Reminders & Upcoming Events Oct. 28, 2021
All-Academy Reminders The Haunted Walk, Oct. 29 Held Friday, Oct. 29, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Senior School, the Haunted Walk is a .67 mile walk through the woods where families will be spooked and surprised by live haunters (Senior School students) and celebrity haunters (SSA faculty). This is a family-friendly, all-ages event; younger children should come at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy mild spooks and trick-or-treating, while older children may come a little later as the walk will get spookier as the night progresses. After the walk, families should plan to stick around for a bonfire, hot apple cider and the company of SSA friends. View the flyer.
New Bulldog Gear at the SSA Spirit Store Admissions Visit Opportunities
Instructional Technology Resources for Families The SSA Instructional Technology Resource website contains tips and guides to support parents with resources such as Canvas, Seesaw and the iPad 1:1 program. Questions? Contact Jody Kokladas.
Subscribe to Calendars and Event Alerts Did you know you can subscribe to Academy calendars and athletics schedules and sign up to receive text/email alerts for events? Download the instructional PDF to get started. Upcoming Events Oct. 29 - The Haunted Walk, 5:30-8 p.m., Senior School Campus
Nov. 4-8 - Diwali (H)
Nov. 19 - In-Service Day,
Country Day School Reminders Autumn Festival, Oct. 29 On Friday, Oct. 29, family members are invited to our Autumn Festival, which will include a singalong, costume parade and fun activities. Students may dress down in Halloween costumes or autumn-themed clothing and do not need to wear uniforms. Students should wear costumes over clothing if possible. Costumes should not be too scary or include weapons. Costume masks may not replace cloth face masks; students must wear cloth masks with their costumes. Classes will have activities and treats organized by teachers and homeroom parents. We ask that students do not bring candy to pass out to ensure safety and to account for allergies and dietary restrictions. To minimize the number of people in each classroom, homeroom parents will be the only parents permitted at classroom parties this year. If you plan to attend, please use the parking lot next to the Middle School fields. There will be a shuttle to take attendees to and from CDS from 8-10 a.m. If there is rain, the event will be moved online and a Zoom link will be emailed to parents around 7 a.m.
Winter Season Gathering, Dec. 16 On Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m., we will gather as a community to celebrate the winter season. The event will be held outside on the Senior School campus. More information coming soon.
Birthday Treats If you are sending in a birthday treat, please be sure to contact your child's homeroom teacher and school nurse Kelly Sample so that any allergy information can be considered.
Choosi Mobile App For Lunch Orders Orders must be placed via the Choosi website or mobile app by Wednesday at 9 p.m. for the following week's lunches. Download the instructional PDF. Browse the PDF menus on the Lunch Menus page before ordering. Oct. 29 - Autumn Festival, Dress-Down Day
Nov. 1 - Picture Retake Day
Junior School Reminders Halloween Parade & Autumn Celebration Oct. 29 On Friday, Oct. 29, the annual Halloween Parade will be held outdoors at the Frick Park Bowling Greens. At 8:45 a.m., students will exit campus through the back gate, walk through the neighborhood and around the Bowling Greens before returning to their classrooms for the rest of the day. Students may dress down in Halloween costumes or autumn-themed clothing and do not need to wear uniforms. Students should wear costumes over clothing if possible. Costumes should not be too scary or include weapons. Costume masks may not replace cloth face masks; students must wear cloth masks with their costumes. Classes will have activities and treats organized by teachers and homeroom parents. We ask that students do not bring candy to pass out to ensure safety and to account for allergies and dietary restrictions. To minimize the number of people in each classroom, homeroom parents will be the only parents permitted at classroom parties this year. If there is rain, the parade will be held virtually, and we will send an email around around 7 a.m. with a Zoom link that families can use to watch the event live.
School Photos Available Online
Parent Book Club The Junior School Parent Book Club meets monthly via Zoom to discuss fun fiction and engaging stories. Books are selected by the group based on shared interests. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Rachel Kutz-Flamenbaum.
Birthday Treats If you are sending in a birthday treat, please be sure to contact your child's homeroom teacher and school nurse Kari Theoret so that any allergy information can be considered.
Uniform Store The Uniform Store is open! Stop in and shop for uniform pieces or drop off gently used items that you no longer need. Prices range from $1 - $3, and all proceeds benefit our students. Contact Carey Palenchar or Pam Bubenheim with any questions.
Parents' Association Volunteers Needed The Parents' Association is seeking volunteers to help with the Uniform Store, Paint Night, Skating Party, Lynne Voelp Reed Day, Treat the Teachers and more. Contact Jonathan Brown or Zoe Bunnell to sign up.
Choosi Mobile App For Lunch Orders Orders must be placed via the Choosi website or mobile app by Wednesday at 9 p.m. for the following week's lunches. Download the instructional PDF. Browse the PDF menus on the Lunch Menus page before ordering.
Middle School Reminders Halloween Celebrations, Oct. 29 Halloween celebrations for each grade will take place Friday, Oct. 29. This is a dress-down day and costumes are strongly encouraged. Please note that costumes may not include weapons of any sort, must be age-appropriate and may not be inflatables. The sixth grade will miss athletics in order to celebrate, while the 7th and 8th graders will have shortened parties and attend athletics at 2:15 p.m.
Humane Animal Rescue Supply - One More Day! The Community Service Committee is sponsoring a collection for Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh until Friday, Oct. 29. Needed supplies include canned cat and dog food, canned and dry kitten food, kitten milk replacement formula, towels and washcloths, and cat and dog toys. Download the flyer.
