PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Runnels has always been the school for all races, religions, and national origins.
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In
Focus
this week: Runnels Mathletes Prove Strong Contenders at Mu Alpha Theta State Convention; Spring Scholastic Book Fair is Coming on April 30; Four-Legged Show and Tell; Book Tasting; Hats Off to Cast and Crew of Sixth-Grade Play; Festival of Arts Schedule; Fun in the Sun for Spirit Contest Winners; Kudos and Notable Events; We Sincerely Thank; Kudos and Notable Events; We Sincerely Thank; Weekly Photo Album; Athletic Corner; and Friendly Reminders.
Have a Safe and Happy Spring Break!
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Runnels Mathletes Prove Strong Contenders at Mu Alpha Theta Convention
Runnels made a great showing at the 2019 Mu Alpha Theta state convention last weekend at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. Competing against 750 students from 35 different schools, our 13-member strong delegation captured the second place trophy for Quality Points.
"Quality Points awards," said Mu Alpha Theta co-sponsor Norma Marsh, "are given to the schools with the highest average scores for the ratio of students attending. Although we were hugely outnumbered (some teams had as many as 60 members), our students were among the highest caliber students at the convention. They performed beyond expectations, bringing home the big prize and a number of trophies and ribbons for especially high performance."
(
Photo: With their collection of awards from the state convention are, front row, from left, Jenna Carballo and Natalia Tooraen; back row, Carson Badinger, Conner Porthouse, Evan Beoubay, Joseph Ismail, Emma Tooraen, Marshall Pentes, Daniel Mayeaux, Reagan Kyle, Kayla Evans, and Alex Morgan. Not pictured: Co-Sponsors alumnae Anna Morgan and Mrs. Marsh and volunteer Jillian Edmonson.)
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Spring Scholastic Book Fair Is Coming to Elementary Library
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the Elementary Library April 30 - May 3 from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and on Sunday, May 5 from 1:30-5:00 p.m. during Festival of Arts hours.
It's a great opportunity for you to stock up on books to carry young readers through the school year and into those lazy days of summer. Though novelty items will not be available,
many of the popular summer reading books for our rising 4th-6th graders will be available for purchase at the book fair.
Receive a free Runnels coffee mug with a book purchase on Sunday May 5 between 1:30 and 5:00 p.m. at the Spring Scholastic Book Fair.
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Four-Legged Show and Tell ... Kindergartner Aidyn Watts decided to use her Raider Bucks to "purchase" an opportunity for Show and Tell. The "item" she wanted to share was her dog, Carley. As a surprise, her dad, Neal Watts, brought Carley to school on Wednesday. During library time, Elementary Librarian Leah Pizzalato let Carley join the class in the library and even read a book about dogs,
Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings. (
Photo: In the Elementary Library are Aidyn Watts, Neal Watts, Show and Tell dog, Carley, and Adleigh Watts, 2A.)
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Book Tasting ... Michele Barnett's fourth-grade reading class was treated to a book tasting event hosted by Elementary Librarian Leah Pizzalato this week. On the menu was a list of all upcoming summer reading books for the rising fifth graders. Mrs. Pizzalato previewed the books on the list so students could become somewhat familiar with them before making the difficult decision of which ones to read over the summer. Disclaimer from Mrs. Barnett: "No books were actually eaten at this event." (
Fourth graders enjoy a "book tasting" in the Elementary Library with Mrs. Pizzalato.)
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Hats Off to Cast and Crew of Annual Sixth-Grade Play
This year's sixth grade play,
Bedtime Stories (As Told by Our Dad) (Who Messed Them Up)
, ran for two delightful performances in the Drama Room on April 11-12. The charming comedy played to packed houses for both shows. Congratulations to the talented cast and crew, director Sonya Blanchard, and everyone who pitched in to make this production such a success.
(
Photo: "Bedtime Stories" performers, from left, Yaseen Zaid, Christian Caillouet, Landree Clark, and Sadie Miller take a bow in the Drama Room.)
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Festival of Arts Sunday, May 5
Spring Art Show Awards and Reception, 1:30 p.m., Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre
School-wide Spring Art Show, 2-4 p.m., Runnels Catalano Gym
Harp Concert, 2:00 p.m., Theatre
String Orchestra Concert, 3:30 p.m., Theatre
6th-12th-Grade Band Concert, 5:00 p.m., Theatre
Elementary Library, Scholastic Book Fair, 1-5 p.m.
Jr.-Sr. High Library,
1:30-5 p.m., Preview of Summer Reading for Grades
7-12, plus a Display of Prize-Winning Writing
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Fun in the Sun for Spirit Contest Winners ... The senior class celebrated their Spirit Cup win with a morning of fun that included water balloon fights, relay races, ga-ga ball, bubbles, music, lunch with a 20-foot-long ice cream sundae on top. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make the morning so memorable for the seniors, including parents Amy Taliaferro and family, Sherry Roper, Chad Roper, Brian Evans, Sylvia Sutton, Susan Mayeaux, Stacy Nicholson, Michelle Tate, and Tish Tooraen. A special shout-out also goes to event organizer Sarah Haase and Dana Schlotterer. (
Photo:
Seniors wait patiently for the photographer to snap a picture before diving in to their delicious 20-foot long ice cream treat.)
MORE PHOTOS...
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Running Raiders
...
Senior
Cade Tate
and junior
Jack Kahn
were among the top finishers in the Fat Boy 5K race held at Highland School in Baton Rouge on April 13. Cade took first place with a time of 20:06 and Jack placed second with a running time of 22.32. Both competed in the 15-19 year-olds age division. Congratulations to them and the entire gang of Runnels parents, faculty members, and students who participated in this popular race.
(
Photo: Jack Kahn, left, and Cade Tate at the Fat Boy 5K last weekend.
)
Alumnus Powerlifter Update ... Raider
powerlifting standout
Sam Day
(‘18), now competing as a freshman at UL-Lafayette, recently celebrated a major victory with his new team. The Ragin’ Cajuns won second-place at the 2019 Collegiate National Championship in Columbus, Ohio on April 15.
"Artists in the Classroom" ... Original artwork by Runnels art teachers
Lee Randall, Burgundy Brumfield and
Sydney McGraw has been accepted into a juried art show at the Firehouse Gallery. The annual "Artists in the Classroom" exhibition sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and School Aids celebrates arts educators. The show runs from April 22 through May 2, with a reception on Thursday, May 2 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
More information:
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Historical Meets Hysterical ...
Kudos to our junior high drama students for successfully staging the fast paced and funny play,
The American Revolution in 40 Minutes or Less
in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre for one performance on April 16. The show offered a fast and loose look at our nation’s quest for liberty. Congratulations to the cast and crew, director Neena McLain, and student assistant directors Landon Simpson and Kayla Evans.
(
Photo: Jr. High drama students offer a loose interpretation of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere in "The American Revolution in 40 Minutes or Less."
)
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Prom Royalty
... Despite heavy April showers, the 2019 Runnels Jr.-Sr. Prom went on without a hitch at the Shaw Center on Saturday, April 13. Congratulations to
Prom Queen Avery Hamachek, Prom King Seth Miller, Prom Princess Jackie Hinkle, and Prom Prince Hudson Hillman
. As always, our royals were chosen by lottery.
Extra special thank yous go to rock star junior class sponsors
Nicole Latiolais
and
Colleen Spillane
for planning and organizing the prom and to Assistant Head of School and Jr.-Sr.High Principal
Conchetta Foshee
for assisting with every aspect of it, from beginning to end. A huge thank you also goes to our prom chaperones.
(
Photo: From left are Avery Hamachek, Seth Miller, Hudson Hillman, and Jackie Hinkle.
)
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Check Out Student Artwork at B.R. Gallery ...
Original artwork by seven Runnels students remains on display in the Real-Life Experience Juried High School Exhibition at the Baton Rouge Gallery through April 25. If you have a chance, check out the work of seniors Seth Miller and Alexis Rogers, juniors Eric Ho and Minna Ismail, and freshmen Katie Hinkle, Jensen Holiday, and Brieanna Saltzman. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
(
Photo: Minna Ismail is among 90 local student artists whose work was selected for the annual Real-Life Experience Juried High School Exhibition at the Baton Rouge Gallery.
)
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... Chemists
John Power
and
Gail Blakely
of Albemarle Grace for stopping by Mary Winnett's kindergarten fitness classes on April 17 to demonstrate how to make ice cream using liquid nitrogen. We also thank Mrs. Winnett for arranging the visit. (
Photo: Dr. Power, at left, and Dr. Blakely whip up ice cream for the kindergartners with the help of liquid nitrogen
.)
... All of the
kindergarten parents who accompanied the class on a field trip to Barn Hill Preserve this week.
...
Evan
and
Amanda Kivell for donating puzzles and books to the preschool. "We are very excited to have the new books to read and new puzzles to challenge us," said Preschool Co-Director Karen Runnels.
...
The Supporting Cast for supporting the theatre by supplying bottles of water, snacks during tech week, and running lots of errands for Ms. Neena. Special thanks go to
Rachel Evans
,
Kacy Edwards and
Susan Collins
for extra help and time!
... Music and piano teacher and Performing Arts Department Head
Johnice Thoms for helping with auditions for the Jr.-Sr. High "R" Factor Talent Show. (
A full list of Talent Show winners and thank yous will appear in the May 3 edition of the Focus.)
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... Runnels Boosters
Kirk Rhinehart, Garrett Rhinehart, grade 10, and
Matt Oehrle for catching and frying fish for Baseball Senior Night on April 17.
