This author/illustrator visit is paid for out of the Runkle PTO Annual Fund and from donations by the Runkle After School Program.

In attendance: Vanessa Beauchaine (principal), Jim Stoddard (vice principal), Mark Allyn (teacher), Jayne Friedberg Bennett, Sandy Costello, Emily Dolbear, Scott Murphy, Elvira Perez, Jen Reed, Alison Reeves, Gabriella Salvatore, Margaret Schwarzer, Jennifer Shapiro, Eugene Shih

Please click on links for more information.

Principal’s Update
Literacy

• Teachers are adopting the BAS (Benchmark Assessment System), a series of texts that can be used to identify a student’s current reading level and progress along a gradient of text levels over time.  Teachers in grades 6-8 will adopt the program in January.  Based on the BAS, teachers are able to provide small-group, supplementary interventions and powerful, daily, small-group instruction for the lowest achieving children in the early grades.
• Today will be the first meeting of the 7-person Literacy Team, which has completed 2 days of literacy collaborative training.  Future plans include expanding the literacy library.

Renovation Update

• August 15 is the new completion date to ensure “punchlist items” are completed, says Dr. B. (The school must get a certificate of occupancy from the town in order to move into the renovated building.)  Although there is a need for a contingency plan, says Dr. B., “a move can happen in a weekend.”  Planning is to start in September 2012-2013 school year on Druce.
• Pictures from the most recent “walk through” will be posted on runkle.org soon.
• In response to “Will mechanicals impact anything?” from parent, Dr. B. responded that the building renovations are proceeding as planned, despite complaints from some abutters while the Building Committee investigates options.
• In response to “Is it important that the public show up to meetings?” from parent, Dr. B. responded that there was parent presence at the most recent meeting and that the committee recognizes the parents desire to start school in September in the renovated building.
• In response to “Do you have any insight about the delay to Aug. 15?”, Dr. B. responded that maybe the rain delayed the timeline and that the plans are for the building to be completed on August 15.

• Will include an overview of the Brookline Bullying Prevention policy, new information based on the town-wide survey of bullying, and how Runkle compares district wide.
• Will include an introduction to the Olweus program using a “train the trainer model”

Room Parents Coordinator Update
Room Parent Coordinator Gabriella Salvatore shared:

• Final room parent list is complete as of 11/15/11.  It will be published in the directory and will be forwarded by email to all room parents.

• A successful K-2 cluster meeting, with room parents from those grades, was held last week.  The 3-5 and 6-8 cluster meetings will take place over the next couple of weeks.
• The final potluck takes place on Saturday.  For the future, it’s a good idea to cultivate volunteers for room parenting and potlucks in June for the following year due to the busy nature of the start of the year.

Comment from Mark Allyn: It would be great for room parents to reach out to teachers with ideas about ways they could offer help.

Annual Fund Update

• Annual Fund appeal letters have been sent out.  Postcards will be sent in December. Plan to have an update in the Runkle News soon.

Librarian Update, by proxy

• Giles LaRoche, award winning author/illustrator, will be returning to Runkle on December 9 to work with the library/3rd Grade Classrooms/and the Art Room on the 3rd grade curriculum theme of “Structure.” His new book, If You Lived Here: Houses of the World has already received a starred review and is a Junior Library Guild selection.
• Grace Lin will be returning to Runkle on Thursday, January 26 to present to K-2. We are working out the details of her presentation, in which Lin shares how a story becomes a published book as well as her illustrating techniques.  Lin has numerous picture book awards, a chapter book to her credit, and a Newbery Honor for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

PTO Events Recap/Update

• Thanks to Mini Kolluri for organizing Astronomy Night on November 9. Jim S. attended and reported that attendees were spread evenly across grades 4-6.  Highlights included the telescope (viewing moon, Jupiter, etc.), Galileo presentation, and learning about Stellarium.org. Note that this event, which cost about $700, funded by the PTO Annual Fund, was free for Runkle parents and children in attendance.
• PTO Coffee: Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan Update with Dr. Beauchaine, November 16, 8 am (see above)
• Gingerbread House Decorating will be on December 9 after school:  Save the date and bring double rinsed orange juice or milk half gallon cartons.

