The Runkle NewsNewsletter published weekly by the Runkle PTO Submissions by Wednesday, 12:00 pm to runklenews@brookline.k12.ma.usSchool main phone number: (617) 879-4650 Absence line: (617) 879-4249 Website: www.runkle.orgNewsletter Editors: Emily Dolbear, Emeshe Juhász-Mininberg, Shalini Kasida

Issue: #34-10 May 23, 2011

From the PrincipalDear Families, Runkle School Council Thank you to all of the parents and staff members who eagerlystepped forward to join the Runkle School Council! It was wonderful tosee the interest from parents and staff in joining the Council. Theelections are complete and our newly appointed School Councilmembers are: Deanne Dixon (teacher), Teresa Gallo-Toth(librarian),Valerie Godhwani (parent), Rosemary McElroy (parent),Chad Pelton (teacher), and Marian Voros (teacher). Our newmembers are asked to join the School Council meeting on Thursday,June 2, 2011, which will be the first time that our Council meets in itsnew formation. Runkle Sports Update Soccer...Last week, Runkle's Grade 7/8 Coed Indoor Soccer Team representedus proudly in the playoffs! Despite Runkle's best efforts, Pierce wonthe last playoff game. We are all proud of how well they played thisseason and that they put together a valiant effort right up to the finalgame. CONGRATULATIONS on a great season! Track and Field...This week, we have the track and field meets. Students in grades 5-8will complete this week with the first meet scheduled for Monday forour 5th and 6th graders. Results will follow in the next edition of theRunkle News. Variety Show to Benefit Japan What a tremendous success! There may only be a handful of you whowere unable to make the Variety Show last Thursday as the entiregymnasium was packed wall to wall! It was a moving and magicalscene to see the entire Runkle community gathered together in oneroom uniting together around a common cause. Special thanks to thefamilies who created the beautiful Japan-inspired backdrop completewith paper cranes. Thanks also to all of the staff members who wereinvolved behind the scenes over the past month to organize the eventas well as setting up and decorating the gym. Micah Mellor alsosingle handedly assembled the stage for the event, which was quite afeat in itself.

This Week's Events Runkle Music & Arts Festival Mon., May 23 - Fri., May 27

Morning Musical Peformances:Tues., May 24-Fri., May 27, 7:30-7:55 am, Cafeteria

Gallery Night:Wed., May 25, 5:30-7:30 pm Museum of Science StarlabTraveling program for 1st and 5thgrade students, sponsored by thePTOTues., May 24 PTO CoffeeThurs., May 26, 8:05 a.m., Cafeteria

No School, Memorial DayMon., May 30

Our website has a new look. Checkit out! www.runkle.org

2010-2011 Runkle School Yearbook

for Sale Parents can pre-order by goingto www.jostensyearbooks.com Click on"buy" and find Runkle ElementarySchool. The books will be delivered and

Once the stage was set, the students (and some staff members)performed and shared their talents with everyone. It was wonderful tosee all of our students shine whether by playing an instrument,singing, dancing, acting, telling jokes, and we even had Runkle'sDance Crew perform! It was a great event and thanks to all of yoursupport, we raised close to $2000.00 to benefit Japan's relief efforts! We will be sending the money to the Japanese Red Cross to allow100% of the funds to be directed to where it is needed the most in theregion. (See Note*) Thank you to everyone who made this event asuccess! I wish you all a wonderful week and a glorious Memorial DayWeekend! Sincerely, Vanessa C. Beauchaine, Ed.D.Principal *Note: Initially the funds raised were going to go to UNICEF, however,as they have received enough donations for their project, the moneywill be donated to the Japanese Red Cross, which works in concertwith the American Red Cross. In this way, we can be sure that themoney is directed to where it is needed most in Japan. Once wereceive word about how the money was used, it will be reported out tothe Runkle Community. Thanks to all who contributed their time,effort, and donations to make this fundraising effort a success.

Superintendent Evaluation

As part of its annual evaluation of the Superintendent, the SchoolCommittee invites comments from the school community on theSuperintendent's performance. The Committee uses this information,in summary form, as one important aspect of the overall evaluation. The School Committee invites and encourages you to complete theattached feedback form, which is also available at all schools and onthe School Website: http://www.brookline.k12.ma.us/ As in previous years, any feedback will remain confidential and will bepresented to the School Committee in aggregated, anonymous formonly. The School Committee values community input and wants toconsider your comments. Please note that completed forms shouldbe submitted no later than Friday, June 3. Thank you for your continued support of our public schools. Sincerely,Rebecca Stone, ChairBrookline School Committee

From the PTOSchool Council Election Results

Congratulations to Val Godhwani and Rosemary McElroy on theirelection to the 2 vacant parent positions on the School Council.

distributed in June. Questions?Email Alaina_Birden@brookline.k12.ma.us

SPRINGTIME MUSIC EVENTSAT RUNKLE Parents and friends, you are cordiallyinvited to attend our Runkle schoolspringtime concerts. Please join us! May 23 Monday - Grade 3 Recorders 7:00 pm, Runkle Library May 26 Thursday - Grade 5 & 6 Chorus 7:30 am, Cafeteria May 27 Friday - Grade 7 & 8 Chorus 7:30 am, Cafeteria June 3 Friday - Grade 1 Chorus 8:15 am, at the K-2 Morning Meeting June 10 Friday - Grade 2 Chorus 8:15 am, at the K-2 Morning Meeting

News From B-PEN: Latest Newsletter

A Special Issue on Kids and Stress Did you know that national research shows thenumber one reason kids turn to drugs is to cope withthe stress of school, even as early as middle school?And those who don't use drugs are often drawn toother kinds of risky behavior to try to find relief fromthe chronic stress of today's pressures, fromacademic/parental expectations to peer pressureand self-identity. Throw in sports, performing arts,work and other activities, and kids these days have alot on their plates. This special issue of the B-PEN newsletterfocuses on teens and stress - what kindsof issues contribute to it and how we asparents can help our kids deal with it.  A student survey reveals what stressesout Brookline teens and some of the waysthey cope, both good and bad, as well astheir recommendations for how parents canbe supportive. Experts weigh in with adviceon strategies parents can use to help theirkids manage stress. The newsletter alsoincludes a report on the recent filmpresentation at BHS of "Race to Nowhere,"including a synopsis of the lively andprovocative post-film question and answersession. And learn about the danger of "Facebook depression," a special kind of

Rosemary and Val will serve for three year terms. Thank you to all the candidates for their participation and willingnessto serve, and to the 67 Runkle families who voted in this election!

Runkle Music & ArtsFestival This Week!!

Join us for this week-long celebration of music and art in theRunkle School community. Program for the week: May 23 Monday

Grade 3 Recorder Concert

7:00 PM in the Library

May 24 Tuesday

Individual Performances (Voice, Instrumental)

7:30 AM in the Cafeteria

2:30 PM in the Cafeteria

May 25 Wednesday

Individual Performances (Voice, Instrumental)

7:30 AM in the Cafeteria

Runkle Art Gallery Night: Art Show (Open Gallery By all K-8 students) &

Music Performances. Come stop by school between 5:30- 7:30 PM in the

Cafeteria to see our Open Gallery, displaying art by all

Runkle K-8 students. Music performance slots are also available for this

evening.

