Summer Information
This page contains all of the information you should need over the summer to prepare for the 2022-2023 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!
Country Day School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Summer Reading Assignments
- Summer Math Resources
- Transportation Services
- After School Programs
- Daily Dress Code
- Parent Volunteer Forms
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the Summer Reading List for your child's 2022-2023 grade and head to the library or bookstore!
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the Parent Portal. Read the May 24 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- Register for After School Adventurers for the fall term if needed. You'll receive an email when registration opens. See more information below.
- Download the Daily Dress Code and go school uniform shopping! Shop for SSA polos and sweatshirts – and Bulldog gear for the whole family – at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Lower School Head Dr. Jennifer Asmonga with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day; Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Calendars
Summer Reading Assignments
Summer Math Resources
Transportation Services
After School Programs
After School Adventurers (ASA) is Country Day School's all-inclusive after-school program. Each day has the opportunity for enrichment classes, homework help, unstructured play, snack time, and more. Rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. Fall Term 2022 registration will open in early August.
Camp Brain is the online registration system used by SSA summer and after-school programs. Parents can set up a CampBrain account if and when they register for these optional programs.
Terry Polczynski
After School Adventurers Site Coordinator
Email: adventurers@shadysideacademy.org
Daily Dress Code
Students at the lower schools wear uniforms to school every day unless otherwise specified by the administration. Uniform clothing may be purchased from any store; however, we have included some information relating to particular vendors. Download the Daily Dress Code PDF. SSA polos and sweatshirts can be purchased at the SSA Spirit Store.
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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Junior School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Summer Reading Assignments
- Summer Math Resources
- Transportation Services
- After School Programs
- Daily Dress Code
- Parent Volunteer Forms
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the Summer Reading List for your child's 2022-2023 grade and head to the library or bookstore!
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the Parent Portal. Read the May 24 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- Register for After School Explorers for the fall term if needed. You'll receive an email when registration opens. See more information below.
- Download the Daily Dress Code and go school uniform shopping! Shop for SSA polos and sweatshirts – and Bulldog gear for the whole family – at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Lower School Head Dr. Jennifer Asmonga with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day; Noon Dismissal for PK & K
Calendars
Summer Reading Assignments
Summer Math Resources
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
After School Programs
After School Explorers (ASE) is Country Day School's all-inclusive after-school program. Each day has the opportunity for enrichment classes, homework help, unstructured play, snack time, and more. Rates are offered for 1-5 days a week per term, or daily drop-in. Fall Term 2022 registration will open in early August.
Camp Brain is the online registration system used by SSA summer and after-school programs. Parents can set up a CampBrain account if and when they register for these optional programs.
Questions?
Contact explorers@shadysideacademy.org
Daily Dress Code
Students at the lower schools wear uniforms to school every day unless otherwise specified by the administration. Uniform clothing may be purchased from any store; however, we have included some information relating to particular vendors. Download the Daily Dress Code PDF. SSA polos and sweatshirts can be purchased at the SSA Spirit Store.
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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Middle School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Music and Athletic/Activity Selections
- Math Placement Information for Sixth Grade
- Summer Reading Lists & Assignments
- Transportation Services
- Baseline Concussion Testing
- Dress Code and Supply Lists
- Parent Volunteer Forms
- Fall Preseason Athletics
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- If you have not yet done so, please complete the Music and Athletic/Activity Selection Form for your child as soon as possible. See below for helpful resources to assist your child in making their choices.
- Download the summer reading list and assignment for your child's 2022-2023 grade below.
- In July
- Grade 7-8 parents will receive an email from the Athletic Department with information on how to register their child for baseline concussion testing in July or August. See below for more information.
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the Parent Portal. Read the May 24 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- Download the Dress Code and Class Supply List for your child's grade below and go back-to-school shopping! Shop for SSA polos and sweatshirts – and Bulldog gear for the whole family – at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Middle School Head Amy Nixon with details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 1-2 - Bulldog Basics Summer Prep Program (for new MS students)
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day
Calendars
Music and Athletic/Activity Selections
Please complete the Music and Athletic/Activity Selection Form for your child as soon as possible if you have not done so already.
Helpful Resources
- Music Selection Letter
- Athletic Selection Letter
- Athletic & Activity Descriptions
- Athletic Exemption Policy
- Helpful Athletic Tidbits for Parents
Contacts
- Brian Johnston, Assistant Head of School, 412-968-3154
- David Vadnais, Athletic Coordinator, 412-968-3107
Math Placement Information for Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Lists & Assignments
Sixth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Reflection Assignment
Seventh Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Annotated List
Summer Reading Assignment Overview
Eighth Grade
Summer Reading Letter
Summer Reading List
Summer Reading Survey Assignment
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
Baseline Concussion Testing
A baseline concussion test is mandatory for all newly enrolled students in grades 7-12 and all returning students in grades 7, 9 and 11 prior to participation in athletics.
Testing Dates and Process
Sway baseline testing will be offered on the following dates in July and August 2022:
- Monday-Thursday, July 25-28, from 1-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 8-12, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
To complete the testing, please do the following:
- Email Kaelin Agar (kagar@shadysideacademy.org) or Chris Leonard (Christopher.leonard@ahn.org) with your child's name and the date and time they will be coming for their baseline test.
- Download the SWAY Medical app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your child's mobile phone or tablet, and have them bring the device to their test. You do not need to set up an account or sign in to the app in advance. The app can be deleted after testing is complete. Tablets will be available for students who do not have their own device.
Questions?
