Head of School Updates

This year, our inclement weather plans were once again tested by snow, ice, and challenging conditions. As planned, we utilized three traditional school closures for the first day of each major weather event. However, the impact of the Blizzard of 2026 required us to use a fourth closure due to widespread power outages across the county.

To maintain our accelerated learning program and maximize instructional time, we will be making an adjustment to the school calendar to account for this additional closure. Friday, May 1, 2026, which was originally scheduled as a Professional Development Day for staff with no students in attendance, will now be a student attendance day. It is important to note that this decision was made based on our school mission and core values.

Please review the updated calendar, which will be uploaded to our website tomorrow morning after families are notified. The only change to the calendar is that May 1 will now be a regular instructional day for students. As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about this change in our calendar.

It’s almost here! Our 25th Anniversary Celebration is set for 7 to 10 p.m., this Friday, March 27 at The Starboard in Dewey Beach! Casual attire is the norm at the beach – please come dressed however you like!

Our students are doing amazing things! If you have a news tip, or stories and photos to share about your child’s achievements in the community, please send them to ellen.driscoll@saas.k12.de.us.

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.

Check out our recent headlines:

• Sussex Academy students excel at science fair

• Sussex Academy Middle presents Madagascar Jr.

• March 27: Hat’s Off to Reading - $1 wear your favorite hat

• April 3-10: Spring Break!

• April 24 & 25 Seussical the Musical (see flyer below)

• April 30 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM Math and Science Night

• May 21 (K-2 @ 12:15 & 3-5 @1:30) Spring Concert & Art Show (see flyer below)

• 3rd - 5th grades State Testing Dates: April 15 &16, 28 & 29. May 11, 12, 13, 14

Mark you calendars now for our upcoming production of Seussical the Musical! See the flyer below and click here to purchase your tickets in advance.

April is a time to celebrate the many ways our students think, learn, and connect. Autism is unique to each individual, and these differences make our school community stronger. As highlighted by the United Nations theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” we are reminded of the dignity, worth, and contributions of every individual.

This month, we encourage students to practice kindness, patience, and inclusion. Small actions—like using kind words or inviting others to join—can make a meaningful difference. We also remind students that many individuals with autism do want friendships, even if they connect in different ways. By showing understanding and respect, we help create a school where everyone feels valued.

How families can support at home:

• Encourage conversations about kindness and inclusion

• Celebrate differences as strengths

• Model patience and understanding in everyday interactions

Together, we can continue building a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and that they truly belong.

Time is running out to order your Middle School Yearbook. The time to buy is now! (6th and 7th grade only)

We cordially invite our families and community members to join Sussex Academy and SOAH for a special screening and discussion of the film Childhood 2.0 on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM.

Childhood 2.0 explores how smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity shape students’ lives. Through interviews with teens across the U.S., it highlights online pressures like social comparison, cyberbullying, gaming, and the impact on mental health and relationships. It offers insight into students’ digital experiences and encourages conversations about healthy technology use.

The film is not yet rated and might contain material inappropriate for children under 13. It includes sensitive topics such as mental health challenges, online harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for younger audiences. This screening aims to spark dialogue on supporting students in the digital age.

To support families attending with younger children, Sussex Academy student volunteers will provide a supervised space and activities for younger students while parents and older children enjoy the screening. Please RSVP here or scan the QR Code on this flyer by April 10 to plan for accommodations and refreshments.

See below for details about the annual SA Sports Boosters scholarship! The application is attached as a PDF.

Mark you calendars for Tuesday , May 19th!