Ranney Plus Combines Fun and Learning

Although summer is over and the season of homework has begun, Ranney students are still having lots of fun on campus—all while learning. With our Ranney Plus program, students in grades K-5 have the opportunity to participate in a range of after-school sports and activities. The offerings, which run over four to five sessions throughout the school year, include athletics, fine and performing arts, community service and more. In line with Ranney’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) curriculum, many activities incorporate core learning concepts and skills in fun ways.

“Students are able to explore different interests, develop talents, and discover skills from these experiences,” explained Lower School French Teacher Nancy Rosenthal, who organizes Ranney Plus activities with Lower School Technology Teacher Maureen Wood. “They are able to see their accomplishments firsthand and at times, qualify for state and national recognition, such as Science Olympiad and Math Olympiad. Ranney Plus provides opportunities beyond the rigor of the school day.” Session one, which runs through November 1st, offers outdoor activities, painting club, advanced orchestra, computer activities, drum circle, Math Olympiad, community service, singing club and robotics.

In Kindergarten, students also have the opportunity to participate in sports. Golf and fencing are offered to students in Kindergarten–Grade 5, and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse, baseball and softball are offered to students in grades 3–5. “After school sports have proven to be immensely popular as we have again expanded the offerings and also brought in new organizations to help with the development of our young athletes,” said Physical Education Teacher Ian McNamara.

This year, Ranney has joined forces with United Lacrosse to help develop fundamental skills for boys, while girls continue to receive personal instruction from Coach David Poupard (Julianna ’17 and Ava ’21). Frozen Ropes, a baseball and softball training center located in Tinton Falls, is also assisting baseball players through training sessions and top level instruction. Golfers are learning from Brian Bevins’ Golf, while fencing participants are receiving instruction from Atlantic Fencing Academy. “We are excited to have these organizations working with our athletes as they continue to develop through the early stages of athletics,” said Mr. McNamara.