2026-27 School Year
Dear Shaler Area Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
Whether your child is beginning kindergarten, becoming part of a new school building community, or preparing for graduation, we are excited to welcome your family back to Shaler Area School District and days filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and build lasting relationships. We are honored to partner with you in supporting your child’s educational journey.
Our work continues to be guided by a simple mission: to Engage, Empower and Excel.
These three words represent our commitment to every student, every day.
We Engage by creating safe, welcoming schools where students feel connected and inspired to learn. Through meaningful relationships and engaging classroom experiences, we encourage curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
We Empower by helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed. From academics and the arts to athletics, leadership, and service, we strive to provide opportunities for every student to grow and reach their full potential.
We Excel by maintaining high expectations while supporting every learner. Excellence is reflected not only in academic achievement, but also in the character, resilience, and compassion our students demonstrate each day.
This year, we are excited to welcome our fourth-grade students into our K–5 primary school model while continuing to plan for the successful transition of fifth and sixth grades next school year. We will strengthen literacy instruction through the implementation of HMH Into Reading, continue to thoughtfully integrate innovative technologies that prepare students for the future, and enhance school safety with the implementation of the CENTEGIX CrisisAlert system at Shaler Area Middle School and Shaler Area High School.
In addition, this fall we will install new school zone flashing beacons at Shaler Area Middle School, Burchfield Primary School, and Marzolf Primary School to further enhance safety for our students, staff, and families.
Most importantly, we know that student success is built through strong partnerships between school and home. Thank you for your trust, support, and involvement in your child’s education. As we work together, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to academic excellence while ensuring our students continue to benefit from innovative programs, emerging technologies, and learning experiences that keep Shaler Area at the cutting edge of education.
On behalf of our Board of School Directors and our entire staff, thank you for being part of the Shaler Area family. We look forward to another outstanding year of learning, growth, and success as we continue to engage our community, empower our students, and excel every day.
Have a wonderful year!
Warm regards,
Bryan O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Please check back for more updates as they become available.
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors, we want to remind families about expectations regarding the use of eBikes and similar electric vehicles on Shaler Area School District property.
For the safety of everyone on our campuses, students should not ride eBikes or similar electric vehicles on school property outside of school hours. Shaler Area school grounds and facilities are intended to provide a safe environment for students and visitors, and use of school property must not interfere with school operations, student activities, or pedestrian safety.
We want to remind families that eBikes and similar electric vehicles are not permitted on Shaler Area School District property. This expectation is intended to help maintain a safe environment for all students, families, staff, and community members utilizing our campuses throughout the summer months and during the school year.
Riding eBikes on sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and other areas of school property creates significant safety concerns for pedestrians, buses, and vehicles. Students who choose to bike to school are expected to walk their bicycles once they arrive on campus rather than ride them through school property.
Families are encouraged to review safe transportation expectations with their children. Failure to follow these expectations may result in disciplinary action or restrictions on bringing an eBike to school.
As a reminder, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has established 16 years old as the minimum age to operate an eBike, with a maximum allowable speed of 20 MPH.
Our shared goal is to ensure that all individuals remain safe while on school property. We appreciate your partnership and support in reinforcing these expectations with your child.
Sincerely yours,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools