November 21 2025

November is a month that naturally invites reflection, gratitude, and connection. As I look across our schools, I am truly inspired by the dedication, collaboration, and sense of community that define the Shaler Area School District. This season offers many moments for us to come together, celebrate achievements, and continue the important work of supporting our students and families.

I’m pleased to share several recent highlights and upcoming events happening across the district:

2025–2026 Winter Concert Schedule Released
Our 2025–2026 Winter Concert schedule is now available! These performances showcase the hard work and talent of our students across all grade levels, bringing the holiday spirit to our community. For concert dates, times, and locations, click here.

Staff Spotlight – LeeAnn Guido
Congratulations to Shaler Area High School social worker LeeAnn Guido who has been selected by the University of Pittsburgh to receive the 2025 School of Social Work Service Award. This prestigious honor recognizes alumni who have provided exceptional service to the School of Social Work through teaching, training, and volunteer leadership.

Ms. Guido’s dedication to student advocacy, her commitment to creating supportive and empowering school environments, and her role as a Field Learning Supervisor—where she mentors and prepares future social workers—reflect the depth of her impact on both Shaler Area and the broader profession.

She was formally honored at a ceremony on November 13. We extend our congratulations and appreciation to Ms. Guido for this well-deserved recognition and for her outstanding service to our students and community.

Student Spotlight: Annalise Berarducci and Logan Houston
Annalise Berarducci and Logan Houston are Scott Primary’s Caring Team. The Caring Team partners with the Highmark Caring Place to support grieving children and teens who have experienced the death of someone important to them. This week, leading up to Children’s Grief Awareness Day (November 20), Annalise and Logan will assist our school counselor with a grief awareness lesson. As part of this lesson, they will have the opportunity to read The Yellow Balloon. They also represented our school at a training and kick-off event at the Highmark Caring Place earlier this month..

Shaler Area Elementary 6th Grade Fall Play – The Trial of the Wicked Witch
Our talented 6th-graders at Shaler Area Elementary will perform The Trial of the Wicked Witch on November 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support our young performers and enjoy a classic tale brought to life!

Supporting Families in Need: Food Drives and Backpack Initiative
Shaler Area students, staff, and families have come together to support those in need through Thanksgiving food drives and the Backpack Initiative. These efforts showcase the district’s compassionate spirit and commitment to ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals.

A special shout-out to the Shaler Area Elementary School Student Ambassadors for hosting a food drive this week supporting North Hills Community Outreach! Your dedication to helping those in need exemplifies the values we strive to instill in all our Students.

The Shaler Area Backpack Initiative provides weekend food supplies to students in grades K–12 and is fully funded by donations. We are currently accepting contributions of non-perishable, single-serve food items or monetary donations. If you or someone you know would benefit from this program or if you’d like to donate, visit Shaler Area Backpack Initiative for more information.

Reminder: Thanksgiving Break
A friendly reminder that we will have an early dismissal on Wednesday, November 26, and school will resume on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. We hope you enjoy this time with family and friends, reflecting on all that we have to be grateful for.

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 partnership and for helping make Shaler Area a district defined by excellence, opportunity, and heart.

With Titan Pride,