March 7, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we step into March, I want to take a moment to share exciting updates, upcoming events, and celebrations across our district. From student achievements to community gatherings, there’s so much to be proud of at Shaler Area. Thank you for your continued support and engagement—it truly makes a difference in the success of our schools and students.
Celebrating National School Breakfast Week!
This week, we celebrated National School Breakfast Week, highlighting the importance of a nutritious start to the school day. We want to remind families that school breakfast is free for all students at all Shaler Area schools. Ensuring that students have access to a healthy meal in the morning supports learning, focus, and overall well-being.
Shaler Area Hosts 8th Annual STEAM Competition
Shaler Area High School proudly hosted its 8th Annual STEAM Competition on Friday, March 7, 2025, welcoming students from across the region for a day of hands-on learning and innovation. The event featured an off-site lunar rover design challenge and on-site activities focused on creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Register for the 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail!
The 13th Annual Run for the Titan Trail takes place Saturday, April 26, at 9:00 a.m. at Shaler Area Elementary School. This 3.1-mile race is open to all ages, with discounted student and group pricing. Prizes will be awarded in male and female age groups, and a 50/100 Meter Tot Run is available for children ages 2-7.
Not running? Enjoy a basket raffle, activities, music, and food, with all proceeds benefiting the Titan Trail Reading Adventure. Register by clicking here.
A.W. Beattie Fish Fry & Open House
The A.W. Beattie Career Center Fish Fry will take place on March 14, 21, and 28, and April 4 and 11 from 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Dine-in and takeout options are available, but pre-orders are not accepted. Visit www.beattietech.com for details.
Register for STEM Camp
Registration for the Shaler Area School District STEM camp is now open! Summer adventures await students who have completed grades 1–5. There are full-day and half-day options. There’s a wide array of sessions, including FIT 4 BOXING, The Pittsburgh Zoo, The Science Center, and more. Register here.
Kindergarten Registration is Now Open
If your child is turning 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025, register now at bit.ly/SASDregister. In-person registration events will be held at primary schools and the district office. Call 412-492-1200 ext. 8-2813 for more information.
Support the Sustainability Club’s Bottle Cap Collection
The Shaler Area High School Sustainability Club is collecting plastic bottle caps to create benches for Rainbow Raccoon Park in Millvale. They need 400 pounds by mid-April and currently have 200 pounds. Drop off caps at the high school, Ms. Nilson’s classroom, or Lemon Tree Coffee in Millvale.
Congratulations to the National Technical Honor Society Inductees!
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 15 Shaler Area High School students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at A.W. Beattie Career Center. This prestigious recognition highlights their academic excellence, technical skill development, and leadership in their respective career and technical education fields.
Inductees:
- Connor Bauer – Pastry Arts
- Maddison Clarke – HNS
- Cenniya Cleveland – Cosmetology
- Noah Lang – Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation
- Madison Lennon – Advertising Design
- Chloe Maurer – Early Childhood Education
- Emily Miller – Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation
- Zachary Moore-Swogger – Advertising Design
- Jack Nevels III – Advertising Design
- Xavier Perri – Advertising Design
- Spencer Reddy – HVAC
- Ethan Stipitich – Computer-Based Communications
- Brody Wohlgemuth – Veterinary Science
- Leah Walkowski – Early Childhood Education
- Ava Wolkiewicz – Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation
Congratulations to all of these students on this outstanding achievement!
Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Swim Team!
The Boys Varsity Swim Team placed 17th out of 29 teams at the WPIAL Championships. Noah Lang earned third place in the 500-yard freestyle (4:36.47) and is expected to qualify for the PIAA State Meet. The team also saw a six-second season improvement in the 400 freestyle relay.
Congratulations to Hailey Sanders and Andrew Purucker!
Both students participated in the PMEA Western Region Orchestra at Richland High School, with Hailey Sanders qualifying for the PMEA All-State Orchestra in April.
Summer Student Workers Needed
Shaler Area School District is accepting applications for summer student workers. Summer student workers assist custodial and maintenance staff in preparing schools for the next academic year. Applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 2, 2025. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with pay ranging from $11.00 to $11.25 per hour. For questions, contact Kathy Coyle at coylek@shalerarea.org or 412-492-1200, ext. 2900. Click here for an employment application.
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
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and students. I take great pride in being part of the Shaler Area community and look forward to our ongoing success together.
Sincerely,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
