PRESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Runnels has always been the school for all races, religions, and national origins.
|
|
This Sunday, the Elementary School is hosting a Back-to-School Open House for parents of students in grades 1-6 starting at 2:00 p.m. When you arrive, please stop by the Admissions Office to pick up a copy of your child's schedule so you can follow an abbreviated version of your child's regular school day. We're excited about welcoming you to class!
In this week's
Focus
: 2019 AP Scholar Awards Announced; 2018-2019 Honor and Merit Roll Students in Grades 8-11 Honored; New Elementary Friendship Counseling Groups Focus on Feelings; Writing Center Tutors Gear Up for New School Year; Back-to-School Open House Schedule;
Inside Look at Scoring AP Exams;
Fall Used Book Sale Coming Up in Libraries Sept. 15; Kudos and Notable Events; Thank Yous; Friendly Reminders; Weekly Photo Album; and Athletic Corner.
|
|
|
27 Runnels High School Students Named AP Scholars!
|
|
Runnels has always been well represented in the College Board's AP (Advanced Placement) Program, and this year is no exception. A grand total of 27 of our students were named 2019 AP Scholars in recognition of their exceptional achievement on college-level AP Exams taken in May. One student additionally qualified as a National AP Scholar, one of the highest honors available in the program. The awards are granted on several levels.
Winning the National AP Scholar Award for the second year in a row was 2019 graduate Kayla Evans (Baylor University). To qualify, students must earn an average score of at least 4 (out of a possible 5) on all AP Exams taken and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these tests.
(
Photo:
Among our 2019 AP Scholars are current seniors, front row from left: Aubri Watts, Jenna Carballo and Catherine Bonaventure; back row: Annie Fink, Eric Ho, Sam Haase, Ryan Ly, Ian Shaneyfelt, and Natalia Tooraen. )
|
|
Jr. and Sr. High Honor, Merit Roll Recipients Recognized
|
We celebrated junior and senior high Honor and Merit Roll students from the 2018-2019 academic year at a special awards assembly held Aug. 23 in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre.
To qualify for the Honor Roll, students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher for all four quarters of the school year. For the Merit Roll, the required GPA is 3.25 or above for the academic year. At the assembly, our Honor Roll students were presented with medals, and the Merit Roll honorees received ribbons. Congratulations to all!
(
Photo: Honor Roll recipients in the Class of 2024 -- last year's seventh graders -- are recognized at Wednesday's Honor and Merit Roll Assembly in the Gladys Hague Runnels Theatre.)
|
|
New Elementary Friendship Counseling Groups To Focus on Feelings
|
|
Starting next week, elementary students can participate in new friendship counseling groups on campus during the regular school day. The "Lunch Bunch" is open to grades 1-3, and “Table Talk” is for grades 4-6. The daily sessions, led by elementary teacher April Wilkinson, will offer strategies for helping students deal with their emotions.
“We’ll talk, play games, and work on activities designed to let our feelings out,” said Mrs. Wilkinson, who holds a master’s degree in school counseling.
Over the last two weeks, she visited elementary lunch classes to invite students to the sessions and explain their value. “When we talk about our feelings -- like being sad, mad, scared, or worried,” she told Mrs. Barnett’s fourth-grade lunch group, “they become more manageable.
When we don't talk about feelings, they can get bigger and bigger until they burst like a balloon and it can be loud and scary," she explained while blowing up an orange balloon to illustrate her point. "If that happens, we can talk about what you can do next time so you don't pop."
The “Lunch Bunch” will meet in Room 20
from 11:35 - 12:00 p.m.
Students will eat lunch together during the session. Table Talk” will be held during upper elementary recess from 12:10 - 12:30 p.m. following lunch.
“Students are welcome to come whenever they would like to,” said Mrs. Wilkinson.
(
Photo: Mrs. Wilkinson visits with a fourth-grade lunch section to introduce students to "Table Talk," one of our new friendship counseling sessions for elementary grades.)
|
|
Writing Center Student Tutors Gear Up for New School Year
|
|
The Jr./Sr. High Writing Center at Runnels, now in its third full year of operations, is fully staffed and ready to help seventh through twelfth graders improve their writing skills.
