Branford's public school students went back to school on Sept. 1, but some already had a head start on the school year with orientations, school visits, and other opportunities in the days leading up to the doors opening.

Also on Sept. 1, Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez visited with students at the town’s schools to start the academic year; as he has for each of his years as Branford’s schools chief (see “A Final Welcome” photo gallery). As previously reported, Hernandez has announced his plans to retire from his post at the end of the 2022-23 school year, completing 13 years leading Branford Public Schools.

BHS Freshman Orientation

Branford High School (BHS) greeted incoming freshmen during an orientation program Aug. 23. The Class of 2026 was greeted by administrative leaders, student ambassadors, and staff during an orientation with the theme, "We are Hornets."

In a letter to parents published at the school website, BHS prinicpal Lee Pangoulias said, “The message to the incoming class was that they are now Hornets and part of a very special community. We also issued students a challenge to start thinking about how they will take part in keeping BHS a place in which all are welcome. Branford High School takes on that same challenge and looks forward to welcoming our students back on Thursday, September 1 for our first day of school.”

Panagoulias also noted that virtual chats for families were held on Aug. 29 (incoming Freshmen) as well as Aug. 30 (sophomore, junior and seniors). Such conversations with BHS families is part of a continuing effort “... to work together to build a school that is safe, supportive, and responsive for all students,” he wrote.

BHS will hold its traditional BHS Back to School night in person at school on Thursday, Sept. 22.

WIS Fifth Grade Orientation

Grades 5 to 8 Walsh Intermediate School’s (WIS) incoming grade 5 students participated in a student-attendance-only orientation at the building on Aug. 29. WIS Fifth Grade Back to School Night for parents only is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8.

The Aug. 29 program included collaborating with district school transportation services First Student bus company, so that 5th-graders who take the bus could board their bus from their designated bus stop, travel to the orientation at WIS, and back home again.

“By structuring the 5th grade orientation in this manner, students have the opportunity to meet their bus driver, experience the bus ride prior to other students joining them, and see how the arrival and dismissal process works at Walsh,” wrote WIS principal Raeanne Reynolds, in an orientation letter to 5th grade parents and guardians.

Her note continued, “Once your child arrives at Walsh, they will be greeted by the administration, all 5th grade teachers, support staff and our specialists. As they enter the building, your child will be welcomed into the new WIS auditorium and the team teachers will introduce themselves and guide them to their homerooms.”

Reynolds also thanked the families for “...being a partner with us as we kick off the 2022-’23 school year. Orientation will be the first of many positive experiences your child participates in at the Francis Walsh Intermediate School.”

Elementary Schools

Student and family welcome programs differed among the town’s three elementary buildings, Tisko Elementary School, Murphy Elementary School and John B. Sliney Elementary School.

In a letter to parents published at the Sliney School page on the Branford Public Schools website, Sliney principal Maria Clark invited families and students to “Meet the Teacher” sessions held on Aug. 31.

Clark also expressed, “Our goal is to enable each and every child to feel successful both academically and socially. We also want to challenge all of our students and the school community to set high goals for themselves, always try their best and stay positive. We are looking forward to working with you and your child(ren) this year!”