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, unparallelled 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 21
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Saturday, June 2
Summer Reading Book Fair at Waterworks Barnes & Noble
Early July
Parent Portal Login Information Mailed
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 27
New Parent Meeting and Open House
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Academy Opening Day (PK/K noon dismissal)
Wednesday, Aug. 29, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
JPK Popsicle Playdate
Thursday, Aug. 30, 11:15 a.m. - Noon
SPK Popsicle Playdate
Thursday, Aug. 30
Back to School Picnic
Friday, Aug. 31, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
K Popsicle Playdate
Hopes and Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Country Day School Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- 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 correspond to your child's grade in the fall
June 2 Barnes & Noble Book Fair Flyer
Senior Pre-Kindergarten
Suggested Summer Reading
Kindergarten
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
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
Fifth Grade
Required Summer Reading
Suggested Summer Reading
Suggested Math Packet
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
The annual Family Information Update process allows families submit necessary forms online for the upcoming school year. New parents received their SSA website logins via email on June 27 with instructions on how to log in to the SSA website to complete the two-step process. All forms are due Aug. 1.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information for parents and students, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms - This secure online system enables parents to complete and submit required medical and athletic forms online.
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 the 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 21
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Saturday, June 2
Summer Reading Book Fair at Waterworks Barnes & Noble
Early July
Parent Portal Login Information Mailed
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Forms Due
Sunday, Aug. 19
PK/K Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 27
PK-5 New Student Orientation (all PK & K students must attend)
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Parents’ Night
Thursday, Sept. 13
Hopes & Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Junior School Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- 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
June 2 Barnes & Noble Book Fair Flyer
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
Math Packet and Answers
Fifth Grade
Summer Reading
Math Packet and Answers
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
The annual Family Information Update process allows families submit necessary forms online for the upcoming school year. New parents received their SSA website logins via email on June 27 with instructions on how to log in to the SSA website to complete the two-step process. All forms are due Aug. 1.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information for parents and students, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms - This secure online system enables parents to complete and submit required medical and athletic forms online.
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
Welcome to the Middle School!
The entire faculty joins me in welcoming you to the 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
Tuesday, May 15
Athletic & Activity Sign-up Opens
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Saturday, June 2
Summer Reading Book Fair at Waterworks Barnes & Noble
Monday, June 11
Language and Music Course Selections Due
Tuesday, June 12
Athletic & Activity Selections Due
Early July
Parent Portal Login Information Mailed
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Due
Monday, Aug. 20
Meeting for New Parents
Saturday, Aug. 25
Sixth Grade Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 27
New Student Orientation (mailing with details sent in mid-August)
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Opening Day for All Students; School Picture Day
Important Documents
- Academy Calendar
- Middle School Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
- Middle School Dress Code
- Class Supply Lists
- Textbook Lists
- Middle School Student/Parent Handbook
Final Transcript Release Form
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 11
Math
Math Placement Information for Newly Enrolled Sixth Grade Students
Music
Music Selection Letter
Music Selection Online Form - due June 11
Athletic & Activity Selections
Questions: Betsy Gorse, Athletic Coordinator
Online Registration Form - due June 12 Athletic & Activity Descriptions 2018-2019Summer Reading & Math Assignments
June 2 Barnes & Noble Book Fair Flyer
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Worksheet
Math Packet
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
The annual Family Information Update process allows families submit necessary forms online for the upcoming school year. New parents received their SSA website logins via email on June 27 with instructions on how to log in to the SSA website to complete the two-step process. All forms are due Aug. 1.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information for parents and students, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms - This secure online system enables parents to complete and submit required medical and athletic forms online.
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)
Summer Garden Volunteers
Volunteer to help take care of the Middle School garden in the summer.
Garden Volunteer Sign-Up Form
Middle School Preseason Athletics
Three Middle School fall sports have preseason practices prior to the first day of school:
GRADE 7/8 COED SOCCER
Location: Middle School Snyder Field
Dates: Thursday 8/16; Friday 8/17; Monday 8/20; Tuesday 8/21
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 specific information about preseason.
