Summer Information
This page contains all of the information you should need over the summer to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year, by campus. This page will be updated over the summer as information becomes available so please check back frequently. Have a great summer!
Senior School
Important Dates
Wednesday, July 31
Online Bookstore Opens (free shipping through Aug. 14)
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 17
Preseason Athletics Begin
Sunday, Aug. 30
New Parents Night
Monday, Aug. 31
Freshman & New Student Orientation (no busing)
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day, Convocation (Formal Dress)
Important Documents
- Preliminary 2020-2021 Academy Calendar
- Senior School Online Calendar
- Senior School Dress Code 2020-2021
- Senior School Opening Days Information - coming this summer - Answers many questions you may have about the start of school and student life at the Senior School.
Residential Life & Boarding
Course Registration
2020-2021
Course Request Guidelines for Returning Students
If you have trouble accessing these forms, please contact the Registrar at 412-968-3133.
Summer Reading & Language Assignments
Summer Refresh 2020
Summer Refresh is a new virtual program designed exclusively for current and newly enrolled Shady Side Academy students. The program provides SSA students entering grades 1-12 the opportunity to review and solidify foundational concepts in language arts, math and study skills in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year.
Visit the Summer Refresh 2020 webpage for more information and to register.
Summer Math
Additional resources for students who have placed into Calculus - please check back soon for these resources.
CHS Calculus Worksheets
ALEKS Testing Information for Parents and Students
AB Calculus Worksheets
ImPACT Testing
The ImPACT test is mandatory for all newly enrolled Senior School students prior to participation in athletics. If you are a returning family whose rising 9th or 11th grader did not get tested in the spring, or if you are a newly enrolled family, please register online for ImPACT testing in August.
Questions? Chris Rose, Head Athletic Trainer, crose@shadysideacademy.org.
Senior School Preseason Athletics
Pre-season sports information will be posted at a later date, so please check back. Schedules and protocols for pre-season sports are currently being developed following the direction of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office and the CDC. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact the coaches listed by sport below.
Badminton, Ulimate Frisbee and PE Fitness
Cheerleading
Kayla Kolic
Crew, Boys and Girls
Pam Ciardi Lloyd
Cross Country, Boys
Paul Ejzak '89
Cross Country, Girls
Susan Whitney
Field Hockey, Girls
Betsy Gorse
Football
Chuck DiNardo '00
Golf, Boys
Mark Hessler
Kyle Smith
Golf, Girls
Gene Deal
Soccer, Boys
Ed Ellsworth
Soccer, Girls
Mary Lynch
Tennis, Girls
Jeff Miller
Family Information Update
The Family Information Update process will change in 2020 due to the Academy’s switch to Veracross as our family database system. In mid-June, parents will receive their Veracross login credentials with instructions on how to complete the family profile update in Veracross and medical forms in Magnus Health.
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for Shady Side families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Middle School
Important Dates
Monday, May 18
Language, Music and Athletic & Activity Selections Due
June
Veracross Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 3-4
Summer Prep
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 24
Meeting for New Parents
Saturday, Aug. 29
Sixth Grade Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 31
New Student Orientation
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Opening Day for All Students
Important Documents
- Preliminary 2020-2021 Academy Calendar
- Middle School Online Calendar
- Middle School Dress Code
- Class Supply Lists - coming soon!
Course Selection & Placement
Questions: Mr. Brian Johnston, Assistant Head of School, 412-968-3154
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Information:
Athletic & Activity Selections
Questions: David Vadnais, Athletic Coordinator
Language, Music and Athletics Selection Form - due May 18
Athletic & Activity Descriptions 2020-2021
Summer Reading Assignments
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Worksheet
Seventh Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading Assignment Overview
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Eighth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Survey
Summer Refresh 2020
Summer Refresh is a new virtual program designed exclusively for current and newly enrolled Shady Side Academy students. The program provides SSA students entering grades 1-12 the opportunity to review and solidify foundational concepts in language arts, math and study skills in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year.