May 26 Thursday

Grade 5 & 6 Chorus

7:30 AM in the Cafeteria

May 27 Friday

Grade 7 & 8 Chorus

depression stemming from kids'overemphasis on social media that theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics is urgingpediatricians and parents to be aware of. Check this and all Parent Network Newslettersat www.B-PEN.org or click here: B-PENNewsletter: Special Issue on Kids & Stress

SEPAC: Upcoming Events

BHS Special Ed Open House for 8th gradeparentsMonday, May 23| 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |BHS,MLK RoomFor more information, contact Lisa Guisbond, guisbond@mit.edu

SEPAC-Special Education Admin. MonthlyMeetingFri, May 27 | 8:15 am-9:15am | Town HallSEPAC chairs meet with Special Educationadministrators monthly at Town Hall on thethird Friday starting at 8:15 am in Town Hall.Meetings are open to all. If you have an issueyou wish to address, please come, or you maysubmit an agenda item to us via e-mail. We like to submit an agenda inadvance to the administrators. Website brooklinesepac.org / contact usat brooklinesepac@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS Please note: The RunkleNews and PTO have not researched and are notresponsible for the services, products, and/orrequests made in these ads.

Student Helper Wanted Need responsible person to take 4th grader to4PM-weekdays Opera Rehearsal in Back Bay;One Block from green line; 2-4 times perweek, for four weeks, starting ASAP. Stipend.Please call Karen or Phil at 617-277-0101 ore-mail ptgreene@aol.com Preschool Summer ProgramFun summer program for children ages 2.9 - 5years. Beautiful Chestnut Hill location andflexible schedule. Children may attend as fewas two weeks or as many as seven. Three orfour days per week.Teacher with over 30years of experience.For further information orto receive an application please contact Jude

7:30 AM in the Cafeteria

*Grade 5 Band date and time to be determined If you would like to perform, please email Mini Kolluri atminikolluri@yahoo.com to sign up. This is a wonderful opportunity toshowcase your talent. We welcome and encourage all levels ofperformers! Please note: All performers who have signed up should have received a confirmation email by Monday 9:00am with date and time of performance. If you have not received one, please email Mini.

International NightSave the Date: Fri., June 3, 5:30-8pm This year's theme: Home LifeWhat is daily home life like in your family'scountry of origin or a country where you may

have lived for a while? Share traditions, customs, games, photos,food, and even the language you speak at home at this annual Runklecelebration of the wonderful cultural diversity at our school. This evening is the product of the entire school community's effort andenthusiasm. See below for different ways you can help make ithappen: Food: ALL families attending the event bring a dish to the potluckdinner. Sign up in advance, by contacting Sue Sturman atepicurean@sturman.com Country Tables: Different region's of the world will be represented -Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, SE Asia, Middle East, and newthis year: Africa and North America (including the US and PuertoRico). Sign up to coordinate a region or to set up a country table.Contact Deb Leipziger at dleipziger@gmail.com Performances: Sign up to sing, play an instrument, dance, etc. Contact Gabriella Salvatore at gabriella.salvatore5@gmail.comor Susanna Stern at susanna.stern@gmail.com Set up & Clean up: Helping hands always appreciated. Contact MiniKolluri at minikolluri@yahoo.com Thank you!International Night Organizational Committee(Susanna Stern, Deb Leipziger, Gabriella Salvatore, Sue Sturman,Mini Kolluri, Sandy Costello, Emeshe Juhász-Mininberg)

at 617-277-6225 or judeb22@hotmail.com.

Many Thanks to Organizers,Volunteers, and Participators for aFantastic Math & Science Night! Despite the late night for Thursday's Variety Show, wehad a fantastic Math & Science Night on Friday evening.

Highlights included Fun with Liquid Nitrogen, Make Your Own BouncyBalls (learning about polymers), Math and Music with Mr. Lass,Spirographs with MATLAB, Name That Microscopic Organism,wonderful puzzles and games with Ms. Mercer, and a hotly contestedstructure building contest using only newspaper and masking tape. The enthusiasm and curiosity of our Runkle community (young andold alike!) was on display for all to see. Thanks to the manyorganizers of the event who made the exhibits and food come togetherand make for a great evening. Special thanks to Rosemary McElroy and Ron Rubin for organizing theevent. Thanks to Deb Brodie, Ricardo Monteiro, and Karla Schaillesfor running the fun activities, and Lorella Batelli, Thanese Beaumont,Diane Ring, Susanna Stern, Nora Szeto, and 7th grade volunteers forhelping with food set up, sales, and clean up.

