February 3, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
I want to take a moment to share some exciting highlights from last week. From honoring student achievements and embracing creative learning opportunities to celebrating district milestones and looking ahead to upcoming events, there is so much positive momentum across the Shaler Area community. These moments are a testament to the hard work, passion, and collaboration that define our schools and create an environment where everyone can flourish.
Coffee and Conversation at Burchfield Primary School
We invite you to join us for Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Burchfield Primary School (1500 Burchfield Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101). This is a great opportunity to connect with district leadership in a casual setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
PMEA Region 1 Band
Last week, three Shaler Area High School band students participated in the PMEA District 1 Band Festival, held at Hampton High School. After a competitive audition process, two of these talented students earned the opportunity to advance to the PMEA Region 1 Band Festival, scheduled for March 6–8, 2025, at Ambridge Area High School.
We are proud to recognize and congratulate:
- Andrew Purucker (11) – French Horn
- Katie Williams (11) – Tenor Saxophone
The Region 1 Band Festival brings together top student musicians from districts across nine area counties. This year’s guest conductor will be Colonel Michael J. Colburn, Music Director and Conductor of the Me2 Orchestra/Burlington, University of Vermont music faculty member, and former director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, as well as music advisor to the White House.
A big congratulations to Andrew and Katie for their dedication and excellence in representing Shaler Area at this prestigious event!
WPCTE Flash Fiction Contest Update
Congratulations to SAHS student Ivy Wegner for earning an Honorable Mention in the WPCTE (Western Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English) Flash Fiction Contest! This recognition is awarded to just five entries in the 10th–12th grade category. Ivy’s winning piece, “The Key,” is a compelling story about a mysterious key and the secrets it unlocks. The contest challenged students to craft a short story under 500 words, incorporating a developed plot and characters—a challenge Ivy met with creativity and skill. A virtual awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Blanket Project
Shaler Area High School students are spreading warmth and hope this winter through their BLANKET PROJECT. Led by Maddie Walker, Maggie Boggs, and Christian Mendoza, students created 13 blankets from recycled T-shirts and fleece, which were donated to the Light of Life Center to support individuals facing homelessness. This initiative, which highlights the power of compassion and sustainability, has been entered into National Geographic’s SlingShot Challenge.
LEAD Assembly for Grades 9 & 10
Earlier this month, grades 9 and 10 attended a LEAD assembly, presented by Judge Arnoni and Mr. Brad Killmeyer. LEAD (Leadership – Education – Accountability – Direction) aims to help students make responsible decisions and achieve their goals.
The assembly covered important topics, including social media accountability; the dangers of vaping, alcohol, and drug use; and leadership skills like goal setting and decision-making. Students were reminded to think before posting online, use social media positively, and seek help when needed. Judge Arnoni and Mr. Killmeyer emphasized that no one has to face challenges alone and encouraged students to reach out to trusted adults, friends, or professional resources for support.
Glow Day at Burchfield
This past week, our first-grade teachers created activities, games, and learning centers that were immersed in rooms that were glowing! Students were provided materials, clothing, and accessories that came to life within rooms that had dark lights. The rooms were decorated with dots, streamers, signs, and tape that all ‘popped’ when the dark lights turned on. The activities that students experienced were meaningful and within the content of studies; however, this environment created another level of excitement and student engagement.
Girls Varsity Bowling Team Secures Section Championship
Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Bowling team on their victory against Riverview! With this win, the Titans have officially clinched the section championship. Well done, Titans!
Boys Wrestling Victorious Against Ringgold in Round 1 of the WPIAL 3A Playoffs
The Shaler Titans showed incredible resilience Monday night in a dramatic 36-32 comeback win over the Ringgold Rams in the WPIAL 3A Team Championships.
With five wrestlers moving up in weight to gain a strategic edge, the Titans overcame the challenge with clutch performances and key victories. Anthony Jones delivered a crucial pin to shift the momentum, and in the final match, Cole Tunstall secured the win with a last-match pin, sending the Titans to the next round.
Upcoming Early Intervention Transition Night
The district will host Early Intervention Transition Night on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Middle School Library. This event will include special education professionals from our team and is designed to support families as their children transition from early intervention services to school-age programming in the district.
The event will feature discussions led by the AIU team, covering topics such as the reevaluation process, available services, the letter of intent, and transitioning students into their public school district. The district team will explain the reevaluation process from the school-age perspective, district services for students with disabilities, and the associated paperwork.
School principals will address building-specific questions and provide an overview of what a typical day looks like for kindergarten students. This event will serve as a valuable resource for families navigating the transition process and preparing their children for success in the district.
SAHS Students Earn Honors in Scholastic Writing Awards
Several Shaler Area High School students have been recognized in the Scholastic Writing Awards, a prestigious competition celebrating young writers. Abby Maher earned a Gold Key for her critical essay, advancing to the National level. Bella Minyo received two Silver Keys for her writing portfolio and dramatic script. Aubrielle Costic, Robbie Galbraith, and Ivy Wegner were awarded Honorable Mentions for their work in fiction and critical essays.
These talented students will be recognized at a ceremony hosted by Point Park University later this year. Congratulations to all!
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 to learn more and apply. - Substitute Employment
We are also seeking substitute employees (teachers, nurses, custodial, and clerical/paraprofessional) for various roles. To request an application packet, email subserve@shalerarea.org with your name, address, phone number, and the specific application packet you’d like to receive. If you have any questions, please contact the Substitute Service Clerk at 412-492-1200 Ext. 2809.
We encourage anyone interested in supporting our schools to apply!
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 deeply appreciate the ongoing engagement and support of our Shaler Area families and community. Together, we continue to build a stronger foundation for our students, inspiring them to Engage, Empower, and Excel in all they do. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey toward success and growth!
Sincerely,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
