Thank you, Slate Valley community!

Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!

Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations

All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.

We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒

Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
about 16 hours ago, Slate Valley
A bold community flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance – Thank You!” The top features a close-up of an ambulance with its blue emergency lights on and the word “AMBULANCE” in red letters across the front. Below, a large “Thank You!” message appears in white text. The center of the flyer shows the back of an ambulance filled with assorted donated food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and cooking oil. On the left is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo, and on the right is a star-of-life EMS symbol. A white box lists total contributions: “Cash Donations = $1744.05” and “Food Donations = 1,451.15 pounds.” The bottom text reads, “Sponsored by Slate Valley Unified USD & Fair Haven Rescue Squad – All to benefit Slate Valley Cares.”
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Slate Valley!🦃
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
about 17 hours ago, Slate Valley
A festive Thanksgiving-themed graphic featuring cartoon characters dressed as a Pilgrim boy on the left and a Pilgrim girl on the right. At the top is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo. Colorful fall leaves and banner decorations frame the image. The text reads: “Thanksgiving Break. School will be closed November 26–28. Wishing all of our Slate Valley families a restful and joyful holiday! School resumes Monday, December 1!” The bottom of the graphic is decorated with sunflowers and autumn foliage.
🎉 Congratulations to Tina Rampone! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Tina Rampone, Librarian at Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, for being named the Rosen Publishing Northern New England School Librarian of the Month for November 2025!

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding school librarians across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine who go above and beyond in supporting literacy, creativity, and student engagement. Tina exemplifies all of these qualities through her warm, inclusive library environments and her innovative blend of literacy and STEAM learning — from recycled cardboard engineering to 3D pens, circuits, and hands-on problem solving.

✨ About the Award:
Rosen Publishing Group is known for producing engaging print and digital books aligned to school curricula, as well as high-quality databases and interactive e-books. As part of this generous award, Tina will receive:

📚 A curated set of Rosen print titles for both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries
💻 One year of access to Rosen’s PowerKnowledge Science database, praised by the National Science Teachers’ Association as:
“Useful and kid-friendly… Provides the bridge between textbook, inquiry, and technology.”

This award not only honors Tina’s exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment to students — it directly enriches both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries and expands learning opportunities for all.

Please join us in giving Tina a huge Slater Nation congratulations!
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
A portrait of a woman with short curly gray hair and red-framed glasses, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a floral top with orange and yellow flowers and small drop earrings, posed in front of a gray studio background.
Slater Nation Pre-season Practice Schedule for Winter Sports 2025-26

Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.

Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Pre-Season Practice Schedules” with the Slate Valley logo at the top. Includes illustrated sports icons such as a basketball, pom-poms, wrestling figures, running shoes, and bowling pins. Lists practice times for Indoor Track, Wrestling, Cheer, and Bowling, with dates from December 1–12. A QR code is shown in the bottom left corner for weekly schedules.
Graphic titled “FHU High School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Includes a two-week practice schedule grid for girls’ and boys’ varsity and JV basketball, with dates from November 30 to December 13. A basketball icon labeled “High School” appears in the bottom right corner, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the bottom left.
Graphic titled “FHU Middle School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Features a practice schedule grid for 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball from November 30 to December 13. Notes that practices and home games are at Fair Haven Grade School. A basketball icon labeled “Middle School” appears in the lower left, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the lower right.
⚽ Interested in Becoming a Soccer Referee?
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!

📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254

🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346

This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.

To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.

👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.

Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer for the “2026 Vermont First Time Soccer Referee Clinic.” The top features bold text with “Soccer Referee Clinic” in large white and yellow letters on a dark gray background. Below, the date “February 28, 2026” appears in a red box. On the right side is a cartoon referee blowing a whistle and holding up a red card. On the left is a large illustrated soccer ball with yellow motion streaks. Event details list the time (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) and location (Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT). A yellow arrow points to a QR code labeled “Scan Me!” The bottom includes a link for registration.
Board Meeting - November 24, 2025

