| Sept. 27, 2012 In This Issue: Recent News Stories | All-School News | Junior School News
Middle School News | Senior School News | Calendar Recent News Stories SSA Hosts Play About Teen Dating Violence Oct. 4
Seven Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
SSA Golfer Scores a Hole in One at WPIAL Sectionals
See all of the latest SSA News Strategic Vision Event Oct. 19 Please join President Tom Cangiano and Board of Trustees Chair Mary Jo Dively on Friday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Hillman Center for Performing Arts for the launch of the Shady Side Academy Strategic Vision. Parents, students, faculty/staff and alumni are invited to attend this engaging community event. Invitations have been mailed, please RSVP online by Oct. 12.
Homecoming 2012 Oct. 12-13 The Shady Side Academy community is invited to attend Homecoming weekend Oct. 12-13. There are events scheduled throughout the weekend. View the Homecoming brochure for a complete list of events. Bring your families to the Senior School campus on Saturday, Oct. 13 for the following events: - Interactive theater performance for children of all ages
- Kids' Karnival
- Noon on the lower tennis courts
- Inflatable obstacle course, balloon artist, face painting and games
- Senior School athletic competitions throughout the day
- Check the calendar for times and locations
A Message From the Nurses As a reminder, if your child is sick please keep him or her at home to rest. Your child may return to school when he or she has been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol, Motrin or other fever reducers. Your child should also be withheld from school for 24 hours after vomiting. If you have questions or concerns please contact your school nurse.
Admissions Fall 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! - Junior School - Thursday, Oct. 18, 9:15 a.m.
Saturday Nov. 10, 10 a.m.
- Middle School - Thursday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
- Senior School - Saturday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m.
The Middle School Open House for Junior School fifth grade parents is being held Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 9 a.m. This is an opportunity for current fifth grade parents to learn more about the Middle School. Hillman Series Presents: Illusionist Bradley Field's Out of Thin Air  Just in time for Halloween, the Hillman Performing Arts Series presents Illusionist Bradley Fields' Out of Thin Air on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students, $20 for seniors and $25 for adults. From 6:30-7:30, enjoy Make-Your-Own-Magic with the Carnegie Science Center for crafts and activities including UV detection beads, liquid nitrogen ice cream and flip books. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the Hillman Center Box Office at 412-968-3040.
Not your typical magician! Bradley Fields’ internationally acclaimed performance, Out of Thin Air!, transcends clichés of waxy black top hats with an innovative blend of medieval theatrics, clever comedy and mind-boggling magic. An expert at timing and slight-of-hand, Fields has been placed “among the top magicians in the entertainment world.”
PAISTA Sponsors Evening with NAIS President Pat Bassett Oct. 30
Pittsburgh Area Independent School Teachers' Association (PAISTA) is sponsoring an evening with Patrick F. Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) on Tuesday, Oct. 30. The event, titled "Partnering with Parents: How Great Schools Work," will be held at The Ellis School at 7:30 p.m., and all parents are welcome. Visit www.paista.org to register by Oct. 23 for this great opportunity to hear Bassett speak. Please direct any questions to Lauren Messner at lmessner@shadysideacademy.org, Terri Vosko Haas at thaas@shadysideacademy.org or Lisa Anselmo at lanselmo@shadysdeacademy.org. View the event flyer.
Fox Chapel Farmers Market Open Wednesdays Shop locally sourced, seasonal produce, food and specialty items from farms and vendors within a 120-mile radius of campus at the Fox Chapel Farmers Market on the Senior School campus. The Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays through Oct. 24 from 3-6:30 p.m. Visit the Farmers Market web page for more details, including a list of vendors.
Parents' Association Opportunities The Parents' Association offers several ways to support the PA while you shop.
Junior School News
Wear A Hat For Cancer Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 28, is "Hats On Day." Students may wear a hat to school to raise awareness about children undergoing chemotherapy and related issues like hair loss, illness and missing school. Students are asked to donate $1 and wear any kind of hat to show support. Register for In-Service Child Care on Oct. 8
The Junior School is now offering child care on In-Service Days and Evaluation Days, in addition to Winter and Spring Breaks. Register online for Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8. Students will enjoy "Act Like a Senior School Student Day" on the Senior School campus. The cost is $60 and transportation to and from the Junior School and lunch are included. Junior School Math Night Oct. 23
Junior School Math Night will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. We would love to see all parents at our math night. During this event, we will share the tenants of the new math program: Math in Focus: A Singapore Approach. We will also talk about math attitudes and how a parents' attitude can shape a child's attitude about math. It will be a night of fun as we solve challenging math problems from across the grades. Blazer and Uniform Exchange Ends Tomorrow
The Parents' Association blazer and uniform exchange is available in the lobby through tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 28. View the Blazer and Uniform Exchange flyer.
