Head of School Updates

Over the past two years, Sussex Academy has been both literally and figuratively building for the future. Together, we have strengthened our long-term financial reserves, invested in new elementary curriculum, developed a strategic plan, and continued expanding opportunities for students across our campuses.

Thanks to the generosity of our families and community through the 2025–2026 Soaring Higher Campaign, elementary students are exploring new playground equipment and secondary students are experiencing enhanced resources in the performing art and athletic programs. The Sussex Academy Foundation is also helping shape the future of our charter school as the construction of our new track, field, and stadium continues this summer. Families will also notice that the field near our tennis courts is being prepared with new soil and seed that will lay the groundwork for future improvements.

As we welcome everyone back to campus, I hope you see not only these physical improvements, but also feel our continued commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child," and I believe our Sussex Academy village is getting stronger each year.

Our new year kick-off is fast approaching! Join us Thursday, Aug. 27!

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!

See the agenda below for the upcoming Board of Directors Retreat.

Do you have a background in finance or a passion for serving your community? Sussex Academy is currently seeking community members to serve on our Citizen Budget Oversight Committee. This volunteer committee plays an important role in supporting the financial oversight and long-term success of our charter school.

Click here to access the application. Completed applications may be submitted to our Business Manager, Brittany Burslem, at brittany.burslem@saas.k12.de.us.

We are excited to announce several improvements to our school nutrition program for the 2026–2027 school year!

Sussex Academy is transitioning to SchoolCafé, a new online portal where families will be able to view menus, add funds, monitor meal purchases, and apply for meal benefits. We have also eliminated weekly meal pre-ordering, reduced lunch pricing to $4.75, and expanded snack options for elementary students.

We will also continue to offer our free breakfast program for all students. No opt-in or advance registration is required. Breakfast will be offered to all students daily and they may simply decline, if they do not wish to receive one.

Additional details, including SchoolCafé registration instructions, daily menus, and meal program information, will be shared in next week's Head of School Update.

Welcome to all of our new Sussex Academy families!

To ensure you stay fully connected with your student’s academic journey and school updates, all families are required to set up an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.

Having an active Parent Portal is essential for accessing key student information throughout the school year, including:

• Attendance records

• Report cards and academic progress

• High school transcripts

• Bus hub assignments and schedules

Getting Started: Please follow our step-by-step Infinite Campus Parent Portal Setup Guide to create and activate your account. During setup, you will be prompted to enter your Activation Key.

If you have not yet set up a Parent Portal account, Sussex Academy will be sending you an email later this evening with your unique activation key details. Please look for an email from Infinite Campus- Sussex Academy and be sure to check your spam / junk folder.

This year, we are expanding our K–12 Performing Arts Program by creating a more connected approach to music, theatre, chorus, and band across all grade levels. As Mr. Christopher Decker begins his new role as our K–12 Performing Arts Director, we invite families to attend our Performing Arts Information Night on Tuesday, August 18, from 5:30–6:30 PM in the main lobby and cafeteria of the secondary campus. During the evening, we will share our year-long plan for expanding performing arts opportunities and increasing student engagement across our K–12 program. Light refreshments will be provided.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure all students are set up for success on day one. We ask families with students in Grades 3–5, 7–8, and 10–12 to take a few minutes to check your child’s school-issued Chromebook and ensure it is in full working order. Being proactive now helps us resolve hardware or accessory issues before school starts!

Action Required: Please Test Your Child's Chromebook Please test the device and verify the following:

• Does the Chromebook turn on and function properly?

• Is the screen intact and free of damage?

• Is the keyboard working properly?

• Do you have a working charger?

If your child's Chromebook is missing, damaged, or other identified issue, please fill out our Chromebook Status & Repair Request Form no later than Monday, August 17. Our technology team will follow up with next steps.

Chromebook Replacement & Repair Costs Summary

For your awareness, below are the standard repair and replacement costs for school-issued devices:

• Full Chromebook Replacement: $372.97

• Screen Repair: $20

• Keyboard Replacement: $30

• Charger Replacement: $30 (Families may also purchase an equivalent compatible charger independently)

• Hinge Repair (Fixable): $15

Warranty & Major Repairs

Our Chromebooks come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from issuance. If a device has an internal motherboard issue, we will send it to Dell for repair at no cost to your family. However, if Dell determines the device cannot be repaired due to non-warranty damage, a replacement Chromebook will need to be purchased.

