May 23, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
With just one week remaining in the school year, the energy across our schools continues to be inspiring. This time of year brings a vibrant blend of celebration, reflection, and anticipation as our students participate in final performances, athletic competitions, award ceremonies, and meaningful end-of-year traditions.
We are incredibly proud of all that our students have accomplished and grateful for the dedication of our educators and staff who have guided them throughout the year. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to our staff and parent volunteers for their tremendous efforts in planning and supporting these special events—they make these memorable experiences possible for our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support—it plays a vital role in the success of our school community. Let’s finish the year strong as we continue to Engage, Empower, and Excel together.
Shaler Area High School Mock Crash Recap
Earlier today, Shaler Hampton EMS, in collaboration with the Emergency Responder class at Shaler Area High School, hosted a mock car crash event designed to give students a powerful, hands-on learning experience.
The simulation allowed students to apply their training in a realistic emergency scenario while emphasizing the importance of safe decision-making. Special thanks to Shaler Hampton EMS; Cherry City, Bauerstown, and Undercliff Fire Companies; the Shaler, Millvale, and Etna Police Departments; Life Flight; the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office; and Perman Funeral Home for their invaluable support and partnership in making this educational opportunity possible for our students.
Shaler Area Teams Advance to WPIAL Championship Games
This was a tremendous week for Shaler Area Athletics, as our Softball, Baseball, and Boys Volleyball teams all advanced to the WPIAL Championship Games.
- Softball defeated West Allegheny 4-0, marking their third consecutive shutout.
- Baseball edged Peters Township 2-1 in a pitcher’s duel.
- Boys Volleyball swept South Fayette in a thrilling semifinal match.
Championship Game Dates (TBD based on WPIAL scheduling):
- Boys Volleyball: May 24 at Peters Township HS – 3:00 pm
- Baseball: May 27 or 28 @ EQT Park
- Softball: May 28 or 29 @ California University of PA
These achievements are a testament to our student-athletes’ hard work and the strong support from our Board, staff, families, and community. Titan Pride is alive and well across Shaler Area!
Trib HSSN Softball Player of the Week
Congratulations to Bria Bosiljevac on being named the Trib HSSN Softball Player of the Week for May 18, 2025! Bria’s back-to-back no-hitters in the WPIAL playoffs have been a driving force behind the Titans’ postseason success. Her exceptional performance and leadership on the mound continue to inspire both her teammates and the Shaler Area community. Click here to read the full article.
The Wall That Heals – Coming Memorial Day Weekend
This week, Shaler Area Middle School students had the profound honor of witnessing The Wall That Heals motorcade as it made its way to Shaler Area High School. This traveling, three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its mobile Education Center will be hosted by Shaler Township over Memorial Day weekend.
Visit the memorial Friday, May 23–Monday, May 26 at Anderson Field at Shaler Area High School (1350 Anderson Road, Pittsburgh 15209) and join us in honoring veterans and their service. For more information click here.
GATE Students Earn 2nd Place in Fairchild Challenge
Shaler Area High School’s GATE students placed 2nd overall in this year’s Fairchild Challenge, earning a $500 grant to support our program. We are extremely proud of our students for their dedication and creativity throughout the year—excelling in research, writing, and artistic expression.
The Fairchild Challenge is a free, multidisciplinary environmental education program designed to engage students in exploring real-world environmental issues. Developed by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami and adopted locally by Phipps Conservatory in 2008, the program encourages students to devise imaginative and effective responses to complex environmental problems through a series of interdisciplinary challenges.
This year, Grace Grabowski, Braiden Bartkins, and Abby Maher proudly represented Shaler Area at the awards ceremony, along with Mrs. Elder. Their efforts—and those of all our GATE participants. Congratulations to all involved.
Sustainability Club Recognized at National Ceremony
Last week, members of the Shaler Area High School Sustainability Club attended the National Green School Society Induction Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. We are incredibly proud of Kaysia Chelli, Adrianna Dorovenis, Christian Mendoza, Maddy Tomko, and Maddie Walker, who served as induction speakers. Congratulations also to Maggie Boggs, Kori Wilson, and Elisabeth Walker, who received special recognition for their contributions to sustainability. These students truly exemplify what it means to Engage, Empower, Excel!
Titan Trail Reading Celebration & Million Word Reader Recognition
Last week, students from Shaler Area Elementary School who met their reading goals were celebrated with an engaging afternoon on the Titan Trail at the Millvale Riverfront. As part of our reading incentive program, students participated in yoga, kickboxing, drumming, and a nature walk—blending literacy, wellness, and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting.
In addition, our Million Word Readers were honored with an extra special celebration this week at the Etna Pool, recognizing their exceptional dedication to reading throughout the year. We are proud of all our students for their hard work and commitment.
Shaler Area Middle School Ecology Trip to Beechwood Farms
Shaler Area Middle School students recently explored environmental science during a field trip to Beechwood Farms. They studied deer populations, surveyed tree species, and assessed pond health through macroinvertebrate sampling.
Students discovered an overpopulation of deer, identified Red Oak and Hickory as dominant trees, and found the pond to be in “Fair” health—impacted by invasive goldfish. It was a meaningful day of hands-on learning that deepened students’ understanding of local ecosystems and conservation.
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.
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.
143 Day of Kindness
The Fourth Annual 143 Day of Kindness was a wonderful celebration of compassion and community spirit. Held at Shaler Area Elementary School yesterday, the event featured engaging activities such as kindness rock painting, recycled crafts, yoga, and a community mural—all designed to inspire and promote kindness throughout our district.
We extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated staff and community partners who helped make this event a success. Your support and collaboration continue to make Shaler Area a place where kindness truly grows.
Shaler Area Kennywood Day – June 11, 2025
We were excited to share details about our annual Shaler Area School District Kennywood Day, which will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Discounted tickets are now available for purchase online. We hope families can take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate the end of the school year with a fun-filled day at Kennywood! For more information click here.
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.
Save the Date – ABC Transit’s “Crash My Party” Family Event
ABC Transit, our valued transportation partner, invites the community to a free family celebration—“Crash My Party”—on Saturday, June 7, from 12–4 p.m. at 120 Evergreen Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15209.
The event will feature food trucks, music, games, bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, a foam party, pony rides, Mad Science activities, and more. Guests will also have the chance to win Luke Bryan tickets in a live giveaway with Froggy 104.3 and participate in additional prize raffles.
Admission is free, and on-site job opportunities will be available. For more details, visit facebook.com/abctransitinc or email careers@abctransit.com. Don’t miss this exciting afternoon of fun for the whole family!
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 – Early Dismissal
Please note the following schedule update as we approach the end of the school year:
- Wednesday May 28 through Friday, May 30 – Early dismissal 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
