Shady Side Academy: Parents

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Nov. 7, 2013

In This Issue: Recent News Stories | All-School News | Junior School News
Middle School News | Senior School News | Calendar

Congratulations to the field hockey and girls soccer teams
on their WPIAL Championships!

Recent News Stories

Lt. Col. Chip Mosle '88 Visits Foreign Relations Class

Sophomore Wins Two Medals at Head of the Schuylkill

Senior Receives Rotary Club Student of Distinction Award

Haunted Walk Raises Hairs and $600 for SSA Farm

Speech & Debate Team Wins National Forensic League Honor

See all of the latest SSA News

Playoff Fever!

Seven varsity sports teams have competed in playoffs over the past two weeks, with two teams winning WPIAL titles and three qualifying for PIAAs. Congratulations!

Girls Soccer upset Greensburg Central Catholic, 4-2, to win the WPIAL title, then beat Conemaugh, 8-1, in the PIAA first round. SSA faces Richland Saturday, Nov. 9, at noon at Hempfield HS in the state quarterfinals.
Field Hockey defeated Winchester Thurston, 2-1, to win its third straight WPIAL title, then fell to Forbes Road, 5-1, in the PIAA first round.
Girls Tennis advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals and fell to Methacton, 3-2.
Boys Soccer fell to West Allegheny, 1-0, in the WPIAL semifinals, then lost to South Park, 3-2 OT, in the WPIAL consolation game.
Football lost to Beaver, 42-21, in the WPIAL first round.
Boys Cross Country placed fifth at the WPIAL Championships. Gannon Leech and Connor Colombo qualified for the PIAAs, placing 60th and 81st respectively.
Girls Cross Country placed eighth at the WPIAL Championships.

NPR's Diane Rehm to Speak at the Hillman Tonight

The Hillman Center for Performing Arts and 90.5 WESA are pleased to present An Evening With Diane Rehm tonight, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. in the Hillman Center. The host of NPR's The Diane Rehm Show will talk about her career in public radio and answer questions. Tickets for the lecture are $30 and can be purchased online here- use this code to receive $5 off: hillmanfriend.

Junior School Admissions Fall Open House Nov. 9

Prospective Junior School families are invited to an Admissions Open House on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., to tour and learn more about Shady Side Academy. Please pass this information on to any families you know who may be interested in SSA. RSVP is encouraged but not required at www.shadysideacademy.org/visitus.

Parents' Association Winter Plant Sale

Bromeliad The Parents' Association is holding its annual Winter Plant Sale. Orders are due by Friday, Nov. 15, and will be delivered to the Junior or Senior School campus on Thursday, Dec. 5. View the Winter Plant Sale Excel order form or PDF order form. Contact Laurie Troutman at troutman5@comcast.net or Sarah Woodings at sswpa@aol.com with questions.

Hillman Series Presents: Aquila Theatre's Twelfth Night

Aquila Theatre's The Hillman Performing Arts Series brings Shakespeare’s funniest and most charming comedy to Pittsburgh as the award-winning British-American company Aquila Theatre presents Twelfth Night on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hillman Center. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students, and can be purchased online or by calling the Hillman Center Box Office at 412-968-3040.

Fall Downtown Luncheon Nov. 20 With Dave Fawcett '76

The SSA Alumni Association invites you to the 2013 Fall Downtown Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Allegheny HYP Club downtown. Featured speakers are lawyers Dave Fawcett '76 and Bruce Stanley, subjects of New York Times best-selling author Laurence Leamer's book, The Price of Justice – A True Story of Greed and Corruption. Lunch is $15, payable at the door. RSVP by Nov. 13 to Lisa Page at 412-447-2252 or lpage@shadysideacademy.org.

Free Parent Education Program With Dr. Leonard Sax Dec. 2

Shady Side Academy is offering a free parent education program on social media and online behavior, led by child development expert Dr. Leonard Sax. The program, entitled “Instagram Ate My Daughter… and My Son Won’t Stop Playing Grand Theft Auto,” will be held Monday, Dec. 2, from 7-9 p.m. in the Hillman Center. Parents of elementary, middle and high school students at any school are invited to attend this discussion, which is free and open to the public. Dr. Sax will also speak with the entire PK-12 faculty during the Dec. 2 in-service day, and then return on Monday, Dec. 9, to speak to Middle and Senior School students. Visit the event web page or download the program flyer.

