Head of School Updates

On August 1, we officially launched our Soaring Higher fundraising campaign. Since that time, our community has demonstrated incredible support in a variety of ways. Whether through direct donations of any amount or by referring others to support our school, I want to thank our community for your generosity and commitment to Sussex Academy. I am pleased to report that we now have $42,281.33 in our capital account.

We’ve outlined the key projects and goals across all three tiers of the campaign. You can click here to view the flyer we’ve shared to help kick things off. I’m also happy to meet with anyone interested in learning more about our objectives. Additionally, we’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the families and businesses listed below for their generosity and support:

Explore

The Hein Family

Experience

The Bentley Family

The Bliley Family

The Booth Family

The Farkas Family

The Jackson Family

The Knowlton Family

The Rose Family

The Shenoy Family

The Starboard

Excel

Delmarva Petroleum Solutions

Dutton Transportation

Schell Brothers

See the image below or download the PDF for details about the September Board of Directors meeting, which will take place at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 17, in the Board Room on the secondary campus.

We are receiving increasing reports of unsafe behavior at our bus hub stops, particularly involving drivers passing stopped school buses or parking improperly near students.

For the safety of all students:

• Do not drive past a bus when it is stopped — even if it appears parked.
  

• Always park in the designated area, away from the bus loading/unloading zone.
  

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  Remain alert and cautious — children are crossing and boarding buses, and even a moment of distraction can lead to danger.

  
  

We urge all parents and guardians to model safe and respectful behavior at these hub locations. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect our students.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe.

Please see the image below or download the PDF for an opportunity to support the continued growth of our performing arts program!

Sussex Academy is evaluating whether there is enough interest to offer a Southern Route Activity Bus Run (Monday–Thursday) for after-school programs. In past years, the level of interest has not supported adding this route—but we will continue to reassess annually.

If your child would benefit from this transportation option, please take a moment to complete this brief survey: https://forms.gle/PxVirpEiUQ6JWfZi8

Your feedback helps us determine whether the need exists for this added service. Thank you!

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.

Parents – do you have a news tip to share about your child’s accomplishments? Contact Ellen Driscoll at ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.

To ensure a smooth and safe drop-off and pick-up process for all students, we kindly ask that you follow these procedures:

• Please pull your car all the way to the front of the line before your child exits or enters the vehicle. This helps to keep traffic moving efficiently and reduces congestion.

• Please remain in your car. Our staff will be on hand to assist your child with getting in and out of the vehicle.

• If you need to buckle your child into their seat, please pull around and park in a designated parking spot. This allows the line to continue moving and prevents delays for other families.

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Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps us keep everyone safe.

Get your yearbooks now at the special back-to-school price!

Please note, families of 5th graders do not need to purchase a yearbook. The cost is covered by activity fees and every 5th grader will receive one. We will be in touch soon with details on how you can purchase an ad to celebrate your student.

See the flyers below for details about a free, family-friendly activity on October 4!

The Eastern After-School Activity Bus has new drop-off times and locations:

• Redner’s – 5:45 PM

• Home Depot – 5:55 PM

• Fire Station #3, Route 24 – 6:10 PM

• Mary Mother of Peace Church (Oak Orchard)– 6:30 PM

Yes, we are having a Redner’s and Home Depot drop-off! We appreciate you hanging in with us while we keep adjusting routes. If anyone actually does make a Sussex Academy Bus Update Bingo board, we’d like a copy.

For the safety of all students, please note that students may only remain on campus after school hours if they are:

• Participating in a school-sponsored club, activity, or athletic program, or
  

• Accompanied by a parent/guardian or designated adult.

Students who are not involved in a supervised activity or accompanied by an adult should go home at dismissal. Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and well supervised.

ALL BAND rehearsals are now underway. Here is the schedule in preparation for our Winter concert:

• HS Band rehearsals will start this coming Monday, Sept 15, from 3-4:30pm.
• MS Band rehearsals for all MS students will start next Tuesday, Sept 17 from 3-4:30pm.
• Jazz Band rehearsals start next Friday, Sept 19 from 7-8am.

If you have any questions, please email Mr. Marotta - michael.marotta@saas.k12.de.us

Sussex Academy is pleased to announce the Homecoming Sweatshirt Sale. Please order online or fill out the linked form and return it with a check or cash by September 17, 2025. All proceeds benefit the Sports Boosters. Thank you for your support!

For the safety of our students, staff, and fellow drivers, please do not use the left lane during morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up.

🚫 No student drop-offs or pick-ups should occur from the left lane — this creates a dangerous situation for students crossing traffic and significantly disrupts the flow of cars.

✅ Please use the designated right-hand drop-off lane only, and follow all posted signage and staff directions.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient campus for everyone!

Click here for an update from our School Nurses!

Lifetouch Studios will be at school on Thursday, September 25th to take fall pictures for both middle and high school students.

• All students and staff should have their picture taken, even if they do not plan to purchase a package. These photos are used in both the middle and high school yearbooks.

• Seniors may choose whether or not to participate.

• Everyone photographed will also receive a school ID card for the year.

Ordering Options:

• Paper Order Form: Order forms available in the main office OR click here. Please complete and return the form on Picture Day and give it directly to the Lifetouch representative during the session.

Online Ordering: Families may also order online at mylifetouch.com using your student’s ID or Picture Day ID: BNC2XZTVE.

Safe DE App flyer

• September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Learn the warning signs, ⚠️normalize help-seeking, and let people know there are proven treatments that work. Check out SAMHSA’s #SuicidePreventionMonth toolkit ➡️ samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention-month

• LINK to image

• Throughout this month, the counseling team will be sharing resources and awareness for suicide prevention. Please stay tuned for updates!

• 6th and 7th grade: Nikki Kaczmarczyk; nikki.kaczmarczyk@saas.k12.de.us
• 8th and 9th grade: Stacey Alinkoff; stacey.alinkoff@saas.k12.de.us
• 10th, 11th, 12th grade: Channel Chaplin; channel.chaplin@saas.k12.de.us