Head of School Updates

As we kick off the 2nd trimester, I want to encourage all of our families to take some time to review report cards when they are sent home on Friday. It is very important to use that feedback to discuss academic goals for the trimester ahead and to develop plans for achieving those goals. The plans we create are often the most critical part of the goal-setting process. Once those plans are in place, be sure to schedule time to check in on progress and actions towards realizing the goals over the next several months.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue building upon the excellent momentum we've established so far in the 2025–26 school year. I hope you are as excited as I am to continue growing and learning together. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Support Sussex Academy Sports Boosters and decorate your home in style this holiday season with items from Lynch Creek Farm!

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 are a few recent headlines!

Sussex Academy students observe traditional Mexican holiday

Sussex Academy students mark Veterans Day by folding flags for soldiers

Support our swimming teams Monday, Dec. 8 from 4-8 p.m. at Arena’s at the Airport, where Arena’s will donate a portion of proceeds to the team!

Once again, parent leader Carissa Gomez has planned a wonderful way to thank employees with Cookies & Cocoa for Staff at our elementary and secondary campuses on Friday, Dec. 19.

Carissa will be bringing an assortment of festive treats that morning, and needs the assistance of parent volunteers to provide paper goods and candy, and help with set up and clean up.

If you can help at our elementary campus, please sign up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4EADAA2EA5FE3-60887341-elementary

If you can help at our secondary campus, please sign-up here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4EADAA2EA5FE3-60886165-secondary

December 5: 3rd Grade Market Day

December 12: Winter Concert: Grades K-2 @ 12:15 & Grades 3-5 @ 1:30 PM (see flyer)

December 18: No uniform day (Ugly/Cute/Festive Sweater encouraged) ($2)

December 19: PJ Day (free)

December 23 - January 2: No School

THEIR SCHOOL, THEIR STORY, THEIR YEARBOOK

Secure the yearbook today and SAVE! Don’t wait to place your order — the price will go up on Friday, December 12th. Just a friendly reminder that all 5th graders will receive a yearbook at no additional cost to families.

Click here to order yours now!

Exciting news! Browseabout Books will be visiting the Sussex Academy Library on December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, just in time for your holiday shopping! We’ll also be hosting a Family Night on December 3rd from 3:00–6:00 PM. Be sure to save the date!

It has long been a tradition of our school to assist those in need, and so we begin our 26th Annual Giving Tree Project. This project supports Sussex Academy families experiencing financial strain by providing them with a set of household items in the hopes that money otherwise devoted to those ‘needs’ could be used to provide a few ‘wants/wishes’ for the holidays.

Typical items on our list include toilet paper, laundry detergent, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. Donated items can be dropped off in designated boxes in the Cafeteria and Gym Lobby. You may also donate to the project using Sussex Academy’s online payment portal at https://go.delaware.gov/apps/s/department-of-education/sussex-academy. Please select CLUB ACTIVITY and type GIVING TREE for Club Name and GIVING TREE for Items Purchased (You can select any grade even if you do not currently have a student attending). Please contact Mrs. McLaughlin directly at Maureen.mclaughlin@saas.k12.de.us if you are interested in sponsoring gift cards or other large donations.The project will run from Dec 2 to Dec 12

Our Sussex Academy community has always been incredibly supportive of this project, and we hope you will continue to help us assist members of our school family who are struggling. Please know your participation, in whatever manner you can, is deeply appreciated. Thank you in advance! Maureen McLaughlin (maureen.mclaughlin@saas.k12.de.us) and Dawnyel Furlong or (dawnyel.furlong@saas.k12.de.us)

The window for students to request to drop a course for the new trimester will close on Friday, December 5. If your student is considering dropping a course, please ensure the request is submitted before the deadline.

To communicate a drop request, please use the Google Form to contact Mrs. McLaughlin. This form is the required method for submitting all schedule change inquiries.

Thank you for your attention to this deadline!