Newly Enrolled Families
Welcome to Shady Side Academy! Below you will find important information to help you prepare for the 2021-2022 school year. Please select the campus your child will be attending in the fall.
Country Day School
Greetings! 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 Newly Enrolled Families page is one of your resources during the transition to Country Day. It is updated throughout the spring and summer so please bookmark and check back periodically. Do not hesitate to contact Josh Frechette at 412-963-1277 or jfrechette@shadysideacademy.org with any questions.
Veracross Parent Portal Portal
Effective July 9, 2021, our database has rolled over to the 2021-2022 school year, giving new families access to the Veracross Parent Portal. The Veracross Parent Portal is designed to provide a secure, centralized hub for information such as the S-Book directory, your VC Pay billing account, Magnus Health medical forms, household profile update form, school handbooks and forms, and more. Trouble logging in to Veracross or Canvas? Email the HelpDesk.
Important Dates
Late May
Medical & Athletic Forms Available in Magnus Health
Tuesday, July 13
Zoom at Noon for New Families
Sunday, August 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Thursday, August 12
Zoom at Noon for New Families
Monday, August 30
Orientation, Parent Open House and Family Picnic
- New Parent Orientation: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Open House for New and Returning Families: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Family Picnic: 5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, August 31
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
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 2021 registration will open in early August.
Important Documents
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 Heather Brooks or
Amelia Grubman.
Summer Reading Assignments
Summer Math Assignments
Summer math packets were mailed at the end of the school year. The assignment PDFs are available below should you need to replace your child's packet. Please download the packet for the grade your student completed this year as a review of this year’s math lessons.
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 can access their VCPay account from the Veracross New Family Portal (before July 1) or Parent Portal (after July 1).
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 Medical & Athletic Forms
Each summer, SSA families are required to complete required medical and athletic forms prior to the start of school. On June 1, parents of students enrolled for 21-22 received an email with instructions for accessing forms online in the Magnus Health system. Parents of newly enrolled students will be able to access their SSA Magnus Health account from the Veracross New Family Portal using their Veracross login credentials. If you have trouble logging into Veracross, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
Updating Your Household Information
Newly enrolled families completed the Household Profile Update (HPU) in Veracross when they signed their enrollment contract. Should your family’s information change, such as an address, phone number or email, you can update your family’s HPU anytime via the Veracross New Family Portal (or at the end of July, the Parent Portal). Simply log in to Veracross using your existing login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, 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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Junior School
Greetings! 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 Newly Enrolled Families page is one of your resources during the transition to the Junior School. It is updated throughout the spring and summer so please bookmark and check back periodically. Do not hesitate to contact Maggie Marquette at 412-473-4402 or mmarquette@shadysideacademy.org with any questions.
Veracross Parent Portal Portal
Effective July 9, 2021, our database has rolled over to the 2021-2022 school year, giving new families access to the Veracross Parent Portal. The Veracross Parent Portal is designed to provide a secure, centralized hub for information such as the S-Book directory, your VC Pay billing account, Magnus Health medical forms, household profile update form, school handbooks and forms, and more. Trouble logging in to Veracross or Canvas? Email the HelpDesk.
Important Dates
Late May
Medical & Athletic Forms Available in Magnus Health
Tuesday, July 20
Zoom at Noon for New Families
Sunday, August 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Tuesday, August 10
Zoom at Noon for New Families
Sunday, August 15
PK and Kindergarten Ice Cream Social
Monday, August 30
New Student Orientation PK-5
Tuesday, August 31
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
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 2021 registration will open in early August.
Important Documents
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 Jonathan Brown.
Summer Reading Assignments
JS Summer Math Assignments
Summer math packets were mailed at the end of the school year. The assignment PDFs are available below should you need to replace your child's packet. Please download the packet for the grade your student will be entering in the fall.
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 can access their VCPay account from the Veracross New Family Portal (before July 1) or Parent Portal (after July 1).
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 Medical & Athletic Forms
Each summer, SSA families are required to complete required medical and athletic forms prior to the start of school. On June 1, parents of students enrolled for 21-22 received an email with instructions for accessing forms online in the Magnus Health system. Parents of newly enrolled students will be able to access their SSA Magnus Health account from the Veracross New Family Portal using their Veracross login credentials. If you have trouble logging into Veracross, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
Updating Your Household Information
Newly enrolled families completed the Household Profile Update (HPU) in Veracross when they signed their enrollment contract. Should your family’s information change, such as an address, phone number or email, you can update your family’s HPU anytime via the Veracross New Family Portal (or at the end of July, the Parent Portal). Simply log in to Veracross using your existing login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, 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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Middle School
Greetings! 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 Newly Enrolled Families page is one of your resources during the transition to the Middle School. It is updated throughout the spring and summer so please bookmark and check back periodically. Do not hesitate to contact Jeff Gross at 412-968-3155 or jgross@shadysideacademy.org with any questions.
Veracross Parent Portal Portal
Effective July 9, 2021, our database has rolled over to the 2021-2022 school year, giving new families access to the Veracross Parent Portal. The Veracross Parent Portal is designed to provide a secure, centralized hub for information such as the S-Book directory, your VC Pay billing account, Magnus Health medical forms, household profile update form, school handbooks and forms, and more. Trouble logging in to Veracross or Canvas? Email the HelpDesk.
