Seattle Academy Orientation Days and Key Events: August/September

REMINDER: AUGUST SCHOOLS HEALTH FORMS DUE 

In preparation for the 2024-2025 school year, we ask that you log on to August Schools, our secure, online student health records database. ALL families (new and returning) need to complete the forms by August 1st. If you have not already done so, please be sure to log in and complete this year's forms. Please complete any outstanding items no later than August 1, 2024.

If you have any questions or need help logging on to August Schools, please contact Sonja Peterson, speterson@seattleacademy.org. 

Over the summer, Seattle Academy students read specific course-assigned books. Teachers will integrate summer reading into the course work during the first weeks of class and likely throughout the term. For each grade-level, teachers have provided a link to a reading guide to accompany the reading assignment, which will provide any needed instructions. As students will use these texts at the beginning of the year, they should purchase a new or used copy to bring with them for the first days of classes. 

For general questions, please contact Jason Gough, Chair of the English Department.

View Required Summer Reading Grades 6-12

In preparation for the 2024-2025 school year, ALL new Upper School students must complete the laptop order form even if not purchasing a laptop from SAAS. This is for 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grades ONLY.

COMPLETE THE LAPTOP ORDER FORM

COMPLETE THE LAPTOP ORDER FORM BY FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH.

For families receiving financial aid more information will be shared in late may. If you have any initial questions, please email Nick Lew, Technology Coordinator. 

There are a variety of ways parents can help at Seattle Academy while supporting and getting to know faculty/staff, students, and other parents. Please consider volunteering. You will be contacted and supported by staff or the chair of each activity. 

We hope you'll consider participating. All potential volunteers should individually complete this form. The entire survey takes no more than 3-5 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne-Marie Guerrero.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENT/Guardians VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM

Learn More About the Family Association At Seattle Academy.

We want to stay connected to you and your family. It is important that we have accurate contact information available to us for school communications. 

• Do you need to update your contact information such as address, cell phone or email?
• Do you need to add or change an emergency contact for your child?
• Do you want your student’s grandparents to be in the know of what’s happening around SAAS? Do you want them to receive the school magazine, periodic student and alumni news articles, invitations to events, and more? 

VISIT THE FAMILIES PORTAL ON VERACROSS

Click on Update Family Profile (image preview below) to review, update, and add your families contact information. For adding grandparent information both email address and home address are preferred. 

Summer isn’t over just yet – so let’s celebrate with ice cream, popsicles and a few rounds of lawn games! We hope you’ll join us at the SAAS Family Summer Social on Thursday, August 22 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at UW Recreational Field #4 (map below). This is a great opportunity for new and current students (and families) to meet or reconnect before the start of the school year. 

In partnership with our Middle and Upper School division leaders and the SAAS Family Association, we invite you to chat with division teams, meet families in the same grade levels, shop for some SAAS logo wear, and enjoy some late summer weather with fellow Cardinals! Families and siblings in all grades are welcome to attend.

RSVP HERE

BYO-Picnic! Feel free to bring your own picnic dinner or snacks! Any outside food is welcome – and there are a couple great local businesses and food trucks nearby for easy takeout! SAAS will provide beverages and sweet treats. Make sure to pack a picnic blanket if you’d like to sit and eat.

Parking: Street parking (on Mary Gates Memorial Drive) or paid parking lots (UW Parking E1 Lot) are available. UW parking lots now use the PaybyPhone app.     

Question? Please email Director of Events Darby Frey at dfrey@seattleacademy.org

View and Print the SAAS Family Summer Social Map Here 

 Listed below are important Opening Days in August and early September. 
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the name listed or contact communications@seattleacademy.org. 
 

monday, august 26

Upper School Fall Sports Begin

• Various Times and Locations
• Check out the Athletics Calendar.
• Questions? Contact Cathy Schick, Athletics Director

 

monday, august 26

6th Grade Student Orientation 

• 9 AM - 2 PM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, and have their school photos taken.
• 6th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• More details to come!
• Questions? Contact Achijah Berry, Middle School Dean of Student Life
   

MONDAY, AUGUST 26

10th - 12th Grade Photo Session I

• 1 - 3:30 PM
• Check in at the Middle School Front Office
• Please note that Upper School student photos will only be offered on campus on August 26 and 27. 
• Questions? Contact Anne-Marie Guerrero, Front Office Lead
   

monday, august 26

6th Grade Family Dinner

In the spirit of connection for our SAAS community, please join us for grade level dinners this fall! This on campus evening event is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other families in the same grade. Parents, students, and siblings are welcome. RSVP required.

