SUPERINTENDENT ’ S
MESSAGE
Dear FR Community : ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
Dr . Gennaro R . Piraino , Jr . Superintendent
Dr . Robin Pynos Assistant Superintendent
Marlena Lang Director of Human Resources
Jon C . Perry Director of Financial Services
Ericka Cowell Assistant 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
Timothy Skoog Director of Safety & Security
Donna Wolf School Board Secretary / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Ronald Suvak Principal Senior High School
Dr . Tawnia St . Amant Principal Middle School
Dr . Robert Buffone Principal Heritage Elementary
Tina Gillen Director of Innovation & Communication / Principal Newlonsburg Elementary
Jennifer DiFulvio Director of Elementary Education / Principal Sloan Elementary
36 MURRYSVILLE
As we approach the conclusion of the academic year , I have spent countless hours reflecting on our response to the global pandemic and the many challenges that we have overcome together . The global crisis reminds families and schools that a world-class education must be a collaborative partnership and that technology is an essential tool . I am proud of the levels of collaboration and cooperation that I have observed between and among the faculty , staff , administrators , employees , parents , students , and the community at large . Due to the efforts of all who re-imagined learning in the Franklin Regional School District , our students are ready for success in the classroom , workplace , and the world in which we live .
Though the Covid-19 pandemic often seems like an ongoing dark cloud , it is not without silver linings . For one , this crisis has created many potential and unique educational opportunities . Below , I outline a few examples of how the Franklin Regional School community came together to embrace these opportunities :
• Teachers , students , and parents continue to successfully implement a new learning management system , navigate innovative digital platforms , integrate web conferencing tools , and provide synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities .
• Relationships within our school community have been strengthened with clear and frequent communications .
• Teachers have a unified focus on best instructional practices with the integration of technology into the learning process .
• Enhanced opportunities for self-paced learning have been created that emphasize teaching K-12 students the knowledge , skills , and adaptability that is critical for future success .
• A more robust technological infrastructure is providing increased capabilities for students and teachers .
• Digital equity for all students has been attained .
• The promotion of healthy digital behaviors is being achieved by teaching skills to students such as Netiquette , digital citizenship , media literacy , and information literacy .
As the African proverb states , “ the wind does not break a tree that bends .” Amid these challenging times , our entire school community has deepened our commitment to our core values and strengthened our community bond . Parents have a new understanding of and appreciation for their children as learners . Students have gained invaluable lessons about themselves and truly understand the meaning of working through adversity . Our dedicated and determined teachers drew upon their inner strength and creativity to design and execute virtual instruction in an unfamiliar blended learning format .
These promising silver linings in no way compensate for the human , social , and economic tolls the pandemic has wrought . However , they do offer hope for the future of teaching and learning in the Franklin Regional School District .
This issue of IN Murrysville showcases the many ways in which our K-12 students have embraced the technological shifts in the current educational environment and how they have helped and supported one another . High school students in the National Honor Society have implemented a three-pronged approach to internal outreach by working with younger students in the elementary schools in programs such as “ Zoom Buddies ” and “ Pen Pals .” Additionally , they are the backbone of the evening “ Virtual Tutoring ” program that supports Middle School students .
Our second feature story highlights funding provided by the Franklin Regional Panther Foundation “ Innovation Grants ” program . It is another shining example of students helping students . Students managing the FR Panther Shop have expanded their product line and sales approach through a newly acquired mobile kiosk .
As we begin to look forward to the 2021-2022 school year , we have a renewed hope and optimism . Adding to this hope and optimism is the grand opening of our new elementary campus . As a school community , we remain deeply committed to our mission of striving for excellence , learning , achievement , and citizenship in all we do !
Yours in Education ,
Dr . Gennaro R . Piraino , Jr . Superintendent of Schools