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Lower School Celebrates the Holidays

The Lower School filled children, parents, faculty and friends with holiday cheer at several divisional events including a Lower School Gathering and two Holiday Readings with Dr. and Mrs. Sykoff held December 16, 2011.

Friday began with a Lower School Gathering in RSPA Panther Hall. As students wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers took to their seats throughout the auditorium, the assembly opened with Lower Head of School and Associate Head for Academic Administration Patricia Marshall congratulating several pupils on accomplishments acquired since September. Led by Teacher Dr. Dorothy Sobieski, the Lower School’s Advanced Orchestra then performed a musical selection that included such holiday songs as Believe from the movie “Polar Express.”

Afterwards, students listened as Mrs. Marshall shared a story known as “Gift of the Magi” written by O. Henry. In discussing the moral of this short tale, she explained that the true meaning of the holiday season involves both the art of giving and seeing goodness in others. “The holidays are about acknowledging good and hope in people,” said Mrs. Marshall.

The assembly concluded with a performance from Ranney’s Lower School Chorus, which sang classic songs like Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock and Let it Snow. While each grade returned to its classroom for some fun and food at holiday parties held each year before winter break, Panther Hall was later visited by Beginner and Pre-Kindergarten students, along with the Sykoffs.

During two Holiday Reading sessions, Dr. and Mrs. Sykoff read children’s stories, sang, and danced with those younger students at Ranney. Stories heard included “Santa Duck” by author David Milgrim, “Stick Man” by Julia Donaldson and “The Biggest, Best Snowman” written by Margery Cuyler.

Next, Mrs. Sykoff took to the piano, where she played Jingle “Quack” – a slight remake of the holiday hit, Jingle Bells. Along with Dr. Sykoff, she was also accompanied by seniors Evelyn Giovine and Hannah Simpson as they led the children in song and dance to “The Sound of Music’s” My Favorite Things as well.

With students and faculty members breaking for winter beginning Monday, December 19, both events truly embraced the meaning of community and evoked a holiday spirit to be shared with all.
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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.