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 2022-2023 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
- Country Day School Administrative Team
- Summer Reading Lists
- Summer Math Assignments
- Transportation Services
- After School Programs
- Dress Code
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the Summer Reading List for your child's 2022-2023 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 2021-2022 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 24 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. 29 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day; Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Calendars
Country Day School Administrative Team
Denise Durkt
Administrative Assistant to Head of Lower Schools
Phone: 412-335-4201
Email: ddurkt@shadysideacademy.org
Summer Reading Lists
Summer Math Assignments
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 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
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. Rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. Fall Term 2022 registration is now open through August 22.
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
Email: adventurers@shadysideacademy.org
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.
Junior School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Junior School Administrative Team
- Summer Reading Lists
- Summer Math Assignments
- Transportation Services
- After School Programs
- Dress Code
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the Summer Reading List for your child's 2022-2023 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 2021-2022 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 24 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
- Sunday, Aug. 14 - Ice Cream Social
- Monday, Aug. 29 - New Student & Parent Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day; Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Calendars
Junior School Administrative Team
Summer Reading Lists
Summer Math Assignments
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 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
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. Rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. Fall Term 2022 registration is now open through August 22.
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?
Contact explorers@shadysideacademy.org
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.
Middle School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Middle School Administrative Team
- Music and Athletic & Activity Selections
- Summer Reading Lists & Assignments
- Math Placement Information
- Baseline Concussion Testing
- Transportation Services
- Dress Code & Supply Lists
- Fall Preseason Athletics
- Bulldog Basics Program
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 2022-2023 grade below.
- 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 2021-2022 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 new school year. You will receive an invitation in July with information to register.
- Grade 7-8 parents will receive an email from the Athletic Department with information on how to register their child for baseline concussion testing in July or August. See below for more information.
- 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 24 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 for your child's grade below 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 from Middle School Head Amy Nixon with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 1-2 - Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program
- Monday, Aug. 29 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day
Calendars
Middle School Administrative Team
Kristan Fisher
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant to the Head of School
Phone: 412-968-3100
Email: kfisher@shadysideacademy.org
Becci Carter
Administrative and Admissions Assistant
Phone: 412-968-3164
Email: bcarter@shadysideacademy.org
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 Coordinator, 412-968-3107
Summer Reading Lists & Assignments
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Reflection Assignment
Seventh Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Assignment Overview
Eighth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Survey Assignment
Math Placement Information
Baseline Concussion Testing
A baseline concussion test is mandatory for all newly enrolled students in grades 7-12 and all returning students in grades 7, 9 and 11 prior to participation in athletics.
Testing Dates and Process
Sway baseline testing will be offered on the following dates in July and August 2022:
- Monday-Thursday, July 25-28, from 1-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 8-12, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
To complete the testing, please do the following:
- Email Kaelin Agar (kagar@shadysideacademy.org) or Chris Leonard (Christopher.leonard@ahn.org) with your child's name and the date and time they will be coming for their baseline test.
- Download the SWAY Medical app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your child's mobile phone or tablet, and have them bring the device to their test. You do not need to set up an account or sign in to the app in advance. The app can be deleted after testing is complete. Tablets will be available for students who do not have their own device.
Questions?
For more information, please read the attached document from AHN regarding the Sway program or contact one of our athletic trainers:
- Kaelin Agar: kagar@shadysideacademy.org
- Brynn Mahoney: bmahoney@shadysideacademy.org
- Chris Leonard: christopher.leonard@ahn.org
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 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
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
Fall Preseason Athletics
Bulldog Basics 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, August 1 and Tuesday, August 2 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 Amy Hurtak, Dean of Students.
Senior School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Senior School Administrative Team
- Course Registration
- Summer Reading and Language Assignments
- Boarding & Residential Life Information
- Baseline Concussion Testing
- Transportation Services
- Fall Preseason Athletics
- Welcome Packet
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the summer reading list and the appropriate summer language assignment for your child below.
- 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 2021-2022 school year, be sent to SSA.
- In July:
- You'll receive an email from the Athletic Department with information on how to register your child for baseline concussion testing in July or August. See below for more information.
- 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 24 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 a letter 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, Aug. 1-2 - Summer Prep Program
- Monday, Aug. 8 - Preseason Begins for Football and Golf
- Monday, Aug. 15 - Preseason Begins for Other Fall Sports
- Monday, Aug. 29 - New Student Orientation
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day
Calendars
Senior School Administrative Team
Erika Cooper
Athletics Administrative Assistant
Phone: 412-968-3065
Email: ecooper@shadysideacademy.org
David Barndollar
Director of Summer School & Enrichment Programs
Phone: 412-968-3037
Email: dbarndollar@shadysideacademy.org
Course Registration
2022-2023 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 at 412-968-3148 or clogsdon@shadysideacademy.org.
Summer Reading and Language Assignments
This summer, students are assigned to read two (2) books before returning to classes in the fall: one English Book assigned to each form (grade), which will be discussed in English classes, and one Advisory Book, which will be discussed by their advisory group. Newly enrolled students will be contacted by the school office regarding their assigned advisor by end of June 2022.
Summer Language Assignments
Boarding & Residential Life Information
Baseline Concussion Testing
A baseline concussion test is mandatory for all newly enrolled students in grades 7-12 and all returning students in grades 7, 9 and 11 prior to participation in athletics.
Testing Dates and Process
Sway baseline testing will be offered on the following dates in July and August 2022:
- Monday-Thursday, July 25-28, from 1-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 8-12, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
To complete the testing, please do the following:
- Email Kaelin Agar (kagar@shadysideacademy.org) or Chris Leonard (Christopher.leonard@ahn.org) with your child's name and the date and time they will be coming for their baseline test.
- Download the SWAY Medical app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your child's mobile phone or tablet, and have them bring the device to their test. You do not need to set up an account or sign in to the app in advance. The app can be deleted after testing is complete. Tablets will be available for students who do not have their own device.
Questions?
For more information, please read the attached document from AHN regarding the Sway program or contact one of our athletic trainers:
- Kaelin Agar: kagar@shadysideacademy.org
- Brynn Mahoney: bmahoney@shadysideacademy.org
- Chris Leonard: christopher.leonard@ahn.org
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 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
Fall Preseason Athletics
Fall preseason for golf and football begins Monday, August 8. Preseason for all other fall sports begins Monday, August 15. Students registered for fall teams should receive communication from the coach in July or August with the preseason schedule and information. 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: Betsy Gorse
- Football*: Chuck DiNardo '00
- Boys' Golf: David Lieberman
- Girls' Golf: Betsy Thompson & Karen Craig Brubaker '86
- Boys' Soccer: Ed Ellsworth
- Girls' Soccer: Mary Lynch
- Girls' Tennis: Derek Chen '15
- 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.