There is truly a “Running Brook Way” that is distinct from that of other schools, and we are proud to have a school community that believes in the motto, “We Are Running Brook”!

- Anthony Esposito - Principal Running Brook Elementary School

So much growth in 50 YEARS and our motto shines through it all!

To mark this momentous occasion, the PTA will be hosting several events throughout the 2020-2021 school year to celebrate!

We can't wait to celebrate the positive impact Running Brook has had on our community and its families. If Running Brook has played a part in your life directly or indirectly, won't you help us continue the tradition of fun, thoughtful education for the new generation?

Check Out the Links Below For Ways You Can Join in on the Celebration!

At this point, we are officially through our first month of the 2020-21 school year. One month completed in what is shaping up to be a truly unprecedented school year.

Heading into the start of this school year as your PTA President, I had my reservations. The task at hand was a daunting one, to say the least -- how does the PTA manage to connect the school community when communing is not allowed? COVID definitely set out to make this a challenging year for humankind and the PTA with all its best intentions was not going to be spared the effects of a global pandemic.

But then, Running Brook did what it does best -- Running Brook showed up & in a BIG way!

We announced a last minute school supply drive and met the need beyond expectation. In a week's time, through supply drop offs and monetary donations, we were able to support school efforts to ensure all students received the necessary materials for the start of the school year.

This outpouring was a reminder of why I continue to support and hold this group in such high regard; we have the BEST community. When it would have been easy to say times are tough and not contribute, we saw an outpouring of support.

As a PTA, our strength comes from our members and the school community at large. One school supply drive and two (2) PTA meetings into this school year and the commitment we are seeing is increasing each day. As we navigate juggling work-from-home schedules, essential employee schedules and virtual learning, being a part of something that looks to support and advocate for our students and families is important. Our mission as a PTA hasn't changed because of the pandemic, if anything it has made us more determined to be an ally to our students and families.

What does RBES PTA advocacy look like this year?

To start, we are going to maintain programming as much as possible with transitions to virtual platforms when possible.

We will continue to develop partnerships with local resources that can be of benefit for our school community.

We will sponsor fun, educational activities for students like virtual museum tours and career day.

We will support the county, state and national level of the PTA in their continued efforts to ensure legislature involving public education is benefitting our students and meeting their needs.

We will promote the school within the community to strengthen community ties.

I'm excited for this school year and the many opportunities ahead of us. I hope each and every one of you find a way to join us even if it is simply with PTA membership or allowing your student to attend one of our programs.

Thank you for your time.

Stephanie Martin

RBES PTA President

October 2020

10/7 - Online Parent Workshop: Calming the COVID Chaos 6:30pm - 8pm. Register Here.

10/12 - PTA Meeting 7pm via Zoom

10/13 - Math Materials Pick-Up 4pm-7pm at Running Brook Elem.

10/14 - MAP Math Testing: Grades 2 through 5.

10/14 - PTA Pumpkin & Scarecrow Sale Ends. Order Your Pumpkin & Scarecrow Here.

10/15 - Math Materials Pick-Up between 4-7pm at Running Brook Elem.

10/16 - Early Dismissal: School Closes 3 hours early.

10/17 - Pumpkin & Scarecrow Drive-Thru Pick Up & Fall Goodie Bag Pickup at Running Brook Elem.

10/21 - Math Materials Pick-Up between 9am-11:30am at Running Brook Elem.

10/30 - Pumpkin & Scarecrow Decorating Contest 6pm. Join Us Virtually Here!

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November 2020

11/3 - Schools Closed: Election Day.

11/6 - End of First Quarter: Schools close 3 hours early.

11/9 - PTA Meeting 7pm via Zoom

11/11 - Reginald F. Lewis Virtual Museum Tour at 1pm. More details to come!

11/16 - Report Cards Issued.

Yom Kippur began last Sunday evening and ended Monday night. Yom (pronounced with a long "o" sound) Kippur is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar and the day when each Jew's fate for the coming year is decided by God. During the 10 days leading up to Yom Kippur, Jewish people turn to those whom they have wronged during the past year and ask for forgiveness. On the actual holiday, most Jewish people spend the day in prayer and refrain from eating or drinking. The holiday ends with the blowing of the Shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn. On Yom Kippur, a single long blast is sounded at the end of the final service to mark the conclusion of the fast. The fast is typically followed by a large, joyous meal with family and friends.

"L'shana tova," which means "have a good year," is a common greeting on the Jewish New Year and also fitting to say on Yom Kippur and through the holiday Sukkot, which goes from Oct. 2 to Oct. 9.

Thank you to the Kulansky family for sharing with us how they honor this holiday.

We Are Running Brook - A collective of parents, grandparents, teachers, school staff, former students and the local community working together to enhance the lives of RBES students.

The RBES PTA was formed with the goal of helping enrich the learning experience and community at Running Brook Elementary School. We want to engage and connect parents and educators alike to build a better, stronger school community through student advocacy, programs, events, and fundraising.

Email: rbesptainfo@runningbrookpta.org
Website: www.runningbrookpta.org
Location: 5215 West Running Brook Road, Columbia, MD, USA
Phone: (410) 313-6893
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningBrookPTA/