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LS Offered Goldenrod Grant for YouthTouch Program

Since the launch of its new Strategic Plan in the winter of 2011, Ranney’s Lower School has added after school programs in math and science, constructed a second science lab, and sought the employment of additional science faculty members for students spanning Pre-K through grade five. In an effort to further implement a strategic initiative that supports the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs across campus, Ranney’s Lower School recently applied for and was awarded a grant from the Goldenrod YouthTouch program. One of the grant acceptance requirements is for Ranney School to provide a portion of the funding through philanthropy. These matching funds will materialize through generous donors of the Ranney Annual Fund.

Each year, Goldenrod provides funding for approximately 20 YouthTouch grants given to those Elementary or Middle Schools with the best pedagogy, sound educational management and caring individuals. A program introduced in 1997 and developed by teachers to support skill development and practical application in STEM fields, Goldenrod YouthTouch believes in the use of a well-structured curriculum to inspire creativity and ingenuity amongst younger students.

Beginning this March, Ranney will team-up with the Goldenrod Research Corporation in an effort to bring real world examples of robotics engineering to the classroom, as well as demonstrate critical thinking, cause and effect, collaboration, and the functions of simple machines and movements to Lower School students.

It is Ranney’s primary goal to both provide learning experiences that are relevant to the development of a global society and to ensure that students’ experiences on campus are fully equipped with the resources needed to foster creative thought and collaboration that, in turn, leads to self-expression. While Ranney’s Middle and Upper School curricula have been equipped with competitive science and math leagues as well as robotics teams for quite some time, the recent upgrade of after school programs in the Lower School has since afforded younger students the opportunity to enhance classroom experiences through Science Olympiad, Math Olympiad and robotics activities as well. Along with the introduction of new technologies such as SMARTboards and laptops to increase 21st century learning last school year, 2010-11 was also met with increased interest in robotics programs for boys and girls ranging grades three through five.

“To satisfy the ingenuity and curiosity of our students, we pursued the Goldenrod Grant — a grant that affords us teacher training, curriculum support and equipment,” said Lower School Head and Associate Head for Academic Administration Patricia Marshall.

Overall, the Lower School is excited about this milestone, and eager to begin the Goldenrod program, which promises to bring new opportunities to campus. “This is a great addition for the Lower School and speaks to the accomplishments of our faculty and students,” said Mrs. Marshall.

An introduction to robotics and new technology will not only build foundations for competitive success in this specialized field, but also prepare students for participation at a more advanced level. Through the Goldenrod YouthTouch grant, the Lower School will receive four joystick robots (RoboAC), four intelligent robotic trainers (RoboArms), two closed circuit cameras for use with the robots (RoboVue), two hydralifts, one computer interface hydralift, and one “Tempest” problem solving computer interface.

In addition, Lower and Middle School science, technology and math teachers including Ms. Judy Salisbury will receive on-site training and guidance from Goldenrod researchers and a complete math, science and technology curriculum aligned with national CCC (Common Core Curriculum) standards. Teachers at Ranney will serve as the voice for the YouthTouch program, frequently meeting with school administration to redevelop goals moving forward. Full implementation of the program will take place in the fall of 2012, with installment of a Goldenrod curriculum in fourth and fifth grade science and math classes by December, 2012.

The institution of an enhanced curriculum and professional development is expected to carry over throughout the next three school years, in correspondence with proper program assessments. Ranney’s Lower School is confident that through inclusion in this program, YouthTouch may also offer teaching experience and expertise that will eventually help faculty develop their own student programs and curriculum guides.
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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.