Head of School Updates
February 4th, 2026
A Message from Mr. Bentley
Strong schools are built on strong partnerships, and consistent communication is essential to building the trust and collaboration necessary to create supportive school environments. When families and schools communicate early and often, we are better able to support students, address concerns, and celebrate successes together. I would like to use this week’s message to thank our families for your ongoing communication and encourage you to continue reaching out with any questions or concerns!
Communication & Outreach Updates
25th Anniversary Celebration
Tickets are now on sale for our 25th anniversary celebration at The Starboard March 27! Please share this information with our Sussex Academy families and staff, past and present!
And – if you have any photos or historical information to share that document our history, please reach out to Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.
Sussex Academy in the News
We love to share the stories of our students both in and out of the classroom – please share the news about your child’s accomplishments with Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us and keep tabs on all the Sussex Academy news at on Facebook, Instagram, and our website !
In case you missed it, our elementary animal sanctuary, as well as the families and staff who assisted in its renovations, was recently profiled on CoastTV! Check out the story below:
Elementary Updates
Upcoming Dates
February 6 - Dress Down Day (free)
February 12 - Dress Down Day ($2)
February 13 - No School for Students (Teacher PD Day)
February 16 - No School (President’s Day)
February 17-20 B.E. S.M.A.R.T Program for K - 5
February 20 - 1:00 - 2:45 - Academic Showcase (see flyer below)
February 23 - 27 - Scholastic Book Fair (volunteer sign up on Class Dojo)
February 26 - Literacy Night & Book Fair Family Shopping 5:30 - 7:00 (see flyer below)
Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming! SAVE THE DATE for February 23-26 and get your reader psyched to pick out their own books! Start exploring together:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/sussexacademyelemschool
Literacy Night is on February 26 from 5:30 - 7 PM. We hope to see you there!
Secondary Updates
Academic Challenge Interest Meeting for Families of 7th graders
Wednesday, February 4th at 5:30pm Mrs. McLaughlin will be hosting a Zoom meeting for 7th grade families interested in learning more about the Academic Challenge Program. Please contact Mrs. McLaughlin at maureen.mclaughlin@saas.k12.de.us if you are interested but unable to attend the meeting or have questions.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/5593266896?omn=83714415005
Meeting ID: 559 326 6896
Passcode: AC
AP Exams
Exam registration has begun for students who began an AP course trimester 2. The registration deadline is March 2. Find the exam schedule and registration form HERE
Contact Mrs. Owens with any questions or concerns: janet.owens@saas.k12.de.us
Black History Month: A Century of Commemoration
This year, Black History Month marks 100 years of national Black history commemorations, beginning in 1926 as Negro History Week, founded by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
This milestone theme highlights how Black History Month has shaped understanding and progress, from early celebrations of freedom to today’s global observances. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, it emphasizes the importance of telling an inclusive and accurate history and recognizing the lasting impact of Black history on our shared past and present.
Throughout the month, our school will highlight Black life, history, and culture through activities and visual displays that honor these contributions as an important part of our shared story. Families are encouraged to celebrate Black History Month at home by reading, watching, or exploring resources that highlight Black history and achievements.
High School Band Rehearsals
HS Band Rehearsals start next MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9th, 3-4:15pm. See you then! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Marotta.
High School Choir
Kindness Week
Sussex Academy Secondary Campus continues to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness. Join our Kindness Spirit Week, February 9-13. We remind our students that Dress Down Days must align with the school's climate and culture.
Monday 2/9: Dreaming of Kindness (PJ day)
Tuesday 2/10: Peace, Chill, Kindness (Tie Dye, Hawaiian, Kind Shirts)
Wednesday 2/11: KINDNESS comes in ALL COLORS (Grade level colors: 6th- Red, 7th- Orange, 8th- Yellow, 9th- Green, 10th- Blue, 11th- Purple, 12th- White, Staff- Black)
Thursday 2/12: Love, Live, Kindness (Red, Pink, Love, Kind Shirts)
Friday 2/13: Self-Care Day! NO SCHOOL!
