May 2, 2025

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we turn the calendar to May, our schools are bursting with energy and excitement. From student performances to community celebrations, we are proud to see the incredible talents, leadership, and spirit of our students on full display. This time of year reminds us of the strength of our Shaler Area community and the incredible impact that comes from working together. As we celebrate student achievements and look ahead to end-of-year activities, we are filled with gratitude for the partnership of our families, staff, and community members. Thank you for being an essential part of all that makes Shaler Area such a special place to learn and grow.

Storm Recovery – Thank You for Your Support
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Shaler Area families, first responders, and maintenance staff for their efforts following the storm on Tuesday evening. Your patience, resilience, and dedication helped us navigate widespread damage and power outages across our community. We are especially grateful to our first responders for keeping our neighborhoods safe and to our Buildings & Grounds team for working tirelessly to restore access and ensure our schools remained safe. Your support reflects the strength of the Titan community. We anticipate reopening on Monday, May 5, and will continue to monitor progress closely.

School Zone Safety Reminder
Please continue to observe posted speed limits in school zones during arrival and dismissal times. Your attentiveness helps keep our students, staff, and community safe. Thank you for your cooperation.

SWPBIS Recognition – Middle School and High School
Shaler Area Middle School and Shaler Area High School have both been recognized for achieving fidelity in all three tiers of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS)—with the high school earning distinction for sustaining this fidelity over multiple years, a rare achievement for secondary schools. These honors reflect our district-wide commitment to safe, supportive, and student-centered learning environments.

At the middle school, SWPBIS helps students feel connected and empowered through strong relationships and responsive interventions. At the high school, the framework is rooted in Pride, Respect, and Honor — The Titan Way, with a focus on clear expectations, intentional instruction, and a culture of recognition. A recent AIU review praised the school’s welcoming climate and student engagement. We’re proud of our students, educators, and families for their shared efforts in creating learning environments where all students can thrive.

Shaler Area Elementary School Spring Musical – Aladdin KIDS – Rescheduled 

Join us for an evening of music and magic as Shaler Area Elementary School presents its spring musical, Aladdin, on Saturday, May 10 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.

PSSA Testing Continues
Your child’s building principal will share an updated testing schedule with you in a separate communication.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and resilience our students have demonstrated throughout the PSSA testing process. Thank you to our families for your continued support. As a reminder, free breakfast is available to all students, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it—especially on testing days.

Titan Tots – Kindergarten Readiness Events
Our Titan Tots Kindergarten Readiness sessions are underway! Upcoming events include:

• Burchfield Primary: May 7 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
• Scott Primary: May 6 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
• Marzolf Primary: May 8 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.We look forward to welcoming our future Titans and their families!

Save the Date – 2025 Bike Rodeo
Join us for the 2025 Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Children will receive free helmets, learn important bike safety tips, and have a chance to win a new bike through a raffle.

Thank You – Run for the Titan Trail & Community Events
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail last weekend! It was a wonderful event celebrating reading and wellness. We also extend our thanks to those who participated in the Reserve Township Spring Clean-Up and the Shaler Township Polar Plunge to support local community projects and initiatives.

Youth Achievement Awards
Congratulations to Bella Minyo and Christian Mendoza, who attended the 27th Annual Youth Achievement Awards on April 13. Both students received the American Legion Music Medal Award. In addition, Christian received the William White / Albert Schraepfer Music Scholarship. Mr. White served in the Military Police while in the Army before continuing as a City of Pittsburgh Police Officer and ultimately retiring as Detective First Grade. Mr. Schraepfer served in the 11th Airborne Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. Thank you to The American Legion Allegheny County Committee and Allegheny County Council for recognizing these outstanding Shaler Area High School Orchestra students!

Remake Learning Days – Explore Innovation Across Our Region
Remake Learning Days returns to Southwestern Pennsylvania this spring with hands-on, family-friendly events celebrating creativity, curiosity, and learning. From May 2–22, families can explore STEM, the arts, outdoor learning, youth voice, maker activities, and more—hosted by schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations across the region. This regional festival is a great opportunity to discover new ways to learn and grow together. Click here to explore local events.

Save the Date – Fourth Annual 143 Day of Kindness
Join us for the Fourth Annual 143 Day of Kindness on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Shaler Area Elementary School. This free event celebrates our theme, “Kindness Grows in Shaler Area,” with hands-on activities like kindness rock painting, recycled crafts, a community mural, yoga, and more. Families can also explore local programs at our Community Expo and enjoy refreshments from Café 118. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Click here for more information.

Shout-Out – SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Success
Congratulations to Shaler Area High School and A.W. Beattie Career Center student Spencer Reddy, who earned a silver medal for sheet metal work at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Championship! In addition to his coursework at SAHS, Spencer is studying HVAC at A.W. Beattie. We are proud of his achievement and dedication to excellence!

TribLive Outstanding Young Citizen
Congratulations to Shaler Area High School 11th-grade student Matthew Stelitano, who was recognized as an Outstanding Young Citizen by TribLive! Matthew was honored for his academic excellence, leadership, service, and outstanding contributions to the school and local community. We are extremely proud of Matthew for representing Shaler Area with distinction and for embodying the spirit of excellence and service that defines our Titan community!

The Wall That Heals – Coming Memorial Day Weekend
We look forward to welcoming The Wall That Heals exhibit to Anderson Field over Memorial Day Weekend. This replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful opportunity to honor those who served and sacrificed. Click here to learn more.

Employment Opportunity
The Shaler Area School District is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• Two (2) full-time support positions in the Business Office: Administrative Secretary – Transportation and Accounts Payable Clerk: The ideal candidate for either role must have demonstrated knowledge of computer technology relating to school business operations, at least intermediate-level experience in Microsoft Word/Excel, and high customer-service skills. These roles offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Three (3) part-time positions including Clerical Support in Buildings & Grounds, Print Shop support, and a Custodian.

For each of the positions above, the required clearances include Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. For more information or to apply, email HR@shalerarea.org or call 412-492-1200 ext. 2803.

If you or someone you know is interested in these opportunities, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team of professionals.

Stay Connected

• Twitter/X: @ShalerArea
• Facebook: facebook.com/ShalerAreaSD
• Instagram: @shalerareaschooldistrict

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are living our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel—every student, every day.

With Titan Pride,

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