Visit the Summer Refresh 2020 webpage for more information and to register.
Middle School Preseason Athletics
Three fall sports have preseason practices prior to the first day of school. Please check back regarding the start dates.
GRADE 7/8 COED SOCCER
Location: Middle School Snyder Field
GRADE 7/8 BOYS FOOTBALL
Location: SSA Senior School Turf/Gymnasium
GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY
Location: Squaw Run Field
Squaw Run Field is about 1/4-mile down Squaw Run Road East from the Middle School.
All other fall athletics and activities will meet on the first day of school:
GIRLS TENNIS
COED CROSS COUNTRY
GRADE 6 COED SOCCER
GRADE 6 BOYS INSTRUCTIONAL FOOTBALL
COED INTRAMURALS
DRAMA: FALL PLAY
STUDIO ART
Family Information Update
The Family Information Update process will change in 2020 due to the Academy’s switch to Veracross as our family database system. In mid-June, parents will receive their Veracross login credentials with instructions on how to complete the family profile update in Veracross and medical forms in Magnus Health.
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for Shady Side families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Junior School
Important Dates
June
Veracross Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Sunday, Aug. 16
PK/K Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 31
PK-5 New Student Orientation (all PK & K students must attend)
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day, Noon Dismissal for PK & K
TBD
Hopes & Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
Summer Refresh 2020
Summer Refresh is a new virtual program designed exclusively for current and newly enrolled Shady Side Academy students. The program provides SSA students entering grades 1-12 the opportunity to review and solidify foundational concepts in language arts, math and study skills in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year.
Visit the Summer Refresh 2020 webpage for more information and to register.
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Please download the packets that correspond to your child's grade in the fall.
Senior Pre-Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Summer Fun for Kindergarten Readiness
First Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Second Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Third Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Fourth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Fifth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for SSA families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Family Information Update
The Family Information Update process will change in 2020 due to the Academy’s switch to Veracross as our family database system. In mid-June, parents will receive their Veracross login credentials with instructions on how to complete the family profile update in Veracross and medical forms in Magnus Health.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)
Country Day School
Important Dates
June
Veracross Portal Login Credentials Sent With Instructions for Family Information Update and VCPay Student Billing Account
Monday, Aug. 3
Family Information Update Forms Due
Monday, Aug. 31
New Parent Orientation 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Open House 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Back to School Picnic 5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Academy Opening Day (PK/K noon dismissal)
Thursday-Friday, Sept. 3-4
Popsicle Playdates During Recess (details and time for each class to come)
Thursday, Sept. 10
Hopes and Dreams Conferences - No Classes
Important Documents
Summer Refresh 2020
Summer Refresh is a new virtual program designed exclusively for current and newly enrolled Shady Side Academy students. The program provides SSA students entering grades 1-12 the opportunity to review and solidify foundational concepts in language arts, math and study skills in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year.
Visit the Summer Refresh 2020 webpage for more information and to register.
Summer Reading & Math Assignments
Please download the packets that correspond to your child's grade in the fall.
Senior Pre-Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Kindergarten
Summer Reading
Summer Fun for Kindergarten Readiness
First Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Second Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Third Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Fourth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Fifth Grade
Summer Reading
Summer Reading BINGO Card Challenge
Suggested Math Packet
Math Packet Answer Key
Transportation Services
Transportation services to SSA take two forms:
- publicly funded school district buses
- privately contracted by the school
These services make it possible for SSA families to be served from diverse locations in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Family Information Update
The Family Information Update process will change in 2020 due to the Academy’s switch to Veracross as our family database system. In mid-June, parents will receive their Veracross login credentials with instructions on how to complete the family profile update in Veracross and medical forms in Magnus Health.
Parent Volunteer Forms
- Limited contact volunteer (parents helping at events with faculty present)
- Substantial contact volunteer (parents alone with students with NO faculty present)
Please complete the appropriate form prior to volunteering and submit to:
- Country Day School: Brenda Hafner, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Donna Ponzi (scan and email forms)