• Doors open at 6:00 PM with dinner starts at 6:30 PM
• Dinner provided by SAGE Catering; no cost to attend.
• Middle School Gym
• Please RSVP HERE
• Parking available in the Spring Street parking garage. The entrance is located on Spring between 12th and 13th Avenues.

Questions? Contact Darby Frey, Director of Events
 

Tuesday, august 27

7th Grade Student Orientation 

• 9 - 11 AM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, and have their school photos taken.
• 7th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• Questions? Contact Achijah Berry, Middle School Dean of Student Life

 

tuesday, August 27

8th Grade Student Orientation 

• 1 - 3 PM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, and have their school photos taken.
• 8th grade athletes will turn out for fall trimester sports after orientation. See the the Athletic>Middle School Athletics below. 
• Questions? Contact Achijah Berry, Middle School Dean of Student Life

 

tuesday, august 27

9th Grade Student Orientation 

• 8:15 AM - 3 PM
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, receive their laptops, and have their school photos taken.
• Students should plan to bring a backpack to hold their laptop for the day. Lunch is provided by SAAS. 
• Questions? Contact Allison Reddy, Upper School Dean of Students, 9th Grade

 

tuesday, august 27

10th -12th Grade New Student Orientation 

• 9:00 AM - 3 PM
• This event is for 10th-12th grade students who are new to SAAS in the 24-25 school year. 
• Students will meet their advisors, review their schedules, receive their laptops, and have their school photos taken.
• Students should plan to bring a backpack to hold their laptop for the day. Lunch is provided by SAAS. 
• Questions? Contact Alisha Agard, Upper School Dean of Student Life
   

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27

10th - 12th Grade Photo Session II

• 12:30 - 3 PM
• Upper School Gym
• Please note that Upper School student photos will only be offered on campus on August 26 and 27. 
• Questions? Contact Anne-Marie Guerrero, Front Office Lead

wednesday, August 28

First Full Day of School – ALL GRADES 

• 8:15 AM - 3 PM
• Middle School and Upper School sports continue at 3 PM. 
• Questions? Contact communications@seattleacademy.org.
   

thursday, august 29

9th Grade Family Dinner and Orientation

• Doors open at 6:00 PM; program starts at 6:30 PM
• Middle School Gym
• More details to come!
• Parking available in the Spring Street parking garage. The entrance is located on Spring between 12th and 13th Avenues.
• Questions? Contact communications@seattleacademy.org.

Monday, September 2

NO CLASSES – Labor Day Holiday

 

Tuesday, September 3

Classes Resume - ALL GRADES

Seattle Academy’s academics pair traditional areas of study with innovative curriculum, projects, and performances. Across classrooms, students take an inquiry-based approach to learning, allowing questions to drive both teacher-led and student-led investigations.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Fall Class SCHEDULES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON AUGUST 26th.

UPPER SCHOOL Fall Class SCHEDULES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON AUGUST 26th.

 

Textbooks

• Textbooks will be distributed during class the first week of school.

LOCKERS

Updated protocols for lockers will be communicated closer to the start of school. In the event that we use lockers:

• A backpack that fits in your locker
• Reusable water bottle with your name
• Extra college ruled paper & pencils
• Non-perishable snacks
• PE shoes: new or non-marking shoes. To stay at school for PE only
• Sweat pants/leggings/shorts for dance (nothing with zippers)

Students can bring magnetic decorations for their lockers; no stickers, writing, or painting are allowed inside or outside the locker!
 

Learn More About the CURRICULUM At Seattle Academy.

After-School Study Hall INFORMATION 

If you have additional questions, please email msafterschool@seattleacademy.org or James Lemmon.

