| May 3, 2012 In This Issue: Recent News Stories | All-School News | Junior School News
Middle School News | Senior School News | Calendar  Recent News Stories
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM WINS STATE TITLE
Fourth Grader Wins Regional Math Competition
SSA Senior Wins NEED Leadership Scholarship
Seven Seniors to Receive Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Awards May 20
Junior School Teacher's Poems Published in Literary Journals
Junior School Students Raise Over $1,200 for Project Bundle-Up
Seventh Grader Earns Perfect Score on National Latin Exam
Nimgaonkar is WPIAL Runner-Up in Tennis; Advances to PIAAs
Middle School MATHCOUNTS Club Earns Gold Level Status
See all of the latest SSA News Family Information Update Online Form Now Available In preparation for the 2012-2013 school year, it’s time for the annual Shady Side Academy FAMILY INFORMATION UPDATE. Families who have returned enrollment contracts for the 2012-2013 school year should visit www.shadysideacademy.org/familyinfoupdate, login to the Parent Portal and complete the online Family Profile Update Form by June 1. Untucked Family Carnival and Rooney Concert May 19
 The Los Angeles pop/rock band Rooney will play a benefit concert at the annual student-run Untucked event on Saturday, May 19. The event kicks off with a family carnival at 4 p.m., followed by the concert at 6 p.m. Both the carnival and concert will be held in the McKnight Hockey Center. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for children ages 10 and under are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Woodlands Foundation and the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins. To purchase advance tickets, visit www.ssawebstore.com.
Honor Cheryl Little With a Donation There is still time to make a contribution in honor of Cheryl Little at www.shadysideacademy.org/supportssa. If you would like to receive the details of the project again, please contact Jeff Day, vice president for development, at jday@shadysideacademy.org or Autumn Katarincic at autkat@aol.com. Please note that funds are being raised first before the project plans are finalized. Join us in celebrating and commemorating Cheryl's dedicated 30 years of service with a gift today. A gift of any size...$30, $300 or more makes a difference!
Admissions Spring Open House Dates Prospective families are invited to upcoming Admissions Open Houses to tour and learn more about Shady Side Academy. Please pass this information on to any families you know who may be interested in SSA. RSVP is encouraged but not required; share the Open Houses with families who want to learn more. Thank you! - Senior School - Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m.
Race for the Cure With the Alumni Association Join the Shady Side Academy Race for the Cure team, sponsored by the Alumni Association, on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, at Schenley Park at Flagstaff Hill. Register online at www.komenpittsburgh.org and follow these steps:
- Scroll over “Komen Race for the Cure” and click “Register”
- Click “join a team” on the right side of the page
- The team is called “Shady Side Academy”
- Follow the instructions to complete the registration
While registration costs vary, there is a $15 rate for breast cancer survivors and participants age 14 and under. Wear your blue and gold and show your Shady Side pride at the race. A pre-race meeting and photo will take place at 8:15 a.m. at the Schenley Park Carousel. Those who attend will receive an SSA baseball cap. If you are unable to participate, but would like to contribute to the SSA team, you may do so by visiting the Race for the Cure website anytime. Summer Reading Kick-Off May 19-20 The Parents' Association will host a Summer Reading Kick-Off event at the Waterworks Barnes & Noble store on May 19-20. The summer reading lists for all schools will be available and 15 percent of online and in-store sales will be used to purchase books for libraries at all three schools in honor of Audrey Ashworth. All books, toys, magazines and café items are included. Last year we raised $3,000 for our libraries! Parents' Association Three-School Meeting May 23
The final Three-School Parents' Association Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 23, from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Hillman Center. A light breakfast and coffee will be provided. The PA would like to thank the SSA parent community for helping to make the 2011-2012 school year a success. 2012-2013 officers will be announced and parents will have the opportunity to sign up for next year's events. Alumni Events Planned for D.C., Philadelphia and New York City The Alumni & Development Office will be hosting alumni receptions in the Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City areas May 22-24. Visit the Alumni Events page for more details, including RSVP information. Lunch & Learn with Dr. Sutula and Dr. Ashworth  The Parents' Association welcomed more than 40 parents, students, faculty and staff on Friday, April 27, for the spring Lunch & Learn. Dr. Sutula spoke about the importance of morals and ethics in a high school education. Focusing on character building, he highlighted specific examples of past students, sharing stories and letters. Dr. Ashworth joined Dr. Sutula in answering questions. View the Lunch & Learn slideshow.
