Back to School
Information for Runkle Parents/Guardians
With the 6-8 Teachers
Table of Contents
After School Opportunities
Su
Ania Bigda (8Bi)
Ania_Bigda@psbma.org
Subject: 7/8 English
Number of Years at Runkle: 12
Pets: just a very energetic human child who likes to pretend she’s a cat
Hobbies: reading, biking, tennis, yoga, traveling, swimming
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
I will always remember the ups and downs of my own adolescent experiences, and, as a teacher, I love having a front-row seat to this fascinating stage of life filled with so much change. We’ve got this!
“Just work hard and be nice to people.” -Michael Franti
Click here for a class overview.
Colleen Boyle (8B)
Subject: 6-8 Spanish
Number of Years at Runkle: 19
Pets: a crazy 2 year old kitty named Puka
Hobbies: Watching and playing sports, coaching field hockey and lacrosse, my Peloton bike and tread, cooking, traveling, reading, running as of recently
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
Get ready to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, take risks, make mistakes, have fun, and speak A LOT of Spanish!
colleen_boyle@psbma.org
Jean Capizzi
Subject: Learning Center Teacher, Grades 6 & 7
Number of Years at Runkle: 2
Pets: Do the bunnies in my garden count?
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, hiking, and trying new recipes
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
I believe in you! I am here to help learn how to learn more effectively and to reflect on your own learning.
Making mistakes is part of learning. As Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
jean_capizzi@psbma.org
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Lauren Carroll
Subject: English Learner Education Teacher and 6th grade Spanish
Number of Years at Runkle: This is my 12th year at Runkle and my 24th in Brookline.
Pets: I don’t have any pets, but I want a dog!
Hobbies: reading, walking, biking (Peloton), yoga and traveling.
Something They Want Their Students to Know: Being bilingual is amazing! You should be really proud to be learning a second (or third) language!
lauren_carroll@psbma.org
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Dale Cramer (6C)
Subject: 6/7 Math
Number of Years at Runkle: 8th year at Runkle and 19th in Brookline
Pets: Rescue dog named Rune
Hobbies: Snowboarding, kayaking, any sport that is played with a ball
Something They Want Their Students to Know: Sometimes you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. If you can learn to do that everything becomes easier.
dale_cramer@psbma.org
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Try a 6th Grade Lesson
Try a 7th Grade Lesson
Chloe Crocker (6CRO)
Subject: 6/7 Social Studies Teacher
Number of Years at Runkle: 8 years
Pets: Do houseplants count as pets??
Hobbies: Being outdoors (gardening, hiking, etc.), reading (especially YA books), watching documentaries
Something They Want Their Students to Know: Middle school is a time of tremendous growth! Get to know yourself as a learner and don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes!
Link to 6th Grade Handbook
Olivia Dailey (6D)
Subject: 6 & 7 English Language Arts (ELA)
Number of Years at Runkle: 8 years
Pets: Little dog named Tinker
Hobbies: Reading, art, snowboarding, being active outside
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
Know that I care about my students. I believe in you! If you have a question or just want to talk, please let me know so we can schedule a time to chat.
Olivia_Dailey@psbma.org
Djems Domerson (7DM)
Subject: 6/7 Science Teacher
Number of Years at Runkle: 14
Pets: Used to have a dog, goose, chickens, duck, fish, and hissing cockroaches
Hobbies: Traveling, drumming, photography
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
We will all make mistakes this year and that’s ok. So let’s work together to figure this all out.
djems_domerson@psbma.org
Donna Finnegan
School Principal
Number of Years at Runkle: I have been at Runkle for 14 years (Team Facilitator (5 yrs), Vice Principal (5 years) and Principal since the Pandemic!
Pets: I have a great dog named Penny:)
Hobbies: I love listening to True Crime Podcasts, reading and hanging out on the beach in ME.
Something They Want Their Students to Know: I absolutely LOVE Runkle. I want to learn every student’s name, so remind me ALWAYS! My boys are in college and I have one US Marine! You are my kids now!
donna_finnegan@psbma.org
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Mary Fitzgerald
Subject: 7th & 8th Grade Health and Wellness
Number of Years at Runkle: Beginning my second!
Companion Animal: Macky the Tuxedo cat!
