🔬🤖 Yesterday, Nov. 8, was #InternationalSTEMDay!
At Franklin Regional, students are exploring, creating, problem-solving, and bringing their ideas to life through STEM activities all year long!
Here are just a couple of examples from the start of the school year:
🐦 Second Grade: As part of their science unit on animal biodiversity, students learned about different bird species, their eating habits, and the types of feeders they use. They then put their knowledge and creativity to work by sketching and building prototypes for birdhouses!
🤖 Middle School: Students in Mrs. Kortze’s class used Hummingbird Robotics to bring their creative designs to life, adding movement and exploring the possibilities of robotics.
From the classroom to hands-on creations, FR students are building the skills, curiosity, and creativity that make STEM learning exciting! #FRAcademics #FRStudentSuccess
At Franklin Regional, students are exploring, creating, problem-solving, and bringing their ideas to life through STEM activities all year long!
Here are just a couple of examples from the start of the school year:
🐦 Second Grade: As part of their science unit on animal biodiversity, students learned about different bird species, their eating habits, and the types of feeders they use. They then put their knowledge and creativity to work by sketching and building prototypes for birdhouses!
🤖 Middle School: Students in Mrs. Kortze’s class used Hummingbird Robotics to bring their creative designs to life, adding movement and exploring the possibilities of robotics.
From the classroom to hands-on creations, FR students are building the skills, curiosity, and creativity that make STEM learning exciting! #FRAcademics #FRStudentSuccess
Today, the 8th grade Performing Arts students honored local veterans with their annual Veterans Day performance, featuring skits, dances, and songs that celebrated our nation’s history and expressed heartfelt gratitude for our veterans’ service and sacrifice. After the second performance, students met with veterans for a special lunch!
Meanwhile, our 7th grade students took part in a hands-on learning experience that brought classroom lessons to life through real-world military applications. The day of learning, organized and coordinated by FRMS educator, Mr. Vanderwater, included Military professionals joining students to share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise.
Students explored connections between their academic studies and real world application through:
🏃 Physical Education: A mock military fitness assessment featuring running, sprinting, and an obstacle course.
🩺 Science: Learning how military medics apply scientific knowledge to provide medical care.
📻 English Language Arts: Exploring the importance of clear and effective communication through the role of a military communications NCO.
➗ Mathematics: Discovering how math and problem-solving support real-world military operations and decision-making.
We are grateful to the veterans and military professionals who attended today's performance and took the time to share their experiences.
Thank you to all who have served. ❤️🤍💙 #FRAcademics #FRArts
Meanwhile, our 7th grade students took part in a hands-on learning experience that brought classroom lessons to life through real-world military applications. The day of learning, organized and coordinated by FRMS educator, Mr. Vanderwater, included Military professionals joining students to share their knowledge, experiences, and expertise.
Students explored connections between their academic studies and real world application through:
🏃 Physical Education: A mock military fitness assessment featuring running, sprinting, and an obstacle course.
🩺 Science: Learning how military medics apply scientific knowledge to provide medical care.
📻 English Language Arts: Exploring the importance of clear and effective communication through the role of a military communications NCO.
➗ Mathematics: Discovering how math and problem-solving support real-world military operations and decision-making.
We are grateful to the veterans and military professionals who attended today's performance and took the time to share their experiences.
Thank you to all who have served. ❤️🤍💙 #FRAcademics #FRArts
On Oct. 28, the high school National Hispanic Honor Society hosted its third annual hands-on cultural event for our current group of sixth graders as they wrapped up their first quarter of Spanish class!
Students learned about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), decorated sugar skulls, created their own papel picado (traditional decorative paper art), and connected with high school members of the National Hispanic Honor Society. #FRAcademics
Students learned about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), decorated sugar skulls, created their own papel picado (traditional decorative paper art), and connected with high school members of the National Hispanic Honor Society. #FRAcademics
Dear Franklin Regional Families,
FRSD’s Counseling team, in partnership with the Murrysville Alliance Church, is supporting its families in need with its annual holiday help gift card collection. This confidential service allows our school families to support each other during the holiday season.
If your family could benefit from this confidential assistance, please contact your student’s counselor or complete and return this form by Friday, Nov. 13. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are in need. Once a counselor receives your completed form, they will reach out to provide pickup information.
If you are interested in providing a gift card in support of families in need, please sign up here by Friday, Nov. 13. All gift cards are due to your student’s counselor by Friday, Dec. 4. Thank you for supporting our FR family!
Have questions? Need to connect with a school counselor? Learn more about our K–12 counseling team.
