January 23, 2026

Dear Shaler Area Families:

As this week comes to a close, I am continually inspired by the energy, commitment, and care I see across our schools. Each day, our students are rising to new challenges, our staff are creating meaningful and engaging learning experiences, and our schools are filled with moments that reflect the very best of our community. Whether in classrooms, on stages, on fields, or through the many efforts that happen behind the scenes, it is clear that our success is built on strong relationships and a shared commitment to our students. Thank you for being part of a community that believes in supporting one another and in helping every child reach their full potential.

Cold Temperatures Ahead
As we look ahead to next week, forecasts are calling for several mornings with extreme cold temperatures. Our team will be closely monitoring conditions, and please know that we will make decisions as early as possible to give families as much time as possible to adjust morning plans if needed. We understand how disruptive schedule changes can be for families, and we do not take those decisions lightly. However, our top priority must always be the safety of our students and staff as our region experiences these very cold conditions.

2026 Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Award Winners Announced
The Shaler Area School District’s Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Award recognizes district employees who have gone above and beyond for Shaler Area students or to contribute to the success of the school district. Members of the community nominated teachers, paraeducators, administrators, and more, honoring the ways these staff members invested in student well-being. Nominations were received throughout the fall and winter and reviewed by a panel of district stakeholders.

This year’s awardees are:

• Lisa Bagwell, Paraprofessional, Shaler Area High School
• Camille Barrett, Teacher, Scott Primary School
• Anita DeStefano, Administrative Assistant, Marzolf Primary School
• Kelly Himes, Teacher, Shaler Area Elementary School
• Meribeth King, Paraprofessional, Shaler Area High School
• Ryan Kinzler, Teacher, Shaler Area High School
• Susan Randall, Teacher, Burchfield Primary School
• Betty Wesolek, Administrative Assistant, Shaler Area High School   

Congratulations to these outstanding staff members for their dedication, impact, and commitment to our students and schools!

Coffee and Conversation at Burchfield Primary School
We invite you to join us for Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Burchfield Primary School (1500 Burchfield Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101). This is a great opportunity to connect with district leadership in a casual setting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Shaler Area Students Compete on KDQuiz
Three Shaler Area High School students are competing in an episode of KDKA’s KDQuiz. Hosted by Ray Petelin, KDQuiz is a weekly program that invites students from local high schools to answer questions from a variety of curriculum areas.

Tune in to KDKA January 24 at 11:00 am and January 31 at 11:30am, to see Nick Mulkerin, Abby Maher, and Emily Bedeck test their knowledge against students from North Hills and Hampton!

This team of students competed last season, making it to the semi finals. We are so proud of their engagement and diligence and wish them the best this season!

Student Spotlight: Zoey Griffth
Zoey Griffth, a third-grade student at Marzolf Primary School approached Mrs. Kimmel, the school counselor, with an idea to spread cheer to staff during the holiday season. Zoey gathered a group of her peers and together they acted as elves bringing unexpected joy. Throughout December, the elves wrote personalized cards to each staff member, thanking them for specific ways they helped make the first half of the school year successful. The students took no credit for this project, signing each card with an elf name. Thank you, Zoey, for your thoughtfulness and kindness!

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

As always, thank you for taking a few moments to stay connected to what’s happening across Shaler Area. The pride, dedication, and support shown by our students, staff, and families continue to make our schools places where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed. Wishing you a safe, restful, and enjoyable weekend, and I look forward to sharing more great news with you next week.

With Titan Pride,