Newly Enrolled Families
Welcome to Shady Side Academy! We are excited to help you begin planning for the fall and look forward to working with you and your child for years to come. This page is updated throughout the spring and summer so please check back periodically.
Country Day School
Welcome to Country Day School!
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I welcome you to SSA Country Day School! We look forward to joining you as your child begins an educational journey of academic achievement, unparalleled experiences in the arts and sciences, and creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. In order to begin that journey together, we ask that you review the information below to prepare for the school year. Please contact me at 412-963-1277 or kmcgoran@shadysideacademy.org with any questions.
Krissy McGoran, Country Day School Director of Admission
Important Dates
Monday, May 20
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Early July
Parent Portal Login Credentials and Family Information Update Instructions Sent
Thursday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 26
New Parent Meeting and Open House
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Academy Opening Day (PK/K noon dismissal)
Wednesday, Aug. 28
JPK and SPK Popsicle Playdate from 10:10-10:40 a.m.
Thursday, Aug. 29
"Popsicles and Play" for Grades 3, 4 and 5 from 12:30-1 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 30
K, Grades 1 and 2 Popsicle Playdate from 10:40-11:10 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Hopes and Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Country Day School Online Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- Country Day School Calendar PDF
- Country Day School Daily Dress Code
- Country Day School Formal/Chapel Dress Code (For Students in Grades 1-5 Only)
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for SSA families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Please download the packets that correspond to your child's grade in the fall
Senior Pre-Kindergarten
Suggested Summer Reading
Kindergarten
Suggested Summer Reading
First Grade
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
Second Grade
Required Summer Reading
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
Third Grade
Required Summer Reading
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
Fourth Grade
Required Summer Reading
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Fifth Grade
Required Summer Reading
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Online Accounts & Billing
SSA Website
The SSA website has private "portals" for parents and students accessible only by login. New parents will receive a letter with their portal login credentials in early July.
TADS
Student billing is handled online through TADS’ secure website. New families will receive an email from the Business Office in late May with instructions to set up a TADS account, which includes:
- Tuition
- Books and supplies
- Activity fees
- Parents' Association dues and fees
- Overdue fees
MyPaymentsPlus
Meals are purchased using MyPaymentsPlus, which has an online portal and iOS app. New families will receive a letter from the Business Office in August with instructions to set up a meal plan account for each student through MPP.
Camp Brain
Camp Brain is the online registration system used by SSA summer and after-school programs. Parents can set up a CampBrain account if and when they register for these optional programs.
Family Information Update Forms PK-5
Submit required forms for the 2019-2020 school year through the online Family Information Update. New parents will receive their SSA website logins by early July with instructions on how to log in to the Parent Portal to access the following forms. Forms are due Aug. 1, 2019.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms – From your Parent Portal account, access the Magnus Health system to complete and submit medical and athletic forms online. Some forms that require a doctor's signature must be printed, completed by the doctor, scanned and uploaded to Magnus. Physical exam forms and immunization records are required for all new students and must be dated after Aug. 1, 2018. Download forms requiring a doctor's signature below; hold on to completed forms until you receive your SSA website login.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Junior School
Welcome to the Junior School!
The entire faculty joins me in welcoming you to SSA Junior School. We look forward to partnering with you in making your child’s years here at Shady Side Academy memorable ones. Please read and review the information below, as it is important for the start of school. Feel free to contact me should you need clarifications on any of the procedures noted below at 412-473-4402 or mmarquette@shadysideacademy.org.
Maggie Marquette, Junior School Director of Admission
Important Dates
Monday, May 20
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Early July
Parent Portal Login Credentials and Family Information Update Instructions Sent
Thursday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Forms Due
Sunday, Aug. 18
PK/K Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 26
PK-5 New Student Orientation (all PK & K students must attend)
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Thursday, Sept. 5
Parents’ Night
Thursday, Sept. 12
Hopes & Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Junior School Online Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- Junior School Handbook
- Junior School Dress Code
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for SSA families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Please download the packets that corresponds to your child's grade in the fall.
