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235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

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Ranney Gives Back this Thanksgiving

 
In celebration of Thanksgiving, Ranney’s Upper and Middle School classes hosted a Thanksgiving assembly that addressed the true meaning of the holiday and offered musical contributions from the Upper School chorus, and Middle School chorus and orchestra.
 
The day’s festivities began with an Upper School assembly in the morning. Following a tribute to our nation’s flag, several students, faculty and administrators stepped to the podium to share with the audience the many things they are thankful for this holiday season. Some were thankful for their health, happiness or friends, whereas others expressed gratitude for a supportive family and well-rounded educational experience. In keeping with true meaning of the holiday, several key speakers also talked of “giving.” During a touching speech about the importance of family, Upper School Spanish teacher, Ina Gurman, advised students to “leave [their] egos at the door and learn to help others.”
 
In his meaningful comments on the act of giving year-round, Head of School, Dr. Lawrence Sykoff, provided a list of ways in which to do just what Mrs. Gurman said, and give back to the community. Whether one help a struggling charity, commit one random act of kindness each month, or thank someone face-to-face rather than via text or email, Dr. Sykoff explained that there are many ways to help those in need.
 
This Thanksgiving, the Middle School class reached out to those in need through charity. Within the past decade, poverty amongst children in Monmouth and Ocean Counties has seen a three to five percent increase. This fall, Ranney School faculty, staff and administrators challenged students to collect food for the Lunch Break Food Bank in Red Bank, New Jersey. Although the student from each grade to collect the most food would receive a “dress-down day” after returning from Thanksgiving break on November 29, 2010, many found the contest to hold a much bigger reward. The Middle School class learned that working together makes great things happen.
 
All in all, Ranney’s 18 Middle School homerooms collected over 5,000 items from the Lunch Break Wish List. Of these homerooms, Mrs. Sullivan’s sixth grade class collected a whopping 941 items. In addition, Ms. Moran’s seventh grade homeroom collected a phenomenal 740 items and Ms. Mills’ class totaled a miraculous 424. The Middle School Community Service Club also raised enough money through its “Sandy Candy” fundraiser at this year's Fall Festival to purchase and donate 40 turkeys to hungry families this season.
 
Keynote speaker at the Middle School Fall Convocation Ceremony, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., applauded the students on their significant contribution to the community. While addressing the audience, he noted the importance of sacrificing parts of one’s own life to give to those who are less fortunate. Congressman Pallone also recognized those leaders who devote their careers to helping the community, and those who give back individually at food banks or hospitals. Congressman Pallone is recognized for his dedication to expanding health care access and affordability for those less fortunate citizens, protecting the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs, ensuring food safety and strengthening the nation’s clean water laws.
 
Each and every student from Ranney’s Middle and Upper School classes learned a very important lesson this holiday. They realized that being grateful for what one has leads to sacrifices for the benefit of others, and that working together can accomplish great things. The Ranney community is very proud of the tremendous accomplishment of the Middle School class in particular. As sophomore Peter Bontempo stated in his speech at the Upper School Thanksgiving Assembly, “gratitude creates a vision for tomorrow.”
 
It is a great feeling knowing that the efforts of the Middle School Community Service Club could create a better Thanksgiving for hundreds of hungry families throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties this holiday season. With the bar set so high, imagine what next year’s fundraising efforts will bring!
 
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society. 

We envision Ranney School as a nurturing learning community, in which families, faculty, alumni, and all of Ranney’s constituents collaborate to know and value every child, foster individual talents, sustain powerful connections between children and adults, and graduate resilient, globally-minded citizens.