR Cassidy Construction representative, preschooler Connor Cassidy, his dad Bo Cassidy, and two more representatives of RR Cassidy.)
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Happy Chinese New Year ... The seniors were treated to a lunch of Chinese culinary delights on Jan. 17 in the gym, compliments of class sponsors Christine Pousson and Amy Taliaferro and their posse of senior parents. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this event. (
Photo: Helping to serve at the Jan. 17 senior luncheon are, from left, Stacey Nicholson, Janice Lansing, Rachel Evans, Jean Griffin, Tish Karl, Julie Edmonton, and Norbert Courville. Not pictured: Wendy Worsham, Connie and George Torres, Sarah Wagner, Christine Pousson, and Nancy Rogers.)
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T
hank You for the King Cake! ... We extend a king-sized thank you to the
PAR (Parent Association of Runnels) and its fleet of parent volunteers for serving king cake to students in grades K-12 on Wednesday as part of our homecoming festivities.
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(
Photo: With some of the entries from this week's Spirit Banner Contest
-- the winning eighth-grade banner on the left and the sophomore class banner on the right --
are Founding Headmaster Dr. L.K. Runnels and Mrs. Gladys Runnels. Though retired, they joined us on campus this afternoon to crown our first homecoming king and the 2019 homecoming queen. We send them our sincere thanks.)
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In this week's photo album: D.A.R.E. Graduation, LEGO Inventions, Preschool Hand Washing and Guest, and Candids. Check above albums for more photos from Spirit Week and today's homecoming presentation.
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JUNIOR HIGH SPRING SPORTS SIGN UPS HAVE BEGUN
Our spring sports season is around the corner and it’s time to sign up for the following sports: Boys Baseball, Girls Volleyball and Boys/Girls Track and Field. Your student is allowed to play more than one sport. Simply complete the Sign Up Form twice. Please sign up ASAP so that the coaches can get an accurate headcount.
Boys Baseball
and
Track and Field
will begin practicing the third week of February.
Girls Volleyball
season will run mid-February through April with practices beginning in late January.
Your child must have a completed physical on file to participate. The athlete will not be allowed to practice or play until the physical form is complete and the online sign-up form is submitted. If your child has been cleared for another sport this school year or completed the free spring physical in May at Runnels, your child's physical is valid for the entire sports season. You do not need to get another. If your child has asthma, you will also need to have a Physician Order/Airway Action Plan completed by your child’s doctor before he or she is allowed to practice or play.
Once your Physical Form and/or Physician Order/Airway Action Plan are complete, bring a copy to the Jr./Sr. High Office or scan and email to
Junior High Athletic Director Sam Coates, s.coates@runnels.org.
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VARSITY BASKETBALL
The Raiders hit a school record 21 3-pointers against 3A Bolton last Friday night to cruise to an 88-61 victory. Senior Cade Tate broke the single game record for 3-pointers with 12 triples. He was 12 for 16 from 3 and had 42 points in the game.
“It was pretty incredible,” Runnels coach Ben Young said. “He set a school record with 12 3-pointers, and he made 12 of 16 3-pointers.”
Sophomore Wesley Stevenson was 6 of 9 from 3 and had 26 points.
On Wednesday night, Runnels defeated Brusly, another 3A team. The final score was 75-67 and again the Raiders were hot from three. As a team, the Raiders shot 12 of 18 from three. Cade Tate made 5 of them while junior Ben Holliday added 4 and Wesley 3. The Raiders are now 21-11 and have won 7 of their past 8 games. The Raiders are currently third in the power rankings in division V.
Tonight, the Raiders open district play with Mt. Hermon for our homecoming game.
Photo: Senior Cade Tate
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JUNIOR HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL
The Runnels junior high boys basketball teams took on Southeast Middle School on Monday, making a clean sweep of all 3 games.
In an exciting overtime game, the 6th grade boys beat Southside Middle School 22-18. Preston Treadway led the team, scoring 8 points. The 7th grade team started the game "fierce," 22-0, and defeated the Cougars 36-14. Rossie Harrison racked up 10 points. The 8th grade won 49 -26, with Alan Lam and Charlie Tucker each scoring 10 points.
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JUNIOR HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL
Last night, the Runnels junior high girls White team defeated Episcopal, 17-7. And in a close game, the Blue team lost to Copper Mill, 18-16.
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INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
The Indoor Track and Field season is underway. The Raiders competed at LSU on Jan. 5 and at McNeese on Jan. 12 and have posted top times for Division 2 (3A-C) in the 4x800m relay, 800m, 1600m and 3200m. The Raiders will compete next on Saturday at LSU and will be traveling back to McNeese on Jan. 26.