First Grade
Summer Reading
Math Packet
Second Grade
Summer Reading
Math Packet and Answers
Third Grade
Summer Reading
Math Packet and Answers
Fourth Grade
Summer Reading
Reading Activities
Math Packet
Math Answer Key
Fifth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading Activities
Math Packet
Answer Key
Online Accounts & Billing
SSA Website
The SSA website has private "portals" for parents and students accessible only by login. New parents will receive a letter with their portal login credentials in early July.
TADS
Student billing is handled online through TADS’ secure website. New families will receive an email from the Business Office in late May with instructions to set up a TADS account, which includes:
- Tuition
- Books and supplies
- Activity fees
- Parents' Association dues and fees
- Overdue fees
MyPaymentsPlus
Meals are purchased using MyPaymentsPlus, which has an online portal and iOS app. New families will receive a letter from the Business Office in August with instructions to set up a meal plan account for each student through MPP.
Camp Brain
Camp Brain is the online registration system used by SSA summer and after-school programs. Parents can set up a CampBrain account if and when they register for these optional programs.
Family Information Update Forms PK-5
Submit required forms for the 2019-2020 school year through the online Family Information Update. New parents will receive their SSA website logins by early July with instructions on how to log in to the Parent Portal to access the following forms. Forms are due Aug. 1, 2019.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms – From your Parent Portal account, access the Magnus Health system to complete and submit medical and athletic forms online. Some forms that require a doctor's signature must be printed, completed by the doctor, scanned and uploaded to Magnus. Physical exam forms and immunization records are required for all new students and must be dated after Aug. 1, 2018. Download forms requiring a doctor's signature below; hold on to completed forms until you receive your SSA website login.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Get Involved With the Parents' Association
The Junior School Parents Association is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Penny Butler at preddy@adaconsults.com
Middle School
Welcome to the Middle School!
The entire faculty joins me in welcoming you to SSA Middle School. We look forward to partnering with you in making your child’s years here at Shady Side Academy memorable ones. Please read and review the information below, as it is important for the start of school. Feel free to contact me should you need clarifications on any of the procedures at 412-968-3155 or jgross@shadysideacademy.org.
Jeff Gross, Middle School Director of Admission
Important Dates
Wednesday, May 15
Athletic & Activity Sign-Up Opens
Monday, May 20
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Monday, June 10
Language and Music Course Selections and Athletic & Activity Selections Due
Early July
Parent Portal Login Credentials and Family Information Update Instructions Sent
Monday, July 29-Tuesday, July 30
Summer Prep at the Middle School
Thursday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 19
Meeting for New Parents
Saturday, Aug. 24
Sixth Grade Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 26
New Student Orientation (mailing with details sent in mid-August)
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Opening Day for All Students; School Picture Day
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Middle School PDF Calendar
- Middle School Online Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- Middle School Handbook
- Middle School Dress Code
- Class Supply Lists
Final Transcript Release
Course Selection & Placement
Questions: Mr. John Curry, Assistant Head of School, 412-968-3154
Language
Language Selection Letter
Language Selection Online Form (rising 7th grade students only) - due June 10
Math
Math Placement Information for Newly Enrolled Sixth Grade Students
Music
Music Selection Letter
Music Selection Online Form - due June 10
Athletic & Activity Selections
Questions: David Vadnais, Athletic Coordinator
Online Registration Form - due June 15
Athletic & Activity Descriptions 2019-2020
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Worksheet
Summer Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Seventh Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Mini Projects
Eighth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Survey
Online Accounts & Billing
SSA Website
The SSA website has private "portals" for parents and students accessible only by login. New parents will receive a letter with their portal login credentials in early July.