Middle School Activities

• Alaina (Birden) Ortiz will be offering a six-week, drop-in art, middle-school “club” starting in December.  This is funded by the PTO Annual Fund.
• Thanks to Scott Murphy for the idea of Gym Night; no availability for gym this year but we should plan early for next year.
• Improv class: Jenn Vento submitted a proposal to lead this middle school activity.
• “Glee” class: Jenn Vento submitted a proposal to lead a “glee” class after school.  It may be a R.A.S.P. offering.

PTO Board Share

• There was a parent concern re: hallway monitoring from 7:52 am until first grade doors open.
• Chinese Ribbon Dancers are scheduled for December 7.
• Techsploration is coming for grades 3, 5, & 6 on December 16.
• Scott Murphy and Alison Reeves, who were heavily involved in the Brookline Teen Center (likely to be named “the garage”).  They helped organize food and music (former Runkle student Bella was a star performer from High School) as well guests. The BTC Open House had some 700+ visitors and was considered a success.

—Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Sandy Costello and Emily Dolbear, November 28, 2011

Please be advised that state law requires all school volunteers who will have direct and unmonitored contact with children to submit a CORI form.  If you plan on participating in field trips, classroom and school volunteer activities at Runkle, you must complete a CORI form and submit it with valid identification to the school two weeks before the planned volunteer activity.  CORI forms are valid for 3 years only.  Please visit Beatrice Moyer in the office to submit your form or to verify that your CORI is current.  A link  to the form can be found here

Advisory from the Massachusetts Department of Education:

October 18, 2011

8:30 a.m.–10 a.m.

In attendance: Vanessa Beauchaine (principal), Jim Stoddard (vice principal), Angela Galanopoulos (teacher), Sandra Costello, Sandra Davidson, Emily Dolbear, Amy Hummel, Rosemary McElroy, Scott Murphy, Jemelle O’Neill, Elvira Perez

Principal’s Budget Update

• Dr. B. talked about the Runkle School budget for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012. The budgets for FY 2011 ($20,293) and FY 2012 ($23,757) cover student program stipends, postage, instructional supplies, professional learning, and educational equipment. Dr. B. emphasized that these budgets are just a small portion of what it takes to run the school.
• Dr. B. also shared the final financial reports for recent overnight school field trips. For the 2011 NYC trip for the eighth grade, 52 students participated at a cost of $470 per student (some scholarship funding from various sources was provided). The overall cost was greater, as the trip was planned for 60 students initially and a greater number ofscholarships were needed than in previous years.  Funds were also raised from various sources to lower the overall cost. For the 2011 NYS trip for the seventh grade, 42 students participated at a cost of $165 per student (some scholarship funding from various sources was provided).
• Parents expressed appreciation for the careful reporting of funds, which can be sizable, as well as making those details available to the community every year.

Upcoming Events Update

• Halloween Fair, October 21: There is a need for volunteers from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, as well as clean up. Interested people should contact Gabriella Salvatore. There will also be advance ticket sales after school on the black top as well as before and after Friday Morning Meeting.
• Food on Wheels (to Brookline Food Pantry), October 23: Those who come to the Halloween Fair can also drop off any donated items in collection boxes outside the main office. Angela Galanopoulos will pass a flyer onto student community service coordinator Brea Snyder for the seventh and eighth graders.
• PTO Coffee: Athletics at Runkle, October 27: Jennifer Schultz will be speaking at this parent coffee. Suggested topics included a rundown of the progression of physical education classes K-8 (What activities do they do?  What are the goals? What is the philosophy behind the approach?) and an overview of after-school athletic activities in grades 5-8. Requests for questions in advance will also run in the Runkle News.
• Astronomy Night, November 9: This event will take place at 5:30 pm at the Clay Center. Because of space constraints, it will be targeted to fourth and fifth graders and parents. If there is additional space, admission will open to sixth grade students. Mini Kolluri will organize the sign up for the event.

PTO Chairs Update

• The PTO has not yet received information to generate the directory, but the data entry in school’s main office is going smoothly.
• Parents interested in participating in school (and PTO) activities should confirm that they have an updated CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form in the office. Beatrice Moyer in the school’s main office has that information as well as forms.

