ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
FR Panther Foundation Unleashed to Support Innovative Initiatives at FR
There is a new“ Panther” in town and it is on the prowl hunting for business and community funding to help support the students and programming for the Franklin Regional School District( FRSD).
The Franklin Regional Panther Foundation, Inc. has officially launched after receiving approval for its 501( c) 3 non-profit organization tax status through the Department of Treasury. The Foundation initiative was spearheaded by FRSD’ s Superintendent, Dr. Gennaro Piraino, who embraces a vision for the District that will transform it into a worldclass educational facility that competes on a global level.
“ We are excited to be able to offer this kind of support to the FR education community in order for FR students to receive an array of high-level programming, the cost of which won’ t impact the FRSD budget or FR taxpayers,” said Cara Zanella, Foundation Director.“ Our goal is to grow Foundation support through sponsorships, memberships, foundation partnership, special events, and grants so we can provide funding to the FRSD, in the way of grants, focusing on academics, arts, athletics, and capital improvement.”
“ The Foundation’ s mission is to ensure the highest level of educational innovation supporting students, faculty, and staff with community involvement in a partnership of lifetime learning in academics, arts, and athletics,” said Dr. Piraino.“ Many other Districts have successfully used the development of a Foundation to help foster growth, provide educational funding, and to help connect the community and business owners with the educational process.”
The organization is operated by a Board of Directors consisting of educational, community, governmental, non-profit, and business leaders. The Board includes Dr. Bobbi Watt Geer( President), Herb Yingling( Vice President), Robert Brooks( Treasurer), Lynn Gurrentz( Secretary), Regis Synan( Director), and Charles Hergenroeder( Director) with operational support from Cara Zanella( Foundation Director), Dr. Gennaro Piraino( Superintendent of Schools), Jon Perry( FRSD Director of Finance), and Zachary Kessler( Director of Athletics and Student Activities).
“ We have acquired a quality group of community leaders who have the knowledge and leadership skills to connect the Foundation with community partners who are interested in helping FRSD advance its programming to a world-class level,” said Mrs. Zanella.“ These people share our passion for advancing the educational programming at FRSD, helping students in the fine and performing arts realize their potential, and inspiring athletes to reach for their dream.
The Foundation has already started its funding campaigns with advertisement sponsorships on athletic scoreboards in the FR Senior High School stadium, gymnasium, and the Franklin Regional Middle School natatorium( pool). Projects planned for the Foundation include a spring Golf Invitational, a fall sponsor event, and a spring art gala.
Those interested in exploring sponsor or partnership options, volunteering for a committee, or simply making a donation, should visit the FR Panther Foundation at http:// www. franklinregional. k12. pa. us / parents __ community / fr _ panther _ foundation or contact Mrs. Zanella at( 724) 327-5456 x7624.
44 Murrysville
Band Directors Celebrate 30 Years of Marching Excellence
FR Marching Band Directors Kevin Pollock and Larry Silvestri are pictured celebrating 30 years of leading the band together. The band surprised the Director and Assistant Director with several anniversary cakes … enough to feed the entire band.
Franklin Regional Middle School Kicks Off National History Day for All 7th Graders
It is the first time in history that Franklin Regional Middle School’ s( FRMS) Social Studies Department has chosen to integrate National History Day( NHD) into the curriculum for all 7th grade students in World History classes. Students in 6th and 8th grade will continue to participate on a voluntary basis. At a recent kick-off event, former NHD students, who are now freshman at Franklin Regional Senior High School( FRSH), shared their experiences and excitement about participating in NHD. After the presentation, 7th graders broke off into groups to discuss and plan project ideas and themes.
Under the guidance of FRMS Social Studies teachers, Mr. Andrew Tressler, Mr. Robert Saddler and Mr. Brandon Aganad in collaboration with Gifted Education teacher, Ms. Christa Smith-students have the opportunity to select their own historical topic and period of study. Similarly, students also have the opportunity to create a project in a format that reflects their interests, such as a live performance, documentary video, or website. Students are able to compete in Junior Division( grades 6-8) at FRMS and continue their involvement in the Senior Division( grades 9-12). FRMS students will share their final projects in an in-school competition in January. The teachers are looking forward to collaborating with local and regional community members to act as judges.
FRMS began participating in National History Day( NHD) with five students in 2013-2014 through the Gifted Program. Since then, the program increased the number of students participating each year. In 2015-2016, FRMS opened the opportunity to all interested students in 7th Grade on a volunteer basis. Last year there were 19 students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade working individually or in groups participating in the NHD regional competition at the Heinz History Center.