Shaler Area School District news for the week of Jan. 20, 2023

Niebel named 2022 Distinguished Alumnus

Captain Thomas J. Niebel has been honored as the 2022 Distinguished Alumnus at the National Honor Society induction ceremony at Shaler Area School District.

Niebel, a 1996 graduate of Shaler Area High School, was commissioned in May 2000 through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps at Carnegie Mellon University, where he majored in mechanical engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University.

Following completion of the nuclear power training pipeline in 2001, he reported to his first submarine, USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he served in various division officer billets. During his tour, the ship completed two Western Pacific deployments. In November 2004, he reported to Duke University as an assistant professor of naval science.

Niebel then reported to USS Tucson (SSN 770) in June 2007 to serve as engineer officer, completing a Depot Modernization Period, change of homeport from Norfolk, Va., to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and a Western Pacific deployment. In November 2010, he reported to the staff of Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet to serve as the force radiological controls officer. During this period, he deployed to Japan to provide radiological control support to forces conducting humanitarian operations during Operation Tomadachi following the earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011.

In June 2013, he reported to USS Topeka (SSN 754) as the executive officer and served there until October 2015. He completed an engineered overhaul and change of homeport from Portsmouth, N.H., to Guam. From November 2015 to September 2017, he served as a division director in the Office of Stockpile Management, responsible for overseeing operations to maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrence, at the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Following completion of the submarine command course, Niebel reported to PCU Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), then under construction at General-Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard, and assumed command in July 2018. During his tour, he oversaw initial establishment of the command, several propulsion plant test programs, and the transition to waterborne operations from the construction hall. Following his relief in August 2021, he reported as the deputy director of the Investment and Development Division within the assistant secretary of the Navy Financial Management and Comptroller’s Office.

Shaler Area School District recognized

The Shaler Area School District has been named one of eight Lighthouse school systems across the country by the AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Lighthouse school systems serve as models of positive change in public education.

The selected designates are members of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network, a cadre of more than 120 demonstration systems representing forward-leaning, urban, suburban and rural school districts engaged in learning, networking and working together to help drive education policy and ultimately improve student learning.

The goal of the network, which was created by the AASA National Commission on Student-Centered, Equity-Focused Education, is to guide Learning 2025 leaders as they chart their progress toward “Lighthouse” designation in one or more areas of growth. The commission called for identification of exemplary educational systems to serve as beacons of light in key areas of holistic redesign of American education.

“The Shaler Area School District aspires to be a future driven, equity focused, learner centered school district. This Lighthouse System designation from AASA Learning 2025 signifies that we are on the right path to creating an equitable and excellent education for our students in this district,” said district superintendent Sean Aiken. “Recognizing that we are at a critical juncture in public education, we value the support and high-quality professional development and guidance that AASA Learning 2025 provides. This learning network helps outline a roadmap for us as we navigate the post-pandemic challenges. Shaler Area is honored to be recognized as Lighthouse Designation System at this time as our teachers, principals, and all staff members are working diligently to meet the needs of all our students.”

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Shaler Area Middle School students will perform “The Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 and 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at the middle school auditorium. Tickets are available at the door or through the Shaler Area Middle School activities office.