Head of School Updates

As a public charter school, we recognize that our families choose to be a part of Sussex Academy and we appreciate the sacrifices you make to send your children to one of the premier school systems in the state of Delaware. The power of school choice is evident the moment you walk on our campuses and into our classrooms. Our students, staff and families have a shared understanding that being a Seahawk is an opportunity.

We also know that many of our strongest school home partnerships begin with a simple recommendation from a current family or friend. We are grateful for the referrals you share each year and we are currently halfway through the school choice window. If you know friends, neighbors, or relatives who are looking for an accelerated academic program in a supportive school environment, please encourage them to apply.

It is important to note that students already enrolled at Sussex Academy do not need to reapply. Choice applications for new students are due on January 14 at 11:59 PM.

Support our baseball team as they raise money by offering two exciting change drawing opportunities to help pay for their Spring Training Trip to the Jackie Robinson Training Facility in Vero Beach! Cash and Venmo accepted – see any player to purchase!

The Leo Club is raising money to send to Afghanistan girls so they can purchase school supplies as they work to learn English. Students are invited to help by purchasing items at the hot cocoa and donuts table at first and second lunches on Wednesday, Dec. 17!

Our Student Government Association is raising funds for senior activities! Support their efforts by purchasing tickets to this chance drawing for two seats, including reserved parking, for the Philadelphia Flyers vs. New York Rangers game on Saturday, Jan. 17!

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Sarah Brock has joined Sussex Academy as a seventh-grade special education teacher. She been teaching over twenty years in various roles including special education teacher and reading specialist in the Indian River School District. She lives in Millsboro with her husband Keith and their three daughters. Mrs. Brock enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Sussex Academy is excited to welcome Xochitl Caruso as our new 8th Grade Spanish Teacher. Xochitl joins us after 8 years of dedicated service in the Seaford School District, where she played a key role as a Spanish Immersion Teacher. Her extensive experience, passion for language learning, and commitment to student success make her a wonderful addition to our world language team. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Seahawk community.

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 headline, with photos taken by sophomore Kaia Medrano!

Sussex Academy theatre students stage showcase

• December 18 - No Uniform Day (Ugly/Cute/Festive Sweater encouraged $2)

• December 19 - PJ Day (free)

• December 22 -January 4 - No School

• January 15 (5:30 - 7:30) - Wellness Night

Sussex Academy Elementary School is excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Career Day on Thursday, May 28, from approximately 8:30–11:00 AM. We are looking for enthusiastic professionals who would like to share their careers with our students and inspire the next generation.

Our Career Day is organized like a fair, where 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students rotate through the gym to explore a wide variety of careers. Presenters are encouraged to bring pictures, props, tools, or hands-on materials to engage students and demonstrate what their jobs are like.

If you have a career you would enjoy teaching kids about, we would love to have you join us!

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Juliane Hein at: juliane.hein@saas.k12.de.us

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our students!

We can't wait to see you at our annual Winter Concert this Friday, December 12th!

Performance times:

• Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade: 12:15 PM. Doors open at 11:45.

• 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade: 1:30 PM. Doors will open at the completion of the K-2nd-grade show.

Important Dismissal Information:

• Taking your child home: If you plan to take your child home after the show, please meet them back at their homeroom to sign them out.

• If you are planning for your younger child to watch their older sibling, you must sign your child out and take them with you.

• Relatives taking students home: If a relative will be taking your child home, please notify the school by 10:00 AM on Friday morning.

Thank you, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

At this time, all students who signed up for an audition for Seussical Jr. have received an audition packet from Mr. Decker. Please pay attention to the top sheet, which has important information about pickup times for auditions on Monday, December 15th. You must come in and sign your child out of the upper elementary school building at the appropriate pickup time on the day of the audition. If your child has decided to no longer audition, please contact Mr. Decker AND Ms. Eisenmann at the front office no later than the morning of the 15th so we can make sure your child takes the proper dismissal route at the end of the day, as all students auditioning will be sent to the auditions after school unless otherwise told by the office.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Decker at christopher.decker@saas.k12.de.us

Thank you and Break Legs!!

• December 12- Dress Down Day ($2 - Science Olympiad)

• December 19 - PJ Day (Holiday Spirit Day)

• December 22 -January 4 - No School

Get ready for County Band auditions!

County Band Auditions are happening in January. Please see screenshot of dates/times. As always, if you have questions, please email Mr. Marotta anytime.

Amidst all the holiday bustle, please consider donating to the GIVING TREE Project to help Sussex Academy families in need. You can drop off household items - toilet paper, laundry detergent, toothpaste, cleaners - at the Main Office or make a monetary donation using the QR Code .

Contact Maureen McLaughlin at maureen.mclaughlin@saas.k12.de.us with any questions or to inquire about donating gift cards.

📝 How to Order

Place your breakfast order on Lunchworks each week by Wednesday—just like lunch orders.
Here is the menu for next week!

December 10th is Human Rights Day, a time to celebrate the values that help every child and adult feel safe, respected, and supported. This year’s theme is “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials.”

Human rights are our everyday essentials because they form the foundation of daily life—keeping us safe, allowing us to speak and be heard, giving access to opportunities, and guiding us to treat each other with fairness and respect. Like food, water, and shelter, we rely on them every day to live with dignity and well-being.

As we celebrate Human Rights Day, we encourage families to talk with their children about empathy, fairness, and standing up for one another, helping our community thrive together.