IN Murrysville Fall 2019 | Page 40

learning communities. Though Franklin Regional shares common District goals, curriculum, and policies, the current FR structure has three groups of Kindergarten teachers, three groups of First Grade teachers, and so on. Although our Professional Development programs for our staff strives to bring these teachers together physically to collaborate, the geographical distance between these schools has an impact on the delivery of educational services. When teachers in the same grade levels are housed in the same building it provides an opportunity to collaborate and learn from one another daily, while continuality of learning can take place with the students. This process benefits both the staff and our students.” “I’m really excited about the opportunities the Elementary Project brings to our district and our community,” said Jeannine Brentzel, FR parent and Murrysville resident. “State-of-the-art facilities paired with our already outstanding teaching staff and curriculum will attract future generations to our area and provide our children a top notch education. I’m glad to see Franklin Regional has a long-term plan to keep our students and our district relevant and thriving well into the 21st Century. 38 MURRYSVILLE that it still has students with varied socio-economic backgrounds coupled with varied levels of academic performance. Students, depending on their address, now attend one of three elementary schools. The class does not unite as one until Grade 6 as they enter Middle School. By uniting the class from Kindergarten on, this creates true equity for our students and creates a sense of class pride and spirit that will follow them through all 13 years of their educational experience.” “I support the Elementary Project and the improvements it will bring to our district,” said Jennifer Schirra, FR parent and resident of Murrysville. “Although my children are now in high school and will not directly benefit, I am confident this is the right move to ensure FR continues to provide a superior education in an inclusive environment for all children. Investments in our schools will surely support property value increases and that is a win for all of us!” “This community has a large volume of single family homes with well-maintained properties,” added Mr. Kozlosky. “We have an excellent and improving school district that can attract families to these homes. Not only do parents and students presently using our school system need Franklin Regional to grow and be successful, but the entire community depends on it.” “We support the Elementary Campus Project and believe it is a financially responsible solution to address facilities needs in our district while providing flexibility both for future needs at the Main Campus and in educational practices at the elementary level,” said George App, Murrysville resident. Architectural rendering of the proposed library for the primary school.