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#

Please note: To participate in conversation virtually and/or ask a question virtually, please use the “raise hand” icon in Google Meet. Typing responses or questions in chat is not an option.
2 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic flyer announces the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features green and blue text with circular decorative elements. It reads: “Please Join Us TONIGHT,” “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting,” and lists the agenda items: “Consent Agenda, Cognia Results Presentation, Building & Grounds Committee Report.” The Slate Valley logo is displayed on the right. At the bottom, it states: “November 24, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
Slate Valley Distict Newsletter: November 21, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 21, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, followed by a colorful ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ banner with cartoon turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, and fall decorations. Below is a decorative fall-themed border surrounding the heading ‘A Message of Gratitude from the Superintendent,’ with accompanying text expressing appreciation to the Slate Valley community.
FHUMS Students Support “Stuff an Ambulance!” 🚑💙

Our FHUMS students delivered bags full of food and household donations from their TA groups today to help Stuff an Ambulance at Fair Haven Shaw’s! A special shout out to Jacob Purdy, Noah Laramie, Jacob Jamieson, and Cole Belden!

The event runs today until 5 PM and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 AM–1 PM — all donations go directly to Slate Valley Cares, supporting families right here in our community.

Stop by, say hello to our Slater mascot, and help us fill that ambulance! 🥫❤️
Every can, box, and bottle makes a difference!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
A promotional flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance” showing an ambulance with emergency lights and images of assorted food donations. Event details list times on November 21 and 22 at Fair Haven Shaw's, benefiting Slate Valley Cares.
Two middle school students sort food donations on a table inside the school office area. They are placing canned goods and boxed food items into large bags, surrounded by a variety of pantry items.
Two adults and a student stand beside the open back of a holiday-decorated ambulance filled with food and supply donations. Additional boxes and bags are arranged on the ground next to the ambulance.
A younger student holds a bright green “Fill the Ambulance – Slate Valley Cares” sign while standing beside the Slater mascot. A staff member in a winter hat smiles on the other side. They stand near the parking lot of Fair Haven Shaw’s.
Three people and the Slater mascot stand behind an open ambulance decorated with holiday banners. They hold a bright green sign that reads “Fill the Ambulance — Slate Valley Cares.” Boxes of donated items are stacked inside the ambulance.
A FHUMS student stands on a sidewalk holding a bright green poster that reads “Fill the Ambulance – Slate Valley Cares.” Next to him is the Slater mascot flexing a muscle and holding a foam hammer, standing against a backdrop of a roadside and cloudy sky.
The 45th Vermont Outstanding Educator Awards were held on October 27th, and we are proud to share that two Slate Valley educators were honored! Mr. Kyle Ruby, FHUHS Social Studies teacher and Ms. Amanda Eddy, Special Educator at Benson Village School.

Although Amanda was unable to attend, FHUMHS Co-Principal Mr. Ben Worthing was there to join Mr. Ruby in representing Slate Valley at the ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding educators for their dedication, passion, and the positive impact they make every day in our schools!
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Kyle Ruby smiles while holding his Certificate of Recognition, standing beside a colleague at an indoor awards reception with other attendees in the background.
Kyle Ruby stands onstage holding his Certificate of Recognition, posed with three award presenters in formal attire in front of a black curtain.
A framed Vermont Outstanding Educator Award honoring Kyle Ruby, featuring his portrait and a written tribute to his work at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School.
A framed Vermont Outstanding Educator Award honoring Amanda Eddy, featuring her portrait and a written tribute to her work at Benson Village School.
Our Slater Football team hit the road to South Burlington this morning—with some extra special wishes packed along for the ride! 🚌🏈💙

Mrs. Mingo’s FHGS first graders were thrilled to learn the team is playing in this weekend’s Championship game. To show their Slater pride, students created colorful “Good Luck” signs filled with drawings and motivating messages like:

✨ “We believe in you!”
✨ “Hope you win!”
✨ “Keep working hard!”
✨ “You’ve got this!”

These heartfelt creations were shared with our high school athletes before they headed out, giving them an extra boost of encouragement as they gear up for the big game.

