March 21, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of our students, teachers, and staff. March has been a busy and exciting month, filled with student achievements, community engagement, and opportunities for learning and growth. With spring officially here, we are looking ahead to upcoming events that highlight the talents and dedication of our Shaler Area community. This week’s recap features updates on district initiatives, student accomplishments, and important reminders for the weeks ahead. Thank you for your continued support in making Shaler Area a place where students Engage, Empower, and Excel every day!
Shout Out to the Shaler Area Titan Marching Band!
A huge shout out to the Shaler Area Titan Marching Band and our entire Performing Arts Department for representing our school and community on the national stage during their performance at the 264th New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade!
The students were not only evaluated with ratings (bronze, silver, gold) but also achieved recognition through placement within their competition categories and received additional accolades for top scores, including “Best in Class” and top overall scores, transcending competition categories. We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and incredible talent!
Hilltop Field Named in Honor of Skip Palmer
This week, the Shaler Area School Board of Directors unanimously voted to rename the softball field from Hilltop Field to Skip Palmer Field at Hilltop. This change honors the late softball coach Skip Palmer for his immeasurable contributions to Shaler Area. During his tenure from 2006 to 2017, Skip Palmer led the softball team to nine Section Championships, three WPIAL Championship appearances, and two PIAA State Finals appearances, reflecting the high caliber of his coaching. Yet, it’s Coach Palmer’s investment in students off the field that made him so deeply beloved. He was constantly mentoring and encouraging students, leaving an enduring impact on our community. Please join us for a dedication ceremony later this spring. Stay tuned to social media 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. Help them reach their goal by dropping off caps at: Shaler Area High School, Ms. Nilson’s classroom, or Lemon Tree Coffee in Millvale. Thank you for supporting this student-led sustainability initiative!
Summer Student Workers Needed
Shaler Area School District is accepting applications for summer student workers to 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 – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with pay ranging from $11.25 – $11.75 per hour. For questions, contact Kathy Coyle at coylek@shalerarea.org or 412-492-1200, ext. 2900. Click here to apply.
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.
Save the Date: Active Shooter Community Educational Night
Join us for an Active Shooter Community Educational Night on April 29, 2025, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Shaler Area High School Auditorium. This event will provide valuable information on active shooter awareness, safety resources, and an opportunity to meet with local law enforcement agencies. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Pre-register by clicking here.
Save the Date: Shaler Area Strategic Plan Community Forum
Mark your calendars for the next Shaler Area Strategic Plan Community Forum on April 3rd from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Scott Primary School. This is a great opportunity to engage with district leadership, share your feedback, and contribute to shaping the future of Shaler Area School District.
Shaler Area Students Shine on Titan News Network!
This month during our regularly scheduled Board of School Directors Meeting, we had the opportunity to hear from students at Shaler Area Elementary School about their student-run news show, Titan News Network. Their dedication to producing engaging and informative broadcasts is a testament to the incredible talent of our students. Check out their work here.
Good Luck to Our Spring Sports Athletes!
Best wishes to our nearly 490 spring sport athletes as they begin their season! Your dedication, hard work, and team spirit make us proud. A huge thank you to our coaching staff and supporters for their commitment to helping our student-athletes excel. We look forward to an exciting season ahead—Go Titans!
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 and partnership in making Shaler Area a thriving learning community. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events and celebrating the successes of our students together. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely yours,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