Family Skates Sept. 29 and Oct. 7
The next Family Skates will be held Saturday, Sept. 29, from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 7, from 12-2 p.m. in the McKnight Hockey Center on the Senior School campus. Students must provide their own skates and helmets (required, a bike helmet is sufficient). Please contact Erica Strauss at estrauss511@me.com with questions. View the Family Skate Flyer. Parents' Association Back to School Picnic 
The Parents' Association hosted its second annual back to school picnic on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Junior School. Families enjoyed inflatables, ice cream treats, crafts, face paints, lawn games, and hot dogs and hamburgers! Thanks to everyone who helped and attended. It was a great way to kick off the school year. View the picnic slideshow. First Graders Celebrate the Ice Cream Cone!
 In observance of the 109th anniversary of the patent of the ice cream cone, first graders listened to many stories surrounding the controversy of who really gets credit for the invention. Students wrote acrostic poems about ice cream, completed math challenges centered around ice cream, and of course, enjoyed ice cream cones on our playground at the end of the day. A sweet time was had by all! View the ice cream cone slideshow. Students Learn About Health & Wellness at Assembly and Health Fair
At the Tuesday assembly on Sept. 18, faculty members shared healthy tips and demonstrated a number of ways to get physical and stay healthy. During recess, students had the opportunity to attend the health fair in the gymnasium. View a video of faculty getting physical. Sign Up for Faculty Fridays
Sign up to host one of the Faculty Fridays using the online sign-up sheet. If you have any questions, please email Erica Strauss at estrauss511@me.com.
Form I and Form II Parents' Meetings
The Form I Parents' Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. and the Form II Parents' Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the cafetorium.
Take Your Parents To School Day Oct. 11 - RSVP Oct. 3
Parents are invited to join their children on Thursday, Oct. 11, from 8 a.m.-2:10 p.m. Parents can shadow their child for all or part of the day. Lunch will be available to purchase in the cafetorium and will be billed to your child's account. Please RSVP to Mrs. Cephas by Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 412-963-3100 or scephas@shadysideacademy.org. View the Take Your Parents To School Day flyer. Participate in the Run Shadyside 5K/Family Walk Oct. 6
The Community Service Committee invites students and families to join them in volunteering or participating in the Run Shadyside 5K/Family Walk, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Shadyside. All proceeds of the Run Shadyside event will be directed towards keeping children off the streets and engaged in positive activities at the Boys & Girls Club. The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Walnut and Bellefonte. Register online at www.runshadyside.com. If you have questions, please email Ms. Stoner at rstoner@shadysideacademy.org.
Volunteer for Book Fair Oct. 23-24
The Book Fair encourages students to read quality literature for pleasure and is also a library fundraiser. The library works together with Penguin Bookshop to provide current and classic books. This year the Book Fair will be held Oct. 23 and 24 with set-up and decoration taking place the morning of Oct. 22. If you are interested in setting up for the fair, or working a two-hour shift during the Book Fair, please indicate which day you would like to assist on the Book Fair sign-up form. A Message From the Middle School Athletic Department - Please schedule appointments (dentist, doctor, etc.) after the athletic period (after 3:45 p.m.) during the week, if possible. Absences from practices and games can make it very difficult for coaches to plan and have an impact on teams having enough players on a game day. Please email the coach ahead of time if an appointment is unavoidable. The email addresses of coaches and the fall schedule can be found on the Parent Portal.
- In regards to the 4 p.m. afternoon dismissal routine in the carpool line: students who go home in cars have been instructed to wait on the upper part of the sidewalk and to get into cars from the sidewalk side and not from the road. It is imperative for drivers to remain in their cars and slowly move up in the line as you wait for your child. Please continue to pull forward as much as you can and do not stop at the corner by the security guard as that can quickly cause a back-up of cars.
- For the safety of all Middle and Senior School students, please refrain from using cell phones while on driving campus and please watch your speed. Your assistance is GREATLY appreciated!!
Teachers Take Back the Pond! The Middle School has decided to take back the pond! Mr. Matia, Mrs. Messner, Mrs. Maxwell, Dr. O’Neil, Mrs. Braver, Mr. Jenkins and Mrs. Giel spent a few days cleaning out the stone pond in the back of the school. The pond has been out of use for more than 10 years. The hope is to have the pond fixed and up and running by the spring. Any parents with pond knowledge who are willing to share their expertise should contact John Matia at jmatia@shadysideacademy.org. Library Volunteer Opportunity
The library provides parents the opportunity to volunteer on Thursdays. Tasks include reshelving, book processing, bulletin boards and other library duties. It is also an opportunity for new and returning parents to get to know one another. If you choose to sign up for library volunteer work, please do not feel obliged to attend each week, or for the whole morning, but rather at your convenience. Contact Mary Guering at mguering@shadysideacademy.org to volunteer.
Herpetologist Visits Sixth Grade Science Classes
 On Thursday, Sept. 13, herpetologist April Claus visited the sixth grade science classes. Claus spoke to students about amphibians and reptiles in Pennsylvania. She also brought some frogs, snakes and turtles to show to the students. The real excitement came during seventh period when Claus fed her garter snake a worm. View the herpetologist visit slideshow and video. Wear A Hat For Cancer Day Raises $367.25
 Students, faculty and staff donned a variety of hats on Sept. 21 for Wear a Hat for Cancer Day. This day-long event raised $367.25 for Children's Hospital to benefit children being treated for cancer, and also raised awareness for pediatric cancer. Thanks for your participation and generous donations! View the hat day slideshow. Students Share at Holiday Assembly In an effort to better understand our different cultures and religious traditions, students shared stories about the history of their holidays with classmates during assembly on Sept. 21. Parents' Association Volunteer Opportunities
There are a number of ways to volunteer with the Parents' Association. View the Dates to Remember, sign up for Faculty Fridays or sign up for Bagel Days.
Senior School News Science Trip to Peruvian Amazon Rainforest - Meeting Tonight
In the summer of 2013, SSA is sponsoring a science trip to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, led by Mrs. Zheng. This week-long trip will involve conducting science research in the field, as well as participating in a service project. This trip is open to all students and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience! There will be an informational meeting for parents and students tonight, Sept. 27, from 7-8 p.m. in Rowe 135. For additional information, please visit www.amazonworkshops.com/2013/shadyside. Any questions, please contact Mrs. Zheng at ezheng@shadysideacademy.org.
Parents' Night Sunday, Sept. 30
Please join us for Parents' Night on Sunday, Sept. 30. Registration will begin at 4 p.m. on the Mary Hillman Jennings Plaza outside the Hillman Center for the Performing Arts. Please read a letter from the Head of the Senior School and the agenda for the evening. For Boarding Families
Boarding parents, we hope to see you at the Res Life Meet and Greet on Sunday, Sept. 30, right after Parents' Night at 7 p.m. or so in Morewood Commons. Come drop by or stay awhile to chat with our awesome dorm parents.
Yearbook Senior Portraits - Sign Up Oct. 1
This year, the deadline for senior portraits, baby pictures and quotes is April 2, 2013. Senior portraits can be formal or informal. As an option to students and their families, we will be having Fred Brand Photography come to campus on Oct. 15, 16 and 18, during lunch periods, 10:35 a.m.-1:35 p.m., for a fee of $15. A sign-up will be available in the Dean’s Office starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 1. - Suggested dress for Fred Brand portraits:
- Girls - Simple dark sweater or top with simple jewelry
- Boys - Dark suit or sports jacket with tie or open collar. Polo shirt is acceptable or dress shirt with no jacket
- Requirements for all senior portraits are:
- Digital: 600 dpi, 4”X 5” minimum via email or CD
- Print: wallet size or larger
- Digital or Print: B/W or color
- Any pose is fine. Background should be as neutral as possible. Outdoor shots and casual photos are accepted.
- Senior quotes will be limited to 2,200 characters this year. No profanity or comments of a demeaning nature will be accepted.
- All photos may be submitted electronically or via hard copy. Photos are non-returnable. All quotes must be emailed directly to Elyse Zheng.
Please email Elyse Zheng at ezheng@shadysideacademy.org with any questions. From the College Counseling Office - Seniors, by Monday, Oct. 1, you must move any colleges with a November deadline to your “Colleges I’m applying to” list on Family Connection with an accurate decision plan (early action, early decision, priority). It is vitally important that you do this so that your college counselor and teacher recommendation writers are aware of your deadlines.
- A DVD of Dana Messinger speaking at the senior program on Sept. 11 is available for loan from the College Counseling Office.
- The SSA College Counseling Facebook page has announcements and information related to the College Counseling process. We encourage all students and parents to “Like” us on Facebook.
Snow Ball Volunteers Needed - Meeting Oct. 10
New this year, Snow Ball will be a semi-formal dinner dance for Senior School students on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Green Oaks Country Club. All parents interested in helping with Snow Ball are invited to participate in the first volunteer meeting. Please join Snow Ball Chairs Fran Donahue, Betsy Thompson and Gabby Germinaro in the Private Dining Room in McCune Dining Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m.! From the Student Life Office
Club Fair was a big success. Thank you to the parents who helped and those who encouraged their child to join a club (or even start a new one!). There was a lot of enthusiasm generated at the Club Fair this year. Bagel Days Please consider sponsoring and/or helping to distribute bagels to students at their monthly Form meetings. The Parents' Association provides the students with a snack of bagels and bottled water to enjoy during their meetings. Each form advisor will announce the sponsor or co-sponsors, recognizing those families who provided the snacks for the meeting. Your assistance with Bagel Days is a great way to support the students! For more information and to sponsor and/or volunteer to help, please view the Bagel Days link on the Parents' Association tab on the Parent Portal or contact Ellen Jones at ellenjones@hotmail.com.