Middle School (MS) After-School Activity Offerings

Seattle Academy offers a variety of after-school activities for Middle School students. For the Fall, we have the following offerings. Students can sign up for only one option. In the clubs option, students might have an opportunity to participate in more than one club depending on the days the clubs are offered. Students have the option to shift their focus each trimester based on the offerings. 

Middle School (MS) After-School Activity Offerings

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Arts Middle School - After School Offerings

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The Arts Department—consisting of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual & Media Arts—believes that all students are intrinsically creative, and our goal is to create the environment and curriculum that develops that creativity. Through instruction that integrates learning across all departments, the Arts Department champions the school's Culture of Performance and teaches the skills and mindsets that prepare students to confidently approach and creatively solve the complex problems and opportunities of today’s world.

Learn more about the ARTS Program at Seattle Academy.

Seattle Academy Athletics offers an inclusive program that invites students of all skill levels to participate in our team sports offerings. At the same time, we’re just as passionately committed to supporting excellence, fielding teams that operate at the highest level of competition or performance.

athletics FALL Sports Schedule will be Released in Early August.

QUICK NOTES:

• Both Middle School and Upper School students MUST have an updated physical on August Schools account in order to begin participating in Athletics.
• Upper School athletes must complete 7 practices before competing in a contest.
• Upper School Sports: emails with details of pre-school practices will be sent home to students that have requested to be on the interest lists for each sport. Students signed up for Upper School Athletics with their class registration last spring. If you are unsure if you signed up please reach out to the appropriate team member listed below. 

The Athletics Department is happy to answer questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our team members. 

Onward Cardinals!

Cathy Schick, Athletic Director (contact for Cross Country, Ultimate)
Erin Aitchison, Associate Athletic Director  (contact for Volleyball)
Marc Moquin, Assistant Athletic Director (contact for Golf)
Hilary O'Dougherty, Assistant Athletic Director (contact for Girls Fall Soccer)
Max Bayern, Assistant Athletic Director (contact for Boys Fall Soccer)

Learn more about the ATHLETICS Program at Seattle Academy.

College Advising welcomes back all Upper School families. Please find below specific College Advising information by grade level. As the school year begins, look forward to more information in the SAAS Friday emails about registering for an optional on-campus PSAT on October 31st (11th grade), an optional virtual practice SAT on November 2nd (10th and 11th grades), an optional virtual practice ACT on November 9th (10th and 11th grades) and AP exams (additional information in the FAQ below).

9th Grade College Communication (July 2024)
10th Grade College Communication (July 2024)
11th Grade College Communication (July 2024)
12th Grade College Communication (July 2024)

VIEW COLLEGE ADVISING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HERE

Learn More About the College Advising Program At Seattle Academy.

Healthy food options are an important part of every student’s day. As we begin the 2024-25 school year, we want to continue providing a delicious and balanced food service for interested students, faculty, and staff in partnership with SAGE Dining Services. 

• 6th and 7th grade students remain on campus for lunch. They can purchase lunch through Sage Dining Services or they can bring a lunch from home.
• 8th grade students will have an opportunity to sign out for lunch and travel in groups to a select number of area restaurants. For the first few months, they will remain on campus. They can purchase lunch from Sage or bring their own lunch. 
• Upper School students will have the option to go off campus for their lunch period. 

Each division will communicate on campus lunch protocols to their respective students.

STUDENTS must carry their ID cards with them at all times for identification, security, bus attendance, and payment for lunch. 

PURCHASING LUNCH ON CAMPUS

We do not accept cash or checks through our lunch service. Families who wish to purchase lunch through Sage Dining should create a MyKidsSpending account and add funds to that account as needed.  

Step 1: Set up your student's account through MyKidsSpending. One family can share the same account. Here is how you find your student's ID Number.
Step 2: Add funds to your student's account through the MyKidsSpending web site or the mobile app.
Step 3: Download the Touch of Sage app  or visit our Daily Lunch Menu web site to view weekly menus.
Step 4: Download the MyKidsSpending App to add funds throughout the year to your students account. Ask your student to download the app to their mobile device or iPad. 
Step 5: Make sure students bring their ID card with them if they are purchasing lunch. The card is scanned, and the amount subtracted from their account.

