Dear Sliney Families,

Over the past several months, our JBS staff worked together to define who we are as a school community and the values that guide us. Through reflection and collaboration, we developed our vision: a joyful and inclusive learning community that values collaboration, a growth mindset, and lifelong learning for everyone. This vision reflects our commitment to engaging, student-centered learning, strong relationships, and continuous growth for all.

In practice, this means joyful classrooms, student voice in learning, and a supportive environment where every child feels valued and challenged. It also means strong partnerships with families through open communication and shared support for each child’s success.

Thank you to our families for being such an important part of this partnership—we are grateful to work together to help every student learn, grow, and thrive.

Yours truly,

Maria Clark, Ed.D.

Principal

JBS Vision: A joyful and inclusive learning community that values collaboration, a growth mindset, and lifelong learning for everyone.

Core Values

Learning is engaging, creative, and joyful, fostering curiosity and a love of learning.

All community members—teachers, students, and staff—are empowered to share their voices and take ownership of their learning.

Strong, respectful relationships create a safe, inclusive, and supportive community.

We grow by embracing challenges, reflection, and continuous improvement.

We collaborate to uphold high expectations for student growth and performance and continuously improve teaching and learning for ourselves, our students, and the entire school community.

In practice, this means joyful classrooms, strong partnerships with families, student voice in daily learning, and collaborative teams using evidence of learning and shared instructional planning to support the growth of the whole child.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week is next week!

Please join me in taking a moment to recognize our incredible staff by sending a note, card, or email! This special week is an opportunity to show gratitude for their hard work, dedication, and the care they bring to our students and the entire Sliney community each and every day.

A special thank you to our PTA for planning a wonderful week of celebration, including a breakfast, luncheon, and other thoughtful treats to honor our staff next week!!

I am a first grade teacher here at Sliney. I love watching my students grow throughout the year, gaining confidence and independence in so many areas. I value the supportive community of staff and families which make our school a special place to be!

Hello! First Grade is the best! I am a first grade teacher here at Sliney. I have been working in First Grade for quite awhile, and always enjoy seeing the children learn and grow. I especially love to see their independence and confidence blossom as we enter the last part of our school year. Our Sliney school community has always been focused on teamwork and so supportive of each other. Sliney School is a wonderful place to work!

I have been teaching for over 20 years. I have taught all of the elementary grades over the years. First grade is such an amazing grade to teach for several reasons. I love seeing the huge growth. The students come in still figuring out the basics and by the end of the year they are reading, writing amazing stories, and solving difficult math problems. Watching that transformation in real time is incredibly rewarding. Even small wins feel huge! I feel incredibly honored to have a hand in shaping how my students feel about school and about their confidence in who they are as learners. First graders are hilarious and honest. They say exactly what they are thinking. Their stories, questions, and observations make me smile daily. I am grateful to be part of such an important year.

Screen-Free Week is an annual, global celebration held during the first week of May. During this time, families, libraries, schools, and entire communities are encouraged to swap digital entertainment for the joys of life beyond the screen. It’s a fun and meaningful way to reduce dependence on devices and an opportunity for both children and adults to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with the world around them.

We are encouraging all Sliney families to join us at home by participating in a Family Screen-Free Bingo Activity, promoting quality time and shared experiences beyond devices! A hard copy of this will be sent home this week!

May 28th - YMCA Field Trip

June 1st - Silver Sands Field Trip

June 8th - Stepping Up Ceremony @ 5:30PM

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

John B. Sliney Elementary

📍 23 Eades Street, Branford, CT 06405

📞 203-481-5386

✉️ slineyoffice@branfordschools.org

✉️ mclark@branfordschools.org (Dr. Maria Clark's Email)