Head of School Updates

As spring rolls in, we hope our families begin to notice the investments we have made across our campuses over the past two years. The in-kind donation from Bella Terra, along with investments in outdoor capital projects such as the new picnic tables on the secondary campus, will be felt and in use this spring. Additional improvements, including new playground equipment and a new gated entrance to the elementary campus, are also coming soon.

As a charter school, we rely on support from our community for capital expenses and are deeply grateful to everyone who has generously supported Sussex Academy through the Soaring Higher campaign. Our fundraising total has now reached $112,347.83. Thank you to all who have contributed to building a bright future for our students and our community!

See below for the agenda for the March 18, 2026 Board of Directors meeting. Just a reminder that meetings begin at 4:00 PM in the Board Room on the secondary campus.

As we look ahead to the continued growth and success of Sussex Academy, we are seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. Board members play a vital role in ensuring strong governance, financial stewardship, and upholding the mission and vision of our school.

Please click here or download the application below to apply. Completed applications should be submitted to Andrea.Rogers@saas.k12.de.us and will be considered on a rolling basis. Don’t miss your opportunity to step up and lead!

Each year, we ask parents to confirm whether their child will continue at Sussex Academy for the upcoming school year. If you have not already done so, please complete the survey below to indicate whether your child will remain at Sussex Academy or transfer to another school for the 2026–27 academic year.

Intent to Return Form 2026-27 School Year

If we do not receive your response by March 20 (the choice deadline), we will assume your child will not be returning and will offer the spot to another student. With over 1,000 applicants currently on our waitlist, timely enrollment decisions are essential.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. We look forward to welcoming all of our K–11 Seahawks back on campus next year!

Tickets are now on sale for our 25th anniversary celebration at The Starboard March 27! (Tickets can be purchased via the QR code or at tinyurl.com/34jv67bw)

Looking for dinner after a long week? Join us Friday evening for a fun time at the Sussex Academy Softball Barbecue Dinner! Meal served by the team with an auction to follow!

Only 100 tickets are available and must be purchased in advance. Contact Kate Monitzer at 609-929-3193 for tickets.

Thank you for supporting our Lady Seahawks!

• March 12: Literacy Night 5:30 - 7:00 (see flyer below)

• March 18: K-2nd (2:15 in the gym) Peter Rabbit

• March 20: Dress Down Day ($2.00)

• March 23: Chick-fil-A fundraiser (Seaford)

• March 27: Hat’s Off to Reading - $1 wear your favorite hat (see flyer below)

• April 3-10: Spring Break!

As we move through the season of changing weather and increased illness, we kindly ask for your help in keeping our classroom healthy. If your child is feeling sick or showing signs of illness, please keep them home to rest and recover. Students may return to school only after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. In addition, students must be free of vomiting or diarrhea for a full 24 hours before returning to school.

We also ask that you take a moment to check your child’s change of clothes kept at school. Children grow quickly, and sometimes the clothing may no longer fit or may be out of season. Updating these items helps us ensure your child is comfortable if a change is needed during the day.

Thank you for your continued support in helping keep our classroom healthy and comfortable for everyone. Here’s hoping for warmer weather and a healthy, germ-free spring ahead!

We are looking for students and parents to help greet guests or cheer on the drive-thru with spirit posters during our fundraiser on March 23 between 5 PM - 7 PM. If you are interested in volunteering for a shift, please reach out to Rebecca Timmons (b.timmons324@gmail.com) directly so she can coordinate the schedule and materials.

Thank you for supporting our school and helping make this event a success!

Beginning March 23 and continuing through April, high school students in Grades 9-11 will be scheduled for a twenty-minute 1:1 meeting with a member of Student Services to make course requests for SY 26-27. We will use this meeting to look at student transcripts, identify graduation requirements, and make course selections/requests for next year. During this meeting, each student will receive their individual course recommendations. Grade 8 students will be meeting 1:1 with Ms. Alinkoff to review high school expectations and make course requests.

Students will receive a Schoology message with the day and time of their meeting; all meetings will be held in the Student Services Office. If a student cannot attend their scheduled meeting they should contact Mrs. McLaughlin.

We encourage students and families to familiarize themselves with the Course Selection Handbook (linked here and posted in Hawk News Materials). Students will attend an Elective Fairs during Advisory on either Tuesday, March 17 for Grades 10-11 or Thursday, March 19 for Grades 8-9.

See the calendar for upcoming band rehearsal dates.

Attention 9th-11th graders! 🎓 Get FREE college prep and advising support at the 2026 Delaware Goes to College Academy (DGCA). This virtual boot camp runs from Monday, April 6th to Friday, April 10th. Don't miss out—register by Monday, March 16th, at no cost! 🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/DGCA2026

#DGCA2026 #CollegeBound #DelawareEducation #TeenSHARP

The Delaware Tech STEM Expo invites middle and high school students to explore exciting STEM careers through hands-on, interactive activities led by Delaware Tech students and faculty. This free event offers families the opportunity to learn more about STEM concepts, Delaware STEM CTE Pathways, and future career options in a fun and engaging environment. Students, parents, educators, and local employers are all welcome to attend and discover the depth and real-world relevance of Delaware Tech’s STEM programs. Visit go.dtcc.edu/stemExpo to learn more.

Event information:

March 18, 2026, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Owens Campus

Jason Technology Center, Gym

21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE

For more information:

Charlene Kemmerle

ckemmerl@dtcc.edu

SAT/PSAT School Day is for Grades 10 and 11. This is an asynchronous day for Grades 9 and 12. JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES need to arrive ON TIME (8:00 am) with:

• CHARGED Chromebook (bring your charger too if possible)
• Pens or pencils
• Snacks and drinks (you cannot eat/drink during the test but can during breaks)
• Lunch (if you are staying the entire day - see below)

The following should NOT be brought:

• Cell phones**, smart watches**, meta glasses, fitness trackers, or personal timing devices
• **If a cell phone or smartwatch is brought it should be turned OFF and left in a bookbag or locker.

Rosters will be shared in Advisory groups AND posted outside Student Services; students will report DIRECTLY to Testing Rooms. Grade 11 tests in 200’s hallway; Grade 10 tests in 300’s hallway

Testing will last from 8:00 to approximately 11:00 for Grade 10; 8:00 to approximately 12:00 for Grade 11. Students will eat lunch after testing. We recommend bringing a SMALL, non-messy snack. (Breaks are 5-10 minutes)

Students may be dismissed at 11:30 (Grade 10) or 12:30 (Grade 11) if parent permission (even if you are normally Early Release) is provided. Parents can email attendance@sussexacademy.org OR send a written note on Test Day. PLEASE DO NOT SEND EMAILS OR CALL AFTER 8:30AM

Students without early dismissal notices will return and remain in their testing rooms until regular dismissal times. Bus transportation will be provided at regular times.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women throughout history and in our communities. This year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights the vital role women play in creating a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world. We encourage families to explore the work of inspiring women—locally and globally—to empower our young women to lead with curiosity, courage, and care for our planet.

Did You Know?

• Rachel Carson conducted research along the Delaware Bay coastline and wrote groundbreaking studies on wildlife and the impact of pesticides, helping spark the modern environmental movement.

• Wangari Maathai planted millions of trees in Kenya through the Green Belt Movement and became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

• Greta Thunberg began a solo school climate strike at age 15 that grew into a worldwide youth movement for climate action.