April 10, 2026

Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break and were able to spend meaningful time with family and friends. As we return to school, there is a renewed sense of energy and focus across our buildings. Our students have jumped right back into their learning, and our classrooms are once again filled with curiosity, collaboration, and enthusiasm.

The spring months are always an exciting time in Shaler Area. This season brings a wide range of opportunities for our students to demonstrate their learning, showcase their talents, and continue growing both academically and personally. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in competition, or through service to others, our students continue to reflect the pride and excellence that define our Titan community.

We also encourage you to take a few moments to review this month’s Shaler Area Showcase. Our district-wide e-newsletter highlights the incredible achievements, programs, and events happening across our schools. Click here to view the latest edition.

In this week’s Take 5, we are sharing important updates regarding safety and security enhancements that we are planning for our schools in the coming months. These updates reflect our continued commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and responsive learning environment for all students and staff..

Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week
This week, we proudly recognize National Assistant Principals Week by celebrating the incredible leadership and dedication of our Assistant Principals. Their daily support for students, staff, and families plays a vital role in our success. Please take a moment to thank them for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to student achievement.

Enhancing School Safety with Centegix
This week, we informed families that the Board of School Directors approved the Centegix Crisis Alert System for all primary schools, Shaler Area Middle School, and Shaler Area High School. The system will be implemented at the middle and high school later this spring and in our primary schools early next fall, providing staff with a faster, more coordinated way to respond to student needs and emergencies.  Click here for more information.

Summer Student Workers Needed
Shaler Area School District is accepting applications for summer student workers to assist custodial and maintenance staff in preparing schools for the next academic year. Applicants must be at least 15 years old by June 1, 2026. Work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., with pay ranging from $11.25 – $11.75 per hour. For questions, contact Kathy Coyle at coylek@shalerarea.org or 412-492-1200, ext. 2900 or click here for more information bit.ly/SASDsummerjobs.

Student Spotlight: Joey DeSabato
Recently, Shaler Area High School student Joey DeSabato volunteered to help with BINGO night at Scott Primary School. He went above and beyond to help however needed and was one of the last volunteers to leave, making sure everything was cleaned up and taken care of. Joey embodies the spirit of leadership and community service that makes Shaler Area so vibrant. Thank you, Joey!

Staff Spotlight: Ms. Abbey Nilson
Shaler Area High School Science teacher Ms. Abbey Nilson is a dedicated educator who brings sustainability to life for her students every day. Ms. Nilson combines her background in biology with a passion for hands-on, community-based learning. She teaches sustainability and earth/space science courses, helping students understand real-world environmental challenges and their role in addressing them. Ms. Nilson is also the faculty sponsor of the Sustainability Club, where students extend their learning beyond the classroom. Under her leadership, students have supported conservation and revitalization efforts in the Millvale and Etna communities, partnering with local organizations to promote environmental stewardship and community resilience. Her commitment to making learning meaningful and impactful continues to inspire students to create positive change in their community—and beyond.

Stay Connected
Follow us on social media to celebrate all that’s happening in Shaler Area:

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

We look forward to the weeks ahead as we build on this momentum and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and staff. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making Shaler Area such a special place for our students to learn and grow.

With Titan Pride,