As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, please note the following key updates regarding bus assignments and safety:

• Bus Assignments: Using the responses from our recent Google Form requests for bus hub locations, we have balanced our ridership so that no bus exceeds 65 students. If you completed the transportation survey, you will receive an email with your assigned bus route by the end of this week. Bus assignments will also be available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal prior to the start of the school year.

• Need Transportation? If you did not complete the survey and still require transportation, please contact Calli Horsey at calli.horsey@saas.k12.de.us to be assigned to an available bus hub.

• No Route Changes: Please refrain from contacting Calli Horsey to request changes to bus assignments. Routes and hubs have been balanced based on original submitted requests.

• Bus Routes & Hub Assignments: You can review our full list of bus routes and hub stop assignments for the year via Bus Routes & Hub Stop Assignments.

• Safety & Expectations: Safety remains our top priority. Along with your bus assignment email, we will share clear safety and behavioral expectations for both students and parents. Please remember that riding the bus is a privilege that may be revoked if student behavior is unsafe.

We are excited to announce that we will be 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 review the flyer below.

We’re excited to introduce a new system to create a more efficient and convenient pick-up experience for our families! If you are a parent who picks your child up at the end of the day, here is how it works:

1. Parents will receive two numbered tags to hang in their car rearview mirror.

2. All you have to do is hang your tag in your rearview mirror for a Sussex Academy staff member to see.

3. Your number will be associated with your child, allowing our staff to quickly and efficiently call your child for a smooth and timely pickup.

4. Numbered tags can be picked up from your homeroom teacher at our Open House at the elementary school on August 27th from 1:30-3:00 PM.

We’re excited to welcome our Seahawks back for another great year of learning, leadership, and new opportunities!

📅 FIRST DAYS

• Grade 6

  Monday, August 31

  
  

• Grades 7 & 8

  Tuesday, September 1

  
  

🎒 BE READY

• Start the year prepared with everything you need for a great first day!

View Middle School Supply List

📚 SUMMER READING

• One last summer check! Be sure your summer reading assignment is complete and ready for the start of school.

View Summer Reading Assignment

💜 WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

GRADE 9: AUGUST 31

The first day of school for ninth-grade students is Monday, August 31. This dedicated day will help our newest high school students become familiar with their schedules, teachers, and the high school experience. Read a message from Mrs. Sherman here.

ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: SEPTEMBER 1

The first day of school for all high school students is Tuesday, September 1. The recommended school supplies include an agenda, folders/notebooks for classes, and a writing utensil. Specific materials needed for each class will be discussed with students once their classes begin.

Dear Academic Challenge Families for Levels 1-3,

This is a reminder that AC courses will start on Tuesday, August 18. Sussex Academy will provide transportation on days students are in school. Please plan to transport your child to and from DTCC Campus on the following dates:

• Tuesday August 18
• Tuesday August 25 (SA Inservice)
• Tuesday November 24 (SA Inservice)
• Tuesday March 9 (SA Inservice)

Please reach out to AC Coordinator Mrs. McLaughlin at maureen.mclaughlin@saas.k12.de.us with any questions.

Learn everything you need to know to prepare for the upcoming athletic season(s). This virtual session will cover SNAP registration, RankOne eligibility, required DIAA physicals, the Athletic Department's chain of communication, and ways we can work together to empower our student-athletes through sport.

Whether your family is new to Sussex Academy Athletics or returning for another season, this meeting is a great opportunity to get informed, ask questions, and start the year on the right foot. We look forward to seeing you on August 19 at 6:00 PM through the Teams meeting link! All are athletic families encouraged to attend; Fall, Winter & Spring.

Parent Info Night Meeting Link

Senior portrait day is just around the corner! Jostens will be at Sussex Academy on Tuesday, August 25, to photograph the Class of 2027. Please reach out to Ms. Hvorecny if you have questions: lauren.hvorecny@saas.k12.de.us.

Click here for more details.