Head of School Updates

We kicked off the school year with K–12 student assemblies that highlighted our excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. We also shared the high expectations we hold at Sussex Academy to set a strong foundation for the year ahead. Overall, we have started the school year in a positive way, with great energy on both campuses.

It is truly a great time to be a Seahawk. We have so much to be proud of and even more to look forward to this year. For example, Sussex Academy consistently ranks in the top five across all subject areas of standardized assessments in Delaware. I’ve included data that compares our overall performance last year with the top performing districts and charter schools in the state. Our students continue to excel at very high levels because of the dedication of our students, staff, teachers and families who make this possible.

At the same time, there are areas where we need to improve to continue striving to be the premier school system in Delaware. Math, for example, is above the state average but still requires our attention. The achievement of students with IEPs and multilingual learners also remains a priority. Please know that our team is working hard to strengthen these areas while also celebrating our many successes. I would like to encourage families to review the data below and take this opportunity to talk with your child about their academic goals for the school year.

Did you know you could support your child’s classroom or sponsor student AP exam fees as an Explore-level donor to our Soaring Higher fundraising campaign?

Donors in the Explore tier contribute $500 to the campaign; $250 of that donation goes toward Sussex Academy’s capital expenditures account, and donors may choose to earmark the remaining $250 to either a classroom sponsorship or student AP exam fees.

So far, the Hein family has sponsored both Mrs. McMahon and Mrs. Houston’s classrooms at our elementary campus. At our secondary campus, the Cohen family has sponsored Ms. McCormick’s classroom and Katrina Eichler and John Pflanz have sponsored Nurse Furlong’s office.

Final Reminder!

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!

Please contact the school office with any dismissal changes before 2:30 PM.

For changes regarding bus transportation, a 24-hour notice is required for any request for your child to ride a different bus. Please keep in mind that some buses are at full capacity and cannot accommodate additional students.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Back-to-School Night is a special evening event for parents to get to know their child's school and curriculum better at the beginning of the school year. It's an opportunity for parents to:

• See the classroom: You can walk through the classroom and get a sense of your child's learning environment.

• Learn about the curriculum: The teacher will usually give a presentation on what your child will be learning throughout the year, including key topics and projects.

• Understand expectations: This is a time to hear about the teacher's policies on things like homework, grading, and classroom behavior.

• Ask general questions: While it's not the right time for a one-on-one discussion about your individual child (that's what parent-teacher conferences are for), you can ask general questions about the class and school.

The main purpose of Back-to-School Night is to establish a strong partnership between the home and the school, which is a key factor in a child's success.

Click Here for the Elementary Back to School Night Schedule

October 1, 2025 5:30 - 7:30

There will be two dress-down days each month:

• One Free Dress Down Day – no cost, just fun!

• One Fundraising Dress Down Day – students bring in a $2 donation to participate, with funds supporting school initiatives and activities.

• Students wear their school uniform.

• All students and staff have their picture taken, even if they do not plan to purchase a package. These photos are used in the yearbook.

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

• You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT67QZ7R.

• Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

• Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or a check (made out to mylife) on Picture Day.

• Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com

Parent Helpers Wanted:

Help us make the Picture Day smooth and effortless. Contact the office if you'd like to volunteer at Picture Day.

Join us in the gym from 12–2 PM for a free event featuring Carlos Mir, a 3-time World Record holder! This is an exciting opportunity to see an incredible athlete in action — you won’t want to miss it!

We are excited to invite all families to our upcoming Back-to-School Night! This is a great opportunity learn more about our curriculum, classes and connect with our school community.

In addition to classroom visits, we will be offering a series of help sessions for families, including:

• Schoology Tutorial (Sessions available in both English and Spanish)

• Infinite Campus Tutorial (Sessions available in both English and Spanish)

• College Advising (separate sessions geared toward parents of Juniors and Seniors)

• Senior families can also attend a presentation from a Financial Aid speaker, offering valuable information about preparing for the college application process. (7:00 - 8:00 pm)

Throughout the evening, families may also visit information tables and speak with staff members about:

• Athletics

• Student Services

• Health Services with our Nurse

• Extracurricular Activities

We look forward to seeing you and working together to make this school year a success!

Students in grades 6-12 that are interested in auditioning for County Band/Choir or All-State Band/Choir, please fill out the Google interest form:

Click Here for Form

Auditions are coming up soon, so please make sure you fill out the interest form. Mr. Marotta or Mr. Decker will be contacting you shortly.

*Questions? Please contact Mr. Marotta (Senior choir) or Mr. Decker (Junior choir)*

There will be two dress down days each month:

• One Free Dress Down Day – no cost, just fun!

• One Fundraising Dress Down Day – students bring in a $2 donation to participate, with funds supporting school initiatives and activities.

This Friday, September 19th, is our first FREE dress down day.

All dress down days will be announced in advance, and clothing should follow our Dress Down Day attire guidelines:

Students can wear their ‘casual street clothes’ but must abide by all school set standards for dress down days. No open toed shoes, tank tops, spaghetti straps, shortie shorts, exposed midriffs, or inappropriate logos. Appropriate, tasteful dress and appearance must apply. Ensure that clothing fully covers buttocks, midriff and chest at all times.

October 3 will be a $2 fundraising Dress Down Day.

In response to popular demand, the deadline to order a 2025 HOCO sweatshirt is TOMORROW, Thursday, Sept. 18! Order online now or print and return your order form and payment to your homeroom teacher or Coach Dina.

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: EVTZX2CNB

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