Head of School Updates
April 1st, 2026
A Message from Mr. Bentley
The school year includes natural moments to pause and reset. Spring Break is one of those important times. As we move beyond the winter months, this break provides an opportunity for everyone to rest, reflect, and prepare for the final stretch of the year.
Looking ahead, the next several months will be filled with important moments like Smarter Balanced assessments, Advanced Placement exams, moving up celebrations, and commencement for the Class of 2026. I am confident we will continue to build on the momentum we’ve established and finish the year strong with your ongoing support.
Please enjoy this well deserved break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on April 13, ready to make the final months of the school year truly memorable as we continue to explore, experience, and excel together.
Behavioral Health Professional of the Year
Each year, the state of Delaware recognizes outstanding Behavioral Health Professionals for their contributions to public education. Last year, Sussex Academy nominated Dr. Juliane Hein, our elementary school counselor, who went on to represent our school at the state level after advancing through the charter school process.
This year, we are proud to nominate our secondary nurse, Dawnyel Furlong, as Sussex Academy’s Behavioral Health Professional of the Year. Nurse Furlong’s ability to build meaningful relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners makes her an exceptional choice for this recognition. She consistently demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to supporting the well-being of our students, while serving as a trusted resource across our school community.
Nurse Furlong will now represent Sussex Academy at the Charter School Network level, with the opportunity to advance to the state level through the Behavioral Health Professional of the Year process. Please join us in congratulating Nurse Furlong on this well-deserved honor!
Communication & Outreach Updates
Thank you to everyone who came to our 25th anniversary celebration at The Starboard on Friday night! It was a great night to connect with our staff, alumni, families, community partners and board members in a fun and festive environment.
And thanks also to our parents for submitting photos and accolades about your children so we can celebrate them on social media! Keep the story ideas coming to ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.
Make sure to keep up to date with us on Facebook and Instagram, and continue to check our website for our most recent news releases.
ICYMI, here are a couple recent headlines:
Elementary Updates
Upcoming Dates / Important Information
April 3-10: Spring Break!
April 24 & 25 Seussical the Musical (see flyer below)
April 30 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM Math and Science Night
May 21 (K-2 @ 12:15 & 3-5 @1:30) Spring Concert & Art Show (see flyer below)
3rd - 5th grades State Testing Dates: April 15 &16, 28 & 29. May 11, 12, 13, 14
Coming Soon - Funland Tickets will be available to purchase - 20% of sales will go to the school to be used for Field Day and other student activities.
YEARBOOKS - LAST CALL for online sales SALES LINK
From our Parent Volunteers
Dear Sussex Academy Elementary Parents and Families,
As we head into Staff Appreciation Week (May 4th-8th), we want to ensure our incredible teachers and school staff feel truly valued for everything they do for our children every day.
You're Invited to a short Parent Volunteer Zoom call where we'll brainstorm, organize, and sign up for ways to show our appreciation during that week.
Zoom Meeting Details:
Time: Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026, 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78313651763?pwd=82AeSRxjwQ5YZkKsWhMIhaBUyqa3D7.1
Meeting ID: 783 1365 1763
Passcode: 123456
Agenda:
Quick overview of Staff Appreciation Week (35 Staff Members)
Fun theme ideas and daily activities (breakfast treats, lunch, gifts, notes from students, etc.)
Volunteer sign-ups for food, decorations, gifts, coordination, and more
How everyone can participate- even with small contributions
If you have ideas/want to contribute, but can't attend the meeting please contact Paige at apm091590@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
Best Regards,
Anum, Paige and Rebecca
Seussical Jr.
Mark your calendars now for our upcoming production of Seussical the Musical! See the flyer below and click here to purchase your tickets in advance.
Secondary Updates
Course Scheduling
Course scheduling for the upcoming school year is now underway. Students will be bringing home a course request sheet—please take a few moments to review it with your child to ensure their selections align with their goals. Be sure to remind your child to return the completed sheet to Student Services as soon as possible to avoid any delays in scheduling.