Good luck, Slaters—your entire Slate Valley community is cheering for you! 🎉🏆💙
11 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of high school football players sit and stand together in a team room, each holding up a handmade good-luck poster created by younger students. The posters feature drawings of a Slaters football player and encouraging messages like “Good luck!”, “You’ve got this!”, and “Go Slaters!” The players smile proudly as they display the artwork on the tables and in their hands.
A November District Drive Through Slate Valley
It was a spontaneous drive to visit all Slate Valley schools—no special events, just everyday learning on full display. From music and art to math, reading, and a lively P.E. kickball game, students were engaged everywhere I went. Lunchtime smiles, hallway hellos, and even a few photo poses made the day even better.
Fun fact: the only screens seen all day were in the digital arts class—proof that hands-on learning is thriving in Slate Valley!
📽️ Check out the video recap here: https://youtube.com/shorts/g09yDudmgi8?feature=share
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling elementary student sits at a desk writing in a notebook with a pencil. He is wearing a red hoodie and looking up at the camera. A large red play button icon is overlaid in the center, indicating a video preview. A small illustrated car graphic appears at the bottom right corner, and the video duration “2:25” is shown in the lower corner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated November 14, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, a green and blue hexagon emblem with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below it is an illustrated banner showing a white car with the Slate Valley logo driving through a colorful neighborhood with houses, trees, and clouds. The section title “A November District Drive” appears underneath.
🎙️ Educational Insights: Community Perspectives — Part 2

In this continuation of our Educational Insights podcast series, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara continue discussion with active community members Bob Crowley of Castleton and Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven.

In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into important topics such as school-to-community communication, how Vermont’s education system is funded, and the fiscal challenges surrounding the upcoming FY27 budget. The group also discusses the value and impact of Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council, highlighting how community voices help guide district priorities and build understanding around education in our region.

Tune in to hear genuine perspectives, thoughtful discussion, and shared ideas about how Slate Valley can continue strengthening its partnership with the community. https://youtu.be/e5JYVkgrUNQ
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Title slide for Slate Valley’s podcast, showing the Slate Valley logo in the center with animated soundwave graphics on a black background. Text reads “Episode #18” at the top and “Part 2” at the bottom.

🏈💙 D2 FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INFO 💙🏈

Get ready, Slater fans — it’s Championship Week!

📅 Saturday, November 15
📍 South Burlington High School
⏰ 11:00 AM Kickoff
#5 Fair Haven Slaters vs. #3 Colchester Lakers

Gates open at 10:00 AM.

🎟️ Tickets:
Available at the gate or online: https://gofan.co/event/2142676?schoolId=VPA
Tickets are valid for all three games on the day (must keep your return ticket for re-entry).

📣 Slater Seating:
Fair Haven fans will sit on the side of the bleachers closest to the woods. (Bleachers are located on one side only.)

📘 Game Day Programs:
Available digitally here: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/tournaments/

🚗 Parking:
On-site parking is available. Overflow parking will be at the University Mall with a shuttle service to SBHS if needed. Expect traffic at the Dorset Street entrance.

👕 Championship Gear:
Northwest Design will be printing gear on-site — preorders are not available, but you can order after the event.

🍔 Concessions will be open!

⚠️ Post-Game:
Please remain off the field following the game. A designated area will be set for teams to gather.
All signs, posters, and balloons must be removed after the game.

📺 Can’t make it?
Watch live on the NFHS Network:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/vpa/gam3db12650ac

Let’s fill the stands and show our Slater Pride as we cheer on the defending state champs! 💙🩶🩵
#GoSlaters #SlaterPride #RoadToTheChampionship #D2Finals #WeAreSlateValley

14 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Division II State Championship football game. The top shows Fair Haven players running onto the field with cheerleaders holding flags. Bold red text reads “D2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.” Below are team logos and text: “#5 Fair Haven vs #3 Colchester.” The game details read: “Saturday, November 15, 2025 – 11:00 AM at South Burlington High School.” Additional text notes the game will be streamed on the NFHS Network with a subscription link.
🇺🇸 “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent. Today, we honor those who have served and those who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and sacrifice.”

To all veterans—students, staff, families, community members, and alumni—thank you.
Your service protects our freedoms, and your dedication inspires us each day.

