November 1, 2024

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As October draws to a close, the energy in our schools remains vibrant, and we are making significant strides in key areas. Here are the highlights from this week:

• Girty’s Run Watershed Conservation Project: In collaboration with North Hills High School and the Allegheny Land Trust, our Sustainability classes and club joined forces to help protect 30 acres of land in the Girty’s Run Watershed. Students organized an event titled “Students for Saving the Ross Conservation Project,” which featured a brass quintet performance by Shaler Area students and the sale of reusable tote bags designed by our students. This project emphasizes our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
• Angela Evans Appointed Interim Dean of Students: We are pleased to announce that Angela Evans, a Music Teacher at Marzolf Primary School, has been appointed Interim Dean of Students at Shaler Area Elementary School effective November 6, 2024. She will be filling in for Ms. Heather Berney, who is serving as Interim Principal at Reserve Primary School. We wish Angela the best in her new role, and she looks forward to meeting all our SAES families.
• Red Ribbon Week: This week, our schools participated in Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles among students. It was great to see our students engage in activities and conversations centered on making positive choices, and I applaud our staff for leading these meaningful efforts. I encourage parents to continue these discussions at home to reinforce the importance of making healthy choices. Additional resources are available by visiting redribbon.org/activities/parents.
• 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”. Please take 5–10 minutes to complete the survey by November 9, 2024. To participate, visit bit.ly/SASDsurvey.
• Release of Annual Goals: This week, we officially released the district’s 2024–2025 Annual Goals, centered around our theme, Engage, Empower, Excel. These goals emphasize enhancing student achievement, promoting respect and belonging, fostering well-being, and increasing engagement and leadership opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that every student has the support and opportunities they need to excel. To learn more, visit 2024–2025 Annual Goals.
• Jim Shearer Honored as Shaler Area Distinguished Alumnus 2024: The Shaler Area Distinguished Alumnus committee has named Jim Shearer as the recipient of the 2024 SASD Distinguished Alumnus Award. A 1993 graduate of Shaler Area High School, Shearer has built a diverse career in media, notably hosting the VH1 Top 20 Video Countdown from 2009–2014. His journey began at Shaler Area, where he was actively involved in SATV and sports broadcasting. Shearer will be honored on November 4 at 7:00 p.m. during the National Honor Society induction ceremony at Shaler Area High School.
• Public School Facility Improvement Grant: We are excited to share that Shaler Area has been awarded nearly $1.3 million through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. This allocation will fund a proposed roof replacement and HVAC work at Shaler Area Middle School, addressing key infrastructure needs and enhancing the learning environment for our students. We are grateful for the support and assistance of Senator Lindsey Williams and Representative Lindsey Powell in securing these necessary funds.
• First Quarter Ending: The first quarter of the school year concluded on October 31. Progress reports for students in grades K–2 and report cards for students in grades 3–12 will be available on Infinite Campus by 4 p.m. on November 6. Third-grade students will also receive a paper copy of their report card to bring home.
• Shaler North Hills Library Book Sale: The Shaler North Hills Library will host a Giant Used Book Sale on November 2 and 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The sale includes adult books, audio books, music CDs, DVDs, and puzzles. There will be a bake sale and Oram’s Donuts on Saturday, and a bag sale on Sunday. Volunteers are welcome to help with the event. Learn more at tinyurl.com/helpsnhl.
• Shaler Area Holiday Card Competition: Shaler Area students are invited to participate in this year’s Holiday Card Competition! Students of all grade levels are encouraged to submit their holiday-themed artwork by November 20, 2024. Selected designs will be featured on the district’s holiday cards, which are shared with staff, families, and community partners. We look forward to seeing the creativity of our talented students. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3mju4ece
• Election Day: Looking ahead, there will be no school on November 5, 2024, due to Election Day.

As we approach the end of the month, let’s continue to build on our successes and maintain our focus on student achievement, safety, and community engagement. Thank you for all you do to make Shaler Area an incredible place for our students to learn and grow.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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