Important Dates
Friday, May 7
Athletic/Activity, Language, and Music Selection Form Posted
Tuesday, May 18
Athletic/Activity, Language, and Music Selection Form Due
Late May
Medical & Athletic Forms Available in Magnus Health
Tuesday, July 6
Zoom at Noon
Sunday, August 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
August 2-3
Summer Prep
Wednesday, August 11
Zoom at Noon
Monday, August 23
New Parent Meeting, 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 28
Ice Cream Social for Sixth Grade Families, 4-5:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 29
Ice Cream Social for Form I and Form II, 5-6:30 p.m.
Monday, August 30
New Student Orientation, 8 a.m. - Noon, Early Dismissal
Tuesday, August 31
Academy Opening Day, Form I Only, Normal Dismissal Time
Wednesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day, Grade 6 and Form II Only, Normal Dismissal Time
Final Transcript Release
Course Selection & Placement
Questions: Mr. Brian Johnston, Assistant Head of School, 412-968-3154
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Read Language Department Chair Kelli Wood's letter with details about the language choice. Click to watch videos from the language teachers and students who took languages that may help with your decision.
Information:
Athletic & Activity Selections
Questions: David Vadnais, Athletic Coordinator
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Athletic & Activity Descriptions 2021-2022
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
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 can access their VCPay account from the Veracross New Family Portal (before July 1) or Parent Portal (after July 1).
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 Medical & Athletic Forms
Each summer, SSA families are required to complete required medical and athletic forms prior to the start of school. On June 1, parents of students enrolled for 21-22 received an email with instructions for accessing forms online in the Magnus Health system. Parents of newly enrolled students will be able to access their SSA Magnus Health account from the Veracross New Family Portal using their Veracross login credentials. If you have trouble logging into Veracross, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
Updating Your Household Information
Newly enrolled families completed the Household Profile Update (HPU) in Veracross when they signed their enrollment contract. Should your family’s information change, such as an address, phone number or email, you can update your family’s HPU anytime via the Veracross New Family Portal (or at the end of July, the Parent Portal). Simply log in to Veracross using your existing login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, 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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Middle School Preseason Athletics
Preseason Athletics start dates will be posted as they become available later this spring.
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: Far Fields
The Far Fields are about 1/4-mile down Riding Meadow Road 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
Greetings! 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 Newly Enrolled Families page is one of your resources during the transition to the Senior School. It is updated throughout the spring and summer so please bookmark and check back periodically. 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.
Bob Grandizio at 412-968-3080 or rgrandizio@shadysideacademy.org or Meredith Colicchie at 412-968-3120 or mcolicchie@shadysideacademy.org.
Veracross Parent Portal Portal
Effective July 9, 2021, our database has rolled over to the 2021-2022 school year, giving new families access to the Veracross Parent Portal. The Veracross Parent Portal is designed to provide a secure, centralized hub for information such as the S-Book directory, your VC Pay billing account, Magnus Health medical forms, household profile update form, school handbooks and forms, and more. Trouble logging in to Veracross or Canvas? Email the HelpDesk.
Important Dates
Late May
Medical & Athletic Forms Available in Magnus Health
Tuesday, July 13
Zoom at Noon for New Families
Mid-July
Final Transcripts Due
Sunday, Aug. 1
Medical & Athletic Forms Due in Magnus Health
Tuesday, Aug. 3
Zoom at Noon for New Families
Monday, Aug. 16
Fall Preseason Athletics Begin
Sunday, Aug. 29
Form III and New Parent Night
Monday, Aug. 30
New Student Orientation (no busing)
Tuesday, Aug. 31
Academy Opening Day
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
Residential Life & Boarding
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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Summer Reading & Language Assignments
Course Registration
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 can access their VCPay account from the Veracross New Family Portal (before July 1) or Parent Portal (after July 1).
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 Medical & Athletic Forms
Each summer, SSA families are required to complete required medical and athletic forms prior to the start of school. On June 1, parents of students enrolled for 21-22 received an email with instructions for accessing forms online in the Magnus Health system. Parents of newly enrolled students will be able to access their SSA Magnus Health account from the Veracross New Family Portal using their Veracross login credentials. If you have trouble logging into Veracross, email the SSA Technology Help Desk at helpdesk@shadysideacademy.org.
Updating Your Household Information
Newly enrolled families completed the Household Profile Update (HPU) in Veracross when they signed their enrollment contract. Should your family’s information change, such as an address, phone number or email, you can update your family’s HPU anytime via the Veracross New Family Portal (or at the end of July, the Parent Portal). Simply log in to Veracross using your existing login credentials. If you have trouble logging in, 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. ImPACT testing will be offered by Fall sports team this year. You will notice each Fall team has been assigned a day with specific times to sign up for testing. The test must be completed prior to participation in fall. Students should plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up for the test and please bring your own laptop.
Questions? Chris Rose, Head Athletic Trainer, crose@shadysideacademy.org.
Senior School Preseason Athletics
Letters from the coaches for the fall athletic teams below will be posted here over the summer with information about preseason. Email the coaches below with any questions. If your sport or PE does not appear in the list below, the sport will start after Labor Day.
Cheerleading
TBD
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
Preseason Letter
Football Calendar
Chuck DiNardo '00
Golf, Boys
Preseason Letter
Mark Hessler
Kyle Smith
Golf, Girls
TBD
Soccer, Boys
Preseason Letter
Ed Ellsworth
Soccer, Girls
Mary Lynch
Preseason Letter
Tennis, Girls
Jeff Miller