PTO Board Share

• Runkle News: Parents were asked for feedback and reminded about the chance to submit relevant information to the newsletter. Feedback was positive.
• Performing Arts at Runkle (PAAR): Amy H. reviewed the scheduled PAAR performances for the year so far, which include Chinese Ribbon Dancers for first grade, Myth Masters for fifth grade, Taiko drumming for second grade. The rest of the performances are not finalized.

—Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Sandy Costello and Emily Dolbear; notes taken by Elvira Perez, October 19, 2011

September 27, 2011

8:05 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

In attendance: Vanessa Beauchaine (principal), Jim Stoddard (vice principal), Angela Galanopoulos (teacher), Teresa Gallo-Toth (librarian), Sandra Costello, Emily Dolbear, Jayne Bennett Friedberg, Shalini Kasida, Elvira Perez, Jen Reed, Alison Reeves

Principal’s Update

• Dr. B. said that families should have received 2011 MCAS results in the mail. Overall, Runkle results were positive. There will be a formal presentation by Dr. B. to the School Council at its November 15 meeting, which runs from 4 to 5:30 pm, in the library. All are welcome to attend. Mr. Stoddard explained to parents that a “typical” growth score is 40 to 60 percent.
• Dr. B. is investigating the possibility of the town getting directory permission forms to use from parents on a January to January schedule, enabling the school to generate class lists with emails in July. (This arrangement would help room parents create class lists at the beginning of the year.)

Librarian’s Update

• Teresa Gallo-Toth shared the very positive Summer Reading preliminary results: 193 K-5th students participated (up from 167 in 2010) and 49 6th-8th students participated. Some parents were positive about the option for older grades to submit their forms online. Others thought more information about the deadline would be useful.
• Teresa Gallo-Toth confirmed that author and illustrator Giles LaRouche would be coming this year to Runkle to speak with the third grade. She is investigating a K-2 author visit (perhaps Grace Lin) as well as scientist and author Loree Burns for sixth grade. Peter Lourie is also a possible option for fourth and fifth grades, perhaps on December 1 in the evening.
• Details about the new library website are to come!

Room Parent Coordinator Update

• All potluck dinner hosts have been arranged, and room parent cluster get-togethers are being scheduled.

Upcoming Events Update

• Picture Day is October 3. Parent volunteers are needed. In case of rain, photos will be taken in the library. While the Runkle PTO offers help organizing volunteers on Picture Day, it is run by the school. Dr. B. also requested three to six parent volunteers before school to monitor the early arrivals so that the photographer can take a picture of the entire school staff.
• Car Free Day, October 5. Volunteers are needed to stamp hands in the morning for this townwide event. Since so many Runkle students take the bus, there will be many participants.
• Halloween Fair, October 21. Planning is going well. Volunteers are still needed!
• Food on Wheels, October 23: Food drive will start in early October. Collection boxes will be outside the main office. Coordinator Josie Peterson will be asked to provide further details, including information about the Brookline Food Pantry, for the Runkle News. Angela Galanopoulos suggested reaching out to the older students through Runkle’s seventh and eighth grader community service coordinator, Brea Snyder, and will pass on the related information to her.
• Astronomy Night: Planning for this evening is ongoing. Details will follow.

PTO Chairs Update

• Thank yous from Runkle staff for stipends, paid from the Annual Fund, will be shared via Runkle News, so parents are informed of the impact of their donations.
• All Brookline PTO financial reports are due to Brookline Public Schools on October 1.
• ECS Coffee will be held October 11, in the library, at 8:15 a.m.

PTO Board Share

• This year’s PTO Open Houses went smoothly, and many familiar and new parents are now aware of the many PTO activities and volunteer opportunities.

• Posters for various PTO events should include the tagline: “A PTO Community Event” to inform the Runkle community about what events are run by parents and funded by the PTO Annual Fund. All parents are members of the Runkle PTO; there are no “dues.”

—Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Sandy Costello and Emily Dolbear; notes taken by Elvira Perez, September 27, 2011

September 13, 2011

8:05 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

In attendance: Vanessa Beauchaine (principal), Marian Voros (teacher), Sandra Costello, Emily Dolbear, Jayne Bennett Friedberg, Amy Hummel, Shalini Kasida, Kate Leness, Jemelle O’Neill, Elvira Perez, Tami Petler, Jen Reed, Alison Reeves, Olga Valentine

Introductions and Expectations

• All present introduced themselves. Regular attendance is expected for all board members.

Principal’s Update

• Dr. Beauchaine plans on having informational sessions during the year on the following: curriculum changes, the building project (which is well under way), and the transition plan for the move into the renovated building for school year 2012-2013 (parent volunteers will be needed for a transition team). A School Needs survey will be sent out later in the year. Developmental Designs, a social curriculum similar to Responsive Classroom, is being phased into the 6^th to 8^th grades.

Room Parent Coordinator Update

• Potluck dinner’s hosts are set except for 1^st and 3^rd grade.
• Room parents will be invited to get-togethers in clusters (K-2, 3-5, 6-8) to meet each other, clarify their roles, and find out more about the PTO. Marian Voros said room parents were helpful in setting parent email lists and following up on classroom and schoolwide events. The room parent role varies and depends on each teacher.

Upcoming Events Update

• Back to School Picnic, September 20: It was decided that the PTO would provide box dinners for teachers at this event, and an email with details will be sent to teachers.
• Car Free Day, October 5: Jennifer Meader will be organizing this event. The Green Team includes Jenn M. and Shari Becker.
• Halloween Night, October 21: This popular event will be organized this year by Tami P., Gabriella Salvatore, and Jen R. Eighth graders and parent volunteers are needed.
• Astronomy Night: Date TBD, probably mid November. The event, organized by Mini Kolluri and Eugene Shih, will be similar to last year’s Astronomy Night but for specific grades because of space constraints at the Clay Center.

PTO Open House

• All parents are invited. PTO Board members will attend to speak about their events and activities.

Runkle News Update

• The Runkle News has two new editors this year: Alison R., Shalini K., and Amy B. Please send any submissions to the Runkle News (runklenews@brookline.k12.ma.us) by Wednesday. Shalini K. and Alison R. will update the bulletin boards in the cafeteria.
• The PTO is looking for help with the Performing Arts at Runkle (PAAR) program.

PTO Chairs Update

• Teacher stipend distribution has begun. The staff has been informed about the fall grant cycle and teacher project funds. The deadline for applications for the fall grant cycle will be mid October. All staff may submit applications.
• Scheduled Coffees: The Enrichment and Challenge Support (ECS) presentation will be October 11, organized by Runkle ECS representatives Susanna Stern and Trish Blais. Physical Education teacher Ms. Schultz will be speaking on October 27. Other possible topics include world languages and band/orchestra/chorus.
• Alison R. announced that the Brookline Teen Center will hold an Open House on October 30, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in its future space. The organization plans to open in 2012, for the 7^th to 12^th graders in Brookline. Alison R. and Scott Murphy are working as liaisons.
• There were 22 new families; 15 participated in our Welcome Wagon activities. Thanks to Elvira Perez and Karla Schallies for organizing the activities and to the grade captains and hosts.

—Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Sandy Costello and Emily Dolbear; notes taken by Elvira Perez, September 13, 2011

June 7, 2011

8:05 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

 In attendance: Vanessa Beauchaine (principal), Sandy Costello, Emily Dolbear, Val Godhwani, Shalini Kasida, Mini Kolluri, Rosemary McElroy, Jemelle O’Neill, Elvira Perez, Jen Reed

 Principal’s Update

• Dr. Beauchaine confirmed that the School Improvement Plan (SIP), presented by herself and Jim Stoddard, will take place in the library _{on June 16, 2011,} at _{8:15 am.}

 Scheduling 2011-2012 PTO Budget Discussion Meeting

• It was confirmed that the annual PTO budget discussion meeting will be held in the Runkle Cafeteria on June 13 at 8:30 am. (Additionally, the Annual PTO budget and election meeting was later held on June 21 at 8:05 am in the library.)

Recent Community Events Recap

It was a busy month of community activities, including:

• Math and Science Night. There was a solid turnout of families taking part in a variety of math and science-related activities in the gym. Table participation included outside volunteers as well as several Runkle teachers and parents, which was very welcome. Many thanks to Rosemary M. and Ron R. for organization a great night; Rosemary M. agreed to coordinate the event again next year.