We are grateful. We remember. We honor. 🇺🇸

#VeteransDay #WeAreSlateValley#ThankYouVeterans
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic honoring Veterans Day. The background features a slightly faded American flag. Large white text reads, “THANK YOU, VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE.” To the right, a small box shows “11 NOV.” Silhouettes of military figures appear at the bottom—one saluting and two soldiers helping each other. Additional text reads: “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.”
🏈💙 SLATERS ARE HEADING TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! 💙🏈

The #5 seed Fair Haven Slaters have DONE IT — advancing to the Division II State Championship after defeating previously undefeated #1-seed Hartford, 14–13, in an incredible semifinal battle! 🔥

Next stop:
📍 South Burlington High School
🗓 Saturday, November 15
⏰ 11:00 AM
Opponent: #3 Colchester High School Lakers

Our Slaters now have the chance to DEFEND THEIR 2024 STATE TITLE — and we can't wait to bring the Slater pride to the championship field!

As soon as we receive ticket and parking details from the VPA, we will share them on our Athletics webpage and here on social media.

Let’s pack the stands and cheer loud —
GO SLATERS! 🏈💙🔥
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement featuring a large group photo of the Fair Haven Union Slaters football team posing on the field in their uniforms at night, celebrating their win. Above the photo, confetti graphics and the text “CONGRATULATIONS” arc over the FHU Slaters logo. Below the team photo, bold text reads: “YOU'RE HEADING TO THE D2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! #5 Fair Haven Slaters vs #3 Colchester Lakers. Saturday, November 15, 2025. Game time 11:00 AM at South Burlington High School.” The design uses blue, gold, and white with fun celebratory elements.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the top section of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, featuring a green and blue hexagon with the word “Vermont” inside and the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a Veterans Day banner with silhouettes of saluting service members in front of an abstract American flag, along with messages that read “Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served” and “Thank You for Protecting Us.” The first article headline reads: “Slate Valley Leaders Attend Vermont Statewide Strategic Planning Retreat,” followed by a paragraph describing district leaders attending the retreat hosted by the Vermont Agency of Education.

🌟 Friday Focus on our Fabulous, Fantastic First Graders! 🌟

Our first-grade friends are flourishing!
They’re spelling like superstars, writing with wonder, and figuring out equations like future mathematicians.

And when it’s time to move? They’re all about ABL – Action Based Learning!
At ABL stations, our students learn and leap, solve and stretch, think and thrive—because movement makes mighty minds!

We love watching this phenomenal first-grade crew grow, explore, and shine each and every day.
Keep it up, super scholars — your future is brilliant! ✨

Watch the spotlight video at: https://youtu.be/VVfdm8F_D7E

19 days ago, Slate Valley
Collage of first graders working on activities—writing, reading, using laptops, jumping on gym markers, swinging, and playing on monkey bars—with the text “Focus Friday… Celebrating our Fantastic First Graders!” and the Slate Valley logo.
Young boy sitting at a classroom desk smiles while writing the word “yet” on a small whiteboard.
Girl wearing rainbow-colored glasses smiles at her desk with a whiteboard that has her name written on it.
Boy on the playground hangs from monkey bars with a determined expression.
Girl swings on a playground swing on a sunny day, looking toward the camera.
Girl jumps between circular floor markers during an activity in the school gym.
Two students kneel on the classroom floor and read a book together.
Girl writes the word “they” on large blue paper hanging on a classroom wall.
Student wearing headphones focuses on a laptop during classroom work; another student sits beside her.
Two students work together at a desk on a math worksheet, using a pencil and counting dice.
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧

In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.

This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Four people sit around a table with microphones recording a podcast in a classroom setting. The image is labeled “Educational Insights: Slate Valley Community Perspectives.” The participants appear engaged in conversation, with one person smiling and waving, and another speaking into a microphone. Framed artwork decorates the wall behind them.
Throwback Thursday: We’re heading back to 2002, when Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village School students — from kindergarten through 8th grade — took part in creating Capstone Learning Projects!

Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.

Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring a young student dressed in a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans, holding a lasso. Text reads: “This eighth grade student, from Castleton Village School, did his Capstone project on the rodeo... Can you guess who he is?” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and the bottom corner reads “2002 Capstone Learning Projects” alongside a silhouette of a cowboy roping a calf.