Skip to main content

John B. Sliney Elementary - Welcome Back to School Information for 2026-2027

Posted Date: 08/14/26 (10:00 AM)
View Original Post


Logo for Sliney Elementary School featuring a lighthouse, sailboats, and an open book.

Welcome Back to School Information

August 2026

Dear JBS Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We hope you have had a wonderful summer filled with rest, fun, and special memories.

As we open our doors for another exciting year, our school motto reminds us: "We Stand Tall and Reach for the STARS!" Grounded in our JBS Vision Statement—to be a joyful and inclusive learning community that values collaboration, a growth mindset, and lifelong learning for everyone—we hold high expectations for teaching and learning for all students and staff. Together, we are committed to building creative, engaging classrooms that focus on student achievement and ensure every child feels safe, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.

Class Placement Information
Welcome Letters containing your child’s classroom teacher and placement for the upcoming school year—will be shared electronically via ParentSquare on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Our staff dedicated significant time and thoughtful care to crafting balanced classroom placement lists. Because of the intentional effort behind this process, we will not be making adjustments to class placements once letters are released. Thank you for trusting our process and support in these efforts.

Meet the Teacher Schedule:
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Location: John B. Sliney Elementary School
This event is a wonderful opportunity for students to visit their new classroom, meet their teacher, and connect with classmates before the first day of school.

Kindergarten - 9-9:30
First Grade - 9:30-10:00 
Second Grade - 10-10:30
Third Grade - 1:30-2:00
Fourth Grade - 2:30-3:00 PM
** Special 4th Grade Meeting with Bonnie Fafard, 4th Grade Committee Chair/PTA at 2:15 in the cafeteria!**

Important Note: We kindly ask that parents/guardians accompany their child and remain with them for the entire duration of the visit. Thank you!

Kindergarten Families - Bus Orientation Information:
After visiting your child's classroom, you're invited to join us for a quick 5 to 10-minute bus orientation ride at 9:25 AM! You'll get to ride along with your child and learn all about our school bus safety rules together.

Get Involved with our PTA & Stay Connected
  • Our PTA will be on-site during the Meet the Teacher Sessions to introduce themselves and share easy ways to get involved in upcoming school events and activities!
  • Stay Informed: Please regularly visit the Sliney School and Branford Public Schools district websites for important news, calendars, and updates.

We are truly looking forward to the year ahead and to building a strong, positive partnership with each of you. Together, as a collaborative community, we will ensure our students feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn every single day.

Thank you again for sharing your children with us—we can’t wait to welcome you back!

With gratitude,
Maria Clark, Ed.D.
Principal, John B. Sliney Elementary School

 

Meet the Teacher Session Schedule:

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Kindergarten: 9:00-9:30 AM (K Bus Orientation will take place @ 9:25AM)
First Grade: 9:30 -10:00 AM
Second Grade: 10:00-10:30 AM
Third Grade: 1:30-2:00 PM
Fourth Grade: 2:30-3:00 PM
** 2:15 PM Special 4th Grade Parent Meeting with Bonnie Fafard, 4th Grade Committee Chair in the Cafeteria
 

2026-2027 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures

At John B. Sliney Elementary School, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we have established specific arrival and dismissal procedures for parents and students. These guidelines are designed to provide a safe environment for our children and to minimize congestion and confusion during these busy times. We appreciate your cooperation and attention to these procedures to help us maintain a safe and orderly school environment.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES:
Kindergarten Students
Enter through the Side Door Entrance Door by the Sliney Playground

Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4: 
Enter through the Main Entrance Door 

Buses will drop off students along the sidewalk on Eades Street @ 8:40 AM -8:45 AM

Cars will drop off students along the sidewalk on Eades St. from 8:40-8:55AM

Parents/Guardians: Please remain in your vehicle to reduce traffic congestion.

Staff will signal when students may exit their cars. Students will be directed by staff to enter the building at grade level entrances promptly. Parents are encouraged to leave promptly after drop-off.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES:  
Parent Pick Up Information for Grades K-1 
Parent Pick-Up starts at 3:20 P.M.
Parents/Caregivers – Proceed to the pick-up line located by the Sliney Playground on Prospect Street.*
The pick-up line is adjacent to the parking lot and located along the sidewalk.
Bring your Sliney Car Tag with you.A staff member will collect your number and escort your child to you. Older siblings will be dismissed together with their younger siblings.
*Due to limited parking on Prospect Street

Parent Pick Up Information for Grades 2-4
Pick-Up starts at 3:20 P.M.
Cars line up along Eades Street past the bus stop area.  
Please display your CAR TAG visibly for staff.
Students will be escorted to vehicles by staff. Please do not get out of your car.  
Bus Dismissal starts at 3:25 P.M. Staff will dismiss bus students from classrooms

K-4 Bus Dismissal Information 
Bus Dismissal starts at 3:25 P.M. Staff will dismiss bus students from classrooms as their buses arrive.
 

IMPORTANT SCHOOL INFORMATION:

  • Elementary SCHOOL HOURS are from 8:55 A.M. to 3:25 P.M. for Grades K-4 
  • BUS Drop-Off starts at 8:40 A.M.  Parent Vehicle Drop-Off starts at 8:45 A.M.
  • BUS Pick-Up starts at 3:25 P.M.   Parent Vehicle Pick-Up starts at 3:20 P.M. 
  • Students arrive no earlier than 8:40AM and no later than 9:00AM to ensure that they are not marked tardy and/or reported absent.  
  • Please contact your child’s teacher ahead of time for any and all changes to your child's schedule with a hand-written note or email. Please email your child’s teacher and the Main Office email: slineyoffice@branfordschools.org to provide written documentation of your child’s transportation schedule!  
  • Car Pick-Up Tags for Dismissal: All families will receive a Pick-Up/Dismissal Tag and Child’s backpack tag during the Meet the Teacher Sessions and/or on the first day of school. When picking up your child at the end of the day, all cars must have the 26-27 Car Pick-Up Tag displayed for proper identification.  

ATTENDANCE:
Absentee & Truancy Letters will be sent home every month for 5, 10, 15, or more missed days of school, excused or not. Please make sure to plan vacations and trips during non school days. We only have 180 days for children to learn and think the necessary skills needed for elementary school. We need this support from our school community.
 

Important Sliney Staff:

Office Administrative Assistants:

School Nurse: Christin Klouda, cklouda@branfordschools.org
School Social Worker: Anastacia Ulrich, aulrich@branfordschools.org
School Psychologist: Catie Moran-Dion cmorandion@branfordschools.org
School Speech Pathologist: Julia Pagnani , jpagnani@branfordschools.org
 

SCHOOL VISITOR INFORMATION:

All parents and guardians are required to sign in using the VERKADA Guest Management system when visiting our schools. The following procedures will be followed by all guests entering our schools:

  • Please ring the intercom at the main entrance upon arrival at the school.
  • You will be asked to present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or government-issued ID, to the designated staff member. If you do not have a government issued ID, please contact your school’s principal. Your photo ID will be scanned on the IPad Verkada System.
  • You will receive a visitor badge with your name, photo, and the purpose of your visit in the main office.
  • When leaving, please return to the main office and follow the sign-out system. Thank you!
 

FOOD SERVICES:

  • BREAKFAST & LUNCH will be served on a regular basis.  
  • BREAKFAST IS FREE for ALL STUDENTS! Please note that as students arrive in the morning, all students in Grades 1-4 will enter through the main entrance and go to the cafeteria. Your child will be given breakfast if they'd like to participate.
  • Students will place their lunch order when they arrive to class in the morning with their classroom teacher. The teacher will then convey the order electronically to the cafeteria. Here's the link to add money to your child's lunch account: MySchoolBucks.
  • Lunch Cost is $3.45.
  • Lunch & breakfast menus are available on our district’s website at Branford Nutrislice.
  • Bagged lunches/snacks from home are an acceptable option. See your child’s teacher for any class food restrictions or allergies.  
 

RECESS:

  • All students will have recess daily. Please have your child wear sneakers on a regular basis.  
  • Teachers and support staff will be supervising classes during this time. Recess will take place at the Sliney Playground for Grades K-2 and at Hammer Field for Grades 3 and 4.   
  • Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for recess. Our students will be playing outside for recess on a regular basis!
 

TRANSPORTATION:

  • We encourage all children to ride the bus. This helps facilitate regular routines and foster independence for our children.  
  • Cell phones/electronic devices - Please do not send your child into school on the bus with cell phones or electronic devices.
  • A schedule for the Bus Transportation will be released soon to view on the district website. All students will be assigned a school bus or van regardless if they are planning to take it or not.  
  • ZUM TRANSPORTATION: Please make sure to download the ZUM app for information on your child’s transportation.  
  • Without prior or proper school notification about your child’s transportation schedule, students will go home on the bus everyday.  
  • ZUM TRANSPORTATION Phone Number: (855) 743-3986; 855-RideZum 
 

KEEPING ALL STUDENTS PRESENT & ENGAGED

At Sliney and all Branford elementary schools, we ask that ALL our students keep personal devices—like cell phones, smart watches, and other electonic wearables—at home. Please do not have your child bring these items on the bus or to school. Thank you for supporting student focus and well-being!
 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Thursday, August 27 - First Day of School 
Monday, September 7 - Labor Day, No School 
Wednesday, September 9 - Back to School Night - Grades K & 1 @ 5:00 PM; Grades 2, 3 & 4 @ 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 9 - PTA Meeting @ 7:00PM
Wednesday, September 30 - Early Release Day for Students 
October 14 - Picture Day
October 9 & 12 - FALL Recess, No School
October 28 - Early Release Day for Students 
October 28th - Early Release Day for Students 
November 3rd-No School for Students
November 11th and 17th Parent Teacher Conferences