Current Parent Giving

Join the Shady Side parents who have already offered their support and consider making a gift today to the Blue & Gold Fund. Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference and signals your belief in Shady Side, our mission and our people. The Blue & Gold Fund is critically important, as all contributions flow directly into the operating budget. Your support enables SSA to provide an excellent academic program, attract and retain superior faculty, and enhance student life on all three campuses. Make your gift before Dec. 31 to receive tax credit for 2013. For more information, or to volunteer for the Nov. 18-21 support drive, contact Rick Munroe '84 at rmunroe@shadysideacademy.org or 412-968-3044.

September-October Billing Issue

Due to a technical issue, September billing statements did not include book charges. Instead, those charges are noted on October statements as having been carried over from September. We apologize for the error. Please be assured that late fees have not been added to the book charges. Please contact John Gorham, manager of student financial services, at jgorham@shadysideacademy.orgor 412-968-3132 with questions.

John Baglier Memorial Blood Drive

The John Baglier Memorial Blood Drive was held Nov. 5 on the Senior School campus, collecting 35 units of blood. Prior to the drive, SSA alumnus Jeff Pollock '80 spoke to students at assembly on Oct. 28, sharing his experience of donating blood, which lead to the discovery of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Watch the Jeff Pollock video.

Parents' Association Opportunities

The Parents' Association offers several ways to support the PA while you shop.

Register your Giant Eagle Advantage Card at boxtops.gianteagle.com, purchase eligible Boxtops for Education items and the earnings will go to the PA. Or, cut out and deliver Boxtops to Mrs. Vrcic at the Junior School.
Purchase Giant Eagle gift cards through the PA that can be used for groceries, gas or other gift cards; the PA gets 5%.
Participate in the Lands’ End School Rewards Program; use our school code (900033986) when you check out; the PA gets 3% of net sales.
Register your Target Visa or Red Card; the PA gets 1% of the total sale every time you shop at Target.

Junior School News

Reminder: We Are a Nut-Free School
A reminder that the Junior School is nut-free. Because of severe nut allergies, no food made with any nut products may be brought to school. This includes "hidden" nuts such as almond-flavored icing, paste and oils. When in doubt, please do not send in foods that may contain nuts, even if they are not intended to be shared, as cross-contamination can occur unintentionally. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the Junior School a safe place for all of our students.

Family Skates Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17
The next Family Skates will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, from 12-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17, from 1-3 p.m., in the McKnight Hockey Center on the Senior School campus. Students must provide their own skates and helmets (required, a bike helmet is sufficient). Please contact Erica Strauss at estrauss511@me.com.

Order PE Clothing Online
Parents can now order PE clothes on the SSA Web Store under Junior School Uniform Approved. Clothing ordered by Nov. 11 will be delivered to the Junior School later that week. Afterwards, items will be delivered every Tuesday. Samples are available in the gym for sizing. Please email ssawebstore@shadysideacademy.org with questions.

November and December In-Service Day Programming
Register now for November and December In-Service Day programming. Students will enjoy a Thanksgiving Festival on Friday, Nov. 15, an afternoon at the Senior School on Monday, Dec. 2, and Victorian Day on Friday, Dec. 6. Registration for Victorian Day must be made by Friday, Nov. 15; late registrations cannot be accepted. Register online.

After School Explorers Winter Registration Open
Registration for Term II of After School Explorers is now open. Enrichment classes begin on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Parents can also sign up for the study center, Fox Chapel shuttle and music lessons! Learn more about enrichment classes and register online.

Second Grade Canned Food & Toiletry Drive
Donate canned goods and toiletry items to the second grade community service project through Nov. 21, which provides donated items to the food pantry at the First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood. Second graders are partnered with Junior School classrooms, where they collect items each day.This year's goal is 1,300 items.

Flavors of Fall Nov. 22
Join the Parents' Association Flavors of Fall on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5-8 p.m. for an adults-only evening of socializing with parents, faculty and staff in the library. If you are able to bring an appetizer (finger foods only), dessert, beer or wine to share, please sign up online. Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to ssaflavorsoffall@gmail.com. Contact Erica Strauss with any questions at estrauss511@me.com.