SSA Celebrates Pay It Forward Week  Shady Side Academy celebrated Pay It Forward Week April 23-27 with a number of activities at each school. The Junior School sold unclaimed lost and found items for $1 each, with proceeds benefiting children's education in Haiti. The Middle and Senior Schools welcomed Pay It Forward Foundation President Charley Johnson on April 27, who spoke with students. The Senior School also hosted a free screening of the film Pay It Forward and held a pancake dinner to raise funds for Edu-Haiti. View the Pay It Forward Week slideshow.
Parents' Association Opportunities The Parents' Association offers several ways to support the PA while you shop.
Junior School News
School Uniform and Clothing Exchange
The Junior School is offering a uniform and clothing exchange. Drop items off in bins in the front lobby by tomorrow, May 4. Next week, May 7-11, parents can "shop" for items in the Wing Hall. Parents are welcome to donate, shop or both. Items include uniform wear, boots, coats, blue blazers and any other items in good condition. Contact Kristin Engle at 412-944-8198 or kenglemd@mac.com with questions.
Kennywood Day June 5, Ticket Orders Due Tomorrow
Kennywood Day will be held Tuesday, June 5. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. following the Moving-Up Day Ceremony. Tickets are $21.50 each. The Parents' Association is selling T-shirts for $10-15 each. Tickets to Sandcastle are also available for $19 each. Please view the order form, due May 4 with payment. Fourth Grade Furry Friends Project
The fourth grade class is supporting the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh by collecting items including paper towels, hand soap, dog and cat food, dog and cat toys and kitty litter. Please view the flyer for a full list of needed items, which are due tomorrow, May 4.
Art Teacher's Sculpture Part of Local ExhibitArt teacher Cydra Vaux will have a sculpture on display at the Recreation/Renewal/Rebirth exhibit presented by the Pittsburgh Society of Sculptures. The opening reception will be held Friday, May 11, from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. The exhibit will be open through July 22. Parents' Association Spring Fling May 18, RSVP May 14
The Junior School Division of the Parents' Association will host an adults-only cocktail party on Friday, May 18, from 5-8 p.m. to celebrate retiring Junior School faculty members. RSVP by May 14 to jsparentsassociation@yahoo.com. Please view the flyer for more details.
Yearbook Photos Needed
As you take photos at various SSA events, please consider sharing them with the yearbook committee. View the yearbook flyer. Please contact Beth Ann Fuhrer at bafuhrer@aol.com or Gabby Germinaro at gabs4@me.com with questions. Fifth Grade Talent Show Raises Money to Adopt Orangutan
 The fifth grade class, led by students Grace Cangiano and Abby Todd, held a talent show on Tuesday, April 17, during assembly to raise money to adopt an orangutan. Students created posters and signs to advertise the event and a number of students performed or presented videos to the school. Adults attending the talent show donated a total of $120. View the fifth grade talent show slideshow. Watch a chess stop-motion video, created by Koji Shimada and Eliseo Salazar, and There's Nothing Cool About Being Mean, created by Abby Todd and Grace Cangiano, with Celia Cangiano's help.
Third Graders Raise $2,000 in Jump Rope for Heart The third graders raised $2,000 for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart. Students collected pledges from family and friends, then spent an hour jumping rope on April 19. Although the third grade was the only class collecting donations, the whole school was involved in one way or another. During the week of April 16-20, students jumped rope during recess and learned individual jumping skills, games and songs in their P.E. classes. The third graders invited their kindergarten buddies to jump with them on Jump Day, and provided healthy heart tips from the American Heart Association to read during morning announcements. View the Third Grade Jump Rope for Heart slideshow. Students Perform at Spring Concert
 Students welcomed family and friends on Thursday, April 19 for the annual Junior/Middle School concert. The kindergarten and first grade sang I'm So Glad and the second and third grades sang Wacky Song and Take Time for Life, directed by Ms. Price. Ms. Modic lead the fourth grade instrumental ensemble in Centurion and Green Onion Rock and the fifth grade instrumental ensemble in Waltz Petite and Golden Dragon Overture. Middle School students also performed. View the spring concert slideshow.
