Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Baginski Assistant Superintendent Elementary Education & Student Supports
Dr. Matthew Delp Assistant Superintendent Secondary Education & Human Resources
Dr. Ryan Smith Director of Instruction & Support Services
Dr. Richard E. Regelski, Jr. Director of Special Education
Jon C. Perry Director of Financial Services
Deana Callipare Director of Communications & Development
Brad Schrecengost Supervisor of Technology Services
Brian Johnson Director of Facilities
Zachary Kessler Director of Athletics & Student Activities
Timothy Skoog Director of Safety & Security
Ronald Suvak Principal, Senior High School
Dr. Tawnia St. Amant Principal, Middle School
Dr. Robert Buffone Principal, Intermediate School
Lauren Reiber Principal, Primary School
Ericka Cowell Assistant Director of Financial Services
Donna Wolf School Board Secretary / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
SUPERINTENDENT’ S MESSAGE
HOW THE FRSD COMMUNITY LIFTED ONE ANOTHER UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Dear Franklin Regional Community,
Each year, as the holiday season approaches, I’ m reminded of one of the most important lessons we can teach our students: the power of giving. Academic skills are essential, but learning to care for others and to step forward with kindness, generosity, and responsibility are equally vital. These are lessons that last a lifetime, and this year is one to remember as our community rallied together not just for annual fundraising and holiday help, but also to support our families who faced challenges due to budget impasses at both the state and federal levels.
Through the 5Cs, especially Citizenship, the Franklin Regional School District weaves the belief of giving and volunteerism into the heart of our teaching. Citizenship is more than following rules or participating in class. It’ s understanding that even small actions can make a meaningful difference and have a ripple effect in our community. When students volunteer their time, share their resources, or simply show empathy toward someone facing hardship, they are practicing citizenship in its truest form.
Throughout the holiday season, I watched the FRSD community, from our youngest learners and our high schoolers to parents / guardians and families, embrace these values with sincerity and enthusiasm. This year, our district saw an increase in families requesting support during our annual holiday help gift card drive. In partnership with the Murrysville Alliance Church and our K – 12 counselors, we saw donations from more than 166 families and community members, resulting in more than $ 24,000 raised for those in need. This generosity from our parents / guardians and the greater community models positive behavior for our students, encouraging them to do the same.
And they did! Our students didn’ t just participate in the Annual Telethon, Turkey Cup Challenge, and food drives, but they led them. They brainstormed ideas, recruited classmates, organized collections, and encouraged others to get involved. In doing so, they learned that leadership is not about authority and a title, it’ s about service and the impact they have on others.
There is something profoundly moving about seeing a student light up when they realize their effort has eased someone else’ s burden. Those moments build confidence. They build character. And they build a vision of community that students carry with them far beyond our school walls.
As a district, we are proud of the academic growth our students demonstrate each year. But we are equally proud of the citizens they are becoming, citizens who understand that giving is not an obligation, but a privilege. The stories on the following pages reflect that growth, showing a few of the many ways our students and families came together during the holidays to ensure no one in our community went without support.
This season of giving wasn’ t just a series of events; it was a lesson in compassion, leadership, and what it means to be part of something greater than oneself. And it is a lesson our students will carry with them long after the holiday decorations are packed away.
With gratitude and vision,
Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent of Schools Franklin Regional School District ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
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