September 11, 2026

Dear Shaler Area Families,

Each week across Shaler Area, we see our mission come to life through the accomplishments, experiences, and connections happening throughout our schools and community. Today, our students and staff also paused to remember and reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, honoring the lives lost and the courage, service, and sacrifice demonstrated by so many. As we reflect on the week, these five stories highlight the dedication of our students and staff, the strength of our partnerships, and the many ways we continue creating meaningful opportunities for every learner. Together, these moments reflect the Titan spirit and our commitment to Engage, Empower, and Excel.

Student Spotlight: Shaler Area Students compete in Pgh Triathlons
Shaler Area students were recently featured by TribLive for their participation in two Pittsburgh-area youth triathlons. Our students demonstrated determination, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge themselves through swimming, biking, and running.

A special thank you to Kelly Himes for her support and encouragement of our students. Their accomplishments are a great reflection of our Portrait of a Titan, particularly resilience and resourcefulness, and our commitment to Educating the Whole Child. Congratulations to our young Titans and everyone who supported them.

Staff Spotlight: Steve Seidelson
Mr. Steve Seidelson is a Learning Support Teacher at Scott Primary and is celebrating his 15th year with Shaler Area School District! He has taught both at Jeffrey and Scott Primaries. This year, Mr. Seidelson is staying busy as a sponsor of Guys with Ties and the Scott Running Club. When he’s not at school, you might find him training for or finishing a marathon—he’s an avid marathoner! Mr. Seidelson is also a familiar face at Crawford Pool, where he has worked for an incredible 23 years—first as a lifeguard and now as the pool manager. Most importantly, he’s the proud dad of two sons who attend Burchfield Primary. We’re so glad Mr. Seidelson is part of the Shaler Area family!

Shaler Area Education Foundation to host 5K & Fun Walk
The Shaler Area Education Foundation will host its Halloween 5K & Fun Walk on Sunday, October 25, at Kiwanis Park. This community event will provide another opportunity to bring together Shaler Area students, families, staff, and community members while supporting the work of the Education Foundation.

The event will include a timed 5K and Fun Walk, with costumes encouraged. Registration is $25 for the 5K through October 15 and $30 thereafter, while the Fun Walk is $10. Participants who register for the 5K by October 15 will receive an event T-shirt, and Fun Walk participants will receive a festive bandana.

Online registration will remain open through October 23, with race-day registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Family Engagement Night – Supporting Student Wellness
Shaler Area School District will host a Family Engagement Night on September 24 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Marzolf Primary School. Presented in partnership with Wesley Family Services, this interactive workshop is designed for K–4 parents and caregivers and will provide practical strategies to support children’s wellness at home and at school. Topics will include understanding big emotions and behavior, developing emotional awareness and coping skills, strengthening parent-child connections, responding to challenging behaviors, and creating supportive and resilient home environments. This event reflects our continued commitment to supporting the whole child and strengthening partnerships with our families.

Reserve Primary Receives $5,000 Grant from Highmark Foundation
Shaler Area School District is excited to announce that Reserve Primary School has been approved for a $5,000 grant from the Highmark Foundation to support its new Healthy Eating program.

The idea, spearheaded by Kristin Barbour and Michelle Elias, aims to give all students at Reserve an enrichment experience they can truly connect with: a hydroponic garden that lets children grow and harvest their own fruits and vegetables year-round. By seeing food grown from start to finish, students will build excitement around trying new foods and developing healthy habits that last well beyond the classroom. We can’t wait to see students’ knowledge of nutrition grow!

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 we close out another week, thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for all you do to make Shaler Area such a special place. I look forward to sharing more moments of Titan pride in the weeks ahead.

With Titan Pride,

Bryan O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools