PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Runnels has always been the school for all races, religions, and national origins.
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In this week's
Focus
: Runnels ACT Prep Guide; Club Day; The Study of Worms in Preschool Science; New Law To Require Meningitis Booster for 16 Year Olds Starting Next Year; Taxation Gets Real in Elementary Social Studies Class; Kudos and Notable Events; We Sincerely Thank; Friendly Reminders; Weekly Photo Album; and Athletic Corner.
Correction:
In last week's
Focus
, we listed an incorrect date for the Kindergarten Open House. The actual date is Friday, Sept. 14. We apologize for the error. (This Open House is for both parents and their kindergarten students.)
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ACT Prep Guide Now Available at Runnels.org
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If you need information about preparing for the ACTs or registering to take them, we've just made the whole process a little bit easier. You can find just about everything you need to get ready to take this nationally standardized test by clicking on the new "Runnels ACT Prep Resources" link on our school website. To access it, go to Runnels.org/Academics/College Corner. You'll find it in the drop-down menu.
"This Google site," explained Junior and Senior High Librarian Wendy Herumin, who was instrumental in creating and designing it, "contains links to practice questions with explanations, targeted lessons, diagnostic tests, and full-length practice tests. Most of these references are free of charge, although we do include links to leading test sites such as
The Princeton Review
and
Kaplan
."
The site also includes information about printed ACT prep materials and resources available in the Runnels Junior and Senior High Library.
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Students Sign Up To Join Campus Clubs
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Junior and senior high students interested in joining one or more of the 21 clubs on offer at Runnels this year had a great opportunity to learn more about them this week. At a Club Day assembly this Wednesday in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre, club representatives and sponsors introduced their organizations and shared information about the advantages of membership.
New to the roster of clubs this year are a Dance Team sponsored by dance teacher Rachel Hart, a Book Club for grades 7-12 sponsored by Junior and Senior High Librarian Wendy Herumin, and a Makers Club sponsored by art teacher Sydney McGraw. After the session, everybody gathered in the gym to learn more, meet club members and officers, and sign up.
(
Photo: As junior Carlie Aucoin holds up a poster to advertise a new book club for 7th-12th graders, Evan Shaneyfelt signs up to get for more information about it.)
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The Wonderful World of Worms
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Students in Anne Brown's science class at our preschool dug into the study of earthworms this week. Using magnifying glasses, the three year olds observed the activities of earthworms as they squirmed around in dirt. They discussed why worms are important, where they can be found, what they eat, and what eats them.
"The kids loved it," said Preschool Co-Director Janice Leger. "One student said she would miss her worm and wanted to take it home."
(
Photo: Preschoolers, from left, Collins Guidry, Clara Lane Carpenter, and Ameera Patel explore the fascinating and wiggly world of earthworms in science class.
)
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New Law Requires Meningitis Boosters for 16 Year Olds Starting Next Year
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High school sophomores are going to have to roll up their sleeves for a second meningitis shot starting next summer. A new state law, effective July 1, 2019, requires all students 16 years and older entering the 11th grade to show proof of having received a booster against meningitis.
“This booster is in addition to the already required immunization against meningitis that students routinely get for 6th grade entry,” said our junior and senior high school nurse, Karen Rhinehart. “I have previously recommended the meningitis booster for teens before they go to college, but now it is required by law in high school.”
The first class to be affected by the new legislation will be the current 10th graders, the Class of 2021. “Although the booster is not required for current 11th- and 12th- grade students,” Mrs. Rhinehart explained, “colleges do require it for enrollment.”
Mrs. Rhinehart suggests you discuss this vaccination with your healthcare provider at your child’s 16-year-old well child visit. Once your child has received the booster, please have his or her Immunization Certificate updated and sent to Mrs. Rhinehart in the junior and senior high clinic. (
Photo: Junior and Senior High Nurse Karen Rhinehart offers information on a medical topic to students.
