Head of School Updates
October 28, 2026
This week, we are hosting our School Choice Nights for families interested in joining the Sussex Academy community. These events serve as important reminders of the power of school choice and what makes our school so special.
I firmly believe that the strength of Sussex Academy comes from the shared commitment of our students, staff, and families to our mission of creating a supportive school environment with accelerated learning opportunities that prepare students to explore, experience, and excel. Choosing Sussex Academy is more than selecting a school. It reflects a shared belief in who we are, what we stand for, and what we can accomplish together.
Thank you for choosing to be part of the Sussex Academy community! As School Choice season begins, I encourage you to share your experiences with friends and neighbors who may be interested in becoming Seahawks.
Athletic Registration and Physical Upload for 2026–2027 School Year
Athlete registration for the 2026–2027 winter sports season is now open. All student-athletes must complete the required online registration steps prior to participation in any sport.
To get started, please complete the following:
Snap Manage – Registration Page
High School Athlete Eligibility Form (RankOne)
How-To Registration Video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j34LtI2F-eGwF0zjGw5k2vHnGGSriIOz/view
You may also download the NEW DIAA Physical & Consent Form as part of the required documentation process.
All registration resources, links, and step-by-step guidance can also be found on our athletics website:
https://sussexacademysports.com
Important Reminder: Sussex Academy will no longer accept paper copies of physicals. All athletic registrations and physical documents must be submitted electronically through Snap Manage. Please do not email or drop off paper copies.
For questions, please contact Mr. Dina at: rj.dina@saas.k12.de.us
From Unity to Everyday Kindness
October’s National Bullying Prevention Month celebrated inclusion, acceptance, and belonging through Unity Day activities, Clubs conversations, Bullying-prevention lessons, Teamwork activities, and the Pacem in Terris Visionary Peace Youth Art Exhibition invitation. Our Childhood 2.0 movie night extended these conversations and opened a safe space to discuss online life and its impact on young people’s well-being.
We are carrying this momentum into November with a focus on Kindness and Gratitude. Everyday acts of kindness and appreciation at school and home strengthen our whole-child approach to supporting students’ social, emotional, physical, and academic well-being. Practicing gratitude allows space for difficult feelings, and kindness includes asking for help. Here are a few ways we are encouraging our students to put this into practice:
Show appreciation. Write a thank-you note or add to a shared gratitude display.
Make room for someone. Include a classmate in a conversation, activity, or group.
Make kindness count online. Behind every screen is a person who deserves dignity. Don’t amplify hurtful posts or rumors. Check on someone being targeted, report harmful content, and seek support from a trusted adult.
Elementary Spotlight: November and December counseling lessons will help students understand their feelings and practice healthy coping skills. As the holiday season brings both excitement and stress, students will learn ways to care for themselves, manage challenging moments, and ask for support when needed.
Let’s also connect at home. We encourage our parents/guardians to set aside a few device-free minutes to ask: “What was good or difficult today? Who helped you, and whom did you help?” Listen with curiosity, acknowledge their feelings, and resist the urge to immediately solve the problem. Try asking, “Would you like me to listen or help you think through what to do?” Share your own moments of gratitude and kindness, too. These small conversations can build connection and remind children that they can turn to you when they need support.
If your child needs additional support, please reach out to our Student Services team. We are here to help!
🎃 Character Day & Parade Update – October 30
We are excited to celebrate Seahawk Character Day on Friday, October 30! Students are invited to dress as their favorite book, movie, television, or other fun character as we celebrate a festive fall afternoon together!
In addition, as a fun way to recognize our students' hard work and accomplishments since the beginning of the school year. Students are welcome to arrive at school dressed in their costumes or change into them later in the day. Costumes should be school-appropriate and allow students to participate safely and comfortably in school activities.
We look forward to a wonderful day filled with school spirit, creativity, and celebration, including our Seahawk Character Day Parade at 2:00 PM.
Families are invited to join us at 2:00 p.m. on the playground as our Seahawks parade around the school building and show off their creative characters! Staff will help direct families to the viewing area. Following the parade, students will return to their classrooms. Families wishing to take their child home afterward may sign them out directly from their classroom.
We look forward to a fun-filled afternoon celebrating our elementary Seahawks! 🍂💙💜
🚒 Fire Safety Fun at Sussex Academy Elementary!
Last Friday, our elementary students enjoyed a special visit from the Georgetown Fire Department in recognition of Fire Prevention Month! Students had the opportunity to explore fire trucks, learn important fire safety tips, and hear directly from firefighters about their role in keeping our community safe.
A special thank you to the Georgetown Fire Department for taking time out of their busy schedules to provide such a fun, engaging, and educational experience for our students. We are grateful for their continued dedication to keeping our community safe and for helping our Seahawks learn the importance of fire safety!
❄️ Save the Date: Sussex Academy Winter Concert!
We are excited to invite our Sussex Academy families to our upcoming Elementary Winter Concert on Friday, December 11, 2026! Our students have been working hard to prepare a wonderful musical celebration of the season, and we can't wait to share their talents with our school community!
Concert Schedule:
Grades K–2: 12:15 PM
Grades 3–5: 1:30 PM
Location: Elementary School Campus Gym
Doors will open approximately 30 minutes before each performance. We look forward to celebrating the season together and watching our Seahawks shine on stage!
Dress Down Day – Friday, October 30!
Our middle school students are invited to participate in a Dress Down Day on Friday, October 30, for a $2 donation to support our Giving Tree! This is a great opportunity for students to show their school spirit while giving back to families in need. Please remember that costumes are not permitted. Students who choose not to participate should wear their regular school uniform. We appreciate your support in helping us make a difference in our school community!
🌟 Leader in Me – Habit 3: Put First Things First
As we move into November, our middle school students will begin focusing on Habit 3: Put First Things First. This habit encourages students to prioritize what matters most, manage their time effectively, and make responsible choices. Throughout the month, we will challenge students to think about how they balance their schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities. By learning to set priorities and stay focused on their goals, students are developing important skills that will help them become more independent and successful both inside and outside the classroom.
🎯 Student Challenge: Each day, identify one important task you need to complete before doing something you want to do. Whether it's finishing homework before playing video games or studying for a test before spending time on your phone, practice putting first things first!
🏡 Tip for Home: Help your child build good habits by encouraging them to create a short daily to-do list. Ask, "What's the most important thing you need to accomplish today?" Celebrate when they take responsibility for completing their priorities without reminders!
📖 Yearbooks Are Now on Sale!
Don't miss your chance to capture all the memories from this school year! Yearbooks are now on sale for $47 through November 20. Be sure to order yours before the price increases!
Dress Down Day – Friday, October 30!
Our students are invited to participate in a Dress Down Day on Friday, October 30, for a $2 donation to support our Giving Tree! This is a great opportunity for students to show their school spirit while giving back to families in need. Please remember that costumes are not permitted. Students who choose not to participate should wear their regular school uniform. We appreciate your support in helping us make a difference in our school community!