IMPORTANT LINKS

How to find my Student's ID
MyKidsSpending add funds to student lunch account
MyKidsSpending App - Google Play
MyKidsSpending App - Apple 
The app can be used on an iPad or mobile device:

Please visit our HEALTH AND SAFETY/SECURITY webpage for the most up to date information. 

All current Seattle Academy students will have their school photo taken during orientation days on campus. This school picture will be used for: 

• SAAS Yearbook - smile and look your best! If you do not have your photo taken on this date or the school photo make-up date later in September, your name will be listed with your grade as not pictured. No photo will appear. Yearbook photos follow a separate process from senior photos. Please contact communications@seattleacademy.org for information regarding senior photos. Please contact Robin Charles at rcharles@seattleacademy.org for yearbook questions.
• School Records - must adhere to standards: no hats, sunglasses, etc.
• Your Personal Use - share with friends & family!

FALL PICTURE DAYS

• 6th Grade - Monday, August 26 (during orientation)
• 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade - Tuesday, August 27 (during orientation)
• 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade - new 10th-12th grade students will have their photo taken during orientation.
  • Monday, August 26, 1-3:30 PM, Check in at the MS Front Lobby
  • Tuesday, August 27, 12:30-3 PM, US Gym
  • Please note that Upper School student photos will only be offered on campus on August 26 and 27. 

HOW TO ORDER

This year there will not be any pre-ordering process for photos. After photos are taken, they will be uploaded to the Rowland Studios website. Families will have an opportunity to go online, select the photo they like best, and then place an order for those photos.

Your student will receive a card when they have their photo taken. The card will have a code and instructions to order online, along with a QR code you can scan to take you right to the site. 

Please note that it may take up to a week for all photos to be processed and uploaded for viewing and ordering. All print packages, photo products, and digital copies will be available to purchase through the site.

For any questions, please contact our Rowland Studio at info@rowlandphoto.com or Anne-Marie Guerrero, Front Office Lead

Students can be dropped off at the main campus, the Madison Building, or the Temple Building whichever works best for their first class of the morning. Buildings are open at 7:30 AM. 

Main Campus

• Approach 13th Avenue from east or west bound E Union.
• Turn south along 13th Avenue.
• Pull as far south (towards E Spring Street) as possible before stopping and having your student exit from the passenger side of the car.
• Please have your student exit as quickly as possible so that there are no delays in exiting. 
• An alternate option to street drop off is to pull into the E Spring Street garage. 

Temple Building

• Approach 15th Avenue from east or west bound E Union.
• Turn north onto 15th Avenue. 
• Pull as far north (towards E Pike) as possible before stopping and having your student exit from the passenger side of the car. 
• Please have your student exit as quickly as possible so that there are no delays in exiting. 

Madison Building

• Approach Boylston from from east or west bound E Spring.
• Turn south onto Boylston. 
• Pull as far south (towards E Madison) as possible before stopping and having your student exit from the passenger side of the car. 
• Please have your student exit as quickly as possible so that there are no delays in exiting. 

Buses

• Buses will arrive on campus between 7:50 AM and 8:00 AM. 
• All route buses unload on the main campus (Spring Street cut out), at the Madison Building (on Boylston), and at the Temple Building (on 16th Avenue). 

Classes will end at 3:00 PM for all students. 

• Middle and Upper School students not participating in after school activities or taking SAAS bus transportation can be picked up from along 12th or 13th Avenue (if student’s 7th or 8th block is on the 12th Avenue block) or from Temple-15th Avenue (if student’s 7th or 8th block is in the Temple) or Madison (if student’s 7th or 8th block is in Madison) between 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM.
• Middle and Upper School students riding the bus can catch the afternoon buses on 13th Avenue. They should be ready to load no later than 3:10 PM. They need to check in prior to getting on their bus. Buses will leave promptly at 3:15 PM.
• Middle School athletes will go directly to the Middle School gym with the exception of volleyball players who will be assigned a team room where they should report. Once in the gym, students will divide into teams, have attendance taken, and then proceed to 13th Avenue to load buses for practices/games.
• Upper School athletes will receive further instructions from their coaches regarding meeting locations.  
• Those students participating in other after-school activities (such as rehearsals, clubs, or student halls) can proceed directly to that location.  

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR TRANSPORTATION PAGE