)
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Taxes Gets Real in Elementary Social Studies Lesson
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The concept of Taxation Without Representation got very real for students in Christine Pousson's 4th-grade social studies classes this week when they took part in a role-playing game set in the American Colonies in the time of King George III. In the game, one student posed as the "king," another played the part of the "tax collector," and everybody else was a colonist/ taxpayer. Instead of cash, candy was the coin of the realm for the activity.
All of the colonists/taxpayers started out with a pile of candy, which grew smaller and smaller as the king demanded more taxes and the tax collector came around to collect. Like the colonists, the students had no say in how much the taxes should be and what would be taxed. This very authentic lesson was an eye-opener for the young students. It helped them understand why American colonists were upset over the Stamp Act and other British taxation laws.
(
Posing as a colonist in 18th century America, Tyler Felton pays "tax collector" Alyssa Lee -- in candy -- during a role-playing game in Mrs. Pousson's 4th-grade social studies class.)
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Legacy Parents
...
We love to see our alumni come back to campus -- especially with their little ones in tow. Among those who have returned to us as legacy parents are Jackie (Richards) ('03) and Ben Woods ('03), who attended a Preschool Parents Night this week. Their daughter Jordan is a member of our 3-year-olds' class. The Woods were among parents meeting teachers, viewing classrooms, and having their palms painted blue for a special art project the youngsters will be finishing in class.
(
Photo: Jackie and Ben Woods at Preschool Parents Night.)
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Ecology Expert
...
Runnels alum Bren Haase (Class of ‘89) has been named the new Deputy Executive Director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority's (CPRA) Planning and Research Division. Formerly Chief of CPRA's Planning and Research Division, Bren
was instrumental in developing and advocating Louisiana’s 2017 Coastal Master Plan. He
is the father of Sam, a junior, and Jake, a freshman, and the husband of Runnels Admissions Director Sarah Haase. Congratulations to Bren and his family.
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Computer Anatomy 101
...
This week in Kathleen Judd's Independent Study in Technology Applications course, students were hard at work reassembling the motherboard of a computer they had previously taken apart. "It helps us learn how to identify problems," said senior Seth Miller. He and Alex Morgan, also a senior, documented every step of the operation with photos and notes. Both boys have built custom PCs at home and plan to study computer science in college.
(
Photo: Seth Miller with the Dell PC he is helping to reassemble in computer class.
)
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National Award for Our Beta Clubs
...
Congratulations to the Junior and Senior High Beta Clubs for receiving National Beta Legacy Awards. This recognition goes to clubs that have continuously served their school communities for 25 years!
In letters of commendation notifying the clubs and its sponsors, Michele Stanfield (Sr. Beta Club) and Christine Pousson (Jr. Beta Club) of the awards, Brittany Yerkes of National Beta writes: "This prestigious honor is a true indication of your commitment to academic excellence, character, leadership and service." Both clubs will receive Legacy Award plaques commemorating this special anniversary.
(Photo: From left are Sr. Beta Sponsor Michele Stanfield and club officers Sarah Stanfield, president; Tyler Robbins, historian; Kyra Reeves, secretary; Kalyee Freiberger, treasurer; and Amelia Jennings, vice president.)
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From Runnels to Restaurateur
... Local chef Christina Cox, a 2012 Runnels graduate, is featured in the September issue of
225 Magazine
. She was interviewed about her first shopping trip to the Restaurant Depot, a new mega-store open exclusively to those in the restaurant business. Christina was there picking up goods for her local eaterie,
The Blue Rose Cafe
. Catch up with Christina by clicking on the link below.
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Artistic Homecoming
... A huge thank you goes to Runnels alumnus Jonathan Mayers ('02) for coming back to campus Aug. 27 to share insights about his life as a professional artist with our students. Jonathan holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from LSU and an MFA from the University of New Orleans with a concentration in painting. He is a founding member of the TEN Gallery + Collective. Jonathan's work is included in the LSU Student Union Art Gallery Permanent Collection and the art collection of the Universite' Sainte-Anne in Church Pointe, Nova Scotia. His most recent collection, Mythologies Louisianaises, which he also curated, is currently up at the Arthur Roger Gallery in New Orleans. Jonathan will be artist-in-residence at Tulane University's A Studio in the Woods Sept. 24 - Nov. 4. (
Photo: Jonathan Mayers discusses the evolution of his artistic style with Runnels students.
