Foundation Awards
Innovation Grant to
FR Panther Shop
The Franklin Regional Panther Foundation, during the
second round of Innovation Grants, awarded $12,929
to fund the FR Panther Shop at Franklin Regional Senior
High School. Under the direction of Michelle Longo,
Special Education teacher and Transition Coordinator,
the goal of the FR Panther Shop is to strengthen and
improve work related skills associated with a successful
transition from high school.
The FR Panther Shop will enhance the FR Work
Exploration Program by adding materials to create
a “small scale” school store within the life skills
classroom. Students will use innovative tools, such
as a vinyl cutter, to engage in various project based
learning opportunities to create personalized tumblers
and mugs for the Franklin Regional School District.
Students will gain exposure to practical design, cutting,
packaging, sales, marketing, and other real works skills.
Students will learn how to place orders and deliver a
product. Additional skills will be taught using a Point of
Service (POS) System to enhance problem solving and
organization.
Piloting this program on a small-scale will enable the FR team
to evaluate the effectiveness of the in-house works skills training.
Mrs. Longo hopes that the project will be able to expand to
opening a full size school store in the future.
Franklin Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Gennaro
R. Piraino, Jr., Dr. Richard Regelski, Director of Special Education,
and FR Panther Foundation Executive Director Car