Newly Enrolled Families
Welcome to Shady Side Academy! Below you will find important information you need in the summer to help you prepare for the 2023-2024 school year, including a list of to-dos, summer reading assignments, helpful documents and resources, and more. Please select the campus your child will be attending in the fall below.
The Veracross Parent Portal is a secure, centralized hub for information such as your VC Pay billing account, Magnus Health medical forms, your family's household profile, directories and more. Trouble logging in to Veracross? Email the HelpDesk.
Country Day School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Summer Reading Lists
- Summer Math Packets
- Dress Code
- Transportation Services
- After School Programs
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the Summer Reading List for your child's 2023-2024 grade and head to the library or bookstore!
- By June 30:
- 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 the 2022-2023 school year, be sent to SSA.
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the New Family Portal or Parent Portal. Read the May 25 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- Register for After School Adventurers for the fall term if needed. You'll receive an email when registration opens. See more information below.
- Set up your child's MyPaymentsPlus account to cover any additional food and beverage purchases beyond the meals included in SSA's Inclusive Tuition Plan. Access your MPP account at www.mypaymentsplus.com or via the iOS or Android app to check balances, make payments and view purchase history.
- Download the Daily Dress Code and go school uniform shopping! Shop for SSA polos and sweatshirts – and Bulldog gear for the whole family – at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Lower School Head Dr. Jennifer Asmonga with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday, Aug. 28 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 29 - Academy Opening Day; Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Calendars
Summer Reading Lists
Summer Math Packets
Dress Code
Students at the lower schools wear uniforms to school every day unless otherwise specified by the administration. Uniform clothing may be purchased from any store; however, we have included some information relating to particular vendors. Download the Daily Dress Code PDF. SSA polos and sweatshirts can be purchased at the SSA Spirit Store.
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2023-2024. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information. Please visit our transportation page for additional information.
Linda Porter
Transportation Coordinator
lporter@shadysideacademy.org
After School Programs
After School Adventurers (ASA) is Country Day School's all-inclusive after-school program. Each day has the opportunity for enrichment classes, homework help, unstructured play, snack time, and more. The program runs from 3-6 p.m. and rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. Fall Term 2023 registration will open in early August.
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.
Terry Polczynski
After School Adventurers Site Coordinator
adventurers@shadysideacademy.org
Junior School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Summer Reading Lists
- Summer Math Packets
- Dress Code
- Transportation Services
- After School Programs
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the Summer Reading List for your child's 2023-2024 grade and head to the library or bookstore!
- By June 30:
- 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 the 2022-2023 school year, be sent to SSA.
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the New Family Portal or Parent Portal. Read the May 25 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- Register for After School Explorers for the fall term if needed. You'll receive an email when registration opens. See more information below.
- Set up your child's MyPaymentsPlus account to cover any additional food and beverage purchases beyond the meals included in SSA's Inclusive Tuition Plan. Access your MPP account at www.mypaymentsplus.com or via the iOS or Android app to check balances, make payments and view purchase history.
- Download the Daily Dress Code and go school uniform shopping! Shop for SSA polos and sweatshirts – and Bulldog gear for the whole family – at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Lower School Head Dr. Jennifer Asmonga with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday, Aug. 28 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 29 - Academy Opening Day; Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Calendars
Summer Reading Lists
Summer Math Packets
Dress Code
Students at the lower schools wear uniforms to school every day unless otherwise specified by the administration. Uniform clothing may be purchased from any store; however, we have included some information relating to particular vendors. Download the Daily Dress Code PDF. SSA polos and sweatshirts can be purchased at the SSA Spirit Store.
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2023-2024. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information. Please visit our transportation page for additional information.
Linda Porter
Transportation Coordinator
lporter@shadysideacademy.org
After School Programs
After School Explorers (ASE) is the Junior School’s all-inclusive after-school program. Options include enrichment classes, music lessons, study center, and unstructured play. The program runs from 3-6 p.m. and rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. Fall Term 2023 registration will open in early August.
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.
Questions?
Email explorers@shadysideacademy.org
Middle School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Music and Athletic & Activity Selections
- Summer Reading Lists & Assignments
- Baseline Concussion Testing
- Math Placement Information
- Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
- Dress Code & Supply Lists
- Transportation Services
- Fall Preseason Athletics
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- If you have not yet done so, please complete the Music and Athletic/Activity Selection Form for your child as soon as possible. See below for helpful resources to assist your child in making their choices.
- Download the summer reading list and assignment for your child's 2023-2024 grade below.
- Register your child for baseline concussion testing with SSA's athletic trainers, offered Mondays through Thursdays from June 12-August 3. See below for details and registration info.
- By June 30:
- 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 the 2022-2023 school year, be sent to SSA.
- In July
- Bulldog Basics is an optional program for any students who will be new to the Middle School this year to prepare for the school year. The program will run Monday-Tuesday, July 31-August 1, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. See below to register.
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the New Family Portal or Parent Portal. Read the May 25 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- Set up your child's MyPaymentsPlus account to cover any additional food and beverage purchases beyond the meals included in SSA's Inclusive Tuition Plan. Access your MPP account at www.mypaymentsplus.com or via the iOS or Android app to check balances, make payments and view purchase history.
- Download the Dress Code and Class Supply List and go back-to-school shopping! Shop for SSA polos and sweatshirts – and Bulldog gear for the whole family – at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email in August from Middle School Head Michelle Merson with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday-Tuesday, July 31-Aug. 1 - Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
- Monday, Aug. 28 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 29 - Academy Opening Day
Calendars
Music and Athletic & Activity Selections
Please complete the Music and Athletic/Activity Selection Form for your child as soon as possible if you have not done so already.
Helpful Resources
- Music Selection Letter
- Athletic Selection Letter
- Athletic & Activity Descriptions
- Athletic Exemption Policy
- Helpful Athletic Tidbits for Parents
Contacts
- Brian Johnston, Assistant Head of School, 412-968-3154
- David Vadnais, Athletic Director, 412-968-3107
Summer Reading Lists & Assignments
Download the summer reading information for the grade your child will be entering in the fall:
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Seventh Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Assignment
Eighth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Survey Assignment
Baseline Concussion Testing
A SWAY baseline concussion test is mandatory for all newly enrolled students entering grades 7-12 and all returning students entering grades 7, 9 and 11 prior to participation in athletics. Testing will be offered by SSA's athletic trainers from June 12-August 3 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-5 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-7 p.m. in the McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation, Room 126, on the Senior School campus.
To register, email athletic trainer Kaelin Agar and/or Chris Leonard with your child's name and the date and time they will be coming for the test. Testing is by appointment only; no drop-ins allowed. Students should download the SWAY Medical app to their phone or tablet and bring it to the test. Tablets will be available for students who do not have their own device.
For more information, read this AHN document regarding the SWAY program or contact one of the athletic trainers above.
Math Placement Information
Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
Before school starts at the end of August, we hope your child will join us for an enrichment program for all new students. The Shady Side Academy Bulldog Basics Program will take place on Monday, July 31, and Tuesday, August 1, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The program offers your child the opportunity to get to know the campus, make new friends, work with faculty members, and learn about the tools for success at the Middle School. Register online. Questions? Contact Kasey Fron.
Dress Code & Supply Lists
Dress Code
The Middle School dress code was developed with input from students, parents, teachers and administrators and includes guidelines for Regular Dress and Dress-Up Day attire. Download the Middle School Dress Code. SSA polos and sweatshirts can be purchased at the SSA Spirit Store.
Class Supply Lists
To make back-to-school shopping easier, and to ensure your child has everything they need for their classes, suggested class supply lists are provided for each grade. Download the Middle School Class Supply List.
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2023-2024. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information. Please visit our transportation page for additional information.
Linda Porter
Transportation Coordinator
lporter@shadysideacademy.org
Fall Preseason Athletics
Senior School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Course Registration
- Summer Reading Assignments
- Baseline Concussion Testing
- Boarding & Residential Life Information
- Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
- Dress Code
- Transportation Services
- Fall Preseason Athletics
- Welcome Packet
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the summer reading list for your child below.
- Register your child for baseline concussion testing with SSA's athletic trainers, offered Mondays through Thursdays from June 12-August 3. See below for details and registration info.
- By June 30:
- 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 the 2022-2023 school year, be sent to SSA.
- In July
- Bulldog Basics is an optional program for any students who will be new to the Senior School this year to prepare for the new school year. The program will run Monday-Tuesday, July 31-August 1, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. See below to register.