GRADE 7/8 BOYS FOOTBALL
Location: SSA Senior School Turf/Gymnasium
Dates: Monday 8/20 through Thursday 8/23
Times: 6-8 p.m.*
*On Monday 8/20 the team will meet at 5 p.m. in Hunt Hall on the Senior School campus for concussion testing before practice. Hunt Hall is the first building on the left at the stop sign on the Senior School campus. All other days, practice runs from 6-8 p.m.
Contact: Coach Joel DeBaldo, jdebaldo@yahoo.com
Please email the coach if you did not receive an email with specific information about preseason.
GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
Location: Squaw Run Field
Dates: Friday 8/17, Tuesday 8/21
Times: 5-7 p.m.
Squaw Run Field is about 1/4-mile down Squaw Run Road East from the Middle School entrance. Look for a large gravel parking lot and the field is just below that.
Contact: Coach Betsy Gorse, egorse@shadysideacademy.org
Please email the coach if you did not receive an email with specific information about preseason.
All other Middle School fall athletics and activities will meet on the first day of school:
COED CROSS COUNTRY
Coach Andrea Cespedes, acespedes@shadysideacademy.org
GRADE 6 COED SOCCER
Coach Matt Brunner, mbrunner@shadysideacademy.org
GRADE 6 BOYS INSTRUCTIONAL FOOTBALL
TBA
COED INTRAMURALS
TBA
DRAMA: FALL PLAY
Mrs. Camille Macrae, cmacrae@shadysideacademy.org
STUDIO ART
Mrs. Leslie Bodnarchuk, lbodnarchuk@shadysideacademy.org
Senior School
Welcome to the Senior School!
The entire faculty joins me in welcoming you to the Senior 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. At this point, you and your child will be making a conscious shift from the admissions office to the Senior School administrative offices. You should direct any academic or scheduling questions to Kaycee Sewchok, registar, at 412-968-3133. Of course, I urge you not to forget about us in the Admissions Office and always feel free to contact me any time at 412-968-3080 or rgrandizio@shadysideacademy.org.
Bob Grandizio '91, Senior School Director of Admission
Important Dates
Monday, May 21
TADS Online Student Account Information Sent
Saturday, June 2
Summer Reading Book Fair at Waterworks Barnes & Noble
Early July
Parent Portal Login Information Mailed
Monday, July 2
Final Transcripts Due
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Online Bookstore Opens (free shipping through Aug. 14)
Wednesday, Aug. 1
Family Information Update Due
Monday, Aug. 13
Pre-Season Athletics Begin
Sunday, Aug. 26
New Boarders Move In
Sunday, Aug. 26
New Parents Night
Monday, Aug. 27
New Student Orientation (no busing)
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Academy Opening Day, Convocation (Formal Dress)
Final Transcript Release
Due: July 2
Your child’s final transcript from his or her current school, complete with final grades for this year, should be sent to SSA by July 2.
Important Documents
Senior School Calendar (bookmark this page and check back often!)
Senior School Dress Code 18-19
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
Summer Reading & Language Assignments
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.
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
The annual Family Information Update process allows families submit necessary forms online for the upcoming school year. New parents received their SSA website logins via email on June 27 with instructions on how to log in to the SSA website to complete the two-step process. All forms are due Aug. 1.
- Family Profile Update Form – This online form collects biographical and contact information for parents and students, plus weather and emergency contact numbers.
- Magnus Health Medical & Athletic Forms - This secure online system enables parents to complete and submit required medical and athletic forms online.
ImPACT Testing
SSA will offer ImPACT concussion baseline testing on August 1, 2, 7 and 9 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the Hunt Hall computer lab. The ImPACT test is mandatory for all incoming freshmen, juniors and 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 2018. 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. 13, 2018, for all Senior School fall sports.
Letters from the coaches with preseason details will be posted mid-June.
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
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
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)