For more information, please read the attached document from AHN regarding the Sway program or contact one of our athletic trainers:
- Kaelin Agar: kagar@shadysideacademy.org
- Brynn Mahoney: bmahoney@shadysideacademy.org
- Chris Leonard: christopher.leonard@ahn.org
Dress Code and Supply Lists
Dress Code
The Middle School dress code was developed with input from students, parents, teachers and administrators and includes guidelines for Regular Dress and Dress-Up Day attire. Download the Middle School Dress Code. SSA polos and sweatshirts can be purchased at the SSA Spirit Store.
Class Supply Lists
To make back-to-school shopping easier, and to ensure your child has everything they need for their classes, suggested class supply lists are provided for each grade. Download the Middle School Class Supply List
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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)
Fall Preseason Athletics
Senior School Families
- To-Dos and Important Dates
- Residential Life and Boarding
- Course Enrollments
- Summer Reading and Language Assignments
- Transportation Services
- Baseline Concussion Testing
- Fall Preseason Athletics
- Welcome Packet
- Parent Volunteer Forms
To-Dos and Important Dates
Summer To-Dos
- Now:
- Download the summer reading list and the appropriate summer language assignment for your child below.
- In July:
- You'll receive an email from the Athletic Department with information on how to register your child for baseline concussion testing in July or August. See below for more information.
- By Aug. 1:
- Complete required medical and athletic forms in Magnus Health. To access your SSA Magnus Health account, log in to Veracross and click the gold Magnus Health button on the Parent Portal. Read the May 24 email with instructions and download the FAQ document.
- Ensure SSA has up-to-date contact information for your family, including home address & phone, parent emails & mobile phones. Log in to Veracross and click the gold Household Profile Update button to review and update your family's information anytime. Use the gold Directory Preferences button if you wish to hide any information from other families in the S-Book, SSA's secure online directory.
- In August:
- You'll receive an email from the Academic Office with instructions for accessing your child's course enrollments in the Veracross Parent Portal.
- You'll receive an email from the Deans' Office with a Welcome Packet containing information about the opening days of the school year, including the calendar, schedules, dress code and more. The Welcome Packet also will be posted below when it becomes available.
- If your child is playing a fall sport, they'll receive communication from the coach with preseason information. Preseason start dates are noted below.
- Review the dress code and go back to school shopping! Stock up on Bulldog dress-down day gear at the SSA Spirit Store!
- You'll receive a welcome email from Senior School Head Trixie Sabundayo with more details about the opening of the school year.
Important Dates
- Monday, Aug. 8 - Preseason Begins for Football and Golf
- Monday, Aug. 15 - Preseason Begins for Other Fall Sports
- Tuesday, Aug. 30 - Academy Opening Day
Calendars
Residential Life and Boarding
Course Enrollments
2022-2023 Senior School Course Catalog
Senior School parents will receive an email in early August with instructions for accessing their child's course enrollments in the Veracross Parent Portal.
Summer Reading and Language Assignments
Transportation Services
SSA Transportation Coordinator Linda Porter will be in touch with your family over the summer to inform you of any steps you need to take to acquire school district or contracted bus service for 2022-2023. Then, your school district should contact you in mid-to late August with specific bus schedule and stop information.
Baseline Concussion Testing
A baseline concussion test is mandatory for all newly enrolled students in grades 7-12 and all returning students in grades 7, 9 and 11 prior to participation in athletics.
Testing Dates and Process
Sway baseline testing will be offered on the following dates in July and August 2022:
- Monday-Thursday, July 25-28, from 1-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 1-5, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, Aug. 8-12, from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m.
To complete the testing, please do the following:
- Email Kaelin Agar (kagar@shadysideacademy.org) or Chris Leonard (Christopher.leonard@ahn.org) with your child's name and the date and time they will be coming for their baseline test.
- Download the SWAY Medical app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your child's mobile phone or tablet, and have them bring the device to their test. You do not need to set up an account or sign in to the app in advance. The app can be deleted after testing is complete. Tablets will be available for students who do not have their own device.
Questions?
For more information, please read the attached document from AHN regarding the Sway program or contact one of our athletic trainers:
- Kaelin Agar: kagar@shadysideacademy.org
- Brynn Mahoney: bmahoney@shadysideacademy.org
- Chris Leonard: christopher.leonard@ahn.org
Fall Preseason Athletics
Fall preseason for golf and football begins Monday, August 8. Preseason for all other fall sports begins Monday, August 15. Students registered for fall teams should receive communication from the coach in July or August with the preseason schedule and information. Fall head coaches are listed below - to email a coach, click their name. Team schedules can be accessed in the Athletics > Senior School Teams section of the website.
- Cheerleading: Charla Southers
- Boys' Cross Country: Paul Ejzak '89
- Girls' Cross Country: Sue Whitney
- Field Hockey: Betsy Gorse
- Football*: Chuck DiNardo '00
- Boys' Golf: David Lieberman
- Girls' Golf: Betsy Thompson & Karen Craig Brubaker '86
- Boys' Soccer: Ed Ellsworth
- Girls' Soccer: Mary Lynch
- Girls' Tennis: Derek Chen '15
- Girls' Volleyball*: Sophia Duck
*The football and girls' volleyball programs are cooperative sponsorships with The Neighborhood Academy. The football co-op is hosted by SSA, with TNA students competing on the SSA football team. The volleyball co-op is hosted by TNA, with SSA students competing on the TNA volleyball team.
Welcome Packet
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: Denise Durkt, front desk
- Junior School: Megan Vrcic, front desk
- Middle School: Kristan Fisher, front desk
- Senior School: Erica Strafalace (scan and email forms)