Head of School Updates
October 8th, 2025
This Friday is a scheduled Professional Development Day for staff, with no students present. I’d like to share how our teachers will be engaging in meaningful learning designed to strengthen teaching and learning across K–12 at Sussex Academy:
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Elementary Campus – Teachers will focus on building a culture of literacy, exploring strategies to nurture strong reading and writing skills through our new ELA curriculum.
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Middle School Campus – Teachers will engage in professional learning on developing a culture of leadership, supporting students as they grow into confident, responsible leaders in our school and community.
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High School Campus – Teachers will participate in sessions centered on a culture of acceleration and innovation, including the use of AI in education and opportunities for state-level professional development that will keep our programs at the forefront of learning.
Professional learning days throughout the year provide us with valuable opportunities to ensure the very best experiences for our students. I believe that we must invest in the growth of our educators and model what it means to be lifelong learners. As always, I'd like to also thank everyone reading this message for your continued partnership in education!
Activity Fees
A reminder to all families that our school policy requires that we collect an activity fee from each student. The activity fee remains an essential part of supporting these programs. As a reminder, the fee amounts are:
- Elementary School: $185
- Middle School: $205
- High School: $225
See below for details about how to submit payment for your activity fee:
- Submit a check payable to: Sussex Academy (note student’s name in memo)
- Cash
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, & Discover.
- https://go.delaware.gov/apps/s/department-of-education/sussex-academy
- If you need to arrange a payment plan, please email Andrea Rogers: andrea.rogers@saas.k12.de.us or call 302-856-3636 ext.1004
- If you feel that you would qualify for free or reduced activity fee, you will need to fill out a meal benefit application form. The forms, in both English and Spanish, are posted on our website or can be picked up in the office. You can drop off at the school or e-mail to terry.allen@saas.k12.de.us. Note - This form needs to be submitted each school year.
In addition, you can click here to review the previously communicated details about our budget and how the activity fees support your child.
NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH- Unity Day
Unity Day is the signature day of Bullying Prevention Awareness Month in the United States. This year, it is observed on Wednesday, October 22. The purpose of Unity Day is to:
Promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in schools and communities.
Show support for students who have been bullied.
Encourage everyone to take a stand against bullying.
Sussex Academy is wearing PACERs Unity Day T-shirt and/or Orange on October 22 to show unity for kindness and inclusion while we hold our Bullying Prevention Awareness assemblies throughout our district and share our most important message: SA Is No Place For Hate.
Unity Day T-shirt orders are due today, 10/8, at midnight. Please use this form to order and click here for a video to learn more!
Sussex Academy 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.
Share the news about your child’s accomplishments by contacting Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.
Here’s a recent headline:
Notes from Ms. Hendricks
- Elementary Dress Down Day Calendar Link
- Spirit Day - October 17th - Wear School Colors! Show your School Pride!
- Unity Day - October 22 - Wear Orange or a Unity shirt
- Lunch! We understand children love treats, but we kindly ask that you refrain from sending in full bags of candy, excessive amounts of sweets, or soda. We are trying to encourage everyone to eat something healthy, but the treats always go first! Thank you for your support!
- This year, we're doing something a little different for Halloween: we're focusing on heroes! Students are encouraged to dress as community or fictional heroes and will have a chance to meet and thank first responders at school as part of a special event on October 31.
- See the photo of the flyer for updates regarding our tennis and pickleball lessons.
AP Exams
Students who are enrolled in a AP course trimester 1 MUST register for the exam no later than October 31. Find the exam schedule and registration form HERE
Contact Mrs. Owens with any questions or concerns: janet.owens@saas.k12.de.us
Jazz Band Rehearsal
There will be jazz band on Thursday Oct 9th this week since there is a Professional Development Day on Friday. See you on Thursday!
Southern Delaware Orchestra (SODELO) is coming to SA!
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT SODELOMUSIC.ORG!
Come join us for this fun and fantastical performance, featuring classical favorites from Disney's Fantasia and so much more!!
This is an ideal event for music lovers, families, and anyone looking for a unique and enchanting way to spend an October afternoon.
Tickets are FREE for all Sussex Academy students and $25 for adults for the October 11th performance at SA. Don't miss this unforgettable musical experience!