Teacher, administrator and staff comments about Franklin Regional’s new elementary campus largely center around a similar theme: possibilities.
From new large-group instruction areas to creative media centers to little “pocket” areas where small groups can meet, collaborate or receive additional learning support, new educational opportunities are scattered throughout both the renovated FR Primary School and the brand-new FR Intermediate School.
“Everyone is excited about the possibilities,” said Tina Gillen, the district’s communications director. “Everything is designed in a specific way that is aimed toward collaboration.”
Following roughly three years of planning and community meetings, the $54 million project was awarded in June 2019, and while some construction materials have been delayed in arriving, both buildings will be ready for students on Aug. 23.
An emphasis on being able to shift easily was clear during a tour Thursday a few days before the 2021-’22 school year gets under way for Panther students.
In the intermediate library, not only is the furniture movable, but so are most of the bookshelves.
“What’s great is that it’s big enough that it’s able to change,” said intermediate librarian Jennifer Beck. “In the old space, we just didn’t have room to put out things like Discovery kits and other items the kids can use to explore. Now, there are a lot of collaborative spaces and areas for group work.”