❤️ Red Ribbon Week: Making Healthy Choices
Our 8th graders welcomed Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Zicarelli as a guest speaker for Red Ribbon Week on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Students learned about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, the dangers of vaping, and how these products are often marketed to young people. They also explored the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint and how their online choices can have lasting consequences.
Thank you to District Attorney Zicarelli for sharing these important lessons and helping our students make informed, healthy choices!
Our 8th graders welcomed Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Zicarelli as a guest speaker for Red Ribbon Week on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Students learned about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, the dangers of vaping, and how these products are often marketed to young people. They also explored the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint and how their online choices can have lasting consequences.
Thank you to District Attorney Zicarelli for sharing these important lessons and helping our students make informed, healthy choices!
Our counselors are superheroes! ❤️
In honor of Red Ribbon Week, Tuesday was Superhero Day at the middle school! Our sixth-grade teachers joined in the fun by dressing up as their very own superhero, sixth-grade counselor, Mr. Coiner!
We’re grateful for the incredible counselors who go above and beyond to support, encourage, and empower our students every day. They truly are everyday heroes! #FRTeam
In honor of Red Ribbon Week, Tuesday was Superhero Day at the middle school! Our sixth-grade teachers joined in the fun by dressing up as their very own superhero, sixth-grade counselor, Mr. Coiner!
We’re grateful for the incredible counselors who go above and beyond to support, encourage, and empower our students every day. They truly are everyday heroes! #FRTeam
🚁💻 FRMS took STEM Learning to new heights by co-hosting a Hopper Drone Experience with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit on Friday, October 16, bringing together middle school students from five school districts for a collaborative, hands-on STEM adventure! 🤝🎓
Students planned, programmed, and piloted Hopper Drones through real-world challenges, putting their skills to the test while applying the 5Cs along the way! 🚀🧠
The experience gave students the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, discover real-world drone applications, and learn about exciting future careers in technology and STEM fields. 🔬💡
Through teamwork, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, students saw firsthand how classroom learning can take flight in the real world! 🙌🚁 #FRStudentSuccess #FRAcademics
Students planned, programmed, and piloted Hopper Drones through real-world challenges, putting their skills to the test while applying the 5Cs along the way! 🚀🧠
The experience gave students the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, discover real-world drone applications, and learn about exciting future careers in technology and STEM fields. 🔬💡
Through teamwork, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, students saw firsthand how classroom learning can take flight in the real world! 🙌🚁 #FRStudentSuccess #FRAcademics
Our 8th Grade Performing Arts students are hard at work preparing for their Veterans Day performance in early November!
Pictured is Kevin Pokrzywinski leading a baritone sectional on Homeward Bound, demonstrating how music brings the 5 C’s to life:
🎨 Creativity – Bringing music to life through expression and interpretation.
🤝 Collaboration – Working together to strengthen their sound as an ensemble.
💬 Communication – Listening, sharing ideas, and learning from one another.
🧠 Critical Thinking – Analyzing the music and working through challenges together.
🌎 Citizenship – Honoring our veterans through the power of music.
We are proud of our students as they grow as musicians, leaders, and teammates while preparing to recognize the brave men and women who have served our country. #FRArts
Pictured is Kevin Pokrzywinski leading a baritone sectional on Homeward Bound, demonstrating how music brings the 5 C’s to life:
🎨 Creativity – Bringing music to life through expression and interpretation.
🤝 Collaboration – Working together to strengthen their sound as an ensemble.
💬 Communication – Listening, sharing ideas, and learning from one another.
🧠 Critical Thinking – Analyzing the music and working through challenges together.
🌎 Citizenship – Honoring our veterans through the power of music.
We are proud of our students as they grow as musicians, leaders, and teammates while preparing to recognize the brave men and women who have served our country. #FRArts
✨ October is full of appreciation! ✨
💙 National School Custodial Workers Day earlier this month reminded us to celebrate the dedicated team members who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to make learning possible! 🧹🧼
🍎 It’s also National Principals Month! We’re grateful for our incredible school leaders whose vision, care, and commitment guide our students and staff toward success every day. 👏💛
Please join us in saying THANK YOU to our custodians and principals for everything they do to make our schools shine! 💫
#FRTeam #NationalPrincipalsMonth #CustodialWorkersDay
💙 National School Custodial Workers Day earlier this month reminded us to celebrate the dedicated team members who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming every single day. Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to make learning possible! 🧹🧼
🍎 It’s also National Principals Month! We’re grateful for our incredible school leaders whose vision, care, and commitment guide our students and staff toward success every day. 👏💛
Please join us in saying THANK YOU to our custodians and principals for everything they do to make our schools shine! 💫
#FRTeam #NationalPrincipalsMonth #CustodialWorkersDay
FR's 107-member 7th Grade Choir had an incredible opportunity to connect virtually with Sherry Blevins, award-winning composer of one of their current selections, Darkness Fell!