Currently, the team is in good position to qualify for the State Championship on Feb. 16 at LSU. Sydney Worsham, Blaiklee Guillot, Micah Roper and Annie Fink are ranked 3rd in Division 2 for Girls 4x800m. In Girls 1600m, Annie Fink is ranked 3rd and Micah Roper is 4th. In the Girls 800m, Annie Fink is ranked 3rd, Micah Roper is 10th and Ryan Roper is 11th. Micah Roper is also ranked 2nd in the Girls 3200m. In the Boys 1600m/800m, Ryan Ly is ranked 22/21.
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Photo: The junior high girls soccer team and C
oach Nick Khorsavi, upper right,
with members of the LSU ladies soccer team at practice on Tuesday.
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JUNIOR HIGH BOYS SOCCER
Last Saturday, the junior high boys team defeated Parkview 3-2 thanks to a 2 goal performance by George Forgey. Chris Cox also scored. Connor Reynolds had a great performance in goal.
On Sunday, the Raiders ended the regular season with a loss to Westdale 5-1. Goal scored by guest player Chelsea Holden.
The boys play next on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at Independence Park. If they win, they’ll advance to semi-finals on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
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JUNIOR HIGH GIRLS SOCCER
On Sunday, the junior high girls soccer team
finished the regular season, tying undefeated Sherwood 2-2 with goals by Chelsea Holden and Sarah Ortlieb. On Monday, the girls played a friendly game against Division 1 Most Blessed Sacrament, winning 4-1, thanks to a 2 goal performance by Chelsea Holden. Annie Garrison and Chloe Bueche also scored.
Tuesday afternoon, the girls were joined at practice by members of the LSU soccer team. This unforgettable afternoon was organized by junior high soccer coach Nick Khorsavi. The girls were grateful for this opportunity.
On Jan. 19 at 3:30 p.m., the girls will compete in a tournament. If they win, they advance to the finals at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20 at Independence Park.
Photo: Lilah Wartelle practicing with a member of the LSU ladies soccer team.
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GET RUNNELS APPAREL AT THE BOOSTER CLUB SPIRIT STORE
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SPORTS THIS WEEKEND
TONIGHT
Basketball Homecoming Game vs.
Mt. Hermon – JV at 6 p.m. & Varsity at 7:15 p.m. The
Homecoming Court will be presented during halftime of the Varsity game.
Varsity Boys Soccer
vs. Catholic PC at Burbank #13 – 4:30 p.m. (time change)
Jr. High Boys Basketball
at St. George Tournament - TBA
SATURDAY
Varsity Girls Soccer
vs. Catholic PC at Burbank #12 – 11:00 a.m.
Varsity Boys Soccer
at Walker – CANCELLED
Jr. High Boys Basketball
at St. George Tournament - TBA
MONDAY
Varsity Girls Soccer
at Dunham – 5:00 p.m. SPIRIT EVENT!
Jr. High Boys Basketball
vs. Parkview at Home – 7th at 5:30 pm & 8th at 6:30 pm
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SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR PARENT SHUTTERBUGS. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PHOTOS!
Email game and fan photos to
n.latiolais@runnels.org
. Please include the event and the name of the students pictured
.
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Jan. 19 /
Homecoming Basketball Game
/ Raiders vs. Mt. Hermon, Catalano Gym, JV at 6:00 p.m. and Varsity at 7:00 p.m., with encore presentation of the 2019 Homecoming Court at halftime during the varsity game.
Jan. 19 /
Midnight Masquerade
Homecoming Dance
/ Catalano Gym, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 21 /
Martin Luther King Day
/ School Holiday
Jan. 23 /
6th Grade Field Trip /
LIGO
,
8:30 am - 2:45 p.m.
Jan. 23 /
Sr. Beta Club Induction Ceremony
/ Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre, 11:50 a.m.
Jan. 28 - 30 /
Scheduling Meetings for the 2019-2010 School Year.
Parents are welcome to attend with their students. /
Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre:
Jan. 28
- Current 11th Graders, 9:20 a.m. & Current 10th Graders, 10:10.
Jan. 29
- Current 9th Graders, 9:20 a.m. & Current 8th Graders, 10:10 a.m.
Jan. 30
- Current 7th Graders, 9:20 a.m. & Current 6th Graders, 11:00 a.m.
Jan. 31 /
Jr. Beta Club Induction Ceremony
/ Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre, 11:00 a.m.
Jan. 31 /
High School Shakespeare Contest
/ Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre / 11:50 (during lunch)
Feb. 9 /
Mini-Cheer Clinic for Grades K-5
/ Catalano Gym, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 - 17 /
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
/ Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre, Friday, Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 for students, $12 for adults in advance and $15 for all at the door.
Click here to purchase tickets
.
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