Head of School Updates
August 19th, 2026
At Sussex Academy, we value open and ongoing lines of communication with our families. Each Wednesday at 5:00 PM, you will receive an email and text message with K–12 schoolwide updates. Our SMORE newsletters can also be translated into more than 130 languages by clicking the translation button or dropdown menu at the top of the page.
If you are new to the Sussex Academy community, you may not be accustomed to receiving these weekly K–12 communications but I encourage you to make them part of your weekly routine. Staying informed and engaged is an important part of our partnership with families. We need your support and engagement as we continue striving to become the premier K–12 school system in the state of Delaware.
As the start of the school year quickly approaches, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Community Kick Off Event
We are looking forward to our back-to-school kick-off next week! Join us on Thursday, Aug. 27 for elementary and secondary school open houses followed by a celebration at The Nest!
End of Summer Community Celebration
Interested in the chance to send the Head of School or Athletic Director into the dunk tank? Better yet, how about a dunk tank with a bucket of ice? Check out the attached flyer for an opportunity to support Sussex Academy, have some fun, and join us on August 29 at Salted Vines Vineyard & Winery in Dagsboro, Delaware!
Stock the Nest!
Help us Stock the Nest by supporting the Sports Boosters donation drive! To donate via the Amazon Registry, use the QR code or click here:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/U8VQC0N55URM?ref_=wl_share
Child Nutrition Services
We are excited to launch SchoolCafé as our new cafeteria portal! Below are the key updates regarding meals, pricing, and account setup for the upcoming school year.
Key Meal Updates & Daily Menu
No Pre-Ordering Required: Unlike previous years, you no longer need to place weekly advance lunch orders.
Free Breakfast for All: Sussex Academy will continue to offer free breakfast daily to every student. No opt-in is required; students may simply decline if they do not want a meal.
Lower Lunch Pricing: We have renegotiated with our catering partner to lower student lunch prices to $4.75 per meal.
Expanded Elementary Snacks: Snack purchases (chips, crackers) are now available to elementary students during lunch, and Ice Cream Fridays continue for all grades for $1.
Dietary Note: Due to low demand in prior years, vegan meals will no longer be offered.
Fall Lunch Schedule (Through October 4)
Main Entrée Option by Day of the Week
Monday- Chicken Nuggets Meal
Tuesday- Cheeseburger Meal
Wednesday- Pasta & Meat Sauce Meal
Thursday- Chicken Wings Meal
Friday- Crispy Chicken Sandwich Meal
* Individual pizza meals are served daily as an alternative entrée option, as well as a backup whenever a main entrée runs out.
How to Set Up Your SchoolCafé Account
Every family must create a SchoolCafé account to add funds for student lunch and snack purchases, as well as to apply for Free/Reduced Meal benefits.
Web Registration Steps (or use this link for visual steps):
Use this weblink: https://family.schoolcafe.com/SussexAcademy
Click “Create New Account”
Select “I’m a Parent” then click Next
Create a username and password you will easily remember and confirm the password
Set up a security question and answer (in case you do forget your login credentials)
Read and accept the Terms & Conditions
At the top of your dashboard, you can select “Add a student”
Enter your student’s information (it is ok if you do not know their Student ID, there are other methods to locate your student)
Verify the student retrieved is the student you want to add to your account and select “Add this student”
You can also manage your account on the go by downloading the SchoolCafé Family Hub app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Please apply for benefits and follow steps accordingly (if applicable)
Important Notes on Account Setup & First Week Meals:
Adding Funds: Online payment capability is currently pending integration with the state system. Families cannot load funds into accounts just yet, but we will notify you as soon as payments go live.
Free/Reduced Meal Applications: You can apply for Free/Reduced Meal benefits in SchoolCafé today! Eligibility determination emails will be sent shortly after applying.
First Week Lunch Menu:
August 31 (K, 6th & 9th Grade Orientation): Pizza will be served for lunch - No Cost
September 1 (All Students Return): The standard menu begins with the Cheeseburger Meal for $4.75.
A Note on Catering Portions: As we transition away from pre-ordering, we are estimating weekly meal counts based on past averages. Should a primary entrée run out while we adjust, pizza will always be available as a reliable alternative option. Thank you for your patience during our first few weeks!
Transportation Updates
Bus route assignments, hub stop locations, and estimated pickup/drop-off times will be available to view in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal by Monday, August 24. All assignments were created directly from the responses provided in your transportation survey. For reference, here is our schedule for buses:
https://www.sussexacademy.org/bus-schedule/
Please note the following critical guidelines regarding bus operations and safety for the school year:
No Route Changes: Bus routes and hub assignments are finalized and cannot be changed. Routes have been maximized and balanced strictly for safety and efficiency.
Student Behavior Expectations: With drivers transporting 50+ students on a bus - ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade - safety requires complete cooperation. Students must remain seated, keep hands to themselves, use inside voices, and follow driver instructions at all times.
Driver Respect: Traveling on a bus with dozens of peers is not the time or place to debate or disagree with the driver. Driver directives must be followed immediately to ensure the focus remains on driving safely.