Students performed the piece for Ms. Blevins, who then taught them the thunder and rain body percussion featured in the music. She also shared the inspiration behind the piece and answered students’ questions about the composing and publishing process.
With works performed by choirs around the world and a composition premiered at Carnegie Hall, Ms. Blevins gave our students a unique glimpse into the life of a professional composer!
What an inspiring way to bring music to life and connect our students with the artists behind the music they perform! 🎵💙 #FRArts
Students performed the piece for Ms. Blevins, who then taught them the thunder and rain body percussion featured in the music. She also shared the inspiration behind the piece and answered students’ questions about the composing and publishing process.
With works performed by choirs around the world and a composition premiered at Carnegie Hall, Ms. Blevins gave our students a unique glimpse into the life of a professional composer!
What an inspiring way to bring music to life and connect our students with the artists behind the music they perform! 🎵💙 #FRArts
Deadline Extended: New Panther's Den Holiday Sweaters! 🐾
FR holiday sweaters are now available in the Panther's Den online store!
🛍️ Order by Sunday, Oct.18, to ensure delivery in time for the holiday season.
Shop now and get your Panther holiday sweater in time for the holidays!
👉 https://www.unityprinting.com/franklinregional/ugly-holiday-crewneck-sweatshirt.html
🎶 Join FRSD for a Faculty Music Recital and enjoy an evening of live music! The FR Music Faculty invites you to a special recital featuring an hour of music performed by our talented faculty members.
📅 Date: October 21
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: FRMS Little Theater
🎟️ Admission: FREE!
Come enjoy great music, support our music faculty, and experience the joy of live performance. Bring a friend and join us for a wonderful evening of music! 🎼✨ #FRTeam
📅 Date: October 21
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: FRMS Little Theater
🎟️ Admission: FREE!
Come enjoy great music, support our music faculty, and experience the joy of live performance. Bring a friend and join us for a wonderful evening of music! 🎼✨ #FRTeam
🐾📣 Last Friday, Middle School celebrated its first pep rally of the year at Panther Stadium! 🐾🎉 Students participated in several fun games, including tug-of-war, ball tosses 🏈, and more! 🙌 Way to show your #PantherPride! 💙
📸 A special shout-out goes to our 7th-grade student photographer, Jack Slater, for capturing these amazing moments! 👏📷
📸 A special shout-out goes to our 7th-grade student photographer, Jack Slater, for capturing these amazing moments! 👏📷
Franklin Regional Middle School invites local Veterans to join us for our annual Veterans Day Performance on Thursday, November 5! ❤️🤍💙
🎶 Daytime Performances: 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 1:45 p.m.
🍽️ Veterans Lunch: Veterans attending the 10:45 a.m. performance are invited to stay for lunch immediately following the performance in Room 130. Please RSVP by Friday, October 30, by calling 724-327-5456, ext. 2003. Panera lunch options are available on the invitation.
🌟 Evening Performance: Wednesday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Know a Veteran? Please invite them to attend! We look forward to honoring those who have served our country and thanking them for their service and sacrifice. #FRArts
🎶 Daytime Performances: 9:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 1:45 p.m.
🍽️ Veterans Lunch: Veterans attending the 10:45 a.m. performance are invited to stay for lunch immediately following the performance in Room 130. Please RSVP by Friday, October 30, by calling 724-327-5456, ext. 2003. Panera lunch options are available on the invitation.
🌟 Evening Performance: Wednesday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Know a Veteran? Please invite them to attend! We look forward to honoring those who have served our country and thanking them for their service and sacrifice. #FRArts
Don't forget! There's no school this Monday, Oct. 12, as the FR team participates in professional development. Enjoy the long weekend! 🍂
🔎Who did it? With what? And where?! 🔎
Join the Franklin Regional Thespians for CLUE: High School Edition, a hilarious murder mystery based on the classic Hasbro board game and the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn.
🎭 Performances
📅 November 5, 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m.
📅 November 8 at 2:00 p.m.
📍 Franklin Regional Senior High School Auditorium
🎟️ Tickets
Adults: $10
Students & Seniors: $5
No advance tickets. All tickets are sold at the door only.
Come see if you can solve the mystery before the final curtain! 🔍🎭
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
Written by Sandy Rustin
Additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Based on the Paramount Pictures motion picture and the Hasbro board game CLUE
Original Music by Michael Holland
By special arrangement with The Araca Group, Work Light Productions, and Michael Barra/Lively McCabe Entertainment.