"Our student tutors spent a full day of training in August following a curriculum similar to that used by LSU to prepare its writing tutors," said Writing Center Coordinator and Jr./Sr. High Librarian Wendy Herumin
.
Among those at the training session was writing tutor Eric Ho, grade 12, who below offers an insider's look at the information, fun, and food provided at the event:
Before this semester began, our Writing Center tutors came back to school for a day of training, as they prepared for the job as writing tutors for the Runnels Jr./Sr. High student body. Welcomed by the sight of food along with the promise of lunch, the soon-to-be tutors were engaged and ready for learning and discussion.
The training session started with a lecture by Writing Center Coordinator and Jr./Sr. High Librarian Wendy Herumin and guided readings, both of which discusses the key differences between a tutor and an editor as well ...
(
Photo: This year's Writing Center peer mentors are, front row from left, Dawson Latona, Eric Ho, Ryan Ly, Catherine Bonaventure, Erin Oehrle; back row, Chris Ortego, Mollybeth Wilkinson, Chris Yura, Gareth Oram, Emily Schacht, Ryan Roper, and Aubri Watts.
|
|
Back-to-School Open Houses Continue
|
|
The Jr./Sr. High buzzed with activity last Thursday night as parents of 7th-12th graders attended our first Back-to-School event of the year. It was a wonderful event! Parents had a chance to become acquainted with their students' teachers and daily routine.Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event.
We're looking forward to our next back-to-school open house, for parents of students in grades 1-6, this Sunday afternoon:
Grades 1-6 Back-to-School Afternoon for Parents
Sunday, August 25, 2:00 p.m., Admissions Building
(
This event is for 1-6 parents only.
)
Pre-Kindergarten Parent Days
Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:30 a.m. – Activity Building
Friday, Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. – Activity Building
You will receive more information about which date you are scheduled to attend as the time approaches. (
This event is for Pre-K students and their parents.
)
|
|
Preschool 2s Parents Afternoon
Sunday, Sept. 8, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Molly Hightower Activity Building
(
This event is for Preschool 2s parents only.
)
Preschool 3s Parents Afternoon
Sunday, Sept. 8, 3:30– 4:30 p.m. – Molly Hightower Activity Building
(
This event is for Preschool 3s parents only.
)
Kindergarten Back-to-School Open House
Friday, Sept. 20, 8:30 a.m. – Kindergarten Classrooms
(
This event is for Kindergarten students and their parents.
)
|
|
|
Grading AP Exams in Louisville
|
Norma Marsh, who teaches AP U.S. History at Runnels, joined more than 1,500 high school teachers and college professors from across the nation in Louisville, KY this summer to grade AP U.S. History exams. This is her fifth year as a "reader" for the College Board.
"Runnels High School has a tremendously successful AP program, with nearly 90% of students earning college credit for courses taken," said Ms. Marsh, who also serves as the Jr./Sr. High English and Social Studies Department Head.
As an AP reader, she spent eight intense days in Lexington this summer scoring a Document-Based Question (DBQ) about the Progressive Movement. "The DBQ requires students to analyze and use primary sources in formulating an answer to a complex writing prompt," she explained.
To grade the essays, Ms. Marsh worked with a group of eight teachers and a "table leader" -- usually a college professor or an AP reader with at least 15 years of AP grading experience under their belts.
(Photo: Norma Marsh)
|
|
Satchmo Summerfest
...
Fifth grader Adin Brunner performed with Charmaine Neville at the Satchmo Summerfest in New Orleans in early August. He was introduced on stage and played percussion for a full set and performed chorus vocals for the song "Ice Cream Scream." The festival celebrates the life, legacy and music of Louis Armstrong.
At Runnels, Adin is a member of the Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Band directed by Shanna Drescher.
(
Photo: Adin Bruner, 5B, with Charmaine Neville at the Satchmo Summerfest in New Orleans.
)
|
|
Clean Penny STEM Project
...
Preschoolers in Mrs. Tremblay's class did a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) project this week to make old pennies look new again. They dipped tarnished pennies into a mixture of vinegar and salt, waited patiently for a minute or two (the hard part!) and took the pennies out. After rinsing them in water, they discovered the pennies were sparkling clean. (
Preschooler Alora Oliviera stirs a vinegar and water solution to clean up old pennies.)
|
|
White Coated
...