Hobbies: Pickleball, Plant-based cuisine (cooking and eating!) Sewing & Knitting, Hiking, Biking, Volunteering at Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn.
Something I Want My Students to Know: The most important thing for me as your teacher is that you feel seen, heard and respected as an important part of our classroom community!
mary_fitzgerald@psbma.org
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Angela Galanopoulos
Subject: 8th grade Learning Center
Number of Years at Runkle: 28 years
Pets: (not at the moment)
Hobbies: Cooking, Swimming & Traveling
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
There are no limits to what you can accomplish when you work hard, take risks and self-reflect. This is going to be an incredible year!
angela_galanopoulos@psbma.org
Sarah Gardner
Subject: K-3rd General Music; 5th & 6-8th Chorus
Number of Years at Runkle: 12 (but 14 in Brookline)
Pets: not right now
Hobbies: Playing the piano and bassoon, running, baking, reading
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
I want my students to experience the sense of joy and community that comes with making music together. As a poster in my classroom says, “I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing!”
sarah_gardner@psbma.org
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Michiko Hattori
Subject: Team Facilitator
Number of Years at Runkle: 17
Pets: dog named Turtle
Hobbies: Eating, arts & crafts, and traveling
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
It’s okay to make mistakes - get back up and try again! We are here for you!
michiko_hattori@psbma.org
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Meghan Lewis (7L)
Name: Meghan Lewis
Subject: 7th/8th Grade Math
Number of Years at Runkle: Sixth Year
Pets: A mini Aussiedoodle named MJ
Hobbies: Hiking, Reading, Basketball, and Taylor Swift
Something I Want My Students to Know:
“Life is a math equation. In order to gain the most, you have to convert negatives into positives.” I am a firm believer in learning from our mistakes!
meghan_lewis@psbma.org
Rachel Mekler
Subject: K-8 School Psychologist
Number of Years at Runkle: 7
Hobbies: Traveling, going to the beach, reading
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
Trying something new and failing the first time is better than not trying at all! We are here to support you through the tough stuff :)
rachel_mekler@psbma.org
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Jenny Murphy
Subject: K-8 Instructional Technology
Number of Years at Runkle: 19
Pets: none
Hobbies: Hanging out with my kids, walking outside, going to the beach, working out, yoga, cooking, and crafting
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
Always ask questions and be open to learn new things everyday.
jenny_murphy@psbma.org
Judi Newell
Subject: RISE Paraprofessional
Number of Years at Runkle: 18
Pets: A Cockapoo named Chloe
Hobbies: Reading, cooking, swimming
Something They Want Their Students to Know: You all do great work every single day.
Alaina Ortiz
Subject: Art (K-8)
Number of Years at Runkle: 23
Pets: Charles Mingus and Tedi Two Times (cats!)
Hobbies: painting, hiking, skiing, traveling, gardening, playing with my 2 daughters
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
I hope the art room will be a safe space where you can be creative, build confidence to express yourself, and feel at home. My favorite part of my job is getting to know students as they grow from kindergarten to eighth grade.
alaina_ortiz@psbma.org
Chad Pelton
Subject: Vice Principal (former 7-8 Science Teacher)
Number of Years at Runkle: 21
Pets: A Goberian named Asher
Hobbies: Sports, Crossfit, Travelling
Something They Want Their Students to Know: I have high expectations for all students. I want all students to succeed and the best way for that is for students to advocate for themselves when they encounter any sort of hardship or setback.
chad_pelton@psbma.org
Alex Ross
Subject: K-8 School Social Worker
Number of Years at Runkle: 5
Pets: An Italian Waterdog named Wally
Hobbies: Reading, biking (Peloton), and trashy reality TV
Something They Want Their Students to Know: We can do hard things (even when it feels like we can’t)
alexandra_ross@psbma.org
Justine Sands
Subject: Special Education Teacher - RISE
Grades 6-8
Number of Years at Runkle: 24
Pets: A sassy chihuahua mix named Bama
Hobbies: Reading, walking, travel
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas Edison
justine_sands@psbma.org
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Shira Schwartzberg
Subject: 7/8 Social Studies
Number of Years at Runkle: 13
Pets: Lab mix named Ralph
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, cooking, kayaking
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
You are living through a unique moment in history! Remember this time so you can be a "primary source" to future generations.
shira_schwartzberg@psbma.org
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Jen Schultz
Subject: Physical Education
Number of Years at Runkle: 22
Pets: Buttercup, our cat!