)
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Aug. 31 /
Parent Association of Runnels (PAR) General Meeting
, 6:30 p.m., Drama Room
Sept. 3 /
Labor Day - School Holiday
Sept. 6 and 7 /
Pre-K Parent Days
, Molly Hightower Activity Building, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (
Pre-K parents will receive email invitations for their Parent Day date
.)
Sept. 12 /
K-12th Grade Yearbook Photo Retakes,
Theatre, 8:30 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Sept. 9 - 14 /
Library Used Book Sale,
in the Runnels Libraries - Sunday, 9/9 from 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Monday, 1/11 - Friday, 9/14 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Children's books will be available in the Elementary Library and Adult and Young Adult Books will be in the Junior and Senior High Library. All proceeds will go to the Runnels Library Program.
Sept. 14 /
Kindergarten Back-to-School Open House
, Kindergarten Classrooms, 8:30 a.m. (
This Open House is for parents and their kindergarten students
.)
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In this week's album:
Journal Decorating in 4th Grade, Parents Reading to Children in the Elementary Library, Preschool Worms, Kindergartners Make Oceans in a Bottle, Honors Chemistry Lab, 4th-Grade Social Studies, Lady Raiders vs. Belaire in a Home Volleyball Game, Preschool Parent Nights, Writing Center, Jr. and Sr. High Club Day, and Candids.
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NEW COACH FOR GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
We are excited to announce the hiring of Estuardo Silva as the new girls’ soccer coach at Runnels. He brings more than 10 years of experience in the sport to our program. Mr. Silva has served as soccer coach at both the high school and middle school levels. He also has extensive experience as youth league coach with the Baton Rouge Soccer Club. Additionally, he is fully licensed as a soccer coach and referee, with extra qualifications in Concussion Certification, CPR, and Ethics.
“Mr. Silva has a passion for the sport and for coaching young people,” said High School Athletic Director Tookie Johnson, “and we welcome him to the Runnels community.
(
Photo: Coach Estuardo Silva
)
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VOLLEYBALL TEAM POSTS HOME VICTORY
The Volleyball team started its regular season this week with two matches. Tuesday, the ladies traveled to Woodlawn and played some quality volleyball. Ultimately they lost the match.
Returning home on Wednesday, the Lady Raiders scored a victory against Belairie in a 4 game match. The ladies were led by seniors Rachel Wehbe and Maddy Sutton. Junior Karli Hebert led the Raiders in assists.
Pictured: Senior Rachel Wehbe spikes the ball while Karli Hebert, left, and Anna Claire Pousson, right, assist.
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RUN FOR THE CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
It's not too late to register for the Battlefield 2 Mile Trail Run. The race is open to the public with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Runnels Cross Country team. Registration is $25 and includes a Battlefield t-shirt and post-race snacks. SportsBR will give back $10 to the school of the runner’s choice. Late registration is $35 after Sept. 16. This race is held during the Battlefield Cross Country Festival.
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NEXT WEEK
On Tuesday —
JV & Varsity Volleyball
vs. False Rive at Home – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday —
JV & Varsity Volleyball
vs. First Christian Academy at F.C.A. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday — Cross Country
—
EHS Round Table at Highland Road Park
–
Races begin at 8:30 a.m.
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RAIDER PARENTS ARE THE BEST FANS!
Email game and fan photos to
n.latiolais@runnels.org
. Please include the date and location of the event and the students pictured
.
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Stay Connected to Runnels on Social Media
If you haven't already liked or followed us, please do so. Search for #runnelsschool or #raiderpride and see what's going on.
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Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
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Runnels pages not maintained by Runnels School:
Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
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There are also Facebook pages dedicated to your child's class, for example, "Class of 2021." These pages are usually private, so contact your class sponsor for access.
If you know of any other social media sites or pages that promote our school or school events, please let us know. We would love to follow them and share them with our school community.
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