Back to School Nights a Big Success

Scores of parents were in attendance at the Back to School Nights, held recently for each division. These annual year-opening evenings offer parents the opportunity to hear about new programs, activities and events, and facility changes that will take place during the school year.

This year, the evenings began with a welcome from each of the division Heads, and Head of School Dr. Lawrence Sykoff. During the Lower School evening, Dr. Sykoff gave an overview to parents of the school’s Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan has been a year-long project of the Board of Trustees and its special sub-committees made up of administrators, Board Members, faculty and parents. The ideas it has generated will pave the way for Ranney’s future growth and progress over the next several years.

Dr. Sykoff pointed out during his presentation that schools that succeed and endure have developed a commitment to ongoing innovation; continuously review their strengths and weakness; use technology to accelerate learning; are always planning for a changing world; and are committed to core values. The idea, he explained, is to put strategic thinking before strategic planning. And that, he added, is what the Strategic Planning Committee has been working hard on during the past year.

Following a reception in the Galleries where parents and teachers could meet and greet and welcome presentations in RSPA Panther Hall, parents then had the opportunity to visit their child’s classrooms, speak with teachers and hear about what will be happening in classrooms throughout the 2010 2011 school year.

The success of the well-attended Back to School Nights is just one indication of the Ranney community’s commitment to academic excellence, and a sign that our soon-to-be completed 50th Anniversary year has certainly been Ranney’s best year ever.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.