(
Photo: Kirk Rhinehart and his son, Garrett, fry up fish and hush puppies on Baseball Senior Night.)
... The
PAR (Parent Association of Runnels) for providing Spring Fling sno-ball treats for students in grades 7-12 this week. (Spring Fling for grades K-6 has been postponed until after the break.)
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Above: Senior baseball players celebrate Senior Night on April 17 at Raider Park. Seniors pictured with their families, are (from left) Justin Taliaferro, Aaron Taliaferro, Trent King and Collin Bueche.
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In this week's photo album: Senior College T-Shirts and Cap and Gown Distribution, Kindergarten Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream, Mu Alpha Theta Convention, Math Easter Egg Hunt, Jr.-Sr. Prom, Spring Fling Sno-balls, grades 7-12, Senior Spirit Day, High School Talent Show, Softball, Baseball Senior Night, and Candids.
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LETTERMAN JACKET FITTINGS
Letterman jacket fittings for varsity athletes
will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 30 in the Runnels Catalano Gym. Sports and club patches can also be ordered at this time. Please bring the completed packet and payment. If you have any questions, contact Coach Jean Martinez
at
[email protected]
.
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BASEBALL: VARSITY
Tuesday the varsity baseball team continued district play, defeating Holden 15-5. Collin Bueche and Robby Harrison each had 3 hits. Sam Haase and Justin Taliaferro also had 2 hits. Justin and Robby each had a home run against Rocket pitching. Robby led the Raiders with six RBIs in the victory.
On Wednesday the Raiders played St. James High School at home, defeating the Wildcats 12-5. Following the game, the team recognized their four seniors: Collin Bueche, Trent King, and Justin and Aaron Taliaferro. Trent King earned the victory pitching all 7 innings and scattering 6 hits. Bueche went 3-5 on the day with a double and Aaron had 2 hits in 3 at bat, along with Justin adding an RBI. The baseball team thanks the students and fans who came out to support the team in their victory and to honor the seniors after the game.
The Raiders will finish the season by playing district opponents Crescent City on Friday and Holden on Saturday. Playoff competitors and dates will be determined next week after the seeding is announced.
Kudos to Senior Collin Bueche, who has been named to the LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Baseball for earning a 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career. Only 4 athletes, including Collin, from the Baton Rouge area, achieved this honor.
(Photo: Collin Bueche)
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TENNIS
This week in Raider Tennis, the teams each played well at the Regional Tournament in Youngsville. Doubles team Catherine Bonaventure and Anna Kadi won their first match. However, they lost to a tough pair from Episcopal School of Acadiana. Ryan Lam had a tough first round match and ultimately fell short.
The doubles pairing of Daniel Mayeaux and Eric Huygues had a successful Tuesday, winning two rounds. The gentlemen played Wednesday morning in the semifinals. After a tough first set, the Raiders could not find any momentum, losing to Dunham 5-7, 1-6. Nonetheless, Eric and Daniel will be traveling to Monroe for the All-State Tournament.
"The Raiders had a great tennis season overall,” said Tennis Coach Keenan Ruff. “We competed well, played hard, and I could not be more proud of them all.”
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GET RUNNELS APPAREL AT THE BOOSTER CLUB SPIRIT STORE
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SPORTS THIS WEEKEND
TODAY
Varsity baseball vs. Holden
at Home—4:00 pm
MONDAY
Varsity Track & Field Meet
at McNeese
TUESDAY
Varsity Tennis State Tournament
at UL-Monroe
(Finals on Wednesday)
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RAIDER FANS TAKE THE BEST PHOTOS!
Email game and fan photos to
[email protected]
. Please include the event and the name of the students pictured
.
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April 19 - 26 /
Spring Break
April 29 /
School Resumes
April 30 /
Athletic Recognition Ceremony
/ Theatre, 11:20 a.m.
April 30-May 3 /
Spring Scholastic Book Fair
/ Elementary Library, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
April 30 /
Athletic Physicals
/ Gym, 6:00 p.m. (registration required)
April 30 /
Almost Maine - High School Acting Class Performance
/ Theatre, 7:00 p.m., Parental Guidance Recommended
May 1 /
Jr.-Sr. High Academic Awards
/ Theatre, 11:20 a.m.
May 2 /
PAR Teacher Appreciation “Day of Desserts”
May 3 /
Solo & Ensemble Festival -- 4th-5th Grade Band
/ Performing Arts Classroom Building
May 3 /
Raider Star Drawings
/ Drama Room, 12:35 p.m. (Grades 4-6) and 1:40 p.m. (Grades 1-3)
May 3 /
Jr.-Sr. High Dance Recital
/ Theatre, 7:00 p.m. (11:20 a.m show for students in grades 7-12)
May 4 /
Kelly Awards
/ Theatre, 6:00 p.m.
May 5 /
Festival of Arts /
Main Campus, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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Click on the icon for the latest information about summer camps at Runnels.
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