Shaler Area

School District

Shaler Area

School District

Shaler Area

School District

Take 5 with Dr. O’Black — October 9

Take 5 with Dr. O'Black

October 9, 2026

Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we wrap up the first week of October, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us for Homecoming 2026. Each fall, Homecoming brings with it a sense of excitement and tradition that is truly unique to our community. It is more than just a game or a parade—it is a time when current students, alumni, families, and neighbors come together to celebrate the spirit of Titan Pride that unites us across generations.

These events reflect what makes Shaler Area so remarkable: the deep connections, the shared memories, and the pride we all feel in being part of this community. Together, let’s continue to build on the moments that Engage, Empower, and Excel for every Titan.

Student Spotlight: Women’s Chorus to Perform on October 18
The Shaler Area High School Honors Women’s Chorus has been invited to join a consortium of treble choirs commissioning a new work by renowned composer Andrea Ramsey. Our singers will help present the world premiere of Learning to Map the Clouds, a five-movement piece exploring self-compassion, growth, and our connection to the natural world, at Belle Voci’s treble choir festival on Sunday, October 18, at Fox Chapel Area High School.

Online ticket sales are now available to the public through the Belle Voci website.

Alumni Spotlight: Athletic Hall of Fame
Shaler Area is proud to announce the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Andi Brooks (née Lydon), Billy Dadowski, and Tanner Grzegorczyk. These three outstanding former student-athletes will be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the proud tradition of Shaler Area athletics.

The inductees will be recognized prior to the varsity football game on Friday, October 9, at Titan Stadium, followed by the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. at Shaler Area High School.

Shaler Area Education Foundation to host 5K & Fun Walk
The Shaler Area Education Foundation will host its Halloween 5K & Fun Walk on Sunday, October 25, at Kiwanis Park. This community event will provide another opportunity to bring together Shaler Area students, families, staff, and community members while supporting the work of the Education Foundation.

The event will include a timed 5K and Fun Walk, with costumes encouraged. Registration is $25 for the 5K through October 15 and $30 thereafter, while the Fun Walk is $10. Participants who register for the 5K by October 15 will receive an event T-shirt, and Fun Walk participants will receive a festive bandana.

Online registration will remain open through October 23, with race-day registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Middle School Vendor Fair
Shaler Area Middle School will host its 19th annual Vendor & Craft Fair on Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school, located at 1810 Mt. Royal Blvd. Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy browsing more than 60 crafters and vendors, along with raffles and refreshments available throughout the event.

Family Engagement Night – Family Math Night
Shaler Area families are invited to join us for a fun, hands-on Family Math Night on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Marzolf Primary School. Designed for families with students in grades K–4, the evening will feature engaging activities and games with Imagine Learning that help build math skills, number sense, and confidence while showing families simple ways to make math part of everyday life. Families will also receive strategies and resources to continue supporting math learning at home. We hope you’ll join us for an enjoyable evening of learning together!

No School – October 12 & 13
As a reminder there will be no school for students on Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, due to scheduled teacher in-service days. Classes will resume on Wednesday, October 14.

With Titan Pride,

Bryan O'Black Superintendent of Schools

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