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 contact me at 412-963-1277 or kmcgoran@shadysideacademy.org with any questions.
Krissy McGoran, Country Day School Director of Admission
Important Dates
June
Veracross Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 31
New Parent Orientation 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Open House 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Back to School Picnic 5-7 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
Aug. 12: Parents' Association, Erica Gasper and Judy Earl, PA Presidents
Connect with CDS Families by joining our Facebook Group!
Important Documents
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.
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
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.
Family Information Update and Medical Forms
New families are required to complete several important forms over the summer through our Family Information Update process. These include online family profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and several medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. New parents will receive their SSA login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms.
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 Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Sunday, Aug. 16
PK/K Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 31
PK-5 New Student & Parent Orientations (all PK & K students must attend)
Tuesday, Sept 1
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
TBD
Hopes & Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
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.
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
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.
Family Information Update and Medical Forms
New families are required to complete several important forms over the summer through our Family Information Update process. These include online family profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and several medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. New parents will receive their SSA login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms.
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 Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 3-4
SSA Prep
Monday, Aug. 24
Meeting for New Parents
Saturday, Aug. 29
Sixth Grade Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 31
New Student Orientation
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Opening Day
Middle School New Parents Welcome Video
Important Documents
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
Information:
Athletic & Activity Selections
Questions: David Vadnais, Athletic Coordinator
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Athletic & Activity Descriptions 2020-2021
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
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.
Family Information Update and Medical Forms
New families are required to complete several important forms over the summer through our Family Information Update process. These include online family profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and several medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. New parents will receive their SSA login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms.
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. 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 Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Mid-July
Final Transcripts Due
Friday, July 31
Online Bookstore Opens (free shipping through Aug. 14)
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 3-Tuesday, Aug. 4
SSA Prep
Monday, Aug. 17
Fall Preseason Athletics Begin
Sunday, Aug. 30
New Boarders Move In
Sunday, Aug. 30
New Parents Night
Monday, Aug. 31
New Student Orientation (no busing)
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day, Convocation (Formal Dress)
Join Zoom at Noon Sessions and the CDS Newly Enrolled Families Facebook Group
July 1 – Summer Academic Prep for the Senior School
July 16 – Activities at the Senior School – Arts, Athletics and Clubs
July 28 – Introducing the Senior School’s New Head, Trixie Sabundayo
Week of August 10 (Date TBA)– Building Relationships in a New School
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
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
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.
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 and Medical Forms
New families are required to complete several important forms over the summer through our Family Information Update process. These include online family profile update and school policy forms in the Veracross system, and several medical and athletic forms in the Magnus Health system. New parents will receive their SSA login credentials in June with instructions on how to log in to Veracross and Magnus Health to access and complete these required forms.
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.
Questions? Chris Rose, Head Athletic Trainer, crose@shadysideacademy.org.
Senior School Preseason Athletics
Please check back for information regarding the preseason start date for Senior School fall sports.
Letters from the coaches with preseason details will be posted mid-June.
Badminton, Ulimate Frisbee and PE Fitness
Cheerleading
Crew, Boys and Girls
Cross Country, Boys
Cross Country, Girls
Field Hockey, Girls
Football
Golf, Boys
Golf, Girls
Soccer, Boys
Soccer, Girls
Tennis, Girls