October 25, 2024

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we wrap up another productive week and feel fall finally settling in, I’d like to take a moment to share important updates and highlights from across the district. This week, we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate student success, engage our community in planning for the district’s future, and continue creating enriching experiences that empower our students. Together, we are shaping a bright future for Shaler Area—one that is grounded in academic excellence, community involvement, and career readiness.

Here are just a few highlights from the week:

• Community Forum Success: I’m pleased to report that our first community forum, held on Tuesday as part of our strategic planning process, was a tremendous success. We had a strong turnout from parents, students, staff, and community members, all eager to share their thoughts on the district’s future. The feedback received focused on key areas such as academic excellence, school culture, and community engagement, helping to shape our district’s long-term vision. I encourage everyone to join us for the next forums on January 8, 2025, and April 3, 2025, both at Scott Primary School. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/SASDforum.
• Strategic Planning Survey: As we embark on a new chapter in our district’s journey, we invite all residents of Etna, Millvale, Reserve, Shaler, and Shaler Area alumni to participate in a strategic planning survey to shape the district’s future. Your input will help us set meaningful goals and ensure we continue to “Engage, Empower, and Excel” as we work toward the skills and dispositions outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate. Please take 5–10 minutes to complete the survey by November 9, 2024. To participate, visit bit.ly/SASDsurvey.
• Thank You to Local Police: A special thank you to our local police for their support during Operation Safe Stop and School Bus Safety Week. Their dedication to keeping our students safe while traveling to and from school is greatly appreciated.
• Road Work Reminder: Paving on Mt. Royal Boulevard near Shaler Area Middle School will continue next week. Please be aware of potential transportation delays, as single-lane traffic restrictions will be in place. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
• A.W. Beattie Roadshow: This week, our middle school hosted a fantastic opportunity for our 8th-grade students. On Thursday, teachers and students from A.W. Beattie engaged with our 8th-graders, sharing information on various programs such as health science, carpentry, welding, dentistry, HVAC, and automotive technology. Students participated in hands-on experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of career opportunities available through Beattie and beyond high school. We are proud to offer such engaging activities that align with our commitment to career readiness. For more information on A.W. Beattie and the programs offered, we encourage families to reach out to their child’s school counselor.
• First 100 Days: Reflecting on my first 100 days as Superintendent of Shaler Area, I am deeply grateful for the collaborative spirit of our entire community—board, students, families, staff, and partners. Together, we have embraced the challenge of shaping a learning environment where every student can thrive. Our focus on “Engage, Empower, Excel” has driven us to strengthen relationships, elevate student voices, and create opportunities for growth in every classroom. The journey has only just begun, and I’m excited for what lies ahead as we continue to inspire excellence and build a bright future for all Titans. Click here to view some highlights!
• Nominations Open for Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Award: Do you know a Shaler Area teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, school counselor, administrative assistant, custodian, or other staff member who has gone above and beyond? Nominate that person for Shaler Area’s Extra Mile Award through the online nomination form.  Nominations are open through November 1, 2024. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of district stakeholders, and winners will be announced mid-January.
• Marzolf’s Story Walk: Looking for a fun fall family activity? Come visit Marzolf’s Story Walk, featuring the book The World Needs More Purple People. This outdoor, self-guided Story Walk is a great opportunity for your child to experience literature in a whole new way. The Story Walk is open through November 10th, outside of regular school hours (Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 3:55 p.m.) around the outside of Marzolf Primary School. Don’t forget to capture the fun and share your pictures with Heather DeAngelo at deangeloh@shalerarea.org.
• Election Day: Looking ahead, there will be no school on November 5, 2024, due to Election Day.

Remember to share photos of your student ready for their Halloween parade at school with us on social media. You can find us on Twitter (@ShalerArea), Facebook, and Instagram (@shalerareaschooldistrict).

Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we move forward together. This week has been filled with energy and excitement as we continue planning for our district’s future, and I look forward to what lies ahead. Let’s finish October strong!

Yours in education,

Bryan O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools