April 27, 2020 Dear Shady Side Families, The inspiring exploits of our teachers "Zooming" into our homes each week serve as an important reminder of the talented, dedicated professionals who continue to care for our students. What is not as easy to see are all of those SSA people "behind the scenes" who are making an impact on the community as we shelter in place. For that reason, I want to spotlight a few under-the-radar individuals and teams that are keeping us connected and ready to face new challenges – now and into the future. A big Blue and Gold spotlight goes out to... - The United Parents Association (UPA), which remains committed to supporting our community and is working on a range of projects to show appreciation for our faculty and staff.
- One of our college counselors, who volunteered to serve as our point person on campus for SSA families picking up laptops, hotspots, and other needed technological supplies.
- The Technology Help Desk staff, who continue to assist SSA families and employees via email and Zoom with expertise and cheerful readiness.
- The faculty and staff members who are working with our Senior School Service Learning Club on the creation and sale of an inspiring "SSA Together Apart" T-shirt, the proceeds of which benefit a local food bank.
- Our school nurses, who are staying up to date on COVID-19 developments and actively preparing for a range of different health and safety scenarios we may face at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.
- The two faculty members who are launching a new podcast entitled Beyond Hello, aimed at sharing stories about members of the SSA community.
- The members of the Class of 2020 who are participating in the "Seniors to Seniors" outreach program, through which 12th graders build relationships with Pittsburgh's elderly, many of whom are isolated and vulnerable during this crisis.
- Our Visual Media Manager, who continues to partner with faculty, staff, students, and parents to produce community videos and virtual assemblies that help us feel connected while we are apart.
- Members of the Business Office staff, who are going the extra mile to maintain focus on our essential business processes at a time when some of our parents, teachers, and staff members are feeling additional financial strain.
- Finally, we have benefited in countless ways from the good counsel of the health care professionals who have advised us about the pandemic, the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors members who have shared insight from their professions, and a long list of parents and alumni who have reached out to help and stuck with us on this journey.
We are fortunate beyond measure to celebrate these community members as advocates, collaborators, and cheerleaders for the Academy. And these are just a few examples – there are many more! Please join me in offering them a loud, heartfelt thank you for their service and devotion. SSA is stronger in this moment and into the future as a result of their contributions! Glory to Shady Side! With appreciation, Bart Griffith '93 President |