May 1, 2026
As we turn the calendar to May, our schools are bursting with energy and excitement. From student performances to community celebrations, we are proud to see the incredible talents, leadership, and spirit of our students on full display. This time of year reminds us of the strength of our Shaler Area community and the incredible impact that comes from working together. As we celebrate student achievements and look ahead to end-of-year activities, we are filled with gratitude for the partnership of our families, staff, and community members.
A special shoutout to all of our Shaler Area Elementary School runners who will be participating tomorrow in the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon during the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events! The one-mile Kids Marathon serves as the culminating race for Kids of STEEL participants, who complete 25 miles throughout their training before finishing their final mile on race day. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to healthy lifestyles. Best of luck to all of our young runners as they represent Shaler Area with Titan pride!
Shaler Area Named a 2026 Best Community for Music Education
Congratulations to the Shaler Area School District for being named a 2026 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation—for the ninth consecutive year! This national recognition celebrates the outstanding commitment of our students, music educators, and school community to high-quality music education. Shaler Area is proud to be one of only 935 districts across the country to earn this distinction. Bravo to our entire music department for continuing to set the bar for excellence!
September 11 Survivor Story
Shaler Area students were recently provided with a meaningful and unique learning opportunity through a feature article highlighting the experience of September 11 survivor Stanley Praimnath. His firsthand account of being inside the South Tower during the attacks, and the extraordinary act of bravery that led to his rescue, offered students a powerful and personal connection to this pivotal moment in history.
This opportunity extended student learning beyond the classroom by bringing real-world context to historical events, while reinforcing important themes such as resilience, courage, and compassion. Experiences like this support our ongoing commitment to Engage, Empower, and Excel by fostering deeper understanding and reflection among our students. The article can be accessed by clicking here.
Save the Date: 143 Day of Kindness
Shaler Area School District is excited to announce our 5th Annual: Built on Kindness on Wednesday, May 21, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Shaler Area Elementary School. Inspired by Fred Rogers and his meaningful use of “143” to say I Love You, this free, family-friendly event will bring together students, families, staff, and community partners for an evening centered on kindness, connection, and belonging. Guests will enjoy a lively Community Expo featuring organizations that support children and families, live performances by Shaler Area music ensembles, interactive activity stations, refreshments throughout the evening, and a high-energy closing performance by Josh and Gab. More than just an event, 143 Day of Kindness is a celebration of building a culture where kindness is practiced, celebrated, and sustained. We hope you will join us for this special evening celebrating the power of kindness in our community.
Student Spotlight: Connor Bauer
Shaler Area High School senior Connor Bauer earned the Pennsylvania State Championship in the Baking and Pastry competition through the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)! As a second-year student in A.W. Beattie’s Pastry Arts program, Connor demonstrated exceptional skill and composure by preparing an impressive spread — including cutout sugar cookies, éclairs, blueberry muffins, and a beautifully decorated graduation cake — all within a challenging two-hour and 45-minute window, showcasing the outstanding time management skills he’s developed through his A.W. Beattie training. Reflecting on his well-deserved victory, Connor shared that the win affirms how far he’s come, calling it “a dream come true,” and with his sights now set on the national competition, where he’ll face talented bakers from across the country. Congratulations, Connor!
Staff Celebrating Our School Bus Drivers & School Lunch Heroes This Week
This week, we are proud to recognize two outstanding groups of employees who help make each school day possible for our students—our dedicated school bus drivers and our incredible food service team.
Our school bus drivers are often the first smiling faces students see each morning and the last to wish them well each afternoon. They safely transport our children each day while showing patience, care, and professionalism on every route. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to student safety and service.
We also celebrate our School Lunch Heroes, whose hard work goes far beyond preparing and serving meals. They create welcoming cafeterias, greet students with kindness, and help fuel learning through nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Their care and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff every day.
Please join me in thanking these remarkable members of the Shaler Area School District team for all they do to support our schools and students. Their efforts truly help us Engage, Empower, and Excel.
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 to our families, staff, and community for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are creating learning environments where all students can thrive and truly embody what it means to Engage, Empower, and Excel.
With Titan Pride,