TADS
Student billing is handled online through TADS’ secure website. New families will receive an email from the Business Office in late May with instructions to set up a TADS account, which includes:
- Tuition
- Books and supplies
- Activity fees
- Parents' Association dues and fees
- Overdue fees
MyPaymentsPlus
Meals are purchased using MyPaymentsPlus, which has an online portal and iOS app. New families will receive a letter from the Business Office in August with instructions to set up a meal plan account for each student through MPP.
Camp Brain
Camp Brain is the online registration system used by SSA summer and after-school programs. Parents can set up a CampBrain account if and when they register for these optional programs.
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for Shady Side families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Family Information Update Forms 6-12
Submit required forms for the 2019-2020 school year through the online Family Information Update. New parents will receive their SSA website logins by early July with instructions on how to log in to the Parent Portal to access the following forms. Forms are due Aug. 1, 2019.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms – From your Parent Portal account, access the Magnus Health system to complete and submit medical and athletic forms online. Some forms that require a doctor's signature must be printed, completed by a doctor, scanned and uploaded back to Magnus. Physical exam forms and immunization records are required for all new students and per PIAA rules, must be dated after June 1, 2019. Download forms requiring a doctor's signature below; hold on to completed forms until you receive your SSA website login.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Middle School Preseason Athletics
Three fall sports have preseason practices prior to the first day of school:
GRADE 7/8 COED SOCCER
Location: Middle School Snyder Field
Dates: Thursday 8/15; Friday 8/16; Monday 8/19; Tuesday 8/20
Times: 9:30 a.m.–Noon
Contact: Coach Paul Bodnarchuk, pbodnarchuk@shadysideacademy.org
Please email the coach if you did not receive an email with information about preseason.
GRADE 7/8 BOYS FOOTBALL
Location: SSA Senior School Turf/Gymnasium
Dates: Monday 8/19–Thursday 8/22
Times: 6-8 p.m.*
*On Monday 8/19 the team will meet at 5 p.m. in Hunt Hall at the Senior School for concussion testing before practice. Hunt Hall is the first building on the left at the stop sign.
Contact: Coach Joel DeBaldo, jdebaldo@yahoo.com
Please email the coach if you did not receive an email with information about preseason.
GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
Location: Squaw Run Field
Dates: Friday 8/16, Tuesday 8/20
Times: 5-7 p.m.
DATES AND TIMES MAY CHANGE. Girls will receive additional information about preseason dates and times.
Squaw Run Field is about 1/4-mile down Squaw Run Road East from the Middle School. Look for a large gravel parking lot and the field is below that.
Contact: Coach Betsy Gorse, egorse@shadysideacademy.org
Please email the coach if you did not receive an email with information about preseason.
All other fall athletics and activities will meet on the first day of school:
COED CROSS COUNTRY
Contact: Coach Andrea Cespedes, acespedes@shadysideacademy.org
GRADE 6 COED SOCCER
Contact: Coach Matt Brunner, mbrunner@shadysideacademy.org
GRADE 6 BOYS INSTRUCTIONAL FOOTBALL
Contact: TBA
COED INTRAMURALS
Contact: TBA
DRAMA: FALL PLAY
Contact: Mrs. Camille Macrae, cmacrae@shadysideacademy.org
STUDIO ART
Contact: Mrs. Leslie Bodnarchuk, lbodnarchuk@shadysideacademy.org
Senior School
Welcome to the Senior School!
The entire faculty joins us in welcoming you to SSA Senior School. We look forward to partnering with you in making your child’s years at Shady Side Academy memorable ones. Please read and review the information below, as it is important for the start of school. At this point, you and your child will be making a shift from the Admissions Office to the Senior School administrative offices. Please direct any academic or scheduling questions to Kaycee Sewchok, Registrar, at 412-968-3133. Of course, you can always feel free to contact us as well.
