January 10, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we wrap up the week, I want to take a moment to share some important highlights and updates from the past several days.
First, I want to thank our families for their patience and understanding as we navigated the winter weather earlier this week. Your flexibility and support are greatly appreciated as we work to ensure the safety of our students and staff during these situations.
Engagement at Coffee & Conversation and Strategic Planning Forum
This week, we were thrilled to host our Coffee & Conversation event and the second Strategic Planning Community Forum at Scott Primary School. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the parents, guardians, and community members who joined us. Your presence and participation reflect the strength of our Shaler Area community.
The Coffee & Conversation event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with families and discuss the district’s vision and ongoing initiatives. Following this, the Strategic Planning Community Forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about workforce development, career readiness, and the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. We are grateful to our panelists from UPMC, A.W. Beattie Career Center, PNC Bank, and Penn State University for their valuable insights during the forum.
AW Beattie Career Center Students of the Month
I am excited to share that several Shaler Area students have been recognized as AW Beattie Career Center’s Students of the Month for November and December 2024. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their respective programs, and their hard work reflects positively on our district.
Shaler Area Students of the Month:
- Advertising Design: Xavier Perri
- Automotive Technology: Nicole Masartis
- Carpentry/Building Construction: Jonathan Saban
- Cosmetology: Jojo Tuccillo and Elizabeth Stone
- HVAC: Dustun Corfield, Christopher Sandoval, and Spencer Reddy
- Veterinary Sciences: Briana Lucas
Please join me in congratulating these students on their accomplishments. Their success is a testament to the quality of education and the support they receive both at AW Beattie and within the Shaler Area School District.
Shaler Area Girls Basketball Team Recognition
The Shaler Area Girls Basketball team has been recognized as the Trib HSSN Girls Basketball Team of the Week for January 5, 2025. This distinction highlights the team’s outstanding performance and dedication to excellence in competition. The team demonstrated remarkable teamwork, resilience, and skill, earning this well-deserved honor.
This recognition serves as a testament to the commitment of the players, coaching staff, and the support of our school community. We commend the team for representing Shaler Area with pride and contributing to the district’s tradition of athletic excellence.
Support Your Child’s Mental Health
We are hosting an informational session for parents and guardians, led by Stephanie Gresh, focusing on actionable strategies to improve communication with children and support their developmental and emotional needs.
- Date: January 15, 2025
- Time: 5:00–6:00 p.m.
- Location: Shaler Area Middle School Library (in-person) or online via Google Meet
Parents and guardians are encouraged to RSVP for the session at bit.ly/SASDparentsession. This session highlights the district’s commitment to fostering meaningful family partnerships and ensuring the emotional well-being of all students.
An Evening to Celebrate Shaler Area Art Students
We are thrilled to invite you to “An Evening to Celebrate Shaler Area Art Students,” hosted by Ruckus Coffee Gallery & Café (1707 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15209) on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
This special family social will celebrate the talented art students of Shaler Area. Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
Upcoming Shaler Area Elementary School Concerts
We are excited to announce two upcoming concerts showcasing the talents of our 4th-grade students:
- 4th Grade Strings Concert: Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
- 4th Grade Band Concert: Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Both events will be held at Shaler Area Elementary School. We encourage families to come out and support these young musicians as they share their hard work and dedication through their performances.
We’re Hiring: Join Our Team!
The Shaler Area School District is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:
- Facilities and Project Manager
This important position will oversee maintenance, manage construction projects, and ensure our district’s infrastructure supports a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. If you or someone you know is interested, visit the job posting at We’re Hiring – Facilities and Project Manager to learn more and apply. - Custodial Positions
We are accepting applications for full-time, part-time, and substitute custodial positions. Candidates will be responsible for cleaning schools to ensure a clean and safe environment for students and staff. Required clearances include Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. For more information or to apply, email coylek@shalerarea.org or call 412-492-1200 Ext. 2900.
If you’re passionate about supporting education and creating a positive environment for students, we encourage you to apply and be part of our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel!
Looking Ahead
Please note that there will be no school on January 20 and January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and for End of Semester Professional Development for staff.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with district news and events by following us on social media:
- Twitter: @ShalerArea
- Facebook: facebook.com/ShalerAreaSD
- Instagram: @shalerareaschooldistrict
We are grateful for the ongoing engagement and support of our Shaler Area families and community as we strive to Engage, Empower, and Excel together. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Sincerely,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
