Head of School Updates
April 29th, 2026
With so much happening at this time of year, I would like to use my message this week to remind our community about the importance of the strategic plan we are implementing at Sussex Academy. Our strategic plan was intentionally designed to help us navigate our path forward together by exploring ways to strengthen our academics, student services, and business practices.
With trust, teamwork, and a focus on what is best for kids, change becomes an opportunity for growth. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to click here to read through the goals, objectives, and action steps outlined in the plan. Together, we will continue striving toward realizing our mission of creating a supportive school environment with accelerated learning opportunities that prepare students to Explore, Experience, and Excel.
SA in the News
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.
Thank you to all the parents who have sent in photos and news about their children’s accomplishments! We love to recognize our students for their achievements both in and out of the classroom. Share the news about your child’s accomplishments by contacting Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.
Here are a couple recent headlines:
Odyssey of the Mind
Interested in learning more about Odyssey of the Mind?
Students, families, teachers and administrators are invited to join our Odyssey of the Mind teams for a recognition pizza party and information session in the cafeteria at 3:30 p.m., this Friday.
Teacher of the Year
Sussex Academy’s Teacher of the Year is Mrs. Jennifer Couch! Jenni’s outstanding nomination highlighted her meaningful impact on students, staff, and families, as well as her exceptional leadership both in the classroom and across our school community. Through our interview process, she further demonstrated her strong commitment to Sussex Academy and will now represent us as our nominee to the Delaware Charter Schools Network. Please congratulate Mrs. Couch the next time you see her on this important recognition!
Upcoming Dates
April 27 - May 4 Funland Tickets will be available to purchase from - 20% of sales will go to the school to be used for Field Day and other student activities.
April 30 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM Math and Science Night (see flyer)
May 1 Dress Down Day ($2.00) (changed from April 30)
May 1 Shorebirds Game 7:05 PM (vouchers sent home)
May 11, 12, 13, 14 3rd - 5th grades State Testing Dates
May 21 (K-2 @ 12:15 & 3-5 @1:30) Spring Concert & Art Show (see flyer below)
May 22 & 25 - NO School
June 5 - Field Day
June 9
10 AM K Moving Up Ceremony
Last Day of School (K-4)
End of T3
June 10
Last Day of School (Grade 5) ½ Day
10:30-11:30 5th Moving Up Ceremony (see flyer)
🍎 Snack & Drink Donations for Teacher Appreciation Week! ☕️
Hi wonderful parents!
A huge thank you to everyone who has generously signed up to donate for our amazing teachers. We are so excited to spoil them and show them how much we value everything they do for our kids!
To help us get everything prepped for Teacher Appreciation Week, please remember to drop off your drinks and snacks by this Friday, May 1.
Your contributions make it possible for us to keep the break room stocked with treats and refreshments all week long. We couldn't do this without this incredible community!
Thank you for your kindness and support! It’s going to be a special week🥰
Decision Day
We are excited to celebrate our students’ post-graduation plans during our upcoming Decision Day event on Thursday, April 30 at 8:00 AM.
This special event recognizes seniors as they share their next steps—whether that includes college, career, military service, or other pathways. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honor their hard work and achievements as they prepare for life after high school.
Students with a late arrival who would like to attend the event should plan to arrive at school by 8:00 AM and report directly to the cafeteria.
Dress Down Day
Support the Music Honor Society’s Dress Down Day this Friday!
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental well-being and reduce the stigma around talking about it. Throughout this month, our student leaders will be sparking discussions in the classrooms on topics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ending the Silence series, including Bullying Impact and Support, Breaking the Barrier to Ask for Help, and Positive Coping Skills to Deal with Stress.
These student-led conversations are meant to create a supportive space where we can learn from one another, build empathy, and better understand how to take care of ourselves and support others. Together, we can end the silence and break the stigma around mental health illness and support. For more information, click on this video and access the NAMI resources here.
Middle School Shorebird Hit the Books Contest Participants
Students in grades 6-8 who participated in the Shorebirds Hit the Books Reading Contest should have received ticket vouchers last Friday from their reading teacher. If you were absent, be sure to pick them up from your reading teacher this Monday. Thank you! Congratulations to all students who participated!
Middle School Running Club
See the flyer for information about an opportunity to join the middle school running club.
Prom 2026
Sussex Academy’s Junior/Senior Prom, which will be held on Saturday, May 2 is at the Cambria Hotel in Rehoboth Beach.
Location
Cambria Hotel Rehoboth Beach
17222 Hood Road
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Promenade & Arrival Details
- Student check-in and lineup for promenade will begin at 5:30 PM.
- Students should report to the right back side of the building (when facing the front of the Cambria Hotel) to check in and line up for promenade.
- Promenade will begin promptly at 6:00 PM.
- Parents and families are welcome to stay and take pictures before and during promenade as students make their entrance.
Evening Schedule
- As students enter the venue, they will be directed to a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, followed by dinner, dancing, and dessert.
- Once students have entered the venue, they will not be permitted to leave until after the Prom Court is announced at 9 PM.
- Prom ends at 10 PM.
We are looking forward to a truly special evening and a memorable night beneath the coastal blue skies for all of our students. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Norton. Thank you for your support! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner, and we need your help! Our teachers do an incredible job supporting our students each day, and this is a great opportunity to show them how much they are valued by our school community.
Please click the link below to see how you can sign up and help make this week extra special for our staff. We are continuing to make this a K-12 effort. Thank you, in advance, for your support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4EADAA2EA5FE3-63674097-teacher