Senior School Admissions – Meredith Colicchie and Bob Grandizio '91
Important Dates
Monday, May 20
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Early July
Parent Portal Login Credentials and Family Information Update Instructions Sent
Mid July
Final Transcripts Due
Wednesday, July 31
Online Bookstore Opens (free shipping through Aug. 14)
Thursday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 12
Preseason Athletics Begin
Sunday, Aug. 25
New Boarders Move In
Sunday, Aug. 25
New Parents Night
Monday, Aug. 26
New Student Orientation (no busing)
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Academy Opening Day, Convocation (Formal Dress)
Final Transcript Release
Due: Mid-July
Your child’s final transcript from his or her current school, complete with final grades for this year, should be sent to SSA.
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Senior School Online Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- Senior School Dress Code 2019-2020
- Senior School Opening Days Information - Answers many questions you may have about the start of school and student life at the Senior School.
Residential Life & Boarding
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for Shady Side families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Summer Reading & Language Assignments
Summer Math
Course Registration
Online Accounts & Billing
SSA Website
The SSA website has private "portals" for parents and students accessible only by login. New parents will receive a letter with their portal login credentials in early July.
TADS
Student billing is handled online through TADS’ secure website. New families will receive an email from the Business Office in late May with instructions to set up a TADS account, which includes:
- Tuition
- Books and supplies
- Activity fees
- Parents' Association dues and fees
- Overdue fees
MyPaymentsPlus
Meals are purchased using MyPaymentsPlus, which has an online portal and iOS app. New families will receive a letter from the Business Office in August with instructions to set up a meal plan account for each student through MPP.
Camp Brain
Camp Brain is the online registration system used by SSA summer and after-school programs. Parents can set up a CampBrain account if and when they register for these optional programs.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Family Information Update Forms 6-12
Submit required forms for the 2019-2020 school year through the online Family Information Update. New parents will receive their SSA website logins by early July with instructions on how to log in to the Parent Portal to access the following forms. Forms are due Aug. 1, 2019.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms – From your Parent Portal account, access the Magnus Health system to complete and submit medical and athletic forms online. Some forms that require a doctor's signature must be printed, completed by a doctor, scanned and uploaded back to Magnus. Physical exam forms and immunization records are required for all new students and per PIAA rules, must be dated after June 1, 2019. Download forms requiring a doctor's signature below; hold on to completed forms until you receive your SSA website login.
ImPACT Testing
SSA will offer ImPACT concussion baseline testing Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Wednesday, Aug. 7 in the Hunt Hall computer lab. The ImPACT test is mandatory for all newly enrolled Senior School students prior to participation in athletics. Most returning SSA students entering 9th and 11th grade completed the test at SSA in spring 2019. If you are a returning family whose rising 9th or 11th grader did not get tested in the spring, or if you are a newly enrolled family, please register online for ImPACT testing in August.
Questions? Chris Rose, Head Athletic Trainer, crose@shadysideacademy.org
Senior School Preseason Athletics
Preseason begins Aug. 12, 2019, for all Senior School fall sports.
Letters from the coaches with preseason details will be posted mid-June.
Badminton, Ulimate Frisbee and PE Fitness
Begins Tuesday, Sept. 3
Preseason Letter
Cheerleading
Coach Kayla Kolic
Preseason Letter
Crew, Boys and Girls
Coach Pam Ciardi Lloyd
Preseason Letter
Cross Country, Boys
Coach Paul Ejzak '89
Preseason Letter
Cross Country, Girls
Coach Sue Whitney
Preseason Letter
Field Hockey, Girls
Coach Betsy Gorse
Preseason Letter
Football
Coach Chuck DiNardo
Preseason Letter
Team Calendar
Golf, Boys
Coach Mark Hessler, 412-527-7913
Preseason Letter
Golf, Girls
Coach Helene Gosse
Preseason Letter
Soccer, Boys
Coach Ed Ellsworth
Preseason Letter
Soccer, Girls
Coach Mary Lynch
Preseason Letter
Tennis, Girls
Coach Jeff Miller
Preseason Letter