Join the Franklin Regional Thespians for CLUE: High School Edition, a hilarious murder mystery based on the classic Hasbro board game and the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn.
🎭 Performances
📅 November 5, 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m.
📅 November 8 at 2:00 p.m.
📍 Franklin Regional Senior High School Auditorium
🎟️ Tickets
Adults: $10
Students & Seniors: $5
No advance tickets. All tickets are sold at the door only.
Come see if you can solve the mystery before the final curtain! 🔍🎭
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
Written by Sandy Rustin
Additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price
Based on the Paramount Pictures motion picture and the Hasbro board game CLUE
Original Music by Michael Holland
By special arrangement with The Araca Group, Work Light Productions, and Michael Barra/Lively McCabe Entertainment.
Last night's opening night of the Franklin Regional Middle School Thespians' production of The Enchanted Bookshop was fantastic! 🎭❤️ Congratulations to the talented cast and crew! Tonight is the LAST night to catch the show.
From the moment the bookstore came to life, audiences were treated to laughter, memorable characters, and plenty of bookish magic. Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Pollyanna, Heidi, Tom Sawyer, and so many other beloved characters brought this charming story to life on stage.
👏 A huge round of applause to every student who performed, worked behind the scenes, helped with sets, costumes, props, lights, sound, and all the countless details that made this production possible.
📖✨ Thank you for reminding us of the magic and joy of reading, and for giving our audiences such a wonderful show! 💙💛 #FRArts
From the moment the bookstore came to life, audiences were treated to laughter, memorable characters, and plenty of bookish magic. Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Pollyanna, Heidi, Tom Sawyer, and so many other beloved characters brought this charming story to life on stage.
👏 A huge round of applause to every student who performed, worked behind the scenes, helped with sets, costumes, props, lights, sound, and all the countless details that made this production possible.
📖✨ Thank you for reminding us of the magic and joy of reading, and for giving our audiences such a wonderful show! 💙💛 #FRArts
🎉👑 Congratulations to our 2026 Franklin Regional Homecoming King and Queen! 👑🎉
Jadyn Tysarcyzk and Enzo Azzolina were crowned during halftime at the Panther Football game tonight, Friday, Oct. 2. This proud tradition celebrates student leadership, school spirit, and Panther Pride. 🐾💙💛
We are so proud of our entire Homecoming Court for representing Franklin Regional with excellence and enthusiasm! 📷 Big thank you to @fisher.fotos for capturing this moment and to @brian_nicklaus_jewelry for donating this year's crowns. #PantherPride #FRHomecoming2026
Winter Sports & Athletic Physical Registration Opens October 6, 2026
Franklin Regional students in grades 6–12 who plan to participate in a winter sport must complete the required registration and athletic physical documentation through FamilyID.
Register through FamilyID:
https://www.familyid.com/franklin-regional-athletics
Important Dates & Deadlines
October 6, 2026
🏀 Winter Sports Registration Opens on FamilyID.
November 18, 2026, at 10 p.m.
⏰ Registration Deadline
FamilyID will close at 10 p.m. Students must be registered and have Section 6 (CIPPE) submitted by this deadline.
This deadline applies to ALL high school and middle school winter sports teams.
November 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
FamilyID will re-open for winter sports registration.
PIAA Winter Sports Start Dates
Please review the PIAA schedule of winter sports start dates and registration requirements to make sure all required documentation is completed before your student’s sport begins.
Questions? Please contact the Franklin Regional Athletics Department.
Franklin Regional students in grades 6–12 who plan to participate in a winter sport must complete the required registration and athletic physical documentation through FamilyID.
Register through FamilyID:
https://www.familyid.com/franklin-regional-athletics
Important Dates & Deadlines
October 6, 2026
🏀 Winter Sports Registration Opens on FamilyID.
November 18, 2026, at 10 p.m.
⏰ Registration Deadline
FamilyID will close at 10 p.m. Students must be registered and have Section 6 (CIPPE) submitted by this deadline.
This deadline applies to ALL high school and middle school winter sports teams.
November 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
FamilyID will re-open for winter sports registration.
PIAA Winter Sports Start Dates
Please review the PIAA schedule of winter sports start dates and registration requirements to make sure all required documentation is completed before your student’s sport begins.
Questions? Please contact the Franklin Regional Athletics Department.
🧥 The Delmont Salem Rotary’s Coats for Kids Program is back! Parents of students in grades K–8 can apply by 10/7/26. Learn more & complete the form 👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG_L67cnsGjyQ7rScFk4-2MVH6P6oSSjXlzmqKo92qDVxnMw/viewform