May 29, 2026
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we close out the 2025–2026 school year, today stands as both a celebration of an incredible year of learning and a milestone moment for the Class of 2026 as they walk across the graduation stage this evening. Throughout the year, our students, staff, and families have demonstrated what it truly means to Engage, Empower, and Excel—through academic achievement, artistic excellence, athletic success, acts of kindness, and a deep commitment to one another and our community. While today marks the final day of school for our students, it also represents the beginning of exciting new journeys ahead, especially for our graduating seniors.
On behalf of the entire Shaler Area School District, thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the school year. I also invite you to take a moment to view my year-end video message shared with families earlier this week as we reflect on an outstanding year across Shaler Area.
WPIAL 5A Softball Champions
Congratulations to the Shaler Area Titans Softball Team on capturing the WPIAL 5A Championship with an impressive 10-2 victory over North Hills! This historic win marks the fifth WPIAL softball title in school history and is a tremendous accomplishment for our student-athletes, coaches, and entire Titan community.
We extend our sincere congratulations and appreciation to Head Coach Tom Sorce and the entire coaching staff for their outstanding leadership and commitment throughout the season. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, teamwork, and resilience displayed by our Titans as they represented Shaler Area on the championship stage.
Summer Nutrition Resources for Families
As we transition into summer break, we also want to remind families that free meal resources are available for children and teens throughout the region through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Summer Youth Café program. The program helps ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is not in session. Families can visit the Food Bank website to find participating meal locations, schedules, and additional food assistance resources available throughout the summer months.
2026 District Challenge Coin Recipients
This past week, we had the privilege of recognizing our 2026 Shaler Area School District Challenge Coin recipients during a special celebration honoring staff members and individuals who exemplify our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel. The Challenge Coin program was established to recognize those who consistently go above and beyond in service to our students, schools, and community through leadership, compassion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
- Amber Colamarino
- Chuck Coyle
- Michelle Cugliari
- Judy Deer
- Riley Diffenderfer
- Cassie Dudley
- LeeAnn Guido
- Jim Jowers
- Therasa Joseph
- Jill Millard
- Susan Randall
- Erin Shaffer
- Jeff Stamper
- Dylan Winters
- Nick Zangaro
Thank you for the positive impact you make each day across Shaler Area School District.
Access to Shaler Area Middle School and Titan Stadium
Beginning Monday, June 1, 2026 through August 24, 2026, parking and access around Titan Stadium and Shaler Area Middle School will be limited as the District begins a significant renovation project to replace the aging roof and HVAC system at the middle school. Community members will continue to be welcomed to utilize the Titan Stadium track; however, all visitors must enter through the South Entrance (shopping center side), and parking will be limited to designated areas on the south side of the building. Please note that the roadway behind the building will be closed as a contractor staging area, and visitors are asked not to park in the Shaler North Hills Library parking lot, as those spaces are reserved for library patrons. We also ask all visitors to follow posted signage and contractor instructions regarding temporary access restrictions throughout the duration of the project.
Student Spotlight: Kori Wilson
We are incredibly proud to share that Shaler Area High School student Kori Wilson was recently named the first-ever Allegheny County Junior Councilperson through the Allegheny County Civic Engagement Competition. Kori’s selection is a tremendous honor and reflects her outstanding leadership, commitment to sustainability initiatives, and dedication to serving the community. As co-president of the Sustainability Club, Kori has demonstrated a passion for civic engagement and creating meaningful change both within our schools and throughout the broader community. Congratulations to Kori on this remarkable achievement—we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make in the future.
Looking Ahead to the 2026–2027 School Year
While we hope all of our students and families enjoy a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer break, we also want to remind families that preparations are already underway for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. The first day of school for students is scheduled for April 24, 2026, and we encourage families to review the official 2026–2027 District Calendar for important dates, holidays, early dismissals, and planned breaks throughout the upcoming school year. Additional back-to-school information, including transportation details and building-specific updates, will be shared later this summer.
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 continued partnership and support. Together, we are living our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel—every student, every day. Please note that Take 5 with Dr. O’Black will take a brief summer break and will resume weekly publication at the start of the new school year.
With Titan Pride,
