April 25, 2025

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we move deeper into April, the energy across our schools continues to grow. From student achievements to meaningful community events, it’s inspiring to see the Shaler Area spirit shine so brightly this spring.

PSSA Testing Underway – Thank You to Our Students and Families
We are proud of our students who began the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing this week. Their focus, effort, and determination have been outstanding, and we are grateful to our families for the encouragement and support they continue to provide at home.

As a reminder, free breakfast is available for all students each morning. We strongly encourage participation in this program, especially during testing days, as a nutritious start to the day helps students stay energized and focused. Thank you for partnering with us to help every student do their best!

Staff Appreciation – School Bus Drivers & Administrative Professionals
This week, we proudly recognized two essential groups who help our district run smoothly every day. On School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, we extended our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated drivers for ensuring students arrive safely and on time with professionalism and care. We also celebrated Administrative Professionals Day, honoring the hard work, organization, and invaluable support our administrative professionals provide across all schools and offices. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and contributions to the Shaler Area community.

School Zone Safety Reminder
Please be sure to follow posted speed limits in school zones during arrival and dismissal times. Your attentiveness helps keep our students and community safe. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Active Shooter Community Educational Night
Join us Monday, April 29, 2025, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Shaler Area High School Auditorium for an important community safety event featuring presentations by local law enforcement and emergency responders. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Pre-register by clicking here.

As shared in our April 10 communication, the Shaler Area Board of School Directors approved the administration’s recommendation to implement the OpenGate Weapons Detection System at Shaler Area Middle School and Shaler Area High School beginning in the 2025–2026 school year. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to school safety and the well-being of all members of our school community.

To help families become more familiar with the OpenGate system, CEIA, the manufacturer of the technology, will provide a brief demonstration beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium, just prior to the main program. Following the event, CEIA representatives will be available at a table in the auditorium lobby to answer questions and provide additional information about the OpenGate system and its implementation in our schools.

13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail – April 26
Join us at Shaler Area Elementary School for the 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail this Saturday! This fun-filled event includes a 5K, Tot Run, food, music, raffles, and more. Register here to support the Titan Trail Reading Adventure.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.

143 Day of Kindness
Shaler Area School District is proud to present the Fourth Annual 143 Day of Kindness Event on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Shaler Area Elementary School (700 Scott Avenue, Glenshaw, PA 15116). Doors open at 5:15 PM.

This joyful and completely FREE community event celebrates kindness in every form—with this year’s theme, “Kindness Grows in Shaler Area,” inspired by student leaders from the Shaler Area High School Sustainability Club. Click here for more information.

A.W. Beattie Career Center – Students of the Month Recognition
I am pleased to share that several Shaler Area High School students have been recognized as Students of the Month at A.W. Beattie Career Center for February and March 2025. These outstanding students have demonstrated excellence in their respective programs and continue to represent our district with pride and professionalism. Please join me in congratulating the following students:

• Jack Nevels – Advertising Design
• Leah Walkowski – Early Childhood Education
• Madison Clarke – Health & Nursing Sciences
• Ava Wolkiewicz – SMART-EST
• Keelan O’Brien – SMART-EST

These students exemplify the skills, determination, and commitment that are central to both their career and technical education programs and our Portrait of a Graduate. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the outstanding support they receive from our staff and the team at A.W. Beattie.

FCCLA State Leadership Conference – State Champions
Congratulations to our incredible Shaler Area students who brought home state championships at the FCCLA State Leadership Conference!

We’re proud to share that students from A.W. Beattie Career Center earned six State Championships—and Shaler Area was well-represented among the winners:

• Third Place – Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation – William Griffin (Culinary Arts, Bronze)
• Event Management – Lillian Hughes (Early Childhood Education, Bronze)
• Voting Delegate – Kasandra Canonico (Culinary Arts)

Your hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence reflect the very best of our district. Congratulations!

Glenshaw Century Club Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to our Shaler Area High School students who were recognized as Glenshaw Century Club Scholarship recipients at a ceremony held on April 22 at Glenshaw Presbyterian Church. This long-standing tradition celebrates academic excellence, service, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of the following students for receiving this distinguished honor:

• Margaret Abt
• Alyssa Celender
• Kaysia Chelli
• Zenon Cieslak
• Liam Creagh
• Noah Lang
• Christian Mendoza
• Meghan O’Neill
• Bayleigh Perez
• Paige Peterson
• Sarah Vitale
• Madeline Walker

We thank the Glenshaw Century Club for their continued support of our students’ educational goals and for honoring these outstanding individuals who reflect the values of excellence and community service.

The Wall That Heals – Coming Memorial Day Weekend
The Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is coming to Anderson Field this Memorial Day Weekend. This powerful exhibit offers an opportunity to honor and reflect. Click here to learn more.

Titan Tots – Kindergarten Readiness Events
We’re thrilled to welcome our future kindergarteners to Titan Tots! These fun, hands-on sessions help students and families prepare for school this fall. Upcoming events include:

• Burchfield: 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.

Shaler Area Elementary School Spring Musical – Aladdin KIDS
Join us for an evening of music and magic as Shaler Area Elementary School presents its spring musical, Aladdin, on Friday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the SAES auditorium. Tickets are $5/adult, $4/kids and will be available at the door. We invite all members of our school community to come support our talented performers.

Shout-out – Marzolf Primary School Kindness Walk
As part of Autism Acceptance Month, Marzolf Primary hosted its annual Kindness Walk this past week. Students stepped out in support of one another, putting their best foot forward for kindness. This event is a beautiful reflection of the compassion and community spirit fostered every day at Marzolf Primary. Great job to all who participated!

Shaler Township Polar Plunge
Looking for a fun way to support a great cause? Join Shaler Township for the Polar Plunge fundraiser at Crawford Pool on Saturday, April 26, from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Participants can start the pool season early by taking a chilly jump before summer begins! A $5 entry fee will support Shaler Township’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, including hosting The Wall That Heals. Come out, make a splash, and support our community!

Save the Date – 2025 Bike Rodeo
Join us Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Park for the annual Bike Rodeo. Children will receive free helmets, learn bike safety tips, and be entered in a raffle to win a new bike. Sponsored by local police departments and Shaler Hampton EMS, this event is fun and educational for the whole family.

Reserve Township Annual Spring Clean Up Day – April 26
Calling all volunteers! Reserve Township is hosting its Annual Spring Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Volunteers should meet at the Municipal Building Parking Lot (33 Lonsdale Street).

Gloves, vests, and trash bags will be provided, and all participants are invited to stay afterward for hot dogs on the grill. To register, please sign up on the Township website. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and help keep our neighborhoods beautiful.

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media to celebrate all that’s happening in 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.

Sincerely yours,

Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools