IN Murrysville Winter 2017 | Page 34

Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac Assistant Superintendent Marlena Buterbaugh 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 32 Murrysville Dear Franklin Regional Stakeholder, It’s an exciting time to live, learn, work, and play in the Franklin Regional School District! This issue of IN-Murrysville showcases just a few of the many exciting projects and initiatives that are happening this year in our classrooms. As Superintendent of Schools, I am filled with tremendous pride because of the impressive talent demonstrated by both our students and staff as they strive for excellence, learning, achievement, and citizenship in all that they do. Please join me in celebrating the many accomplishments of our past and present students. As a school community, we are very proud of our eight National Merit Semifinalists. These scholars reflect a long tradition of academic excellence in the Franklin Regional School District. We also learned this summer that our 2017 KDKA Hometown High-Q Team defeated some very talented teams on their way to winning this esteemed academic competition. These students have successfully set a new standard of achievement for our future academic teams. The District continues to forge strong community partnerships that create world-class opportunities for our students. For instance, grants from the Franklin Regional Panther Foundation and PPG enable our teachers to provide innovative experiences for our students that are designed to foster creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Through the generosity of our donors and sponsors, the FR Panther Foundation looks forward to awarding future Innovation Grants that further increase educational opportunities for our students. Through this issue, you can learn more about how these grants are enhancing student learning experiences in our classrooms and ways in which you can support the FR Panther Foundation. Finally, I am excited to welcome the newest members of the Franklin Regional family. We are confident that these staff members will strive to meet the high standards established by our community and work diligently to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students. I am both honored and humbled to serve a world-class school system that promotes academic, artistic, and athletic excellence! In celebrating the achievements of our notable alumni, talented students, and accomplished staff members, I recognize that this would not be possible without the ongoing support of our entire community. On behalf of our students, staff, and Board of Directors, thank you! Yours in education, Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent of Schools