Hobbies: Working out, gardening, traveling, being outside, beaches!
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak at their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” John F. Kennedy
jennifer_schultz@psbma.org
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Michelle Schweiger
Subject: Math Specialist
Number of Years at Runkle: 19
Pets: None even though my kids want a dog!
Hobbies: Reading, watching sports, walking with friends, spending time with family, traveling and cheering for my kids!
Something I Want My Students to Know: It’s OK to make mistakes; that’s how we learn. Everyone can be good at math!
michelle_schweiger@psbma.org
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Katherine Sennott
Subject: 7-8 Science
Number of Years at Runkle: 2
Pets: None right now!
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, traveling
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
The critical thinking, data analysis, and research skills you learn in science class will benefit you in all areas of your life, regardless of if you choose to pursue a career in science.
katherine_sennott@psbma.org
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Haillie Shinohara
Subject: 5-7 Learning Center
Number of Years at Runkle: 3 (but 11 years in Brookline)
Pets: Guinea pig named Taco
Hobbies: Baking, reading, arts & crafts, hiking
Something They Want Their Students to Know: We can do this together! Never worry alone!
haillie_shinohara@psbma.org
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Rebecca Sneider
Subject: 5-8 Guidance
Number of Years at Runkle: 23
Pets: a painted turtle named Bumper.
Hobbies: Doing crossword puzzles, watching documentaries, going to concerts
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” - AA Milne
We are here to help you find your way!!!!
rebecca_sneider@psbma.org
Shannon Veski
Subject: 8th Grade Learning Center
Number of Years at Runkle: 4
Pets: 2 cats living the good life
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, traveling, hiking, watching hockey, working on puzzles.
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
Every problem has a solution, and I’m always here to help you find it!
Laura Vish
Subject: Speech and Language Pathologist
Number of Years at Runkle: 25 years
Pets: A Cairn terrier named ZuZu
Hobbies: Cooking, Travel, & Gardening
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
The Runkle community cares deeply about you and we are proud of how hard you have worked and have approached things positively. I’m looking forward to another wonderful school year!
laura_vish@psbma.org
Linda Weiner
Subject: Paraprofessional
Number of Years at Runkle: 11years
Pets: Rescue dog named OSCAR
Hobbies: Biking, Skiing, Travel, Beaching
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
When things seem hard and you can work through the tough parts, it will make you stronger. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes get in your way, it is how we all learn.
Jamie Wong
Subject: French, grades 6, 7, & 8
Number of Years at Runkle: This is my 2nd year in Brookline!
Pets: A very spoiled cat named Charles
Hobbies: Reading, dancing and traveling
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
Learning a language can be fun, challenging and rewarding. Find your motivation and make connections to your everyday life, and you’ll be impressed with how much you learn!
jamie_wong@psbma.org
Subject:
Number of Years at Runkle:
Pets:
Hobbies:
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
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Subject:
Number of Years at Runkle:
Pets:
Hobbies:
Something They Want Their Students to Know:
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Ways to Help your
Middle School Student Succeed
WIN “What I Need”
WIN is an opportunity for students to:
What it is NOT:
WIN happens twice a week in 7th and 8th grade. 6th grade WIN meets three times a week, and has a different format each session. During these classes, the team addresses executive functioning, study skills and building community.
Canvas Resources for Families
Did you know you can join students Canvas courses as an Observer?
Technology Information for Families
Technology at Runkle School is used for educational purposes only. Teachers will discuss and review the Runkle School Technology and Chromebook Expectations with all middle school students during the first week of school. This is information we review at the beginning of every school year. Chromebooks are expected to to come to school each day fully CHARGED. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to the expectations we have for all students.
The Chromebook Contract and Chromebook Misuse Protocol are sent home for signatures on the first day of school.
7th and 8th Community Service
7th and 8th Graders are expected to do 10 hours of Community Service. These hours can be filled by helping around the school or by volunteering at various events organized by the PTO.
If your student is participating in a Community Service project outside of school, they have been told to go to Ms. Sneider directly to see if they can get credit for it.
Additional Townwide Resources