October 30, 2026

Dear Shaler Area Families,

Autumn has brought with it a spirit of celebration across Shaler Area. Whether it’s cheering on our athletes, applauding artistic performances, or witnessing classroom discoveries, the enthusiasm of our students shines in every corner of our district. These moments remind us why we do what we do—to inspire, support, and celebrate every child as they learn and grow.

Before we head into the weekend, many of our neighborhoods will be celebrating Halloween and community trick-or-treat events. We want all of our Titans to have a fun and safe evening, so please take a moment to review these trick-or-treat safety tips with your family:

• Stay visible: Carry a flashlight, glow sticks, or wear reflective tape on costumes and bags.
• Travel in groups: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult, and older students should stick with a group of friends.
• Walk safely: Use sidewalks and crosswalks when possible, and look both ways before crossing the street.
• Check treats before eating: Parents and guardians should inspect all candy and treats before children enjoy them.
• Respect property and neighbors: Stay on designated paths, be courteous, and visit only well-lit homes.

We are grateful for our families and community partners who help make Shaler Area such a special place to live, learn, and celebrate together. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and thank you for your continued support of our schools.

Burchfield and Marzolf Primary Earn Top State Rankings
We are proud to celebrate Burchfield and Reserve Primary Schools for their recognition in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary Schools rankings! Among 3,514 Pennsylvania schools, Burchfield ranked 18th statewide, placing in the top 1%, and Reserve ranked 53rd, placing in the top 2%. The schools also ranked 12th and 24th, respectively, in the Pittsburgh area. This recognition reflects our students’ hard work, our staff’s dedication, and our families’ support as we continue strengthening core instruction and meeting each student’s learning needs. Congratulations to both school communities for bringing Engage, Empower, Excel to life!

Student Spotlight: Brooke
Shaler Area High School sustainability student Brooke reimagined items destined for the landfill into a statement piece that she donated to raise money for charity. Brooke took cast-aside containers, including yogurt tubs and old pill bottles, to create a fashionable work of art. Making beads from the used plastic, she created a handbag that is functional as it is chic. The bag was auctioned off at a fundraising event for Reimagined Recycling. Thank you, Brooke, for using your talent and vision to support your community.

Staff Spotlight: Mario Pampena
Mario Pampena, custodian at Shaler Area Elementary School (SAES), is much more than someone who keeps the building spotless—he is a beloved daily fixture and a genuine pillar of the school community. Known for his warm smile, boundless energy, and sense of humor, Mario goes far beyond his daily duties to ensure students and staff feel safe, welcomed, and cared for every single day. Whether he is greeting children at arrival, offering a helping hand with a cheerful attitude, or taking pride in keeping SAES shining bright, Mario exemplifies the very best of Titan pride. We are endlessly grateful for his heart, his hard work, and the positive light he brings to Shaler Area Elementary School!

SAMS to Host Veterans Day Breakfast
Mark your calendars for Shaler Area Middle School’s Veterans Day breakfast, coming November 4th, 2026, from 8–10a.m. The annual event is a cherished opportunity for students to honor past and current members of the armed services while learning from their wisdom and experience. Many veterans attend each year, fostering friendships and valuable community connections.Service members can R.S.V.P. to Becky Coyne in the main office at 412-492-1200 x2500.

Family Engagement Night – Roblox and Online Safety
Shaler Area School District, in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police, invites families to an informative presentation on Roblox and Online Safety on Tuesday, November 17, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Shaler Area High School. Designed specifically for parents and guardians of students in grades K–4, this session will explore potential online risks associated with Roblox and provide practical strategies for keeping children safe while gaming and interacting online.

We encourage families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn from law enforcement professionals and promote safe, responsible online behavior. Click here for additional information and registration.

Looking ahead, please remember that there will be no school on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in observance of Election Day.

Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and commitment to making Shaler Area an exceptional place to learn and lead.

With Titan Pride,