Shaler Area

School District

Shaler Area

School District

Shaler Area

School District

Bryan O'Black Superintendent of Schools

Take 5 with Dr. O’Black — March 13

March 13, 2026

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we move through the month of March, there is a wonderful sense of energy and momentum across the Shaler Area School District. Each day, our students continue to make us proud through their hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. From outstanding academic achievements to impressive performances in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities, our Titan community continues to shine.

I’m excited to share several upcoming highlights that celebrate the extraordinary talent, dedication, and school spirit that make Shaler Area such a special place to learn and grow.  As we continue advancing our Building for Tomorrow Initiative, we have also updated our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide to provide families with the latest information and answers to common questions regarding this important work for our district’s future. Be sure to take a moment to explore this month’s edition and celebrate the incredible work happening throughout our schools. Click here to read the March Shaler Area Showcase.

Register for the 14th Annual Run for the Titan Trail!
The 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail takes place Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m. at Shaler Area Elementary School. This 3.1-mile race is open to all ages, with discounted student and

group pricing. Prizes will be awarded in male and female age groups, and a 50/100 Meter Tot Run is available for children ages 2–7.

Not running? Enjoy a basket raffle, activities, music, and food, with all proceeds benefiting the Titan Trail Reading Adventure. Register by clicking here.

STEM Camp Registration Is Now Open!
Looking for a fun, hands-on summer experience for your child? Titan STEM Camp is back and registration is now open! The camp will take place June 15–18 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Shaler Area Middle School and is open to current students in grades 1–5. Campers will explore science, coding, engineering, and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon! You can find additional information and register here.

Tickets on Shale for SAHS Spring Musical — Mamma Mia!
Join us for Shaler Area High School’s production of Mamma Mia!, the beloved musical featuring the timeless songs of ABBA. This energetic and heartwarming performance tells the story of a young woman’s search for her birth father on a beautiful Greek island, leading to laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments on the eve of her wedding. With a vibrant cast, engaging storytelling, and dynamic dance numbers, this production promises to be a highlight for our school community. Performances will be held in the Shaler Area High School Auditorium on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.sAHsarts.ludus.com

Student Spotlight: Blythe Letters
Congratulations to Blythe Letters, who made history today by earning the first-ever PIAA medal in Shaler Area High School Girls’ Wrestling! Blythe delivered an outstanding performance at the state championships and is bringing home a PIAA Bronze Medal for the Titans.

This remarkable accomplishment not only highlights Blythe’s hard work, determination, and competitive spirit, but also marks an exciting milestone for our growing girls’ wrestling program at Shaler Area High School. We are incredibly proud of Blythe for representing Shaler Area with such excellence on the state stage.

Staff Spotlight: Nicole Henne 
Nicole Henne recently led Burchfield Primary’s “Kind to the Community” initiative during Kindness Month. The school-wide effort included sharing kind words and actions done by Burchfield students in the daily announcements, decorating the school with kind hearts describing acts of kindness, and a fundraiser for Animal Friends that yielded $1,500!  Because of Mrs. Henne’s efforts, Therapets from Animal Friends were able to visit all students at Burchfield in February. Thank you, Mrs. Henne for facilitating such a wonderful reminder of the power of a small act of 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

Thank you for taking a few moments to catch up on what’s happening across the Shaler Area School District. It is truly inspiring to see the many ways our students, staff, and families continue to engage, empower, and excel each and every day.

As always, I appreciate your continued partnership and support of our schools. I encourage you to stay connected, celebrate the great things happening across our district, and take pride in the incredible accomplishments of our Titan community.

Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you for being an important part of Shaler Area.

With Titan Pride,

 

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