May 9, 2025

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we wrap up the first full week of May, the momentum across our schools continues to build. From classroom milestones to community celebrations, it’s inspiring to witness our students finishing the school year with focus, pride, and purpose. This week also brought unexpected challenges, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our families, first responders, and maintenance staff for their incredible support in the aftermath of last week’s storm. Your care, cooperation, and quick response helped ensure the safety and well-being of our school community. Together, we continue to demonstrate the strength and resilience that defines Shaler Area.

Storm-Related School Closures – No Make-Up Days Required
Due to the widespread impact of last Tuesday’s storm, Shaler Area School District was closed from Wednesday, April 30 through Friday, May 2. We want to assure families that these days will not need to be made up. The District has been in direct contact with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), and to avoid changes to the school calendar, we are shifting our compliance from a daily attendance requirement to a total instructional minutes model. Because Shaler Area already exceeds the state’s required instructional minutes, we remain in full compliance and are able to waive these three days.

Possible Transportation Delays
Please be advised that Liberoni, a contractor for PennDOT, began milling work between Irene St and Glenshaw Ave, and between Dehaven St and Duncan Ave this week. Paving work is expected to begin on Monday, May 12.

Work will begin with side street cut-ins during the first few days. Crews are anticipated to move onto Mt. Royal Boulevard by Thursday, May 8.

This roadwork may cause delays to school transportation in the affected areas. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Transportation Department at 412-492-1200, ext. 2824 or email businfo@shalerarea.org.

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.

Celebrating Our Educators & School Support Heroes
This week, we proudly celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, National School Nurse Day, and School Lunch Hero Day—an opportunity to recognize the many dedicated professionals who support the daily well-being and success of our students.

• To our teachers: thank you for inspiring curiosity, nurturing growth, and making a lasting impact on every child you teach.
• To our school nurses: your care, compassion, and expertise are a vital part of keeping our students healthy and supported.
• To our food service team: thank you for fueling learning with nutritious meals and warm smiles each day.

We are deeply grateful for all you do to make Shaler Area a safe, welcoming, and empowering place to learn.

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.

15 Titans Sign Letters of Intent
Congratulations to the 15 Shaler Area High School student-athletes who signed their letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. This milestone reflects their hard work, dedication, and the support of our coaches, families, and school community. We are incredibly proud of each of these students and look forward to following their future success. Click here to view the full list of signees.

Titans Softball Team Clinches Section Title
The Shaler Area Lady Titans secured their place atop WPIAL Class 5A Section 1 with a decisive 3-1 victory over New Castle, capping off an impressive regular season with an 11-1 section record. The team’s depth, resilience, and strong chemistry were on full display throughout the season. Congratulations to the players and coaches on this outstanding achievement!

Reserve Primary SWBIS Recognition
We are proud to share that Reserve Primary School has been officially recognized for achieving Tier 1 Sustaining Fidelity through the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PaPBS) Network. This designation reflects Reserve’s ongoing commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment through the implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS).

Earning this distinction is no small feat—it demonstrates that the Reserve team has not only established strong Tier 1 PBIS systems but has also sustained them with consistency, equity, and impact over time. The school will be honored for this achievement at the PaPBS Implementers’ Forum in Hershey this November.

Congratulations to the entire Reserve staff and PBIS team for their hard work, dedication, and continued efforts to ensure every student feels supported and empowered to succeed. This recognition is a reflection of the strong, positive culture they’ve cultivated in their school community.

Updated Orchestra Concert Schedule – May 21

Due to the remote instruction days earlier this week, the Elementary School Orchestra Concert will now be held at Shaler Area High School beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by the High School Orchestra Concert at 7:30 p.m.

 

We look forward to celebrating the talent and dedication of our student musicians in one evening of outstanding performances.

Titan Tots – Kindergarten Readiness Events
Our Titan Tots Kindergarten Readiness events are underway! Our final session will be held next week:

• Reserve Primary: May 12 | 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Incoming kindergarteners and their parents are invited to join us to participate in hands-on activities and get helpful info and tips to prepare for a great year in kindergarten.

SAES Singers Perform at the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon

On Saturday, May 3, the SAES Singers were honored to perform the National Anthem at the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon on the North Shore. This marked the fifth consecutive year our singers have been invited to take part in this high-profile event. With over 8,500 runners and participation from more than 100 schools, this is the largest audience our students perform for—and a tremendous opportunity to proudly represent Shaler Area in the greater Pittsburgh community. Congratulations to our SAES Singers on this outstanding tradition!

 

Sports Physicals for 2025–26 School Year

Shaler Area will offer sports physicals for the 2025–26 school year on Wednesday, May 29, at Shaler Area High School. Appointments include a functional movement assessment and are open to all student-athletes. For more details and sign-up information, click here.

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.

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.

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.

Family Fair
State Representative Lindsay Powell will host a Family Fair on Saturday, June 7, from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of 51st Street and Butler Street. This community event will feature a wide range of family-friendly activities including snow cones, food trucks, ice cream, face painting, Pittsburgh mascots, and a dunk tank with surprise special guests. In addition to the fun, Rep. Powell’s office will be available to provide information on state government services, including assistance from PennDOT and the Department of Human Services. For more information, community members can call 412-781-2750 or follow @RepPowell on social media.

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