May 16, 2025

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we move through the heart of May, the energy and momentum across our schools remain strong. This time of year brings an exciting mix of celebrations, transitions, and reflection. From student performances and athletic accomplishments to end-of-year events and academic milestones, we are proud to see our students thriving in so many ways. Thank you for your continued partnership as we support them through these final weeks of the school year. Your involvement and encouragement make a lasting difference.

May Edition – Shaler Area Showcase
The latest edition of the Shaler Area Showcase is now available! This month’s newsletter features highlights from across the district, including student achievements, upcoming events, and a celebration of the vibrant learning experiences happening in our schools. Click here to read the May 2025 edition.

Shaler Area Named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education
Congratulations to the Shaler Area School District for being named a 2025 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation—for the eighth consecutive year! This national recognition celebrates the outstanding commitment of our students, music educators, and school community to high-quality music education. Shaler Area is proud to be one of only 935 districts across the country to earn this distinction. Bravo to our entire music department for continuing to set the bar for excellence!

Titans Dominate in WPIAL Playoff Openers
It’s been a commanding week for Shaler Area athletics as three Titan teams—softball, boys volleyball, and baseball—each posted dominant shutout victories in early WPIAL playoff action.

• Softball: Bria Bosiljevac tossed her second consecutive no-hitter in an 8-0 win over Connellsville, advancing the Titans to the WPIAL semifinals and clinching a PIAA state playoff berth.
  Boys Volleyball: The reigning state champions swept Hopewell 3-0 in their playoff debut and now face North Catholic in the semifinals, with a trip to the WPIAL finals and PIAA tournament on the line.
• Baseball: Colby Weber led the Titans to an 8-0 victory over Montour, sending the team to the WPIAL quarterfinals against Connellsville.

All three teams are one win away from a WPIAL championship appearance and PIAA tournament qualification. Titan pride is running strong as the postseason heats up!

Shaler Area High School Mock Crash Notice
On Friday, May 23rd, Shaler Hampton EMS along with the Emergency Responder class at the high school will host a mock car crash to enable students to put their skills into practice through a unique, hands-on situation. Please do not be alarmed if you hear sirens and see activity at the high school. Paul Schweiger Way will be closed from approximately 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Special thanks to Shaler Hampton EMS; Cherry City; Bauerstown and Undercliff Fire Companies; Shaler, Millvale, and Etna Police Departments; Life Flight; Allegheny County Coroner’s Office; and Perman Funeral home for contributing to this experience for our students.

Ongoing Road Work – Possible Transportation Delays

As part of a PennDOT project, Liberoni crews continue milling and paving work along key routes near several of our schools. This includes areas between Irene Street and Glenshaw Avenue, and Dehaven Street to Duncan Avenue, with active work along Mt. Royal Boulevard now underway.

Families should be aware that this ongoing roadwork may cause delays to school transportation in the affected zones. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time.

For any transportation-related questions or concerns, please contact our Transportation Department at 412-492-1200, ext. 2824 or email businfo@shalerarea.org.

Shout-Out – Middle School Beautification Project
A big thank you to the Shaler Area Middle School students who worked tirelessly last week alongside the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to plant flowers and beautify the front of the school along Mt. Royal Boulevard. Your effort, teamwork, and pride in your school community made a visible difference—and created a welcoming space for all who pass by. Great job representing Titan pride through service and stewardship!

Fire Training Program Graduates
Congratulations to our Shaler Area High School students who successfully completed the 2024–25 High School Entry Level Fire Training Program through the Allegheny County Emergency Services Fire Academy! We are incredibly proud of your dedication, bravery, and commitment to serving the community.

Special recognition to: Tatum Perez, Carter Tunstall, James Smail, Cheyenne Tipton, Jocelyn Hartz, and Jonathan Mastandrea.

Thank you for representing Shaler Area with pride and excellence!

Sports Physicals for 2025–26 School Year
Shaler Area will offer sports physicals for the 2025–26 school year on Wednesday, May 29, at Shaler Area High School. Appointments include a functional movement assessment and are open to all student-athletes. For more details and sign-up information, click here.

Save the Date – 2025 Bike Rodeo
Join us for the 2025 Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Children will receive free helmets, learn important bike safety tips, and have a chance to win a new bike through a raffle.

Remake Learning Days – Explore Innovation Across Our Region
Remake Learning Days returns to Southwestern Pennsylvania this spring with hands-on, family-friendly events celebrating creativity, curiosity, and learning. From May 2–22, families can explore STEM, the arts, outdoor learning, youth voice, maker activities, and more—hosted by schools, libraries, museums, and community organizations across the region. This regional festival is a great opportunity to discover new ways to learn and grow together. Click here to explore local events.

Save the Date – Fourth Annual 143 Day of Kindness
Join us for the Fourth Annual 143 Day of Kindness on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at Shaler Area Elementary School. This free event celebrates our theme, “Kindness Grows in Shaler Area,” with hands-on activities like kindness rock painting, recycled crafts, a community mural, yoga, and more. Families can also explore local programs at our Community Expo and enjoy refreshments from Café 118. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Click here for more information.

The Wall That Heals – Coming Memorial Day Weekend
We look forward to welcoming The Wall That Heals exhibit to Anderson Field over Memorial Day Weekend. This replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a powerful opportunity to honor those who served and sacrificed. Click here to learn more.

Family Fair
State Representative Lindsay Powell will host a Family Fair on Saturday, June 7, from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at the corner of 51st Street and Butler Street. This community event will feature a wide range of family-friendly activities including snow cones, food trucks, ice cream, face painting, Pittsburgh mascots, and a dunk tank with surprise special guests. In addition to the fun, Rep. Powell’s office will be available to provide information on state government services, including assistance from PennDOT and the Department of Human Services. For more information, community members can call 412-781-2750 or follow @RepPowell on social media.

Elfinwild Hosts Summer 911 Camp for Kids
Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Company will host a Summer 911 Camp on June 23–25 from 9:00–11:30 a.m. each day for children ages 6–11. This hands-on, age-appropriate program offers students the chance to learn about fire safety, calling 911, first aid, and the roles of paramedics, EMTs, and police officers. The camp is a partnership with Elfinwild Volunteer Fire Company, Shaler Township Police, and Shaler-Hampton EMS. Registration is due by June 16. To register, click here.

Important Calendar Reminders – No School & Early Dismissals
Please note the following schedule updates as we approach the end of the school year:

• Tuesday, May 20 – No school for students due to Election Day.
• Friday, May 23 – Early dismissal for Shaler Area High School only due to Prom.
• Wednesday May 28 through Friday, May 30 – Early dismissals for all students.

Employment Opportunity
The Shaler Area School District is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• One Clerical position in the Business office: Administrative Secretary – Transportation: The ideal candidate for this role must have demonstrated knowledge of computer technology relating to school business operations, at least intermediate-level experience in Microsoft Word/Excel, and high customer-service skills. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

For each of the positions above, the required clearances include Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. For more information or to apply, email HR@shalerarea.org or call 412-492-1200 ext. 2803.

If you or someone you know is interested in these opportunities, we encourage you to apply and join our dedicated team of professionals.

Stay Connected

• Twitter/X: @ShalerArea
• Facebook: facebook.com/ShalerAreaSD
• Instagram: @shalerareaschooldistrict

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are living our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel—every student, every day.

With Titan Pride,

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