January 24, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As this week comes to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on and share some noteworthy updates and achievements from the past several days. From celebrating our students’ successes and showcasing innovative learning experiences to recognizing district-wide accomplishments and upcoming events, there’s so much happening across the Shaler Area community. These moments highlight the commitment, talent, and collaboration that make our district an inspiring place to learn and grow.
Thanking Our Board of School Directors
January is School Board Recognition Month, and we are incredibly grateful for the elected officials who serve Shaler Area in this vital role. At our January 15th meeting, we took the opportunity to thank each member of our school board for their time, attention, insight, and dedication to serving our students, families, and the wider community.
Please join us in recognizing our 2025 Shaler Area School Board of Directors:
- James Tunstall, President
- Eileen Phillips, Vice President
- James Burn Jr.
- Elizabeth Dunn
- Edward Kress
- Dr. April Kwiatkowski
- Jason Machajewski
- Dorothy Petrancosta
- Todd Saulle
Their leadership and commitment play a critical role in guiding the district to Engage, Empower, and Excel. We thank them for their steadfast dedication to Shaler Area!
Coffee and Conversation at Burchfield Primary School
We invite you to join us for Coffee and Conversation on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Burchfield Primary School (1500 Burchfield Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101). This is a great opportunity to connect with district leadership in a casual setting. We look forward to seeing you there!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Fairchild Challenge
Two Shaler Area High School students have been recognized in the most recent Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Fairchild Challenge. For the Nature’s Unique Designs challenge, high school students were invited to think more deeply about patterns in nature that we often take for granted.
- Grace Grabowski created a stunning piece of art highlighting the intricate beauty of natural patterns.
- Abby Maher researched and wrote an insightful accompanying essay.
Congratulations to Grace and Abby for their incredible creativity and dedication to this challenge!
Learn more about the challenge here: Phipps Conservatory Fairchild Challenge 2024-2025
Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Award
This week, the Shaler Area School District proudly presented the annual Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Awards, celebrating district employees who go above and beyond to support Shaler Area students and contribute to the district’s success. Community members nominated teachers, paraeducators, administrators, and other staff, recognizing their exceptional dedication to student well-being and success.
This year’s awardees are:
- Lisa Anderson, Paraprofessional, Shaler Area High School
- Greg DeFazio, Custodian, Buildings & Grounds
- Monica McElwain, Art Teacher, Burchfield Primary School
- Christin Pintar, Speech & Language, SAHS/SAMS
- Steve Seidelson, Special Education, Scott Primary School
- Mitch Stivason, Director of Technology, Central Administration
Congratulations to these outstanding staff members for their dedication, impact, and commitment to our students and schools!
Kids of Steel Program at Shaler Area Elementary School
We are excited to highlight the Kids of Steel Program at Shaler Area Elementary School through a new video that captures the energy and enthusiasm of our students participating in this outstanding initiative. Created by P3R, the production organization of the Pittsburgh Marathon, this program emphasizes physical fitness, goal-setting, and healthy habits, aligning perfectly with our district’s commitment to fostering student well-being.
The video showcases our students engaging in activities designed to inspire a lifelong love of running and wellness. It’s a testament to the impact of community partnerships in helping our students “Engage, Empower, and Excel.” Click here to view the video.
Congratulations to Reese Smetanka
We are thrilled to celebrate Reese Smetanka from Shaler Area High School, who has been featured as a Post-Gazette Athlete of the Week! Reese has demonstrated outstanding talent, dedication, and leadership, earning this well-deserved recognition.
Reese’s accomplishments not only highlight his exceptional athletic abilities but also reflect the support and pride of the Shaler Area community. Congratulations, Reese, on this tremendous achievement!
Click here to read more about Reese’s recognition.
We’re Hiring: Join Our Team!
The Shaler Area School District is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:
- Facilities and Project Manager
This important position will oversee maintenance, manage construction projects, and ensure our district’s infrastructure supports a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. If you or someone you know is interested, visit the job posting to learn more and apply.. - Substitute Employment
We are also seeking substitute employees (teachers, nurses, custodial and clerical/paraprofessional) for various roles. To request an application packet, email subserve@shalerarea.org with your name, address, phone number, and the specific application packet you’d like to receive. If you have any questions, please contact the Substitute Service Clerk at 412-492-1200 Ext. 2809.
We encourage anyone interested in supporting our schools to apply!
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with district news and events by following us on social media:
- Twitter: @ShalerArea
- Facebook: facebook.com/ShalerAreaSD
- Instagram: @shalerareaschooldistrict
We deeply appreciate the ongoing engagement and support of our Shaler Area families and community. Together, we continue to build a stronger foundation for our students, inspiring them to Engage, Empower, and Excel in all they do. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey toward success and growth!
Sincerely,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