• Music and Arts Festival. This successful event included Runkle Art Gallery Night, Grade 3 recorder concert, Grades 5-8 concerts, and individual performances. Mini K. recommended that we schedule more time between this week and the Runkle Variety Show, which also featured student performances_{, to encourage greater participation.}

• _{International Night. It was a well-attended event, with a variety of food and performances in the gym. Again, teacher participation—Joanne Guzzi had a South Africa table; Jon Strecker and Mark Allyn emceed the performances, for example—was very welcome. Ideas for next year: What Are You Bringing to International Night? for posters. What about a parent volunteer to help oversee the student community service volunteers?}

Board and Event Coordinators for Next Year

• The PTO did a quick update of interested board members and event coordinators for next year. The final list will be posted in the Runkle News and online.

Other Discussion Topics

• After the offsite PTO Open House Coffee, there were the following brainstorming ideas: Could the PTO hold some board meetings at 7:30am to encourage teacher participation? Should the PTO organize more potlucks? What about holding Open Gym Nights at the school?

• The PTO decided to post a request for donations of a used portable electronic weighted-key keyboard in the Runkle News for performances at school.

• Is there interest in starting a no-comment Runkle Facebook page, solely for posting information?

—Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Mini Kolluri, Sandy Costello, and Emily Dolbear

June 30, 2011

Join us for one of Runkle’s most popular events, celebrating the wonderful cultural diversity at our school.

This year’s theme is “Home Life.”

Potluck
5:30 pm

All families attending International Night bring a dish (appetizer, entree or dessert) to share with others.  Please bring food sufficient for 10-12 people.

Country Tables
5:30 pm

Representing different regions of the world

Performances!
start at 6:45 pm

PTO Meeting Minutes

April 12, 2011

8:05 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Attendance: Vanessa Beauchaine, Mini Kolluri, Emily Dolbear, Sandy Costello, Jemelle O’Neill, Thanese Beaumont, Elvira Perez, Emeshe Juhasz-Mininberg, Jayne Friedberg, Val Godhwani, Diane Ring, Amy Hummel, Rosemary McElroy, Teresa Gallo-Toth

Principal’s Update

School Council Elections• There are two three-year openings for parent members.  The PTO will send out details about running for and voting in School Council elections.Variety Show• An all-school Variety Show will be held in the gymnasium on May 19 at 7 pm. A sixth grader will emcee.• There will be a suggested donation of $5 per person to be donated to Help Japan.

Librarian Update

Book Fair• 12 cases will be coming on April 27-28.  Books will be set up on the April 29, which is also the training day.• Jemelle O. and Diane R. are Book Fair co-chairs, working with Teresa Gallo-Toth to coordinate parent volunteers, book sales, etc. • The Book Fair runs from May 2 to May 6.• Book Fair Family Night will be Thursday, May 5.

Website Is Live!

Thanks to Paul Smith for his dedication and work on the website. Thanks to everyone for their feedback on the site.

Annual Fund Update

Thanks to Annual Fund Team; Val G. gave the following information.• Numbers to date: We are at a record 59% participation, with donations totaling $57,700.• Challenge update: It looks like 40 members of community stepped forward to meet the challenge.• The end date is April 15, 2011, though donations are welcome any time. PTO will send thank you email to community.

Spring Cycle Grant Award Update

Thanks to Amy H. for leading the Grant Committee.• The budget was $4,500.• Teresa Gallo-Toth was awarded $500 for PlayAways; 4th grade teachers and Jenny Murphy were awarded $1000 for Elmo document camera with projector; ASD program was awarded $200 for flip camera with stand for video modeling; Rebecca Sneider was awarded $200 for group games; 3rd grade teachers were awarded $130 for timers.  All applications were approved to receive a grant this cycle.*Amy sought approval for additional $500 funding for Ca’shore Marionettes so that they can present an additional performance; performances will be for grades 3-5 and 6-8.  All members present approved.

Upcoming Events: Scheduling, Planning, and Volunteers

• Author Visit on Friday, April 15: Tim Green – 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. in Library for grades 5 and 6

• Music and Arts Festival

• Astronomy Night: May 6th, 250 Clay Center Observatory

• Math and Science Night: Rosemary M. will take lead

Brookline Teen Center

Feedback on getting the word out at Runkle, find possible liaison • Students may be interested in attending a pizza night to find out more.