Safety Enforcement: Inappropriate or disobedient behavior will be handled firmly. Our primary goal is ensuring all students, especially our youngest elementary learners, feel safe on their commute.
Loss of Bus Privileges: Transportation is a privilege. Ongoing misconduct or severe behavioral infractions will result in the permanent removal of a student from the bus. If a student is removed, parents will assume full responsibility for transporting their child to and from school.
Hub Stop Safety in Parking Lots: Because our hub stops are located in commercial or public parking lots, extreme caution is required during pickup and drop-off.
No Bus Flashing Lights: By Delaware state law, school bus drivers are not permitted to turn on their amber or red stop-signal lights in parking lots. Do not expect to see flashing lights at hub stops.
Parking & Drop-Off Protocol: Never pull up alongside, directly in front of, or behind a school bus in a parking lot. Please park in a marked parking space and allow your child to walk to the bus. If you have safety concerns, we strongly encourage you to walk your child directly to the bus doors.
Expanded After School Program
Just a reminder that we are partnering with the YMCA to enhance our after school care program for Sussex Academy families this school year. The program will be offered on our campus as we expand opportunities for students through homework support, sports, and outdoor activities. If you are interested in learning more, click here or see the flyer above.
First Days of School
9th Grade: Monday, August 31st
All Grades: Tuesday, September 1
The school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.
Cell Phone Policy
Just a reminder that our high school classrooms are cell phone-free. We need our students locked in, engaged, and learning during instructional time. Cell phones should be put away throughout class but may be used during transitions in the hallways and during lunch in the cafeteria.
Ms. Kaitlyn Sautner
Ms. Kaitlyn Sautner is excited to join Sussex Academy as a Speech-Language Pathologist, bringing five years of school-based experience working with students across a variety of age groups. Kaitlyn is passionate about helping students recognize their unique strengths, build confidence, advocate for their needs, and develop the communication skills necessary for success in school and beyond. She believes every student has strengths to build upon and strives to create positive, supportive experiences that help students achieve their individual goals.
As our Speech-Language Pathologist, Kaitlyn will work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and staff to support meaningful student growth and progress across Sussex Academy. Outside of school, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time outdoors, including walking her dog, traveling, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Mr. Kelvin Ventura- Velasquez
Born and raised in Georgetown, Delaware, Mr. Kelvin Ventura-Velasquez is excited to begin his career at Sussex Academy, where he will teach Middle School Band and support our Multilingual Learners. Kelvin is a first-generation graduate of the University of Delaware, Class of 2026, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in Percussion. He brings a variety of music education experiences, including serving as a music instructor with the University of Delaware Community Music School, Percussion Director at Middletown High School, and a percussion instructor at Brandywine High School and William Penn High School.
Ms. Amara Cropper
Ms. Amara Cropper is excited to join Sussex Academy as a year-long teacher resident in Kindergarten while completing her Bachelor of Science in Education degree at Delaware Technical Community College, including dual certification in Special Education. Amara brings valuable experience working with elementary students, having served as a substitute teacher in grades K–5 with the Indian River School District and as a summer school paraeducator in a specialized public school setting supporting students with disabilities.
Amara believes strongly in the impact educators have on the lives and futures of their students and is committed to providing positive, meaningful learning experiences that help every child grow and succeed. Outside of the classroom, Amara recently completed an impressive 15-year softball career and hopes to one day give back to the sport through coaching.
Ms. Ashley Feldmann
Ms. Ashley Feldmann is excited to join Sussex Academy as a year-long teacher resident in second grade, where she will support instruction in math and science while completing her Bachelor’s degree at Delaware Technical Community College. Ashley has already earned her associate degree in Elementary Education and will complete her bachelor’s degree at the end of this school year.
Ashley is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that help students grow both academically and personally. She believes students learn best in an environment that builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and is rooted in compassion. Her goal is to create a welcoming classroom where every student feels supported, valued, and excited to learn. Outside of the classroom, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and five dogs.
Ms. Taylor Husbands
Ms. Taylor Husbands is excited to join Sussex Academy as a year-long teacher resident in sixth grade, where she will support Writing instruction while pursuing her degree in Elementary Education through Delaware Technical Community College. Taylor brings four years of experience in special education and is passionate about helping students develop their confidence, knowledge, and love for writing.
She believes students learn best when they feel supported and welcomed and looks forward to building positive relationships that help every student grow and succeed. Born and raised in Lewes, Delaware, Taylor enjoys spending time with family and crafting outside of the classroom.
Mr. Zachary Naar
Mr. Zachary Naar is excited to join Sussex Academy as a year-long teacher resident in fifth grade, where he will support instruction in English Language Arts and Social Studies while completing his studies to become a teacher. Zachary brings three years of childcare experience working with students ages 3–12 and is passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued.
He believes every student deserves an exceptional education and is committed to building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact on the students he serves. Outside of the classroom, Zachary enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is also involved with Clear Space Theatre Company, where he performs and serves as a stage manager, and enjoys spending time in the kitchen baking.