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235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

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Back to School – A New Year of Hopes & Dreams

Ranney welcomed its largest-ever group of students — some old and some new — back for yet another exciting school year on September 7, 2011. Despite gloomy weather, the hallways of each building overflowed with beaming smiles, familiar laughs and heartfelt hugs as students were happily greeted by teachers and friends. Students also received best wishes and sound advice from Head of School Lawrence S. Sykoff, Ed.D. and administrators from their respective divisions during assemblies held in RSPA Panther Hall.

After highlighting many positive changes made at Ranney this 2011-12 school year, including an innovative one-to-one laptop program and media center, revised six-day rotation schedule, and planned trip to Spain in the spring, Dr. Sykoff recommended a book entitled “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho to a group of approximately 254 Upper School students. According to Dr. Sykoff, the book — about a man on a journey to treasure-filled pyramids — ends with a transformation in which the protagonist discovers not treasure, but rather his true self. Dr. Sykoff compared the main character’s journey and transformation to the new school year that each student was about to embark on. “It’s a new beginning; a time to be open to new ideas and make new friends,” said Dr. Sykoff. “If you are truly open to growing as an individual, the world and the people in it will conspire to get you there.”

Following Dr. Sykoff, Head of the Upper School Paul Zanowski suggested that each Upper School student use the 2011-12 school year to build on last year’s successes. He added that this year promises to offer students the opportunity to meet three new teachers and many new friends, utilize new student spaces, and experience unique learning resources. In closing, he expressed his wish that the Upper School and its peers choose to lead, and build positive and productive relationships throughout the year.

As he welcomed this year’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes, Head of the Middle School David Fischer declared the new school year as one of many firsts for students and faculty alike. After introducing several faculty members new to the Middle School division, he asked students, “What kind of school year do you want to have?” He expressed his desire for each student to have a year filled with new experiences, asking that all try a different sport or activity. “There are opportunities around every corner for you to explore,” assured Mr. Fischer. He then requested that students put their heart and soul into everything they try, as well as live up to new expectations outlined in the Middle’s Schools Code of Conduct. “Although these expectations are high, I know you will meet or exceed them,” said Mr. Fischer.

Upon welcoming new and returning “friends” from grades one through five, Head of the Lower School and Associate Head for Academic Administration Patricia Marshall shared not only her hopes for a happy, healthy and safe school year, but also her dream that each student have the same hopes for one another. With the remainder of the assembly centered on the topic of hopes and dreams, five students were also asked to share their hopes and dreams with the audience. While third grade student Fatima Ahmad hoped to make new friends this school year, Jack Crilly ’19 shared his dream that all fifth graders be good leaders and role models for children throughout the Lower School.

Although a cloudy day, the sun shone through for all students who expressed high hopes, dreams and goals for the new school year. With new programs, exciting activities and an unprecedented 819 member student body, Ranney is well on the way to fulfilling its vision. On behalf of all of us at Ranney School, we’d like to say welcome back and good luck as you begin to pursue your aspirations during what will truly be a memorable school year.
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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.