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the New Family Portal or Parent Portal. Read the May 25 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- You'll receive an email from the Academic Office with instructions for accessing your child's course enrollments in the Veracross Parent Portal.
- You'll receive an email from the Deans' Office with a Welcome Packet containing information about the opening days of the school year, including the calendar, schedules, dress code and more. The Welcome Packet also will be posted below when it becomes available.
- If your child is playing a fall sport, they'll receive an email from the coach with preseason information. Preseason start dates are noted below.
- Set up your child's MyPaymentsPlus account to cover any additional food and beverage purchases beyond the meals included in SSA's Inclusive Tuition Plan. Access your MPP account at www.mypaymentsplus.com or via the iOS or Android app to check balances, make payments and view purchase history.
- Review the dress code and go back to school shopping! Stock up on Bulldog dress-down day gear at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Senior School Head Trixie Sabundayo with more details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday-Tuesday, July 31-Aug. 1 - Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
- Monday, Aug. 7 - Preseason Begins for Football and Golf
- Monday, Aug. 14 - Preseason Begins for Other Fall Sports
- Monday, Aug. 29 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day
Calendars
Course Registration
2023-2024 Senior School Course Catalog
All newly enrolled students and their parents will be contacted by the Academic Office to schedule placement tests and course requests shortly after enrollment.
Senior School parents will receive an email in early August with instructions for accessing their child's course enrollments in the Veracross Parent Portal.
Questions? Contact Dean of Studies Claire Logsdon.
Summer Reading Assignments
Baseline Concussion Testing
A SWAY baseline concussion test is mandatory for all newly enrolled students entering grades 7-12 and all returning students entering grades 7, 9 and 11 prior to participation in athletics. Testing will be offered by SSA's athletic trainers from June 12-August 3 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-5 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-7 p.m. in the McIlroy Center for Science and Innovation, Room 126, on the Senior School campus.
To register, email athletic trainer Kaelin Agar and/or Chris Leonard with your child's name and the date and time they will be coming for the test. Testing is by appointment only; no drop-ins allowed. Students should download the SWAY Medical app to their phone or tablet and bring it to the test. Tablets will be available for students who do not have their own device.
For more information, read this AHN document regarding the SWAY program or contact one of the athletic trainers above.
Boarding & Residential Life Information
Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
Before school starts at the end of August, we hope your child will join us for an enrichment program for all new students. The Shady Side Academy Bulldog Basics Program will take place on Monday, July 31, and Tuesday, August 1, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The program offers your child the opportunity to get to know the campus, make new friends, work with faculty members, and learn about the tools for success at the Senior School. Register online.
Dress Code
The Senior School dress code establishes an environment conducive to the enterprise of learning while allowing for individual self-expression bound by the Shady Side’s Guiding Principles of honesty, kindness, responsibility, respect and safety. There are four dress codes (Daily, Formal, Bulldog Dress-Down, Dress-Down) and details for each can be found at the link below.
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2023-2024. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information. Please visit our transportation page for additional information.
Linda Porter
Transportation Coordinator
lporter@shadysideacademy.org
Fall Preseason Athletics
Fall preseason for golf and football begins Monday, August 7. Preseason for all other fall sports begins Monday, August 14. Some fall teams hold optional summer practices and workouts. Students registered for fall teams should receive communication from the coach in July or August with the preseason schedule and information. View Summer and Fall 2023 Preseason Information here. The fall head coaches are listed below – to email a coach, click their name. Team schedules can be accessed in the Athletics > Senior School Teams section of the website.
- Cheerleading: Charla Southers
- Boys' Cross Country: Paul Ejzak '89
- Girls' Cross Country: Sue Whitney
- Field Hockey: Elizabeth Patterson '93
- Football*: Chuck DiNardo '00
- Boys' Golf: David Lieberman
- Girls' Golf: Betsy Thompson
- Boys' Soccer: Ed Ellsworth
- Girls' Soccer: Mary Lynch
- Girls' Tennis: David Hasley
- Girls' Volleyball*: Sophia Duck
*The football and girls' volleyball programs are cooperative sponsorships with The Neighborhood Academy. The football co-op is hosted by SSA, with TNA students competing on the SSA football team. The volleyball co-op is hosted by TNA, with SSA students competing on the TNA volleyball team.