Next Meeting’s Topics

Treasurer’s Update, Finding Bingo co-chair, a Runkle News editor, World Language Coffee
—Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Mini Kolluri, Sandy Costello, and Emily Dolbear

April 19, 2010

This is a huge accomplishment for our school!  And it’s an extra $2,900 in pledge money for our children and teachers. We need only 11 more donations before April 15…  If you haven’t yet donated, please consider doing so in the next 7 days so that we can get all $4,000 of the pledge money!

A big thank you to everyone who has given!
Sharone Jelden and Valerie Godhwani, Co-chairs PTO Annual Fund

There are four easy ways to give:

• Have your child give your donation to Beatrice in the main office.
• Mail a donation to the PTO Annual Fund at Runkle, 194 Boylston St.  Brookline, MA  02445.
• Drop off your donation at the Runkle office front desk.
• Give securely online:
  
  

March 8, 2011
8:05 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Runkle School Cafeteria

Attendance:
Vanessa Beauchaine (principal), Sandy Costello, Emily Dolbear, Teresa Gallo-Toth (librarian), Amy Hummel, Mini Kolluri, Tami Petler, Emeshe Juhasz-Mininberg, Gabriella Salvatore, Deborah Leipziger, Scott Murphy, Paul Smith

Agenda

Principal’s Update

• School Council

School Council decided to hold elections in May with 3-year positions for 6 parent members, i.e., 2 positions being voted on every year. It was pointed out that three years may be a prohibitive term for parents of older students.  Council members Amy H. and Dr. Beauchaine stated that though the terms are three years, any member may step down at any time.

• Other

Dr. Beauchaine presented the Term II Survey results. There were 125 respondents (%of respondents was the same across the grades). Transportation concerns have decreased. Respondents reported some issues with drivers playing music and driving before children are seated on bus.  Respondents offered these topics for future parent coffees:construction, academics, safety, differentiated instruction, principal’s vision, classroom management styles that are successful.  A full report will be prepared and shared with community.
Librarian Update

• Runkle Reads

Peter Lourie will be coming to Runkle on April 4 at 6.30pm.  This “Runkle Reads” event, sponsored by the BEF Saker Fund and the PTO, is an opportunity  for students in grades 4 and 5 and their guardians to experience a special author visit together.  Books need to be ordered by March 17th. Project list was shared. There is a need to find volunteers to create flyers and handle book sales.

• Other

Emily D. reported on a potential author visit on April 15 at 8.15 am from former NFL linebacker and NYT bestselling author Tim Green to all classes in the 5th and 6th grades for $750, down from a quoted $1500.  The board voted approval.
(Website: http://www.timgreenbooks.com/)

Annual Fund Update
Donations are 62% to goal, having raised ~$46,000. Emails will be sent through Constant Contact to community members who have not yet contributed.  There was the idea of giving community the sense that  these contributions are a “vote for the Runkle Community”.  A concern that the “one time drive” lasts too long was raised.  This conversation be revisited in the future.

New Website – Runkle.org

Paul S. presented the new design of the Runkle website in the Computer Lab. Over a period of discussion and feedback, it was well received and the board voted to proceed.

Additional agenda items to be discussed by email or at next meeting since time ran out:
Bingo Night recap
The board will review next time.  The general feedback was that the event was enjoyable and well attended.
Upcoming Events – Scheduling, Planning and Volunteers

• International Night(moving from May 6 to June 3), Astronomy Night(add in May)
• Math and Science Night (need people to co-lead and no date set yet)

BEF Line item on budget
$300 in line item, which is traditionally donated to adult spelling bee. Is it appropriate for PTO to make a donation anyway?

• Have your child bring in your check to Beatrice in the main office (in a sealed, marked envelope). Thank you, Beatrice!
• Mail a check to school: c/o Runkle PTO Annual Fund, 194 Boylston Street, Brookline, MA 02445
• Pay with a credit card or paypal securely online. DONATE NOW! at http://www.runkle.org/ptoannualfund
• Drop off a check at the main office if you happen to be at the school.

Every dollar counts and your participation does matter!