Third Grade Visits Depreciation Lands Museum
3rd Grade Visits Depreciation Lands Museum The third grade visited the Depreciation Lands Museum in Allison Park on Nov. 1, following their study of early American colonization and settlements. Students learned colonial songs and dances, explored a real colonial cabin and learned about daily life. They watched in awe as a huntsman started a fire using flint and rock, and competed in several "chore challenges." Students learned about cultivating and harvesting flax, and practiced operating a spinning wheel. They learned from experienced long hunters and explored artifacts commonly used by hunters. View the Depreciation Lands Museum slideshow.

Halloween Parade and Performances
Parents, students, faculty and staff enjoyed the annual Halloween parade on Oct. 31. Students and teachers paraded around the gymnasium and each grade performed a song or dance. View the Halloween slideshow.

Volunteer For Carpool Duty
Give the teachers the morning off by volunteering for carpool duty. Sign up online for the first Wednesday of each month from 8-8:15 a.m., and give the teachers a welcome break. If you have any questions, email Margot Stafford at mhmatouk@gmail.com.

2013-2014 Yearbook Ad Discount
Place a personal ad in the 2013-2014 yearbook between Nov. 1 and Jan. 5 and receive a 10 percent discount. Place your yearbook ad online.

Sign Up to Treat the Teachers (Formerly Faculty Fridays)
Show your appreciation for faculty and staff by hosting Treat the Teachers. Each week, there is a chance to provide either breakfast before school or snacks and refreshments after school. Sign up online. There are many dates open for 2014. Email Margot Stafford at mhmatouk@gmail.com with questions.

Middle School News

Fall Play Keeper of the Tales Nov. 8
The Drama Dragons will present the fall drama Keeper of the Tales: Stories From 1001 Arabian Nights tomorrow, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. in the cafetorium for family and friends. Keeper of the Tales invites you to the bazaar, where a wise old beggar will set your imagination on a magic carpet ride through tales filled with laughter, love and life lessons. The play includes more than 25 students and is directed by Mr. Gross and Mr. Broker, with scenery and costumes by Ms. Richards.

Winter Athletic Season Begins Nov. 11
Winter athletic season begins Monday, Nov. 11. Students will have one week to make changes to their activity choice, space permitting. Boys in seventh and eighth grade basketball must submit the Section 7 WPIAL re-certification form to the coach by Nov. 18. Forms will be sent home and can be found on the Parent Portal Downloadable School Forms page under Athletic Forms.

Athletic Awards Assembly Nov. 13 - DRESS-UP DAY
Fall athletes will be recognized on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Fall Athletics Awards Assembly. This is a dress-up day for all students.

Coffee With School Head Nov. 20
Please join School Head Amy Nixon and the Parents' Association or coffee on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 8:15 a.m., in the cafetorium.

Sixth Grade Halloween Party
The sixth grade class enjoyed a Halloween party on Oct. 31. Students paraded in costume, participated in a number of games and activities, and enjoyed goodies provided by the Parents' Association. View the Halloween slideshow.

Robotics Scrimmage
First Lego League Robotics Scrimmage The Robotics Team hosted a First Lego League (FLL) scrimmage on Oct. 26. Sixteen teams from the Pittsburgh area participated in the practice competition to prepare for the FLL Regional Tournament, which will be held at the Middle School on Saturday, Dec. 14. View the FLL slideshow and video.

Book Fair
The library's annual book fair was held Oct. 23-24. Students browsed tables filled with books by favorite authors, along with anxiously-awaited new titles. The room was festively decorated for Halloween, with spooky centerpieces created by parent Linda Reuter and the library assistants. Ms. Guering and Mrs. Brunner would like to thank all of the parent volunteers, especially MaryDiane Mulvihill and June Navid, who headed the Book Fair Committee. Thank you to the student readers who help make the fair a success! View the Book Fair slideshow.

