October 31,2025
Dear Shaler Area Families,
Autumn has brought with it a spirit of celebration across Shaler Area. Whether it’s cheering on our athletes, applauding artistic performances, or witnessing classroom discoveries, the enthusiasm of our students shines in every corner of our district. These moments remind us why we do what we do—to inspire, support, and celebrate every child as they learn and grow.
Before we head into the weekend, many of our neighborhoods will be celebrating Halloween and community trick-or-treat events. We want all of our Titans to have a fun and safe evening, so please take a moment to review these trick-or-treat safety tips with your family:
- Stay visible: Carry a flashlight, glow sticks, or wear reflective tape on costumes and bags.
Travel in groups: Young children should always be accompanied by an adult, and older students should stick with a group of friends. - Walk safely: Use sidewalks and crosswalks when possible, and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Check treats before eating: Parents and guardians should inspect all candy and treats before children enjoy them.
- Respect property and neighbors: Stay on designated paths, be courteous, and visit only well-lit homes.
We are grateful for our families and community partners who help make Shaler Area such a special place to live, learn, and celebrate together. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and thank you for your continued support of our schools.
Congratulations to Our Titan Teams on Making the WPIAL Playoffs!
Congratulations to all of our Shaler Area athletic teams and individual student-athletes who qualified for the WPIAL playoffs this fall season! From our Girls Volleyball Team to our Girls and Boys Soccer Teams, along with several individual qualifiers across multiple sports, our Titans have represented Shaler Area with pride, perseverance, and teamwork.
If you haven’t had a chance to cheer on the Titans yet, come out tonight for the WPIAL First Round Football Playoff Game as Shaler Area takes on Kiski Area at 7:00 p.m. at Titan Stadium. Let’s fill the stands and show our Titan Pride!
Red Ribbon Week
This week, Shaler Area School District proudly joined schools across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness campaign. Throughout the week, our students and staff have participated in themed activities, classroom discussions, and schoolwide events focused on making healthy choices and living drug free.
This year’s national theme, “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free,” reminds us that every choice we make is an important piece of the bigger picture. By choosing to live drug free, our students are building strong, healthy futures for themselves and their communities.
We encourage families to continue these important conversations at home. Helpful resources and family activities can be found at https://www.redribbon.org/activities/parents/. Together, we can empower our Titans to make safe, healthy, and positive choices every day.
Veterans Day Breakfast
Shaler Area School District will host its annual Veterans Day Breakfast honoring all past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their guests. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Shaler Area Middle School Cafeteria (1810 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw, PA 15116). View more information here.
We are proud to continue this cherished district tradition as we recognize the bravery, service, and sacrifice of our veterans and active-duty military members. To attend, please RSVP by calling (412) 492-1200 ext. 2500 or emailing coyner@shalerarea.org.
Reserve Primary Third Graders Named Pittsburgh Penguins Science Champions!
Reserve Primary’s third graders had an exciting hands-on learning experience this week as they participated in the Pittsburgh Penguins Science Champions program. Students became real scientists for the day—exploring matter, experimenting with solids, liquids, and gases, and applying their engineering skills to solve a unique challenge: design a way to keep an ice cube frozen the longest.
Teams tested different materials, and the winning group discovered that bubble wrap and aluminum foil provided the perfect insulation, keeping part of their ice cube frozen even four hours later! The champions proudly received an official Pittsburgh Penguins Science Champions puck and celebrated their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Student Spotlight: Bryson Hoffman, Annie Johnson, and Mallory Valentino
Third graders, Bryson Hoffman, Annie Johnson, and Mallory Valentino are the student representatives serving on the Burchfield Caring Team. Over the past two weeks, they organized a fundraiser for the Caring Place, during which students voted for the costume Mr. Rojik will wear for Halloween. Next month, they will also lead Burchfield’s Children’s Grief Awareness Day activities. Through their work on the Caring Team they received training from the Highmark Caring Place Elementary Summit to teach grief awareness lessons and support their peers who have suffered loss.
As we enjoy the heart of the fall season, I continue to be inspired by the partnership, pride, and spirit that define the Shaler Area community. Each week brings new opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the steadfast support of our families. Together, we are building a culture where every Titan is empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.
Looking ahead, please remember that there will be no school on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in observance of Election Day.
Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and commitment to making Shaler Area an exceptional place to learn and lead.
With Titan Pride,
