October 17, 2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we move through the school year, it has been exciting for me to see so many families at our fall school and community events. We continue to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, staff, and community. This week has been filled with notable achievements, important transitions, and future planning that will help ensure continued success throughout the district. Here’s a look at some key highlights from the past week.
Building for Tomorrow FAQ Available
As part of our ongoing effort to keep families informed and engaged in the Building for Tomorrow initiative, we’ve created a new Family FAQ. This resource provides clear, easy-to-understand information about the district’s facilities planning and upcoming grade reconfiguration.)
You can view the full FAQ on our district website to learn more about how we’re planning for the future of Shaler Area.
Point of Pride: A Powerful Moment of Music and Community
After Friday night’s Shaler Area vs. North Hills football game, something truly special happened. The Titan Marching Band and North Hills Marching Band came together for a spontaneous joint performance of “Believer” by Imagine Dragons—one song both bands happened to share in their halftime shows this year.
When our director announced, “Band, put your jackets on—we’re meeting North Hills on the 50,” the excitement was instant. Moments later, both bands filled the field with sound, creating an unforgettable performance that rivaled a Division I college band. Students stayed afterward to play stand tunes, talk, and celebrate their shared love of music—an incredible display of friendship, school spirit, and community pride.
The video of the performance quickly went viral, with more than 60,000 views on social media, capturing the hearts of thousands across the region. It was a beautiful reminder of how music unites us all.
Staff Spotlight: Bobbi Leas
Bobbi is the lead food service worker at Scott Primary School and goes above and beyond to feed students each day. She infuses personality and cheer into the cafeteria with seasonal decorations for holidays. Bobbi takes care to serve good that looks and tastes fantastic, constantly bringing a special touch, from whipped topping on fruit to colorful vegetables. Bobbi knows every student by name and makes sure they have a positive time in the cafeteria. Thank you for your dedication and thoughtfulness.
Student Spotlight: Leona Crawford
Leona Crawford, a kindergarten student at Burchfield Primary School has been making and presenting sensory kits to our local first responders. Most recently, she presented to the Dorseyville Volunteer Fire Company. Thank you, Leona, for your compassion, consideration, and community engagement!
Have a Ball with the Harlem Wizards
The Shaler Area Basketball Booster Association is hosting the Harlem Wizards at Shaler Area High School. Join us for a dynamic, fun-filled evening for the entire family on Sunday, November 16th, at 6:00 p.m. Get your tickets here.
As we continue into the fall season, I am deeply grateful for the partnership, pride, and spirit that define our Shaler Area community. Each week brings new reasons to celebrate our students’ achievements, our staff’s dedication, and our families’ support. Together, we are living our mission to Engage, Empower, and Excel—every single day.
Thank you for your continued trust and involvement in our schools.
With Titan Pride,
