September 12, 2025

Dear Shaler Area Families,

Each week in Shaler Area brings new reasons to be proud of our students, staff, and community. As we reflect on the past several days, I am excited to share five stories that illustrate the creativity, hard work, and Titan pride that define our district. These moments are reminders of how, together, we continue to build opportunities that Engage, Empower, and Excel for every learner.

BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY
Join me on September 20th for “Be My Neighbor Day!” We’ll have live music and performers, bouncy houses, free snow cones, a wiffleball park, crafts and activities, and you can even meet Daniel Tiger! Meet our first responders and learn what they do from 1–5 pm at the Etna Borough Building Community Care Fair, and visit the Garden of Etna for even more fun!  Click here for more information.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Shaler Area High School student Kaydee volunteered to be an Office Aide and quickly took on the responsibility of helping to on-board another aide. She was proactive in offering support and demonstrated initiative in making others feel prepared and welcomed. Thank you, Kaydee, for demonstrating leadership and generosity. You are contributing to the positive culture at Shaler Area High School.

HOMECOMING 2025
Mark your calendars for Shaler Area Homecoming Saturday, September 27th, 2025!

• Homecoming Parade: See the creativity of our students and the enthusiasm of our community in the Homecoming Parade, kicking off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 27th, 2025. The parade will process down Mt. Royal Boulevard, starting at St. Matthew Parish, St. Bonaventure Campus, and concluding at the Central Office.
• Community Picnic: Immediately following the parade, join us for a picnic on the front lawn of the Central Office and Middle School starting at noon. Titans past and present will enjoy a variety of fun activities, including food booths operated by SASD boosters, inflatables, pony rides, Shaler Area clothing sales, and more!
• Football Game: The day will culminate with our Homecoming football game against Penn Hills at 1:30 p.m. at Titan Stadium. Come cheer on our team as they showcase their hard work and dedication on the field!

ATTEND TODAY, ACHIEVE TOMORROW

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Strong, consistent attendance directly translates to positive academic achievements for students. This month, I invite each of you to consider what obstacles might cause absences and plan ahead now so they won’t get in the way. We’ve prepared a list of helpful tips here. As always, our school counselors stand ready to assist if you would benefit from additional support.

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

With Titan Pride,

Dr. Bryan O’Black
Superintendent of Schools