Seeking Book Donations
Parent Walking Group
Parent Coffee, Nov. 3
Winter Sports Recertification Forms Due Nov. 12 If your child is participating in basketball, ice hockey, squash or swimming this winter, please complete and the PIAA Section 8 Parent/Guardian Recertification Form in Magnus Health by Monday, Nov. 12. To access the online form, log into the Veracross Parent Portal and click the gold Magnus Health button. In Magnus, you should see the Section 8 form assigned your child's Student Health Tracker. This form is a requirement for the winter season regardless of previous sport participation and serves as an update regarding any changes in medical history since the start of the school year.
Save the Date: Flavors of Fall Party, Nov. 12 Save the Date for the Middle School Flavors of Fall parent party on Friday, Nov. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. under the Hillman Plaza Tent at the Senior School. Stay tuned for details.
Formal Dress Clothing Swap Families are encouraged to stop by the Middle School to pick up a blue blazer and a white button-down shirt or drop off formal dress clothing items that no longer fit.
Garden Club Join the Garden Club and help spruce up the flower beds around the Middle School! Email Angela Kamin to get involved.
Calendar and Cycle Day PDFs Oct. 29 - Halloween Celebrations
Oct. 29 - Humane Animal Rescue Supply Drive Ends
Nov. 3 - Parent Coffee With the Head, 7 p.m.
Nov. 5 - Book Drive Ends
Nov. 5 - Form II Students Visit the Senior School (Day 2 of 2)
Nov. 12 - Winter Sports Recertification Forms Due
Nov. 12 - Flavors of Fall Parent Party, 6 p.m., Hillman Plaza, Senior School
Nov. 16 - Form II Parents' Night at the Senior School (Virtual), 6:15 p.m.
Senior School Reminders Halloween Costume Contest, Oct. 29 Student Council is hosting a Halloween costume contest during assembly on Friday, Oct. 29. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged. Students not in costume may wear Bulldog dress-down attire or regular school dress. All costumes must respect the Guiding Principles and should be age-appropriate.
Seeking Book Donations The Service Learning Club is accepting new and gently-used children's and young adult book donations through Friday, Nov. 5. Donations bins are located in Rowe Hall and the Library.
Senior School Fall Play: She Kills Monsters, Nov. 4-7 The Senior School will present five performances of the fall student drama, She Kills Monsters, Nov. 4-7. Performances feature two alternating casts and will take place in the Peter J. Kountz Black Box Theater inside the Hillman Center for Performing Arts. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for general admission. Learn more and buy tickets at shadysideacademy.org/theater.
Parent Coffee, Nov. 9 The next Parent Coffee will be held Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m., via Zoom. We will be joined by SSA counselors and members of The Chill Project to learn about supporting the mental health needs of our students, the lingering effects of COVID-19 and to get an introduction to The Chill Project. Please join us on Zoom using the link provided in the Oct. 19 email.
Junior Families College Night, Nov. 11 All junior families are encouraged to the attend a virtual College Night on Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. The event is hosted by the College Counseling Office and will serve as the official start of the college process.
Winter Sports Recertification Forms Due Nov. 12 If your child is participating in basketball, ice hockey, squash or swimming this winter, please complete and the PIAA Section 8 Parent/Guardian Recertification Form in Magnus Health by Monday, Nov. 12. To access the online form, log in to the Veracross Parent Portal and click the gold Magnus Health button. In Magnus, you should see the Section 8 form assigned your child's Student Health Tracker. This form is a requirement for the winter season regardless of previous sport participation and serves as an update regarding any changes in medical history since the start of the school year.
College Counseling Coffee & Conversation, Nov. 16-17 Parents of juniors are invited to join the College Counseling Office for a conversation about college counseling timelines, including recent changes to the application process and standardized testing. There will be an in-person event on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 8 a.m., as well as a virtual event on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. More information to come.
Parent Book Club, Dec. 9 The next parent book club meeting is Thursday, Dec. 9 at noon. Senior School Librarian Lindsey Myers will be the guest host, and has selected Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. See the Oct. 26 email for the link.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Traffic Changes In an effort to streamline traffic flow in the mornings and afternoons, changes have been made to drop-off and pick-up procedures. We appreciate your cooperation! Read the changes.
Save The Date: Snowball Dance, Jan. 29 Save the date for the Snowball Dance on Saturday, Jan. 29, at The Pittsburgh Field Club. More details to come.
Yearbook Senior Portraits and Baby Photos Submit a favorite baby photo of your senior to the yearbook by Monday, Nov. 1. Senior portraits are due Tuesday, March 1, and may be taken by any photographer of your choice. Email digital photos to mobileyearbook@shadysideacademy.org. Specifications:
Yearbook Senior Quotes Due Feb. 1 Parents are invited to review quotes with their seniors. Quotes are a unique opportunity for seniors to thank those who impacted their lives, share insights/memories and leave a legacy. Quotes should be less than 200 words, written in full sentences with no abbreviations and with proper punctuation. No references to drugs, alcohol, cheating, threats or inappropriate behavior. Submit quotes as a Google Doc to jbasta@shadysideacademy.org and jbaringer@shadysideacademy.org. Share with editing rights. Do NOT share as a PDF. Oct. 29 - Halloween Costume Contest
Nov. 4-7 - Fall Play, Hillman Center
Nov. 5 - Bulldog Dress-Down Day
Nov. 5 - Book Drive Ends
Nov. 9 - Parent Coffee,
Nov. 11 - Junior Families College Night, 7 p.m., Zoom
Nov. 12 - Winter Sports Recertification Forms Due
Nov. 16-17 - College Counseling Coffee & Conversation
Nov. 17-18 - Term I Exams
Dec. 9 - Book Club, Noon, Zoom
Varsity Athletics Schedule
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