Harvest Committee Plants Trees and Garlic
The Harvest Committee planted chestnut and black walnut tree seeds with tree expert Mr. McEnroe, grandfather of Chester and Addie Todd, on Oct. 17. Mr. McEnroe explained that the U.S. populations of these trees have been decimated by blight. Students planted blight-resistant seeds in buckets of topsoil, which will be transplanted around campus next year. Students also planted eight varieties of heirloom garlic in the SSA Farm garden, adding a layer of mushroom manure to help maintain soil health over the winter. Some students recorded planting locations, and others broke apart and planted cloves. The garlic will be harvested in July. View the planting slideshow.

2013-2014 Yearbook Ads
Place a personal ad in the 2013-2014 yearbook between Nov. 4 and Dec. 13 to receive a 25 percent discount. View the flyer. Place your yearbook ad online.

Senior School News

Service Opportunity: Produce To People Nov. 9
The Service Learning group will distribute fresh fruits and vegetables at Produce to People on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Contact Mrs. Ament at mament@shadysideacademy.org with questions or to sign up.

Winter Musical Grease Auditions Nov. 11-13
Auditions for the winter musical Grease will be held Nov. 11-13, with callbacks on Thursday, Nov. 14. Students should memorize a Broadway show tune and bring sheet music, memorize a 45-60-second contemporary monologue and be ready to dance. Contact Dr. Brill at dbrill@shadysideacademy.org or Mrs. Hardy-Bingham at dhardy-bingham@shadysideacademy.org with questions.

Picture Make-Up Day Nov. 13
The make-up day for yearbook pictures will be held in Memorial Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Students who do not like the photo taken on Oct. 3 must return the entire packet from Lifetouch on that day. All students in grades 9-11 must have their picture taken for the yearbook, but are not required to purchase pictures. View the order form, also available in the Deans' Office.

Athletic Forms Due Nov. 18 for Winter Teams
As a reminder to all parents of PIAA/WPIAL winter sport athletes (girls and boys basketball, wrestling and girls and boys swimming), Section 7 of the PIAA forms must be signed and returned to the Athletic Department before the season starts on Nov. 18. Forms can be found on the Parent Portal Downloadable School Forms page under Athletic Forms. Please mail or hand-deliver the form to the Senior School Athletic Department, attention Chris Rose. According to PIAA rules, if your child does not return the form by Nov. 18, he/she will not be eligible to participate until the form is received.

From the College Counseling Office

Seniors need to complete a College Application Record for all schools that they are planning to apply to via Regular Decision. This peach-colored form may be found in the College Counseling Office on the counter next to Ms. Blubaugh’s desk and must be completed and turned in by Nov. 22.
Seniors should be sure to arrange to have their standardized test scores sent to the colleges to which they are applying via the appropriate testing agency (the ACT website or the College Board website for the SAT).
Parents of seniors who have applied to colleges via early plans (ED, EA, etc.) should fill out required forms (such as the CSS Profile or college-specific forms) to be considered for need-based financial aid.
College counselors talked with the junior class today to introduce themselves and to explain the process of being matched to a counselor. More information will be forthcoming from the students' advisors in an upcoming designated rooms meeting.

Parents' Association Coffee With the Head Dec. 5
The next Senior School Parents' Association meeting and coffee with Kate Vavpetic will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 8:15-9:45 a.m. in McCune Dining Hall. Learning Support Specialist Bailey Conner will be our guest speaker. If you have a topic you would like discuss or add to the agenda, contact Jodi Palamides at jpalamides@comcast.net.

Save the Date: Snow Ball Jan. 11
This year, the Snow Ball dance will be held after winter break, on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Tickets will be sold through the SSA Web Store in December. Details will be available soon.

Yearbook Senior Portraits, Baby Pictures and Quotes Due March 3
The deadline for senior portraits, baby pictures and quotes for the yearbook is March 3, 2014. Senior portraits can be formal or informal. Requirements for all senior portraits:

Digital: 600 dpi, 4”X 5” minimum via email or CD
Print: Wallet size or larger
B/W or color
Any pose is fine. Background should be as neutral as possible. Outdoor shots and casual photos are accepted.

Senior quotes are limited to 2,000 characters, including punctuation and spacing. No profanity or comments of a demeaning nature will be accepted. We also need a baby or childhood photo of your senior. Photos may be submitted electronically or via hard copy, and are non-returnable. Quotes must be emailed directly to Mrs. Zheng at ezheng@shadysideacademy.org. Please note the yearbook is now printed in color.

Three Seniors to Play at PMEA Jazz Honors Festival
Three seniors have been selected to perform at the PMEA District 1 Jazz Honors Festival. Hayley Wyeth achieved the second spot out of 24 altos who auditioned. Bruce Morrison will play bass and Maxwell Prizant will play trombone. This is the second time Max has been selected. The festival will be held at Pine-Richland High School Dec. 13-14. Congrats!

Fall Play An Enemy of the People
The Gargoyle Society performed a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People on Nov. 1-3. The play starred junior Julian Schwartz as Dr. Thomas Stockmann and senior Elizabeth Herrington as Mayor Miranda Stockmann. The cast consisted of nearly 15 students. Mrs. Hardy-Bingham directed, and Mr. Davidheiser was technical director. View the fall play slideshow.

Halloween Activities
Halloween was very festive on the Senior School campus! Mrs. McGreevy-Morales and Ms. Burgard's advisory groups carved pumpkins before Halloween, and students enjoyed a Halloween party in the library on Oct. 31. View the Halloween slideshow.

Redd Up Pittsburgh
Service Learning Group at Redd up Pittsburgh Thanks to those who worked for Redd Up Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 26. Ryan Leslie, Ethan Eisner, Brian Foster, Evan McNally, Shravni Ragoor, Will North, Massimo Germinaro, Ciaran Beckford, Tom Scherlis, Colin Certo, Cole Newman, JoJo Sheerer and Eric Barnfather, along with parents Jackie Sheerer and Eric Barnfather, Sr., and Mrs. Ament cleaned trash in Homewood and helped set up for a clothing distribution. View the Redd Up Pittsburgh slideshow.

Volunteer and Support the Parents' Association

Sponsors and volunteers are needed for Bagel Days. Sign up online.
There are still a number of openings for Faculty Fridays. Sign up online.
Please continue to support the Parents' Association by returning the Volunteer Sign-Up form and by purchasing Giant Eagle/Community Market gift cards.

Upcoming Events

All Academy
Nov. 7 - Hillman Center Presents: An Evening With Diane Rehm, 8 p.m.
Nov. 11 - Veterans' Day
Nov. 15 - Evaluation Day - NO CLASSES
Nov. 16 - Hillman Performing Arts Series Presents: Aquila Theatre's Twelfth Night, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 18-21 - Blue & Gold Fund Support Drives, 4-9 p.m.
Nov. 20 - Fall Downtown Luncheon, Allegheny HYP Club, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Junior School
Nov. 8 - ERB Testing for Fourth Grade
Nov. 9 - Admissions Open House for Prospective Parents, 10 a.m.
Nov. 9 - Family Skate, McKnight Hockey Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 10 - Family Skate, McKnight Hockey Center, 12-2:30 p.m.
Nov. 11-14 - ERB Testing for Third Grade
Nov. 12 - Second Grade Play, 8:25 a.m.
Nov. 15 - In-Service Day Programming, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nov. 16 - Family Skate, McKnight Hockey Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Nov. 17 - Family Skate, McKnight Hockey Center, 1-3 p.m.
Nov. 20 - Second Grade Field Trip to Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, 9 a.m.
Nov. 20 - Fourth Grade Field Trip to Heinz Hall, 9:30 a.m.
Nov. 22 - Fourth Grade Field Trip to Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Nov. 22 - Parents' Association Flavors of Fall, 5-7 p.m.

Middle School
Nov. 8 - Fall Play Keeper of the Tales for Parents and Guests, 7 p.m.
Nov. 11 - Winter Athletics Begin
Nov. 13 - Fall Athletic Assembly, DRESS-UP DAY
Nov. 18 - Term II Begins
Nov. 20 - Coffee With the School Head and Parents' Association, 8:15 a.m.
Nov. 20-22 - ERB Testing

Senior School
Nov. 11-13 - Winter Musical Auditions, 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 13 - School Picture Make-Up Day
Nov. 13-14 - Term I Exams
Nov. 18 - Winter Athletics Begin
Nov. 19 - Term II Begins
Nov. 20 - Applicant Visit Day

For up-to-date calendar information, please visit the calendar page.

If you have any questions about this newsletter, please send them to Manager of Web Communications Dana Sheehan at dsheehan@shadysideacademy.org.