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. Please read and review the information below, as it is important for the start of school.
Please note, Krissy McGoran, Country Day School Director of Admission, will be on maternity leave for the 2020-2021 academic year. Please contact Joshua Frechette at 412-963-1277 or jfrechette@shadysideacademy.org with any questions during this time.
Important Dates
June
Veracross Parent Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Household Forms, Medical & Athletic Forms and VC Pay Account
Tuesday, June 30
Household Forms Due in Veracross
Saturday, Aug. 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Reopening Orientation for New Parents, Zoom, 6 p.m.
Reopening Orientation for All Parents, Zoom, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day (PK/K noon dismissal)
Thursday-Friday, Sept. 3-4
Popsicle Playdates During Recess (details and times for each class to come)
Thursday, Sept. 10
Hopes and Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Join Zoom at Noon Sessions and the CDS Newly Enrolled Families Facebook Group
Please check back for links to join the Zoom sessions.
June 24: Get to Know Jen Asmonga, CDS Head of School
July 13: Transitioning to a New School, Claudine Runnette, School Counselor
July 29: After School Adventurers, Kristin Link, Director
Connect with CDS Families by joining our Facebook Group!
Final Transcript Release
Please download and send the Final Transcript Release Form to your child’s current school to request that a final transcript, complete with final grades for this year, be sent to SSA.
After School Adventurers
After School Adventurers (ASA) is Country Day's all-inclusive after-school program. Each day has the opportunity for enrichment classes, homework help, unstructured play, snack time, and more. Rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in.
Questions? Contact Kristen Link, After School Director, klink@shadysideacademy.org
Fall Term 2020 registration will open on Monday, Aug. 3.
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Please download the packets that correspond to your child's grade in the fall.
Senior Pre-Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Summer Fun for Kindergarten Readiness
First Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Second Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Third Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Fourth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Fifth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Important Documents
Online Accounts & Billing
Veracross/VCPay
Veracross is SSA’s family database system, and VCPay is Veracross’ student billing system for payment of tuition and various fees. New parents will receive their Veracross Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to select a tuition payment plan and access their VC Pay student billing account.
MyPaymentsPlus
Meal fees are paid 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.
Required Household & Medical Forms
All families are required to complete several important online forms over the summer, including the household profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. Parents should have received their SSA Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms. If you have trouble setting up your Veracross account, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
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.
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 Country Day School Parents’ Association is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Judy Earl or Erica Gasper.
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.
By May 15, we will launch a Facebook group for newly enrolled Junior School parents. This is a new effort for us and we hope it will allow you to connect with other new families, get to know each other, and ask questions of some current parent ambassadors who are eager to help welcome you to SSA. We will also be launching topic-oriented Summer Zoom Gatherings for new families beginning at the end of June. More information to come by the end of the month. 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
June
Veracross Parent Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Household Forms, Medical & Athletic Forms and VC Pay Account
Tuesday, June 30
Household Forms Due in Veracross
Saturday, Aug. 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Tuesday, Aug. 18
Reopening Orientation for New Parents, Zoom, 6 p.m.
Reopening Orientation for All Parents, Zoom, 7 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 31
PK-5 New Student Orientation (all PK & K students must attend)
Tuesday, Sept 1
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
TBD
Hopes & Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Join Zoom at Noon Sessions and the JS Newly Enrolled Families Facebook Group
Please check back for links to join the Zoom sessions.
July 14: Get to know Brad Davies
July 24: Transitioning to a New School - Katie Boss, Pete Mathis
July 27: After School Program - Kristen Link
Aug. 11: Parents Association - Penny Reddy, Jonathan Brown
Connect with JS Families by joining our Facebook Group!
Final Transcript Release
Please download and send the Final Transcript Release Form to your child’s current school to request that a final transcript, complete with final grades for this year, be sent to SSA.
After School Explorers
After School Explorers (ASE) is the Junior School’s all-inclusive after-school program. Schedules can be customized to fit students' individual needs and interests. Options include enrichment classes, music lessons, study center, and unstructured play. Rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. A Fox Chapel shuttle is available to transport ASE students to the Senior School campus at the end of each day for a small fee.
Questions? Contact Kristen Link, After School Director, klink@shadysideacademy.org
Fall Term 2020 registration will open Monday, Aug. 3.
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Please download the packets that correspond to your child's grade in the fall.
Senior Pre-Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Summer Fun for Kindergarten Readiness
First Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Second Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Third Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Fourth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Fifth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Important Documents
Online Accounts & Billing
Veracross/VCPay
Veracross is SSA’s family database system, and VCPay is Veracross’ student billing system for payment of tuition and various fees. New parents will receive their Veracross Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to select a tuition payment plan and access their VC Pay student billing account.
MyPaymentsPlus
Meal fees are paid 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.
Required Household & Medical Forms
All families are required to complete several important online forms over the summer, including the household profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. Parents should have received their SSA Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms. If you have trouble setting up your Veracross account, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
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.
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.
By May 15, we will be launching a Facebook group for newly enrolled Middle School parents. This is a new effort for us, and we hope it will allow you to connect with other new families, get to know each other, and ask questions of some current parent ambassadors who are eager to help welcome you to SSA. We will also be launching topic-oriented Summer Zoom Gatherings for new families beginning at the end of June. More information to come by the end of the month. 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
Friday, May 8
Athletic, Music, and Language Selection Forms Available
Monday, May 18
Athletic, Music, and Language Selections Due
June
Veracross Parent Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Household Forms, Medical & Athletic Forms and VC Pay Account
Tuesday, June 30
Household Forms Due in Veracross
Saturday, Aug. 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 3-4
SSA Prep
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Reopening Orientation for New Parents, Zoom, 6 p.m.
