April 4, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we begin the month of April, the momentum across our schools continues to build. From student achievements to community celebrations, it’s inspiring to witness our district community embracing the spring season with such energy and purpose. Here are a few highlights and updates from this past week:
Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week
This coming week, we proudly celebrate National Assistant Principals Week by recognizing the outstanding leadership and dedication of our Assistant Principals across the district. Our assistant principals play a crucial role in supporting students, staff, and families each day. Please join us in thanking them for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to student success.
School Zone Safety Reminder
As a friendly reminder, we are asking all families and community members to please adhere to posted school zone speed limits during arrival and dismissal times at all of our schools. Our school zones are busy places during the start and end of each school day, and your caution and attentiveness help ensure the safety of all students, staff, and families.
We appreciate your continued cooperation in keeping our campuses and neighborhoods safe!
Taste of Shaler Area – This Weekend!
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
Strategic Plan Community Forum Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended the Shaler Area Strategic Planning Community Forum on April 3 at Scott Primary School. Your voice plays a vital role in shaping the direction of our district. We appreciated the insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and shared commitment to our shared vision. If you missed the forum, stay tuned for additional opportunities to engage in this important process as we chart the future of Shaler Area together.
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.
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.
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.
Kindergarten Registration – Evening Event on April 8
If your child will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025, it’s time to register for kindergarten! We’re hosting one more evening registration event on Tuesday, April 8 from 4:00–6:30 p.m. at the Central Office Board Room (1800 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw, PA 15116). This is a great opportunity to meet school staff, submit documents, and get help completing forms. Online registration is also available at bit.ly/SASDregister. For questions, call 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2813.
Shout-Out to STEAM Coordinator Carrie Kelm!
A big shout-out to our amazing Primary School STEAM Coordinator, Carrie Kelm, for attending the Science Champions event this weekend and proudly representing Shaler Area School District! Hosted in collaboration with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, this special gathering brought together 40 local educators to explore a brand-new program that combines science, math, and the game of hockey!
Carrie joined other regional leaders in education to help shape this exciting initiative—which will soon be making its way to classrooms like ours.
In the News –Shaler Area Alum Competing in NCAA Bowling Tournament
Congratulations to Lexi Pilyih, a 2023 Shaler Area graduate and standout bowler, who is making history with the St. Vincent College Bearcats Bowling Team as they advance to the NCAA Collegiate Championships Sweet 16—the program’s first-ever appearance. Lexi and the Bearcats opened tournament play on April 3 against Marian University (WI) in Rochester, NY, with the possibility of facing powerhouse programs like Nebraska, Jacksonville State, or Wichita State. We are proud to see Lexi representing Shaler Area on the national stage! Read more from TribLIVE.
Reese Smetanka Honored as KDKA Radio Super 7 Basketball Players of the Year Finalist
Congratulations to Shaler Area sophomore Reese Smetanka for being named a KDKA Radio Super 7 Basketball Players of the Year Finalist. Reese’s dedication and drive make her a valued member of our Titan team and our community. Voting is open here.
Congratulations to Our Boys & Girls Club Leadership Award Recipients
Four Shaler Area students were honored at the For Kids Gala at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History for their exceptional leadership and for embodying the values of the Boys & Girls Club. Our heartfelt congratulations to:
- Layla Sites — Scott Primary Clubhouse Member of the Year
- Logan Michalism — STEAM Winner
- Zayden Montoya — STEAM Winner
- CiAnna Green — Northern Area Clubhouse Member of the Year
The Boys & Girls Club is a welcoming community that fosters connection and empowers students to grow. We are grateful to have them in our schools and delighted to celebrate our students for these well-deserved recognitions.
The Wall That Heals – Coming to Shaler Area this Memorial Day Weekend
Shaler Township is honored to be hosting The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., this Memorial Day Weekend at Anderson Field. This meaningful and powerful experience offers our community a chance to reflect, learn, and honor those who served. We have many ways for the community to get involved in this amazing event. Click here for more information.
Shaler Township Parks & Recreation Master Plan – Share Your Voice!
Shaler Township is updating its Parks & Recreation Master Plan and wants your feedback! There is still time to participate in the planning process by completing the community survey. Your input will help shape the future of our parks to better serve our community. Take the survey by April 11 at bit.ly/4ifINTw.
Reminder: Spring Break Ahead
As a reminder, Spring Break will be held April 14–18, 2025. We hope all students, staff, and families enjoy a safe and relaxing time with loved ones.
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow us on social media to stay informed and celebrate the many great things happening throughout Shaler Area:
- Twitter: @ShalerArea
- Facebook: facebook.com/ShalerAreaSD
- Instagram: @shalerareaschooldistrict
Thank you for your continued partnership as we celebrate the accomplishments of our students and look ahead to a strong finish to the school year. As always, we remain focused on our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel.
Warm regards,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