Fourth Grade Greek Museum
 On Thursday, April 26, the annual Fourth Grade Greek Museum was held for parents and guests. Throughout the second floor, students were dressed as various Greek historical figures, standing on decorated pedestals (desks). Guests pushed a button on each pedestal to hear the statue give a speech about his or her personal history. The Greek Museum is an interdisciplinary class project that integrates literature, writing, history, costume design and public speaking. Congratulations to Mrs. Budd, Mrs. Anderson and all of the students on a fantastic performance! View the Greek Museum slideshow. First Grade Takes the Big Apple!
 On Tuesday, May 1, the first grade class entertained students, teachers, parents and guests with the annual first grade play. In this year's production, entitled "First Grade Takes the Big Apple," students took a ride on their very own Magic School Bus to New York City, sharing lots of fun facts and information about what they've learned in first grade along the way. The show included several musical performances as well, including a show-stopping number to Frank Sinatra's New York, New York, complete with a Rockettes-style kickline. View the first grade play slideshow.
Middle School News Form I Visiting Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium May 10Form I students will visit the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium on Thursday, May 10 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Students will participate in a scavenger hunt. Dress code is required and students are responsible for their own lunch. Students will attend class the first two periods of the day and return in time for athletics. Please contact Ms. Maxwell at 412-968-3617 or bmaxwell@shadysideacademy.org with questions. Kennywood Day June 5, Order Tickets by May 9
Kennywood Day is Tuesday, June 5 following early dismissal at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $21.50 each and payment is due to Becci Carter by May 9. Please view the Kennywood Park flyer for more information. Form II Cookout At Eastover May 20, RSVP By May 9
Form II students and their parents are invited by Tom and Linda Cangiano and Amy Nixon to Eastover for a cookout on Sunday, May 20, from 12:30-2 p.m. Please RSVP to Becci Carter at bcarter@shadysideacademy.org by May 9. In case of rain, the event will be held in McCune Dining Hall on the Senior School campus. Students Perform at Junior/Middle School Concert
Students welcomed family and friends at the Junior School on Thursday, April 19, for the annual spring concert. The String Ensemble performed Badinerie, Flower Duet and Hallelujah and the Core Choir performed Here, There, and Everywhere, My Funny Valentine and Canter, directed by Mr. Gross. Mr. Broker directed the Jazz Ensemble in Reboot, Superstition and Livin' On A Prayer. View the spring concert slideshow.
Students Raise Money, Books for East End Cooperative Ministry
 Students raised $667.25 and hundreds of books for the East End Cooperative Ministry through a dress-down day and book drive in honor of late librarian Audrey Ashworth. On April 24, students were allowed to dress down in purple, Mrs. Ashworth's favorite color, for a minimum donation of $2. They were also asked to donate new and gently used books for adults and children to a book drive. All of the money and books were donated to EECM's Children and Youth Services Department, which focuses on programs for tutoring, life skills training, day camps and other needs in the community. The effort was organized by eighth grader Abbie Minard. View the purple dress-down day book drive slideshow. Students Raise $803 for Pennies for Patients
Students raised $803.97 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through a Pennies for Patients competition. The sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes competed to raise the most change. Students donated spare change into their grade level bucket over a three week period. The event was spearheaded by seventh graders Cristina Bermudez, Crosby Deliman and Zoe Horne. View the Pennies for Patients slideshow.
AgRecycle President Speaks to Students About Composting
 On April 24, Carla Castagnero, owner and president of AgRecycle, joined the eighth grade Recycling Club at lunch to talk about the importance of composting and to answer their questions. Following lunch, Castagnero gave a presentation to all students during assembly. AgRecycle is the vendor SSA and Metz use to compost food scraps from the dining halls.
Yearbook Ads Accepted Through May 31
Ads for the 2011-2012 yearbook are now being accepted. Ads are $205 for a full page, $130 for a half page and $80 for a quarter page. Visit www.yearbookforever.com, enter the school name, state and city and follow the prompts. Space is limited and ads are due May 31. Contact Marcia Miller at marciamiller775@msn.com with questions. Closing Exercises Dress Code
Please review the dress code for all students for Closing Exercises, which will be held Thursday, June 7, at 9 a.m. in the McKnight Hockey Center on the Senior School campus. 2011-2012 Parents' Association Opportunities
There are several ways to get involved with the Parents' Association. View the volunteer signup form, with opportunities including faculty appreciation luncheon, fundraising, yearbook and more. Please also view the Bagel Days Form.