Academian Celebrates 100th Anniversary
This year is the 100th year of the Academian, and we would love your input and to have your student in the book! Jostens has launched a new website where you can submit your pictures and we can use them in the yearbook. Any photos that we don't use, students will have access to as part of the purchase of the yearbook. We are hoping that we will get many submissions and have more students represented in the yearbook. Please help us! The site is www.replayit.com. You need to create a login and select Shady Side as your school. Any questions? Would rather email directly? Please contact Elyse Zheng at ezheng@shadysideacademy.org. Students Visit Antietam Battlefield on 150th Anniversary
 At 5 a.m. on Sept. 17, a group of 21 Senior School students, accompanied by history teachers Kyle Smith, Rachel McCool and Dan Coyne, traveled to the Antietam National Battlefield to take part in the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the battle. Students participated in a morning hike that covered approximately 3.5 miles of the battlefield and was meant to trace the events of the battle as they happened. They heard commentary from National Park Service rangers and attended the commemoration ceremony, featuring speeches by NPS officials and historian James McPherson. After the ceremony, the group departed Antietam to spend time in Harpers Ferry, W. Va., the site of abolitionist John Brown’s famous raid on the federal arsenal. View the Antietam Battlefield slideshow. Service Learning Students Volunteer at Junior School Picnic
 Members of the Service Learning group volunteered at the Junior School Back to School Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 23. Volunteers helped set up, manned craft tables, painted faces and helped clean up. Many thanks to Nurul Abd Salim Nast, Maggie Aiken, Sarah Anania, T.J. Cleveland, Caroline Colville, Sydney Jones, Maria Jovin, Lauren Kossman, Kate Mnuskin, Amanda Murphy, Sara Policastro, Rose Rattner, Rachael Roman, Rebecca Roman, Lucy Scalo, Sarah Small, Kara Tippins and Zoe Wecht. The event was a big success! View the picnic slideshow.
Jazz Combo Available for Private Events
The Jazz Combo is ready to play. Please contact Stan Nevola snevola@shadysideacademy.org or 412 968-3039 if you have an occasion that needs a small jazz band. They can do a duet, trio, quartet or sextet. There are three gigs planned for October, including Homecoming! Thank you for your support of the arts program here at SSA.
Upcoming Events All Academy
Oct. 3 - Fox Chapel Farmers Market, Senior School, 3-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 - Founders Society Event, Hartwood Acres Mansion, 6-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 - Presentation of Everything Is Fine, Hillman Center, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 8 - Columbus Day, In-Service Day, NO CLASSES
Oct. 10 - Fox Chapel Farmers Market, Senior School, 3-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 12-13 - Homecoming Weekend
Junior School
Sept. 28 - Last Day of Blazer and Uniform Exchange
Sept. 28 - Hats On Day, $1 Donation
Sept. 29 - Family Skate, McKnight Hockey Center, 2-4 p.m.
Oct. 7 - Family Skate, McKnight Hockey Center, 12-2 p.m.
Oct. 8 - "Act Like a Senior School Student Day" In-Service Child Care, Senior School
Oct. 12 - Second Grade Field Trip to Pittsburgh Zoo, 8:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Middle School
Oct. 3 - Form I Parents' Meeting, Cafetorium, 7:30-9 p.m.
Oct. 6 - Run Shadyside 5K/Family Walk, Shadyside, 8 a.m.
Oct. 9 - Form II Parents' Meeting, Cafetorium, 7:30-9 p.m.
Oct. 11 - Bring Your Parents to School Day, 8 a.m.-2:10 p.m.
Senior School
Sept. 27 - Peru Trip Parent Meeting, Rowe 135, 7-8 p.m.
Sept. 30 - Senior School Parents' Night, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 - Residential Life Meet & Greet, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 - Homecoming Dance, 7:30-10 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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Hillman Performing Arts Series 2012-2013 
Oct. 20, 2012: Illusionist Bradley Fields' Out of Thin Air! Nov. 10, 2012: Duquesne University Tamburitzans Jan. 19, 2013: Enchantment Theatre's The Velveteen Rabbit Feb. 16, 2013: A Modern Twist: Attack Theatre and Cello Fury March 2, 2013: Glenn Miller Orchestra April 13, 2013: Special Event: Reinventing Radio: An Evening With Ira Glass Purchase Online Box Office: 412-968-3040
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