Principal's Message
Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year!
Welcome to another exciting year at Swaney Elementary School! Whether you are returning to Swaney or joining our school community for the first time, I am excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are also excited to celebrate Swaney Elementary’s 70th anniversary. For generations, Swaney has been a place where students have learned, grown, built relationships, and created lasting memories. This year, we look forward to honoring our school’s rich history while continuing to build toward an exciting future for our students and families.
Swaney Elementary has a long tradition of providing outstanding educational opportunities for Derby students. Our dedicated staff serves students from Early Childhood through fifth grade and works each day to create engaging learning experiences that support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth of every child. In addition to strong core instruction, students have access to intervention supports, gifted services, specialized programming, and weekly opportunities in Music, Physical Education, Library, and STEAM.
Our Commitment
Academic Growth and Student Success: At Swaney, we are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that challenge and support all students. Our staff works collaboratively to meet the individual needs of students while helping them build confidence, independence, perseverance, and a love of learning. We believe every child can grow and succeed when provided with strong instruction, positive relationships, and high expectations.
A Safe and Supportive School Community: We are dedicated to creating a school environment where students feel safe, valued, respected, and connected. Building positive relationships with students, families, and staff is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure Swaney remains a welcoming place where students are encouraged to be curious learners, responsible individuals, and caring members of our community.
A Little About Me
This is my fifth year serving as principal at Swaney Elementary School, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this school community. Before becoming principal, I worked in Derby Public Schools for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, with much of that time spent as a Special Education teacher supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
My wife teaches at Derby Middle School, and together we have three children: a junior in high school, an 8th grader, and a 6th grader. Having lived in Derby for most of my life, I care deeply about this community and the people who make it such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
As principal, I believe strong relationships and collaboration are essential to student success. I value the partnerships we build with families and encourage parents to stay involved through our SITE Council, Parents and Teachers of Swaney (PATS), classroom volunteering opportunities, field trips, and school events throughout the year.
You can also stay connected by following our Facebook page or on X at @swaneyusd260 for updates, celebrations, and important information throughout the school year.
Looking Ahead
At Swaney Elementary, we take tremendous pride in our students, staff, families, and community. Our mission is to provide a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment that builds positive relationships and supports learning and growth for all students.
I am honored to partner with you as we continue building a strong school community that helps every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are excited for another incredible year of learning, growth, and celebration at Swaney Elementary.
The best is yet to come!
If you ever have questions or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Welcome to another exciting year at Swaney Elementary School! Whether you are returning to Swaney or joining our school community for the first time, I am excited to welcome you to the Wildcat family.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are also excited to celebrate Swaney Elementary’s 70th anniversary. For generations, Swaney has been a place where students have learned, grown, built relationships, and created lasting memories. This year, we look forward to honoring our school’s rich history while continuing to build toward an exciting future for our students and families.
Swaney Elementary has a long tradition of providing outstanding educational opportunities for Derby students. Our dedicated staff serves students from Early Childhood through fifth grade and works each day to create engaging learning experiences that support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth of every child. In addition to strong core instruction, students have access to intervention supports, gifted services, specialized programming, and weekly opportunities in Music, Physical Education, Library, and STEAM.
Our Commitment
Academic Growth and Student Success: At Swaney, we are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that challenge and support all students. Our staff works collaboratively to meet the individual needs of students while helping them build confidence, independence, perseverance, and a love of learning. We believe every child can grow and succeed when provided with strong instruction, positive relationships, and high expectations.
A Safe and Supportive School Community: We are dedicated to creating a school environment where students feel safe, valued, respected, and connected. Building positive relationships with students, families, and staff is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure Swaney remains a welcoming place where students are encouraged to be curious learners, responsible individuals, and caring members of our community.
A Little About Me
This is my fifth year serving as principal at Swaney Elementary School, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this school community. Before becoming principal, I worked in Derby Public Schools for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, with much of that time spent as a Special Education teacher supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
My wife teaches at Derby Middle School, and together we have three children: a junior in high school, an 8th grader, and a 6th grader. Having lived in Derby for most of my life, I care deeply about this community and the people who make it such a special place to live, work, and raise a family.
As principal, I believe strong relationships and collaboration are essential to student success. I value the partnerships we build with families and encourage parents to stay involved through our SITE Council, Parents and Teachers of Swaney (PATS), classroom volunteering opportunities, field trips, and school events throughout the year.
You can also stay connected by following our Facebook page or on X at @swaneyusd260 for updates, celebrations, and important information throughout the school year.
Looking Ahead
At Swaney Elementary, we take tremendous pride in our students, staff, families, and community. Our mission is to provide a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment that builds positive relationships and supports learning and growth for all students.
I am honored to partner with you as we continue building a strong school community that helps every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are excited for another incredible year of learning, growth, and celebration at Swaney Elementary.
The best is yet to come!
If you ever have questions or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Joel Addis
Swaney Elementary Principal
Our Commitment
Academic Growth and Student Success:
At Swaney, we are committed to providing meaningful learning experiences that challenge and support all students. Our staff works collaboratively to meet the individual needs of students while helping them build confidence, independence, perseverance, and a love of learning. We believe every child can grow and succeed when provided with strong instruction, positive relationships, and high expectations.
A Safe and Supportive School Community:
We are dedicated to creating a school environment where students feel safe, valued, respected, and connected. Building positive relationships with students, families, and staff is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure Swaney remains a welcoming place where students are encouraged to be curious learners, responsible individuals, and caring members of our community.