Senior School News Choral and String Orchestra Concert May 3
The Choral and String Orchestra Concert will be held tonight, May 3, at 8 p.m. in the Hillman Center. Enjoy a mix of music from Mozart to modern and support the music program! Prom Fashion Show May 6
The annual Prom Fashion Show will be held this Sunday, May 6, from 2-4 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Please view the invitation for more details. AP Exams Scheduled May 8-16
AP Exams are scheduled for May 8-16. Please read the letter and exam schedule for more information. Volunteer Opportunities May 12
Students have two opportunities to volunteer on Saturday, May 12. Mr. Johnson, along with the hockey and baseball teams, will help with minor renovations on senior citizens' homes with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mrs. Ament will be taking students to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank in Duquesne to repack food from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sign up on the Service Learning bulletin board or see Mrs. Ament if you are interested.
Jazz Combo Community Performances
Members of the Senior School Jazz Combo have continued to perform at various community events under the name Midnight Snack. On April 28, members of the combo performed at the Cooper-Sigel Community Library's annual Love the Library benefit at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Upcoming performances include the Pittsburgh Pastoral Tea at Calvary Episcopal Church on Saturday, May 12, and the SSA Summer Reading Kickoff event at Waterworks Barnes & Noble on Saturday, May 19. Original Theater Works Festival May 14-15
Enjoy one-act plays written, directed and performed by Senior School students at the Original Theater Works Festival, held Monday, May 14, and Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. in Kountz Theater. Admission is free, though the plays may not be suitable for young children. Performances include: - Flicker by Shea Minter, directed by Blake Beckemeyer
- Masks by Theresa Diffendal, directed by Danielle Plung
- The Sad Truth by Anonymous, directed by Matthew Ferree
- The Tale of Lillian Rose by Anna Matia, directed by Ollie Dowd
The producing director is Mrs. Dana Hardy-Bingham and the student technical director is Caitlin O'Connell.
Parents' Association Appreciation Brunch May 18
The annual Parents' Association Appreciation Brunch will be held Friday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. in Scott Commons. This is a great way to say thank you to all SSA faculty and staff who motivate and inspire our students every day. All are welcome to contribute their "signature dish." Please drop off, drop in or stay the for the duration. Contact Jackie Sheerer at jacksheerer@comcast.net, Judy Granato at jwgpit@aol.com or Jodi Palamides at jpalamides@comcast.net for more information. Environmental Club Beautifies Vacant Etna Lot
The Environmental Club, with the help of other SSA  volunteers, spent Sunday, April 29, spreading compost on a vacant lot in Etna with the goal of eventually turning the lot into a sunflower garden. A big thanks goes out to all of those who volunteered! On May 20 students will go back to the lot in Etna to plant the sunflowers. Please email Leah Powers at lpowers@shadysideacademy.org to volunteer or for more information. View the beatification project slideshow.
Reminders from the Office of Student Life - Leadership elections and selections are in full swing. Please continue to encourage your child to get involved.
- Friday, May 18, is a Formal Dress Day in honor of the spring sports awards assembly.
- Prize Day, held on June 5, is required.
From the College Counseling Office - Seniors, please inform your counselor of the outcomes of your applications and scholarship offers. If you have any questions about any of your decisions, please contact your college counselor.
- “I was wait listed at______, now what do I do?” First, talk to your college counselor about your wait list offers. Second, follow the instructions for the schools whose wait lists on which you would like to remain active. Third, send any updated or new information to those schools. Fourth, try to be patient as most schools will not consider wait list activity until after May 1. The College Counselors will contact your wait list schools in late April.
- For more information on scholarships, check out the scholarship list on the College Counseling page of the SSA website.
- The College Counseling Office has information on many summer enrichment programs. Students in Forms III, IV and V can stop in any time to review these materials, or talk with a counselor for help.
- All returning students in Forms IV and V need to meet with a college counselor to review their course registration for next year.
Testing Information Commencement Details
Please view the details for Commencement, which will be held Friday, June 8, at 9 a.m. on the Senior School quad.
Students Tie For First at Computer Competition
The Association for Computing Machinery and the American Computer Science League sponsor an annual computer science competition that includes a number of tests and programming challenges taking place over a period of four months. This year junior Lia Winter and senior Cody Han tied for first place among the Shady Side participants. Congratulations to Lia and Cody!
