SUPERINTENDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Dear Franklin Regional Community , ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
Dr . Gennaro R . Piraino , Jr . Superintendent
Dr . Mary Catherine Reljac Assistant Superintendent
Marlena Lang Director of Human Resources
Jon C . Perry Director of Financial Services
Linda Miller Assistant to the Director of Financial Services
Brad Schrecengost Supervisor of Technology Services
James Heck Director of Facilities
Zachary Kessler Director of Athletics & Student Activities
Dr . Richard E . Regelski , Jr . Director of Special Education
Cara A . Zanella Director of Development & Communications
Donna Wolf School Board Secretary / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Ronald Suvak , Principal Senior High School
Andrew Leviski , Principal Middle School
Dr . Robert Buffone , Principal Heritage Elementary
Tina Gillen , Principal Newlonsburg Elementary
Jennifer DiFulvio , Principal Sloan Elementary
42 MURRYSVILLE
The conclusion of another academic year presents me with the opportunity to reflect upon the many accomplishments of our students and staff . The 2017-2018 school year allows our community to share a tremendous sense of pride due to their many monumental achievements !
Academically , our students attained results commensurate with the best and brightest from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our Great Nation . For instance , their scholastic accomplishments and performance on the PSAT allowed Franklin Regional to celebrate eight National Merit Finalists . In addition , Franklin Regional Senior High Mathletes won the Western Pennsylvania Math League Competition for the first time in fifteen years . This competition represents the “ Who ’ s Who ” among our region ’ s best public and private schools .
Students also made impressive contributions to Franklin Regional ’ s tradition of excellence in the arts . The spring musical featured many amazing performances as our students presented “ 42nd Street ”. Franklin Regional Senior High Chorus and Marching Band programs also attained impressive honors and future opportunities due to their exceptional performances . The FRSH Chorus won an invitation to participate in the World Strides Youth Chorus at Carnegie Hall in 2019-2020 . Recently , officials from Macy ’ s traveled to Franklin Regional Senior High to announce that our Marching Band was being awarded an invitation to represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the 2019 Macy ’ s Thanksgiving Day Parade .
Athletically , Franklin Regional varsity teams also experienced great success . At the time that we were developing this edition of IN-Murrysville , our students won section championships in Boys ’ Soccer , Boys ’ Basketball , Girls ’ Swimming & Diving , Boys ’ Track & Field , Girls ’ Track & Field , and Boys ’ Tennis . Palmer Jackson was also the state runner-up in Golf and Colton Camacho was the state runner-up in wrestling . Our Boys ’ Basketball team finished as runner-ups in the 5A WPIAL Tournament .
Our exceptional students have garnered so many accolades that we could never showcase all of them in this magazine . I am so proud of our students for their commitment to academic , artistic , and athletic excellence ! Most importantly , Franklin Regional students also excel in their roles as citizens . So many of our students do amazing volunteer work , give of their time to help others in our schools and community , and raise money to support important challenges that face our region and nation .
I would also like to celebrate our dedicated professional staff . These individuals work diligently to provide our students with world-class experiences , while continually raising the bar for both their students and themselves . During the 2017-2018 school year , National Math + Science Institute ( NMSI ), Introduction to Engineering , and other Project Lead the Way courses were launched in Franklin Regional classrooms . As an aside , the FR Panther Foundation financially supported STREAM Forward , Project Lead the Way and other innovative programs .
Finally , please join me in also recognizing and thanking our local taxpayers , educational partners , and entire school community , who selflessly support our students and staff as they strive for excellence , learning , achievement , and citizenship in all that they do ! Without their unwavering commitment to providing a world-class educational experience for our students , Franklin Regional ’ s tradition of academic , artistic , and athletic excellence would not be possible .
Yours in education , Dr . Gennaro R . Piraino , Jr . Superintendent of Schools