Runnels alumnae Regan Dean (Class of '17) was officially presented with her pharmacist's white coat at a ceremony held at the University of Kentucky at Lexington Aug.16. White coats are presented to members of the incoming class at the College of Pharmacy to symbolize the start of their professional education.
CLICK HERE
to see a video of the ceremony. Regan appears at 41.50 on the timer.
Photo: Pharmacy student Regan Dean at the University of Kentucky.)
|
|
Now Recruiting Robotics Team (5th - 8th Grade)
... After attending the First Inspires Robotics Training for First Lego League mentors in Orlando, FL in July, elementary computer teacher and Jr. High Robotics Club sponsor Sheri Allen is excited about the prospects for competition this year and raring to go! "We learned about ways to help kids get involved and understand the true mission of FLL, which is 'cooperation' and 'gracious professionalism,' she said. "We took on many of the same challenges that the students will experience in the competition season like building attachments for robots to accomplish missions and code missions." The season's theme, she explained, is City Shaper, so her team came up with ideas about how to use more recyclable materials in building skyscrapers. "I now feel excited and prepared to coach our FLL team! Right now, she's looking for students in 5th through 8th grade who share her enthusiasm for robotics to join the team. Contact her at s.allen@runnels.org. (
Photo: Mrs. Allen coaches Introduction to Computer Science student Damien Tinsley, 6B
.)
|
|
 |
Three Runnels students performing
... in the Playmakers production of
The Little Prince.
Ethan Ly (5A), Matthew Campbell (6A) and Eddie Tunnis (grade 9) are cast in the show which runs August 23 - September 1.
|
|
|
|
The Spanish Class
...
We are excited to welcome The Spanish Class back to Runnels again this year. Spanish language classes will be available to 2s, 3s, and Pre-Ks on the preschool campus during the school day on Wednesdays and after school on Wednesdays to students in grades K-6 on the main campus. For more information, contact
The Spanish Class.
|
|
|
|
What's New on Campus?
... In addition to refreshing classrooms, corridors, and offices this summer, we've added a few new updates. All Jr./Sr. High students received new laptops. The Jr./Sr. High Teachers Lounge has a new work counter with charging stations and barstools as well as a stylish tin back splash and a free-standing coffee cart. The concrete steps outside of Novak Hall have been repoured. At the preschool, a new arbor was built for the 3s playground, two shade sails were hung - one over 2s rock box and another over the Pre-K picnic table area, plus a new outdoor faucet in the 2s garden and many necessary behind-the-scenes updates on plumbing, window treatments, and furnitu
re.
(
Photo: Two new shade sails were installed at the preschool over the summer. This one is located over the Pre-K picnic area, and another (not pictured) protects the 2s from the sun when they're playing in the rock box.
|
|
Exploring Frontiers of Science
...
Freshman Emma Collett had a chance to explore the frontiers of 21st century science and technology when she attended the National Youth Leadership Forum Explore STEM Envision Program at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC this summer. Participants worked collaboratively to plan a "Mission to Mars," with hands-on activities in forensics, robotics, medicine, and engineering. They also explored college and career opportunities, leadership skills, and pathways to personal success. She was recommended for the program by Jr. High English teacher Kylie Harbin.
|
|
Running Raiders Launch Party
... We extend a huge thank you to
Chad and Michelle Harper
for hosting season kick-off party for the Cross Country team.
The Cleanest Hands
... The Preschool sends a big shout out to
Steven Guidry
for donating an abundance of Purell Hand Sanitizer. "It gets our day started off with clean hands," said Preschool Co-Director Karen Runnels.
|
|
In this week's album:
Kindergarten & 6th Grade Buddies, 4th Grade Science Plant Classifications, Elementary Art, Honor and Merit Roll, AP Scholars, Elementary Art, P.E. Yoga and Wall Sits, Preschool and Candids.
(Photo: Sixth graders and kindergartners teamed up for popsicles last week at the first Kindergarten Buddy event of the school year. Enjoying "blue-flavored" popsicles are kindergartner Xander Ducote and his sixth grade buddy, Connor Joubert.)
|
|
The Booster Club’s Back-to-School Merchandise Sale Ends Next Friday!
