April 11, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we move deeper into April, the energy across our schools continues to grow. From student achievements to engaging community events, it’s inspiring to see the Shaler Area spirit shine so brightly this spring.
Spring Break Reminder
Shaler Area will observe Spring Break from April 14–18, 2025. We wish all students, staff, and families a safe and restful break.
Here are a few highlights and updates from the past week:
Superintendent’s Spring Video Message
This week, we released our Spring Video Message, which provides updates on several important initiatives shaping the future of Shaler Area. The message highlights:
- Our ongoing strategic planning process, which invites input from across the community to guide the district’s direction for 2025–2030.
- The development of the Portrait of a Titan, a shared vision of the skills, attributes, and dispositions we want every Shaler Area graduate to embody.
- Planned school safety upgrades for the 2025–26 school year to continue ensuring secure, welcoming learning environments across all campuses.
We encourage you to watch the video and stay engaged as we move forward together.
Click here to view the entire video message.
April 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 April Shaler Area Showcase.
Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week
This week, we proudly recognize National Assistant Principals Week by celebrating the incredible leadership and dedication of our Assistant Principals. Their daily support for students, staff, and families plays a vital role in our success. Please take a moment to thank them for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to student achievement.
School Zone Safety Reminder
Please remember to follow posted school zone speed limits during arrival and dismissal at all our schools. These areas are busy, and your attention helps keep students, staff, and families safe. We appreciate your ongoing cooperation in making safety a top priority.
Taste of Shaler Area – Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for A Taste of Shaler Area on April 5! Hosted by the Shaler Area Education Foundation, the evening was filled with great food, community spirit, and support for our students. Proceeds will help fund future learning opportunities—thank you for making it such a success!
Save the Date: Active Shooter Community Educational Night
Join us on Monday, April 29, 2025, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. in the Shaler Area High School Auditorium for an important Active Shooter Community Educational Night. The event will include presentations from local law enforcement and safety experts. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Pre-register by clicking here.
13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail
Don’t miss the 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail on Saturday, April 26 at Shaler Area Elementary School! This 5K is open to all ages and supports the Titan Trail Reading Adventure. Kids ages 2–7 can also participate in the Tot Run. Enjoy raffles, food, music, and more. Click here to register.
Summer Student Workers Needed
Shaler Area is now hiring summer student workers to assist with custodial and maintenance work. Applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 2. Work hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with pay between $11.25–$11.75/hour. Questions? Contact Kathy Coyle at coylek@shalerarea.org or 412-492-1200, ext. 2900. Click here to apply.
Congratulations to Zoey Cieslak – Steelers Girls’ Flag All-Peer Team
Congratulations to Zoey Cieslak on being named to the inaugural Steelers Girls’ Flag All-Peer Team! As a junior, Zoey has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a three-year starter and captain for Shaler’s girls flag football team, as well as a two-year captain for the girls soccer team.
Her dedication extends beyond the field; she’s an active member of the GATE program, a student tutor, and a committed volunteer at local middle and elementary schools. Zoey also excels academically, ranking among the top of her class. This well-deserved recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to her school and community.
Hannah Sahr Earn State Championship at SkillsUSA
Congratulations to Shaler Area and A.W. Beattie senior Hannah Sahr on earning a gold medal and being named State Champion in the Basic Healthcare competition at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania State Championships!
Hannah’s exceptional performance has qualified her to represent Pennsylvania at Nationals this June in Atlanta, GA. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and wish her the best of luck at Nationals!
Bria Bosiljevac Named Post Gazette Athlete Of The Week
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has named Shaler Area High School’s Bria Bosiljevac as Athlete of the Week. In a recent 14-1 victory over Plum, Bosiljevac recorded 11 strikeouts in five innings. Click here to read more.
High School GATE Students Recognized in the Fairchild Challenge
Congratulations to Braiden Bartkins (Grade 11) and Abby Maher (Grade 10) for being recognized in Challenge #4 of the 2024–2025 Fairchild Challenge at Phipps Conservatory. Braiden earned second place, and Abby received a special merit award. For this challenge, titled “In the News,” students analyzed and responded to current articles on environmental justice. Their thoughtful responses and critical thinking reflect the strength of our GATE program and the academic excellence of our students. Read more here.
Congratulations to Shaler Area Performing Arts Students – PMEA All-State
We are proud to recognize the Shaler Area Orchestra, Women’s Chorus, and Band & Wind Ensemble for their selection to participate in the PMEA All-State Conference this weekend. This is an incredible honor that highlights the extraordinary talent, hard work, and dedication of our student musicians and their directors. Congratulations to all involved as they represent Shaler Area on this prestigious stage!
The Wall That Heals – Coming Memorial Day Weekend
The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is coming to Anderson Field this Memorial Day Weekend. This is a profound opportunity to honor and remember those who served. Click here to learn more.
Shaler Township Parks & Recreation Master Plan – Last Call for Feedback
Help shape the future of our community parks. Shaler Township is updating its Parks & Recreation Master Plan and wants your input. Take the survey by April 11 at bit.ly/4ifINTw.
Titan Tots – Kindergarten Readiness Events Begin April 24
We are excited to invite our future kindergarten families to join us for Titan Tots, a fun and engaging opportunity for children to prepare for school this fall. Families will participate in hands-on activities and take home ideas to continue learning. You’ll also have a chance to meet staff and ask questions about the kindergarten experience. Upcoming sessions include:
- Burchfield: April 24 (5:30–6:30 p.m.) and May 7 (5:30–6:30 p.m.)
- Marzolf: May 1 (5:30–7:00 p.m.)
- Reserve: May 1 (6:00–7:00 p.m.)
- Scott: May 6 (6:00–7:00 p.m.)
2025 Bike Rodeo Sponsored by Shaler Township
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Children will be fitted for and receive a free bicycle helmet, learn about bike safety and “rules of the road,” and be entered into a free raffle to win a new bike. Light refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by the Shaler, Etna, Millvale, and Reserve Police Departments and Shaler Hampton EMS, this is a great event for the whole family.
143 Day of Kindness
Our annual 143 Day of Kindness Celebration will be taking place on Thursday, May 22nd, from 5:30–8:00 PM at Shaler Area Elementary School. This special evening will focus on spreading kindness and celebrating the positive culture we continue to build across the district.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media to stay up to date and celebrate all the great things happening across Shaler Area:
- Twitter/X: @ShalerArea
- Facebook: facebook.com/ShalerAreaSD
- Instagram: @shalerareaschooldistrict
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. As always, we remain committed to our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel—every student, every day.
Warm regards,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
