Dear Shaler Area Community,

I am thrilled to welcome you back for another exciting school year! As we prepare to embark on this new journey together, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead for our students, staff, and the entire Shaler Area community.

This year, our district-wide theme is “Engage. Empower. Excel.” This theme encapsulates our commitment to fostering an environment where students are actively engaged in their learning, empowered to reach their fullest potential, and inspired to excel in all areas of their lives.

• Engage: We believe in creating dynamic learning experiences that capture students’ interests and imaginations, encouraging them to become lifelong learners.
• Empower: Our goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to navigate an ever-changing world and to become proactive members of society.
• Excel: We strive to support our students in achieving excellence, not just academically, but in their personal growth and development as well.

As we embrace this theme, I am excited to announce the release of our Annual Report, which will be featured in the latest issue of InShalerArea Magazine. This report highlights our accomplishments from the past year and outlines our goals and vision for the future. Within the magazine, you will also find details of my 100-Day Entry Plan, a strategic approach designed to ensure a smooth transition into my new role as Superintendent and to align our district’s efforts with our theme of “Engage. Empower. Excel.”

The 100-Day Entry Plan focuses on several key objectives:

1. Building Relationships: Establishing strong connections with students, parents, staff, and community members to foster a collaborative and supportive educational environment.
2. Listening and Learning: Engaging in conversations with stakeholders to gain valuable insights and understand the unique strengths and challenges of our district.
3. Assessing Needs: Conducting a thorough analysis of our current programs, resources, and facilities to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
4. Setting Priorities: Collaborating with district leadership to set clear goals and priorities that align with our theme and support the success of all students.

As we approach the beginning of the school year, I want to express our excitement in welcoming our students back on Wednesday, August 21. We look forward to seeing all our students return to the halls of Shaler Area Schools.

Please remember that orientation day for students in Kindergarten, 4th, 7th, and 9th grades is on Tuesday, August 20. For students in grades 4, 7, and 9, this is a required half-day program, and attendance will be taken. These orientation sessions are designed to help our students transition smoothly into their new environments and set the tone for a successful year ahead.

I am also thrilled to announce the launch of our newly revamped district website, shalerarea.org.  Our goal with this new website is to provide our community with a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, making it easier for you to access important information and stay connected with all the latest happenings in our district. The website is designed with ADA accessibility in mind, ensuring that everyone can navigate and use it effectively. Additionally, our new mobile site is easy to use, providing seamless access to information on-the-go.

For detailed information about the upcoming school year, including important dates, supply lists, and resources, please visit the Back-to-School section of our website at https://shalerarea.org/2024-25-school-year/. This section is your go-to resource for everything you need to start the school year off right.

I am eager to share more about our plans and progress at our upcoming events and throughout the school year. Together, we will continue to build on our district’s legacy of excellence and create a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let us make this school year a remarkable one, where we truly engage, empower, and excel.

Please click here to view a personal video message.

Yours in Education,

Bryan O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools