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Students "Move Up" and "Cross the Lawn"

The Class of 2025 welcomed their parents, family and friends to RSPA Panther Hall on June 3 for the Kindergarten “Moving Up” Ceremony. In welcoming everyone, Early Childhood Director Stephanie Katzman spoke fondly about the 35 students who make up the classes of Mrs. Martinez, Miss Atwood and Mrs. Fischer. “Whether your child has been here for one year, or we have had the pleasure of watching them grow over the past three years, they have all successfully completed their time in the Early Childhood Education Center,” she said. “Today, they are recognized for their dedication to learning, hard work and their astounding social and emotional growth.”

After acknowledging the teachers for their commitment, Mrs. Katzman welcomed Mrs. Martinez’s class to the stage. One by one, the students recited poems, “Now that I can Read” and “The Last Days of School.” Miss Atwood’s class then presented an acrostic poem that they wrote and illustrated themselves with each beginner letter spelling out “kindergarten.” Mrs. Fischer’s class also shared a poem titled “Kindergarten Days.”

This year, kindergarten students were introduced to French, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish through music and singing. To share what they have learned, the students performed “Old McDonald” in all three languages. The students also sang the days of the week in French to the tune of “Frere Jacques” and the months of the year to “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Next, the students gave the audience a lesson in Mandarin Chinese by counting to 10 using one hand. Finally, students showcased their Spanish skills by translating phrases called out by Senora Cordero from English to Spanish.

The students ended their performance by singing “This is My Time” and “Movin’ On Up” in celebration of moving up to first grade. In the ceremony’s closing remarks, Associate Head for Academic Administration and Head of Lower School Patricia Marshall acknowledged the Class of 2025 for their successful year and welcomed them to the Lower School. “I am excited to begin this new adventure with them and watch them discover and have new experiences as they enter first grade and prepare for the rest of their years in the Lower School.”

After sharing excerpts from each class’s rendition of “If I Took a Mouse to Ranney School” Mrs. Marshall also acknowledged Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff for his 20 years of dedication and provided him with a copy of the book. As they walked out, the rising first graders were escorted by students in the fifth grade, who celebrated the end of their time in the Lower School on June 6 with Ranney’s traditional “Crossing the Lawn” Ceremony.

After enjoying a special breakfast in The Commons building, fifth-grade students processed into RSPA Panther Hall, where they were applauded by their families, friends and members of the faculty and administration. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by members of the Class of 2020 Marisa Riebesell and Anthony Virone, Dr. Sykoff shared a story with the students, as part of a Ranney tradition. After reading, Be Careful What You Plant, he explained the moral of the story: Nothing can help a person with the wrong attitude; nothing can stop the person with the right attitude. “Today we celebrate all you have become and all the great things you will do in the future,” he said.

Throughout the ceremony, the 53 fifth-graders recited “I Am Poems” where they described their passions and characteristics about themselves. Mrs. Marshall commended the class for their growth and leadership they displayed as students in the Lower School. “Because of who the students in the class of 2020 are, and because of how they work and play together, the Lower School is a better place,” she said.

After watching a fifth-grade class video, newly elected Upper School Student Council President Steven Parlamas ’14 and Vice President Elizabeth Roberts ’15 reflected on their time in the Lower School and how it helped them transition into Middle and Upper School. They encouraged students to try new things and explore the many opportunities offered.

Next, Head of Middle School David Fischer welcomed the Class of 2020 to the Middle School. . “The years you have spent in the Lower School working your hardest and showing dedication to your studies and to Ranney School have brought you to this important juncture,” he said. “The skills and talents you have grown through your years will serve you well as you cross the lawn and begin the next stage in your educational journey.”

The ceremony concluded with the Class of 2020 performing “Shine Your Way” before they walked out to the Great Lawn, surrounded by teachers, families, Lower School students and friends to cross over to the Middle School building where they will begin their sixth-grade year next fall.

View the programs from both of these events: Kindergarten Moving Up Day Ceremony and 5th Grade Crossing the Lawn Ceremony.
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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.