Head of School Updates
September 24th, 2025
Attendance Matters
This year, we are making a focused effort to improve how we record, monitor, and communicate student attendance with families. Chronic absenteeism is a challenge across education today, and Sussex Academy is not immune. As educators, we know that consistent attendance matters for both academic achievement and social development. It also factors into our yearly evaluations through the Department of Education.
Families play a vital role in this effort. You can help by:
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Sending in excuses promptly whenever your child is absent so records remain accurate.
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Planning family vacations and appointments around the school calendar whenever possible to reduce missed instructional time.
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Reinforcing the importance of attendance with your child, helping them understand that being present each day supports their success.
We will be sharing monthly updates on our daily attendance averages to keep families informed. In addition, you will receive phone calls through Infinite Campus when your child misses school with reminders to submit excuses. Thank you for your continued partnership in education and for helping us improve attendance rates during the 2025–26 school year!
Sussex Academy is participating in the Georgetown Arts and Flowers Club annual Georgetown Scarecrow Contest!
From late September through October, Georgetown’s historic light poles are decorated with scarecrows and cornstalks by local businesses, organizations and government offices.
Keep an eye out as you’re traveling on East Market Street and you’ll see our Student Scarecrow near Wilson Park. Special thanks to sophomore Kaia Medrano for creating our scarecrow!
Keep up to date with school and student happenings by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and continue to check our website for our most recent news releases.
Share the news about your child’s accomplishments by contacting Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.
Here’s a recent news release about our students’ successful annual assessment and AP scores!
A Note from Ms. Hendricks
Please remember to pull all the way forward in the car line. This helps keep the line moving and ensures a smooth and safe dismissal for everyone.
Also, for the safety of all our students, please do not get out of your car once you are in the car line. If your child needs help, a staff member will be available to assist.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Back to School Night October 1 from 5:30 - 7:30
Back-to-School Night is a special evening event for parents to get to know their child's school and curriculum better at the beginning of the school year. The main purpose of Back-to-School Night is to establish a strong partnership between the home and the school, which is a key factor in a child's success.
Click Here for the Elementary Back to School Night Schedule
Monday, September 29, Elementary Picture Day
Students wear their school uniform.
All students and staff have their picture taken, even if they do not plan to purchase a package. These photos are used in the yearbook.
Everyone photographed will also receive a school ID card for the year.
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT67QZ7R.
Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or a check (made out to mylife) on Picture Day.
Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com
Parent Helpers Wanted: Help us make the Picture Day smooth and effortless. Contact the office if you'd like to volunteer at Picture Day.
Saturday, October 4 - Cascading Carlos Juggler at Sussex Academy Elementary
Going to Country Calling? Are your children staying with grandparents, other family, or friends? Send them to see Cascading Carlos!
Join us in the gym from 12–2 PM for a free event featuring Carlos Mir, a 3-time World Record holder!
This is an exciting opportunity to see an incredible juggler in action — you won’t want to miss it! Come hungry and buy lunch from Bub’s Grubs!
Spirit Wear
Spirit wear (with the school logo) can be worn to school any day of the week. Order now using the link below!
Back to School Night – Monday, September 29
We are excited to welcome families to our Back to School Night on Monday, September 29 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, learn more about our school programs, and connect with staff.
Throughout the evening, we will also be offering help sessions on important topics including:
Infinite Campus
Schoology
College Advising
Financial Aid seminar
To support all families, some sessions and information will be available in both English and Spanish.
We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of information, resources, and community!
Band Rehearsals
Band rehearsals have officially started! Please make sure your child is at rehearsal on a weekly basis. Please see schedule below:
*SYMPHONIC BAND (HS):
Mondays, 3 - 4pm
*CONCERT BAND (MS):
Tuesdays, 3 - 4:30pm (Students in sports should report to band at 3pm; they will be dismissed at 3:45 to go to sports).
MS Concert Band rehearsal for Tuesday, September 30th is PERCUSSION ONLY. This includes bass drums, snare drums and mallet percussion (bells).
*JAZZ BAND (MS+HS):
Fridays, 7 - 8am
Our Winter Concert is WED, DECEMBER 3rd, 2025.
Dress rehearsal for the concert is TUES, DECEMBER 2nd, 2025 (3-5pm).
Students are expected to be at both the dress rehearsal and concert. If you have a conflict, please email Mr. Marotta.
If you have questions, please email Mr. Marotta -- michael.marotta@saas.k12.de.us
Thank you for supporting the SA Band & Performing Arts Program!
Counseling Department Notes
This week, we are focused on building community partnerships and support surrounding suicide prevention and awareness. Click here to find additional resources and groups.
Honest conversations help build trust, strengthen bonds, and foster belonging. These connections go a long way in saving lives. Find a local program 📌samhsa.gov/find-support/health-care-or-support/support-group-or-local-program #YouAreNotAlone #PeerSupport
We are encouraging all students to download the app “SAFE DE”. This app allows for 24/7 support and access to local resources to provide mental health support, local community resources, and communication with the school counseling team. Please check it out using the below QR code!
Madagascar Jr Interest Meeting!
Any middle school student interested in performing in our middle school musical should stay after school October 7th for our interest meeting! Save the date for our audition workshop! Message Mrs. McCormick if you have any questions.
Middle School Choir
Is you child interested in Middle School Choir? We are continuing to build our performing arts programs and have an upcoming informational meeting for you to attend. See the flyer in the image for this message and complete this form:
