Students Return for New School Year

Ranney School once again welcomed back 820 students for the new school year on Sept. 4, 2013. Smiles and laughter were prevalent across the entire campus as students reunited with friends and teachers and met new classmates. With the sun shining bright, students from Beginners (age 3) through Upper School beamed with excitement as they walked through the colorfully decorated hallways and classrooms, ready to begin another school year.

Lower School students were greeted by new Head of School Dr. John Griffith and Associate Head for Academic Administration and Head of Lower School Patricia Marshall, along with Assistant Head of Lower School Allison Reddington and several other members of the Lower School faculty. As the students decorated their lockers and settled into their classrooms, the Upper School students gathered in RSPA Panther Hall for their first assembly of the year.

Student Council President Steven Parlamas ’14 greeted his peers—more than 300 Upper School students—along with administrators and faculty members, before leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Head of the Upper School, Mr. Paul Zanowski, also provided opening remarks and welcomed the Class of 2014 as they began their final year at Ranney. Twenty-three members of this year’s graduating class are “lifers,” meaning they have been attending the school for 10 or more years. Dr. Griffith shared his excitement to be at Ranney and for the upcoming school year. “I believe in supporting students in all aspects—academics, athletics, the arts—and value collaborations with students,” he said. “Most of all, I believe in student leadership and feedback.”

Following the Upper School assembly, the Middle School held its own gathering in Panther Hall. Head of Middle School David Fischer welcomed the students, saying, “Many opportunities await you in the Middle School. We want you to take advantage of these opportunities from the first day of school on, including classes, clubs, activities and sports.” Mr. Fischer spoke about the incredible academic program at Ranney along with the caring and dedicated teachers who work every day to deliver the school’s mission–promise that every child is known and valued. Middle School students had a chance to meet their advisors for the year ahead as well as Middle School Dean of Students David Ketcham. Mr. Ketcham provided students with several pieces of advice for the year. “Try new things, represent yourself and your school in a positive way, put forth your best effort, find a passion and respect others,” he said.

During the afternoon, Lower School students in grades one through five met for their first assembly, greeted once again by Mrs. Marshall with an enthusiastic welcome. She asked students to share their hopes and dreams for the school year, which resulted in a variety of responses, including “having the best school year ever,” “making new friends” and “doing well in French class.” After celebrating the August birthdays of Lower School students and teachers, Mrs. Marshall spoke about all the things students have to look forward to this year. She encouraged students to respect each other, to make new friends while also keeping longtime friends and to learn new things from teachers and friends. Mrs. Marshall also shared ways to achieve hopes and dreams and reviewed the Lower School Community Standards with the students. At the end of the assembly, Lower School students enjoyed watching a photo slideshow of the morning’s events and cheered for a wonderful school year at Ranney.