SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
l l l A Message from Dr . Sean C . Aiken , Superintendent of Schools l l l haler area school district
SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Wishing you way more than LUCK
This time of the school year can wear on , bringing challenges we must meet with perseverance . While our students and staff are settled into a rhythm , Spring Break and the end of the school year can feel a long way off in the distance . Because of this , we recognize that one of the most important skills or attributes that a student can have , especially this time of the year , is grit . We hope to teach and model grit , tenacity , perseverance , and work ethic to our students . Our students are engaged with special projects , demanding courses , extracurricular activities , and many other overwhelming expectations . At times , failure , setbacks , and adversity seem inevitable . However , if we are modeling grit , perhaps our students will work to overcome these temporary obstacles and maintain hope for a brighter future .
The phrase “ I wish you way more than luck ” is often attributed to the writer David Foster Wallace and transcends the notion of luck as something that “ just happens ” to us without much effort at all .
16 SHALER AREA
While we can all use a little extra good luck , wishing someone “ way more ” than luck suggests a recognition of someone ’ s hard work , perseverance , and skills as the essential ingredients of the kind of success we see exemplified by our Extra Mile Award recipients , the cast and crew of Anastasia , and the many remarkable achievements we celebrate in the following pages . As winter turns to spring , we hope to see our students thrive with their learning , in their relationships , and with all their activities and responsibilities . We know that the development of grit will serve as a catalyst to help them reach their goals and strive for their dreams and we wish each one of our students “ way more than luck ” as we look to the final months of our school year and beyond . Sincerely ,
Dr . Sean C . Aiken Superintendent of Schools Shaler Area School District
l l l 2024 Kim Baysek-Young Extra Mile Award Honors Educators Who Go the Distance for Students
The Shaler Area School District ’ s Kim Baysek- Young Extra Mile Award recognizes district employees who have gone above and beyond for Shaler Area students . Members of the community nominated teachers , paraeducators , administrators , and more , celebrating the ways these staff members invested in student wellbeing .
From social workers to custodians , this year ’ s awardees highlight the rich variety of ways that educators in the district bring skill and dedication to their work . Dr . Sean C . Aiken , Superintendent of Schools , shared , “ Our district is made up of truly incredible teachers and staff members , who work together to serve our students . These individuals reflect who we are as Shaler Area : a community that cares .”
This year ’ s awardees are : n Scott Albert , Music Teacher , Shaler Area Elementary School n Marti Beer , Speech and Language Teacher , Marzolf Primary School n Melissa Demchak , Social Worker , Shaler Area High School n LeeAnn Guido , Social Worker , Shaler Area High School n Don Luffey , Custodian , Shaler Area School District n Jim McDermott , Social Studies Teacher , Shaler Area High School n Joe Saxman , Computer Technician , Shaler Area School District
The award is named in honor of Mrs . Baysek-Young , a beloved third-grade teacher at Reserve Primary School , who died in 2020 . During her 22 years with Shaler Area , Mrs . Baysek-Young was an integral part of multiple school-wide programs and community events and went to incredible lengths to provide students with educational opportunities and experiences .
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL SHALER AREA 143-DAY EVENT :
A WORLD OF KINDNESS
WEDNESDAY , MAY 22 , 2024 FROM 5:30 - 8:00 PM
NEW LOCATION !
Shaler Area Elementary School 700 Scott Avenue , Glenshaw , PA 15116
Please join us as we bring together our K-6 students and families to celebrate the legacy of Fred Rogers and affirm that Shaler Area values kindness , acceptance , and gratitude toward our neighbors as an important part of our community .
Special Performance by Josh and Gab Guest Readers | Art Making Button Making | Yoga | Music Refreshments | And More !