Reopening Orientation for All Parents, Zoom, 7 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 31
New Student Orientation
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Opening Day
Join Zoom at Noon Sessions and the MS Newly Enrolled Families Facebook Group
Please check back for links to join the Zoom sessions.
June 30 - Get to know Amy Nixon, Head of School
July 13 - Preparing for MS - Study Skills and Organization
August 10 - Science and Tech Opportunities at the MS
Connect with Middle School Families by joining our Facebook Group!
Middle School New Parents Welcome Video
Final Transcript Release
Summer Reading Assignments
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Worksheet
Seventh Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading Assignment Overview
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Eighth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Survey
Important Documents
- Preliminary 2020-2021 Academy Calendar
- Middle School Online Calendar
- Middle School Dress Code
- Class Supply Lists - coming soon!
Online Accounts & Billing
Veracross/VCPay
Veracross is SSA’s family database system, and VCPay is Veracross’ student billing system for payment of tuition and various fees. New parents will receive their Veracross Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to select a tuition payment plan and access their VC Pay student billing account.
MyPaymentsPlus
Meal fees are paid 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.
Course Selection & Placement
Questions: Mr. Brian Johnston, Assistant Head of School, 412-968-3154
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Information:
Athletic & Activity Selections
Questions: David Vadnais, Athletic Coordinator
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Athletic & Activity Descriptions 2020-2021
Required Household & Medical Forms
All families are required to complete several important online forms over the summer, including the household profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. Parents should have received their SSA Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms. If you have trouble setting up your Veracross account, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
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)
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.
Middle School Preseason Athletics
Three fall sports have preseason practices prior to the first day of school. Please check back regarding the start dates.
GRADE 7/8 COED SOCCER
Location: Middle School Snyder Field
GRADE 7/8 BOYS FOOTBALL
Location: SSA Senior School Turf/Gymnasium
GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
Location: Squaw Run Field
Squaw Run Field is about 1/4-mile down Squaw Run Road East from the Middle School.
All other fall athletics and activities will meet on the first day of school:
GIRLS TENNIS
COED CROSS COUNTRY
GRADE 6 COED SOCCER
GRADE 6 BOYS INSTRUCTIONAL FOOTBALL
COED INTRAMURALS
DRAMA: FALL PLAY
STUDIO ART
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 the Senior School 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
June
Veracross Parent Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Household Forms, Medical & Athletic Forms and VCPay Account
Tuesday, June 30
Household Forms Due in Veracross
Mid-July
Final Transcripts Due
Saturday, Aug. 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 3-4
SSA Prep
Friday, Aug. 7
Online Bookstore Opens (free shipping through Aug. 7-21)
Monday, Aug. 17
Fall Preseason Athletics Begin
Thursday, Aug. 20
Reopening Orientation for New Parents, Zoom, 6 p.m.
Reopening Orientation for All Parents, Zoom, 7 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 31
New Student Orientation (no busing)
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day, Convocation (Formal Dress)
Join Zoom at Noon Sessions and the SS Newly Enrolled Families Facebook Group
July 1 – Summer Academic Prep for the Senior School
July 8 – Introducing the Senior School’s New Head, Trixie Sabundayo (also offered the evening of July 16 at 7:00 p.m.)
July 28 – Activities at the Senior School – Arts, Athletics and Clubs
August 17 - New Student Orientation Preview
Connect with Senior School Families by joining our Facebook Group!
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
- Preliminary 2020-2021 Academy Calendar
- Senior School Online Calendar
- Senior School Dress Code 2020-2021
- Senior School Opening Days Information - coming this summer - 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
Summer Math
Additional resources for students who have placed into Calculus - please check back soon for these resources.
CHS Calculus Worksheets
ALEKS Testing Information for Parents and Students
AB Calculus Worksheets
Course Registration
2020-2021
Course Request Guidelines for Returning Students
If you have trouble accessing these forms, please contact the Registrar at 412-968-3133.
Online Accounts & Billing
Veracross/VCPay
Veracross is SSA’s family database system, and VCPay is Veracross’ student billing system for payment of tuition and various fees. New parents will receive their Veracross Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to select a tuition payment plan and access their VC Pay student billing account.
MyPaymentsPlus
Meal fees are paid 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.
Required Household & Medical Forms
All families are required to complete several important online forms over the summer, including the household profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. Parents should have received their SSA Parent Portal login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms. If you have trouble setting up your Veracross account, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
ImPACT Testing
The ImPACT test is mandatory for all newly enrolled Senior School students prior to participation in athletics. 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. Once signed up you will receive instructions and a one time passcode form ImPACT to complete the test at home. For those that are fall athletes please remember that this will need to be completed prior to the start of preseason practices.
Questions? Chris Rose, Head Athletic Trainer, crose@shadysideacademy.org.
Senior School Preseason Athletics
Schedules and protocols for pre-season sports are currently being developed following the direction of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office and the CDC and will be posted as they become available. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact the coaches listed by sport below.
Badminton, Ulimate Frisbee and PE Fitness
Cheerleading
Kayla Kolic
Crew, Boys and Girls
Pam Ciardi Lloyd
Cross Country, Boys
Preseason Letter
Paul Ejzak '89
Cross Country, Girls
Preseason Letter
Susan Whitney
Field Hockey, Girls
Preseason Letter
Betsy Gorse
Football
Chuck DiNardo '00
Golf, Boys
Mark Hessler
Kyle Smith
Golf, Girls
Preseason Letter
Gene Deal
Soccer, Boys
Preseason Letter
Ed Ellsworth
Soccer, Girls
Preseason Letter
Mary Lynch
Tennis, Girls
Preseason Letter
Jeff Miller
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)