Thank you to the 31% of Runkle families who have been kind enough to donate. During this season of giving, we hope you consider donating to the Annual Fund, in honor of our wonderful teachers and all the students.

Have a happy and healthy holiday break.

Sharone Jelden and Val Godhwani, Co-Chairs, PTO Annual Fund

In attendance: Tamar Petler, Jemelle O’Neill, Jen Reed, Sandy Costello, Emily Dolbear, Thanese Beaumont, Mini Kolluri, Scott Murphy, Rosemary McElroy, Val Godhwani, Vanessa Beauchaine

Principal’s Update

• Dr. Beauchaine shared ideas on feedback she received on Middle School clubs (funded by PTO) ideas from the kids.   Ideas for next year include Improv, Sketch Writing, Cartooning, Glee Club, Dance
• Variety Show to benefit Japan quake relief on 5/19: stage coming from Pierce. School needed 6 parent volunteers – parents on each side of stairs, also to collect donations and sell raffle tickets. 

Librarian Update

• Book Fair recap: Big success, final numbers not in.  Approx. $1,500-$2,000 expected for the Library.  Easy scan method of checkout used this year.
• Author visits: Peter Lourie will potentially come back in the Fall for a writing workshop
• Playaways funded by PTO Grants being ordered this week.
• Library will stop checking out books in the Second week of June

 Annual Fund Update

• Final numbers: $59,500, 60% participation.   Thank you to Sharone Jelden and Val Godhwani, Annual Fund co-chairs.

Upcoming Events: Planning and Volunteers

• Math and Science Night is on May 20. Rosemary McElroy and Ron Rubin coordinators.    Ron R. has feelers out for the tables/activities.  Food will be served in the cafeteria.   Event will run from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
• Music and Arts Festival will run May 23-27.  Individual and group musical performances, including the chorus, band.
• International Night, June 3
• Spring Food on Wheels, May 22.  Emily D. provided overview of event, which is a food donation program for the Brookline pantry, with involvement by children. 
• Brookline Teen Center Pizza Evening: Scott M. to coordinate a date with Gwen Ossenfort.

Event Coordinators for Next Year:

• Many candidates for leading events identified, need additional volunteers.

Coffees

• Recruiting Coffee: Time/location, May 31 or Jun 2
• Enrichment and Challenge Support Coffee, tentatively scheduled for May 26, will now be next year due to ECS resource availability.
• Last coffee of the year is May 26
• Group floated ideas for more social coffees/breakfasts next year

Wrap Up

• Tim Green Author visit: Emily D. – PTO donated $750 worth of books in lieu of payment for author Tim Green’s visit.  Donation made to McKinley school in Boston
• Astronomy Night: Mini K. – 120 people attended this event for Runkle families at the Clay Center.  It was a great event, including a Galileo show, enjoyed by the Runkle families.  Ideas for improvements (including making more grade focused) next year to be discussed with the Clay Center director.

Upcoming meetings

• Additional meeting for board to discuss budget in first week of June.  Final budget/election meeting towards end of June.

Ideas floated by various board members:

• Service week idea
• Next year – monthly donation program
• Topics for next meeting: conversation for next meeting: cafeteria supervision during lunch
• Brought up by Jen Reed: Event Coordinators need to give quicker response to volunteers on times slotted.

 Sepac share: (Thanese Beaumont)

• Chat with Tracy Paradise how to plan events
• Suggestions: Add visual map (for International Night)
• Recipe cards for food, benefiting kids with diet restrictions
• Noise cancellation headphones at events, or earplugs at door.
• Rebecca Kemp has volunteered time out space at events if needed
• Assistant Superintendent of Student Services: Donna Finnegan.  Kiersten – Denise Rochland is retiring.
• Walk for Autism at Suffolk Downs

- Submitted by PTO Co-Chairs Mini Kolluri, Sandy Costello, and Emily Dolbear

May 31, 2011

Click on attached pdf file for Ballot.  Please place your ballot in the Ballot Box in the office. All ballots must be in by 2:30 on Friday, January 29th.

pdf:

Runkle Council Ballots 2010

Where does your Annual Fund Donation money go?