Food on Wheels Brookline-wide Event Despite the short time frame, we received generous donations forthe Brookline Food Pantry from a dozen Runkle families. ThreeRunkle families completed the walk to deliver the donations to thepantry. Upon arrival, kids enthusiastically filled up bins with ourdonations. Once other Brookline schools arrived, we learned somebackground info and facts about the pantry. Next year we'rehoping for more donations and more families to take part in thisgreat event! --Josie Petersen, Community Service Coordinator

From 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher

Math Problem of the Week Chickens and PigsA farmer has some pigs and some chickens.He sent his son and his daughter to counthow many of each he has. "I counted seventyheads," said his son. "And I counted twohundred legs," said his daughter. How manypigs and how many chickens does the farmer

actually have? Last week's problem and solution:Dog ShowOf the animals entered in a dog show, the number of poodles is atleast one-fifth of the number of beagles and at most one-sixth the

number of collies. The number of dogs that are poodles or beagles isat least 23. Find the minimum number of collies entered in theshow.

Solution: c ! 24. Let p, b, and c represent poodles, beagles, and collies,respectively. Then

(1/6)c ! p ! (1/5)band

p + b ! 23.

Since p ! (1/5)b, 5p ! b, and 6p ! b + p ! 23,6p ! 23 and p ! 23/6.

But p must be a natural number, so p ! 4. Since(1/6)c ! p ! 4

we have (1/6)c ! 4 and c ! 24. From Eric Lass, 7th & 8th grade Math Teacher

From the Community

Artbarn's Out of the Box Productions Auditionsfor GETTIN' DOWN IN THE DUMP Wed., June 1st, 3pm - 6pm, Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Ave.Call Artbarn (617.975.0050) to sign-up for a 15-minute audition slot.This year's show, Gettin' Down In The Dump explores theincreasingly disposable nature of modern society. We are allconstantly told to "reduce, reuse, and recycle", yet how much haveour habits truly changed? Most of us agree on what needs to bedone, but it be challenging to act on it. How far are we willing to goto be green? Out of the Box rehearses mornings, August 29 -September 2, September 6 and Thursday and Friday afternoons inSeptember and tours to the Brookline Schools in October. We Speak, We Write. We Conquer: A Read-Aloud Mon., June 6, 6pm, The Fireplace, 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline We write. We speak. We conquer. is a group of Steps to Successstudents who, for several months, have been writing and refiningtheir stories in an elite writing workshop. Come to the Fireplace toenjoy favorite foods of New England writers as these local youthsread their work - with a portion of proceeds to benefit Steps toSuccess.Tickets $50 - must be purchased in advance - includesfoods and all gratuities. Call 617-975-1900 to reserve. "Gadsby Awards" Ceremony Wed., June 8, 6 - 8 p.m., Brookline Arts Center, 86 Monmouth St. Award-winning artwork by children in grades 4 through 7 in theBrookline Public Schools. Adoptive Families Together (AFT)Brookline Group Leaders: Matt Paluszek & Tracy Grondin,BrooklinePublic Library 361 Washington St, 2nd Fl , Fourth Monday of themonth, 7-8:30pm (May 23, & June 27)Adoptive Families Together (AFT) offers several parent-run

confidential groups. AFT provides education, advocacy, support,and more. We also welcome adopted individuals, birth parents,foster parents and all those with a connection to adoption. Pleasevisit our website www.mspcc.org/aft for more information and ourschedule. These are ongoing, free groups that meet once amonth. Feel free to drop in! A Step Ahead Basketball: 3 Weeks of Summer BasketballCamp at Brookline High School during the month of August. Girlsand boys ages 9-17. For more information or to register for any ofour offerings please visit www.asahoops.com or contact CoachSmith: 617-909-5990 / Coachb@asahoops.com

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