Dear Shaler Area High School Families,

It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year. I am honored to continue serving as the Principal of Shaler Area High School, a school community I have proudly called home for more than two decades. Throughout my time in Shaler Area, I have remained deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue leading such an outstanding staff, student body, and parent community.

As we begin another school year, I am thankful to continue working alongside an exceptional administrative team. Assistant Principal Mr. Ryan Duane enters his second year at Shaler Area High School, bringing a thoughtful, student-centered approach to leadership and a commitment to fostering academic excellence and meaningful relationships. We are also fortunate to welcome back Ms. Venice Piveronas, whose experience, dedication, and unwavering support of students continue to strengthen our school community. Rounding out our leadership team is Mr. Justin Eskra, our Dean of Students, whose commitment to building positive relationships with students and families continues to have a meaningful impact on our school culture.

At Shaler Area High School, our mission continues to be grounded in the values of PRIDE, RESPECT, and HONOR—the Titan Way. These values serve as the foundation for everything we do and help create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

This year, we will continue to strengthen Titan PRIDE by encouraging every student to be present, engaged, respectful, and responsible while taking pride in themselves, their school, and one another. We are committed to fostering a culture where every student feels a sense of belonging, builds meaningful relationships, and understands that their contributions make our school community stronger. By working together as students, staff, and families, we will continue creating an environment where everyone is challenged to grow and supported in reaching their full potential.

Our work also continues to be helping students develop the communication, collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, and personal responsibility skills necessary for success in college, career, military service, and life. These competencies are embedded throughout our academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and student experiences as we prepare every Titan for an ever-changing world.

As always, we remain focused on providing rigorous academic opportunities, expanding real-world learning experiences, celebrating student achievement, and building strong partnerships with our families. Together, we will continue to create an environment where students are challenged to grow, encouraged to lead, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to another outstanding year as we continue working together to make Shaler Area High School a place where every Titan can learn, lead, and succeed.

With gratitude,

Mrs. JoAnne M. Townsend

Principal

Shaler Area High School

JoAnne Townsend                    Ryan Duane                         Venice Piveronas

Principal                                      Assistant Principal             Interim Assistant Principal