The following are some of the items that the PTO funded last year, many of which are planned for this year also:

K-3rd grades

* Chinese Ribbon Dancer to complement the First grade Social Studies curriculum.
* Starlab Portable Planetarium, a visiting program from the Museum of Science for the First graders.
* The Techsploration Structures workshop for Third graders. Techsploration programs are designed to introduce students to technology, science, and problem solving.
* Author-Illustrator Giles LaRoche’s visit to the Third Grade.
* Math games for Second grade classroom
* Music performance by the Canadian A Cappella group Cadence for Second and Third graders. This a cappella quartet was an entertaining introduction for young students to the concept that the voice is the most versatile of all instruments
* Wingmasters traveling program “The World of Owls” with live birds for Second Grade
* Magnetic math materials for use in all 1st grade classes and by the Math Specialist
* Ghanaian Drummer visit to Second Grade
* “Animal Adaptations” traveling Museum of Science show for 3rd Graders
* Educube chair set and Magnetic blocks for a First grade classroom
* Crafts material for Famous Structures project in Third Grade
* Recess Equipment.
* Professional development for our educators.
* Teacher stipends.
* Flip Video Mini HD cameras for use by all K-8 classes

4-5th grades

* Native American Tipi Construction exhibition to complement the Fourth grade Early American Studies unit.
* Techsploration electricity show for Fifth grade classes. The show serves as a wonderful introduction to Fifth graders on the Electricity component of the Science curriculum, which is explored in greater detail in the Sixth grade
* Homework Centers – Fourth graders are able to attend Homework Centers which are designed to support children with their work in a guided after school setting. The offering is available to them 2 days each week. Fifth graders are able to attend Homework Centers 3 days a week.
* Myth Masters for fifth graders. This theatre group brings the power, majesty, and magic of Mount Olympus to life.
* Music performance by the Canadian A Cappella group Cadence for Fourth and Fifth graders. This a cappella quartet illustrates that the voice is the most versatile of all instruments.
* Wingmasters” Native American Artifacts and Birds of Prey” with live birds for Fourth Grade
* Visit by college writing teacher Jeff Kelly to Fifth Grade on “10 ideas for ideas” for writing a good memoir, an entertaining and informative presentation for students preparing to write the Personal Narrative section of the MCAS.
* Ancient Egypt craft fair project in Fifth grade classrooms
* Recess Equipment.
* Professional development for our educators.
* Teacher stipends.
* Flip Video Mini HD cameras for use by all K-8 classes

6-8th Grades

* Music performance by the Canadian A Cappella group Cadence for Six-Eighth graders. This a cappella quartet illustrates that the voice is the most versatile of all instruments.
* Visit by scientist and author Dr. Loree Burns. Dr. Burns talked to Six-Eighth graders about her forthcoming book The Hive Detectives, which explores the unexplained disappearance of managed honey bees populations and the scientists working on this research area.
* Techsploration electricity workshop attended by Sixth graders. Electricity is a topic of study in Sixth grade science and the hands-on workshop will reinforce much of what they are learning in the Science curriculum.
* “Day of The Dead” trip to Harvard Peabody Museum for 7th & 8th grade Spanish class students
* Homework Centers: All Students in Sixth, Seventh and Eighth grades may attend Homework Centers up to 3 days each week.
* Student Organizers/Planners: for Sixth, Seventh and Eighth graders which they use throughout the year to help them prioritize their class assignments and practice time management skills.
* Promethean ActivBoard: interactive white board for the Seventh and Eighth grade Science room. This tool incorporates technology into the classroom, and allows the students to take a more active role in the classroom while note-taking and during discussions.
* Visit by award winning Author Illustrator Scott Magoon who shared stories and demonstrated the technique of digital illustration to 8th graders
* Talk on Eating Disorders for 8th graders
* Recess Equipment.
* Professional development for our educators.
* Teacher stipends.
* Flip Video Mini HD cameras for use by all K-8 classes

Other items include subsidies for class field trips which benefits all students, recess equipment for all classes, additional stipends to teachers during the move to Old Lincoln school, stipends to new teachers setting up new classrooms, contributions to the Library fund, paying for office laminating machine supplies, holding community events including Math and Science Night, International Night, Gingerbread House Decorating, Ice Skating Night (events like Halloween and Bingo Night pay for themselves).

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