Dear Ranney Families,
 
You have likely seen Governor Murphy’s recent Executive Order mandating masks indoors for all public, private, and parochial schools. Based on the responses to our recent masking survey, I know many within our community had hoped that we could move to a mask optional policy. Unfortunately, the emergence of the Delta variant and the rising number of COVID-19 cases in our region led the Governor to make this call. As a result, Ranney School will be starting the year requiring masks for everyone on campus, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.
 
We have all been hoping for a return to normalcy; however, we must balance those desires with the overarching need to keep the community safe and to allow us to continue with our live educational offerings. Even throughout last year, we were able to remain open, and our goal is to ensure that we can continue to function safely and productively this year. These goals will require us to maintain the flexibility and resilience we demonstrated throughout the last school year. While we will continue to require masks in compliance with the Executive Order, we are determined to do what we can to make this year positive for our students. Here are some of the ways we plan to move towards normalcy:

  • Students will be allowed to remove their masks when they are outdoors.
  • The vast majority of students will be learning in person every day. While families will continue to have the option to allow for their children to learn virtually, they must provide medical documentation and must commit to remain virtual for a minimum of one month.
  • We have decided to stop using the AUXS safety app in the mornings. We trust that everyone is well-practiced in monitoring for symptoms of illness and will follow our Sick Policy and Quarantine Policies, as appropriate. It is critically important that parents not send children to school sick. We will communicate details about these policies as a follow-up in the near future. 
  • We are planning an off-campus retreat for our freshman class and other start of school events to welcome our students back.
  • We will be holding Town Halls, grade-level meetings, and Lower School gatherings for students in person again, though we will continue to employ virtual options as alternatives.
  • We will be welcoming parents and guardians back on campus. While some events may continue to be offered virtually, parents will be welcome to come meet with advisors or teachers by appointment. 
  • We are planning events to bring our parents and guardians together including a Welcome Back Cocktail Party on September 30. We are planning to hold these events outdoors. 
  • Students will no longer have to observe one-way hallways, and Lower School students will move to their special classes rather than staying in the classroom. 
  • Students will have full use of lockers and locker rooms, and the pool will be open for physical education and athletics.

I sincerely appreciate the feedback many of you shared in our recent survey.  We will continue to review our policies and protocols in relation to local conditions and public health requirements and recommendations.  If you have not yet had a chance to do so, please submit proof of your child(ren)’s vaccination (if eligible). The greater the number of our community members who are vaccinated, the greater the likelihood that we will be able to consider a more flexible approach, when the Governor’s Executive Order is lifted.
 
As always, please reach out to me or your Division Head with questions or concerns. Enjoy the remaining days of summer, and we look forward to welcoming your entire family back on campus soon.
 
Best,
 
John Griffith
Head of School