Band Visits Windy City  The band, accompanied by Mr. Nevola and Ms. Whitney, visited Chicago April 20-22. Students visited the Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, Shedd's Aquarium, Millennium Park and the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). They enjoyed a meal at Ed Debevic's, famous for rude servers, and ate Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza. The groups also performed at Columbia College. The symphonic band played Second Military Suite in F Movement I by Gustav Holst and Toccata, and the jazz ensemble played Fascinating Rhythm by Gershwin arr. Sammy Nestico and Children of Sanchez by Chuck Mangione. View the photo slideshow of the Chicago trip.Choir and Strings Ensemble Visit the Big Apple
 The choir and strings ensemble, accompanied by Dr. Brill, Mrs. Krauland and Mr. Shafer, went to New York City April 20-22. On the way, the group visited the Little Round Top battlefield in Gettysburg and participated in the choral clinic at the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College with Dr. Robert Natter. The group arrived in New York on Saturday and toured the High Line, a new public park built on a historical freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan's West Side. The students enjoyed a full Broadway experience, including a clinic with Memphis cast member Monette McKay, who taught the students the show's finale. Students attended the afternoon Broadway performance of Memphis, followed by a trip to Rockefeller Center. View the photo slideshow of the New York City trip. 26 Seniors Inducted Into Cum Laude SocietyTwenty-six seniors were recognized for academic excellence by being inducted into the Shady Side Academy Chapter of the Cum Laude Society at a ceremony in Rauh Theater on April 24. The keynote address was given by Leah Schwartz '07, a Harvard graduate working on Wall Street.  Blood Drive Provides 29 Units
Many thanks to those who donated blood last Wednesday, April 25. 29 units were collected! Over the year, SSA donated 135 units, brightening the lives of 405 local patients. Thanks to students who helped with blood drives this year: Camara Copeland, Jimmy Grote, Katie Natoli, David Sinnott and Betsy Vuchinich. Thanks also to the parents who graciously donated their time to help in the canteen.
Upcoming Events All Academy
May 3 - Blue & Gold Fund Support Drive, 4-9 p.m.
May 6 - Visakha Puja (B)
May 13 - Race for the Cure, Schenley Park, 8:15 a.m.
May 19 - Untucked Family Carnival and Concert, McKnight Hockey Center, 4-10 p.m.
May 19-20 - Summer Reading Kick-Off, Waterworks Barnes and Noble
Junior School
May 4 - School Uniform and Clothing Exchange Drop Off
May 7-11 - School Uniform and Clothing Exchange "Shopping"
May 14 - Parents' Association Meeting and Coffee With the School Head, 8:30 a.m.
May 16-17 - Kindergarten Play, 9 a.m.
May 17 - First Grade Field Trip to Triple B Farms, 8:45 a.m.
May 17-18 - Fifth Grade Overnight Trip to Linsly Educational Center
May 18 - Parents' Association Spring Fling, 5-8 p.m.
Middle School
May 9-11 - Form II Trip to Washington, D.C.
May 10 - Form I Trip to Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
May 17 - Spring Concert, Hillman Center, 7:30 p.m.
May 20 - Form II Cookout, Eastover, 12:30-2 p.m. Senior School
May 3 - Senior Honors Choral and Strings Concert, Hillman Center, 8 p.m.
May 6 - Prom Fashion Show, Pittsburgh Field Club, 2-4 p.m.
May 7 - Alumni & Development Office Hosts Senior Class Pizza Party, Bayard House President's Porch, 3-4 p.m.
May 8-16 - AP Exams
May 9 - Senior Honors Band Concert, Hillman Center, 8 p.m.
May 12 - Admissions Open House for Prospective Families, 11 a.m.
May 14-15 - Original Theater Works Festival, Kountz Theater, 7 p.m.
May 16 - Jazz Band Concert, Hillman Center, 8 p.m.
May 18 - Faculty and Staff Appreciation Brunch, Scott Commons, 8:30-11 a.m.
May 18 - Spring Athletics Awards Assembly, FORMAL DRESS
May 20 - Senior Class Picnic, Squaw Valley Park, 1-4 p.m.
May 20 - African-American Family Meet & Greet Picnic, 2:30-5 p.m.
For up-to-date calendar information, please visit the calendar page. If you have any questions about this newsletter, please send them to Manager of Web Communications Dana Sheehan at dsheehan@shadysideacademy.org
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