Get great savings on Runnels logo gear at the Booster Club’s online store at runnels.org through August 30. You’ll find top savings on hot items like the All-Around Duffle Bag ($40), the Essential Razorback Tank ($20), the Powerblend Fleece Hoodie ($28), the All-Sport Backpack ($40), the Trucker Mesh Hat ($15), and much, much more! All orders will be shipped to Runnels and pick-up dates will be announced. The deadline for ordering has been extended to
August 30
!
Your order will help support athletics and all sports at Runnels through Booster Club projects, activities, and events.
Click the link below for all the Runnels logo apparel you’ll need to start off the school year.
|
|
Junior High Fall Sports Sign Up
There is still time to sign up your junior high athlete for fall sports. The line up includes Boys Baseball Conditioning (training and scrimmaging 2 to 3 days a week, no games), Boys and Girls Cross Country, Girls Softball and Boys and Girls Swimming. If your student is interested in playing more than one sport, simply fill out the digital form twice.
Each athlete is required to have a current physical on file in order 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. A hard copy of the Physical Form must be submitted to the Jr./Sr. High office, please save a copy for your records. If your student completed the free spring physical at Runnels your child's physical is valid for the entire sports season. You do not need to get another one. If you have any questions, please contact Jr. High Athletic Director Sam Coates by phone or text at 251-533-3577 or email
s.coates@runnels.org
.
Fall coaches include: Cross Country Coach Julie Fink, j.fink@runnels.org; Softball Coach Brent Lax,
b.lax@runnels.org
;
Swimming Coach Matt Kiggans,
m.kiggans@runnels.org
;
and Jr. High Baseball Coach Brent Hoeprich,
b.hoeprich@runnels.org
.
|
|
VOLLEYBALL GAINING MOMENTUM
On Thursday evening, t
he Lady Raiders volleyball teams prepared for their season with a scrimmage against West Feliciana. Next week, the Ladies will compete in a Jamboree at Woodlawn High School. The varsity team will play on Wednesday and JV on Thursday. Season play will begin on Sept. 4 with a match against Madison Prep at home. JV will play at 5:00 p.m. and varsity at 6:00 p.m.
|
|
NEXT WEEK
On Wednesday
Varsity Volleyball
at Woodlawn – TBA
On Thursday
JV Volleyball
at Woodlawn – TBA
|
|
RAIDER PARENTS ARE THE BEST FANS!
SEND US YOUR PHOTOS FOR THE FOCUS
Email photos to
n.latiolais@runnels.org.
Please include the date and location of the event and the students pictured
.
|
|
Aug. 23 /
Jr. Beta Back-to-School Dance
(for 7th and 8th graders), Catalano Gym, 7:00 p.m.
Aug. 25 /
Elementary
Open House for Parents of Students in Grades 1-6
, 2:00 p.m., Admissions Building (After picking up your child's schedule, proceed to his/her first class.)
Aug. 28 /
K-6 Yearbook Picture Day
, Admissions Building, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Aug. 28 /
Jr./Sr. High Club Day Assembly
, Theatre, 11:20 a.m. - 12:20
p.m.
Sept. 2 /
Labor Day
(No School)
Sept. 6 /
Popsicle Friday
, for Grades 4-6 at recess on playground
Sept. 15 - 20 /
Library Used Book Sale,
in the Runnels Libraries - Sunday, 9/15 from 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Monday, 9/16 - Friday, 9/20 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Elementary Library will happily welcome donations of gently used books for the sale. Bring donations to either library during school hours. All proceeds from the Used Book Sale will go to our library program.
|
|
|
|
Social Media
Runnels School has several ways of helping you stay connected.
Below, are links to our current social media platforms. If you haven't already liked or followed us, please do so. Runnels School posts are tagged with #runnelsschool or #raiderpride, so if you have trouble finding our pages, just search for our hashtags.
|
|
Facebook:
Instagram:
Twitter:
|
|
Runnels pages not maintained by Runnels School:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Facebook:
|
|
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 to these pages.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
