March 14, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we move through March, there’s incredible energy in the air! Our students continue to make us proud with their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. I’m excited to share several upcoming highlights that showcase the extraordinary talent within our district.
March Edition of the Shaler Area Showcase
The latest edition of the Shaler Area Showcase is now available! This district-wide newsletter highlights student achievements, upcoming events, and the many ways our students and staff are making an impact. Be sure to check it out to stay informed and celebrate the incredible work happening in our schools. Click here to read the March Shaler Area Showcase.
Congratulations, Cory Sakolsky!
Please join me in congratulating Shaler Area Elementary School Assistant Principal Cory Sakolsky, who successfully defended his dissertation at Youngstown State University! We are incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication in achieving this milestone.
Shaler Area Recognized for Outstanding Communication
We are proud to share that the Shaler Area School District has been recognized in the 2024–2025 Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) Excellence in Education Communication Contest for our commitment to clear and effective communication.
The district earned multiple awards, including recognition for our Annual Report, e-newsletter (Shaler Area Showcase), Annual Theme/Logo, and social media efforts. Additionally, our “Coffee & Conversation” initiative and Six Strategic Goals Infographic received honorable mentions. This recognition affirms our ongoing efforts to keep families and the community informed and engaged. Congratulations to our communications team for their tremendous work!
There Ought to Be a Law Contest
State Representative Lindsay Powell invited Shaler Area School District students to imagine a law that would help make their school, community, or state a better place for their generation and write an essay that describes the law and persuades their friends and community that their law is a good idea. Rep. Powell visited Shaler Area High School on March 12th to present the winning students with citations and host a round-table discussion. The students were thoughtful, articulate, and engaged as they shared their perspectives. Read more here.
Register for the 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail!
The 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail takes place Saturday, April 26, at 9:00 a.m. at Shaler Area Elementary School. This 3.1-mile race is open to all ages, with discounted student and group pricing. Prizes will be awarded in male and female age groups, and a 50/100 Meter Tot Run is available for children ages 2–7.
Not running? Enjoy a basket raffle, activities, music, and food, with all proceeds benefiting the Titan Trail Reading Adventure. Register by clicking here.
Get Your Tickets for Taste of Shaler Area on April 5
Please join us for A Taste of Shaler Area! This annual event, hosted by the Shaler Area Education Foundation, brings together the savory flavors and community spirit of Shaler Area.
A Taste of Shaler Area will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 6–8 p.m. at Scott Primary School. All proceeds from the event benefit students through the Shaler Area Education Foundation. Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Marzolf Primary Hosted a Book Prom
Last week, Marzolf Primary School celebrated the joy of reading with a Book Prom! Students dressed up, danced, and embraced the magic of books through creative costumes and storytime moments. Thank you to our amazing staff and families for making this such a memorable event!
Shaler Area Students Shine in PMEA All-State Honors
Congratulations to Katie Williams (11) and Andrew Purucker (11) for earning a spot in the PMEA All-State Wind Ensemble! After excelling at PMEA Region Band, they advanced to the highest level of instrumental performance in the state. They will perform at the PMEA All-State Conference in the Poconos from April 9–12, 2025, under the direction of Dr. Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin from Penn State University.
Shaler Area Excels in Japanese Speech Contest
Students from Shaler Area High School competed in the Japan-America Society of PA’s Annual Japanese Speech Contest, delivering five-minute speeches entirely in Japanese. Their dedication to language learning was evident, and their teacher, Mr. Balsomico, expressed pride in their hard work.
- Intermediate Category – 3rd Place: Peter Luft (Sophomore), 2nd Place: Alex Ai (Junior)
- Advanced Category – 1st Place: Braiden Bartkins (Junior)
- Advanced Plus Category – 2nd Place: Bella Minyo (Senior), 1st Place: Anna Lenartova (Senior)
Shaler Area Performing Arts in New York City
The Shaler Area High School Performing Arts Department will embark on an unforgettable trip to New York City from March 14–17, 2025. Students will compete at the Performing Arts Consultant (PAC) festival at Felician University and conclude their trip by marching in the 2025 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. To learn more about their performances and how to watch the parade click here.
Register for STEM Camp
Registration for the Shaler Area School District STEM camp is now open! Summer adventures await students who have completed grades 1–5. There are full-day and half-day options. There’s a wide array of sessions, including FIT 4 BOXING, The Pittsburgh Zoo, The Science Center, and more. Register here.
Kindergarten Registration is Now Open
If your child is turning 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025, register now at bit.ly/SASDregister. In-person registration events will be held at primary schools and the district office. Call 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2813 for more information.
Shaler Area Youth Wrestlers Compete at State Championships
Congratulations to our student-athletes who competed in the 2025 Keystone State Championship Youth Wrestling Tournament in State College, PA, and best of luck to those heading to the 2025 Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Championships in Harrisburg next week!
Primary School Students:
Zander Bursick-Brown – Burchfield Primary
Henry Ford – Scott Primary
Joey Garcia – Reserve Primary
Charlie Schiebel – Scott Primary
Shaler Area Elementary School Students:
Keegan Calvin
Noah Ford
Henry Heidenreich
William Heidenreich
Phoenix Lehmeier
Dozier Young IV
A.W. Beattie Fish Fry & Open House
The A.W. Beattie Career Center Fish Fry will take place on March 14, 21, and 28, and April 4 and 11 from 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Dine-in and takeout options are available, but pre-orders are not accepted. Visit www.beattietech.com for details.
Support the Sustainability Club’s Bottle Cap Collection
The Shaler Area High School Sustainability Club is collecting plastic bottle caps to create benches for Rainbow Raccoon Park in Millvale. They need 400 pounds by mid-April and currently have 200 pounds. Drop off caps at the high school, Ms. Nilson’s classroom, or Lemon Tree Coffee in Millvale.
Summer Student Workers Needed
Shaler Area School District is accepting applications for summer student workers. Summer student workers assist custodial and maintenance staff in preparing schools for the next academic year. Applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 2, 2025. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with pay ranging from $11.00 to $11.25 per hour. For questions, contact Kathy Coyle at coylek@shalerarea.org or 412-492-1200, ext. 2900. Click here for an employment application.
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
Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and schools. Together, we engage in meaningful learning experiences, empower our students to reach their full potential, and excel in building a bright future for Shaler Area.
Sincerely,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
