Meet Faculty & Staff Monday - May Spotlight

This month, we’re excited to feature Dan Fitzpatrick, Slate Valley’s Assistant Director of Finance—someone whose experience and perspective reach far beyond our region.

Dan has been part of the Slate Valley team for the past five years, supporting the district’s financial operations and helping ensure our schools run smoothly behind the scenes. Prior to joining Slate Valley, Dan spent six years working at the International School of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, West Africa—bringing a truly global perspective to his role.

His connection to West Africa goes even deeper. From 1997 to 1999, Dan served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, an experience that reflects his commitment to service and community.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time on the golf course, working on landscaping projects, and being active in his church’s Men’s Club. He also values simple, meaningful moments—like playing UNO with his 11-year-old daughter, praying, and connecting with others.

A quote that guides Dan’s outlook comes from the Gospel of Mark: “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

We’re grateful for Dan’s dedication, global experiences, and the steady support he brings to Slate Valley each day.
about 1 hour ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday” featuring Dan Fitzpatrick, Assistant Director of Finance. On the left is a photo of Dan, a smiling man wearing glasses and a gray collared shirt with a Slate Valley lanyard, standing in an office setting. On the right is a teal background with bullet points highlighting his experience: 5 years with Slate Valley, 6 years at the International School of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, and service as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1997–1999. Additional points note his interests in golf and landscaping, involvement in a church men’s group, and enjoying time with his daughter, especially playing UNO. A favorite quote is included: “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23. The Slate Valley logo appears, along with his name and title at the bottom.
Board Meeting - Tonight - May 4, 2026

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xcd-vvjm-pvi
Or dial: (US) +1 402-796-1093 PIN: 677 846 861#

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.
about 1 hour ago, Slate Valley
Flyer inviting the public to a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on May 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Castleton Elementary School cafeteria. Agenda includes consent agenda, contracts (action), legislative update, and committee reports (finance). Design features green figures around a table and the Vermont logo.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 1, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/22d792fab09c/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-1-2026
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 1, 2026. The design features colorful flowers, a butterfly, and a bee surrounding the phrase “Happy May Day” in playful lettering. Slate Valley branding appears in the corners with the message “Our school, your future.”
Happy Principal's Day, Mrs. Roy!
3 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up of a spiral-bound book page titled "HAPPY Principal’s Day" in large, hand-drawn black letters decorated with blue stars. Under the prompt "What does Mrs. Roy do all day?", a student named Lucy has written a heartfelt paragraph in pencil about how the principal gets to school early, greets students with a smile, and "makes everything more fun."
A wooden office table covered in gifts for a principal named Mrs. Roy. Items include several bouquets of pink and white flowers, a glass jar of M&Ms, a 6-pack of Coca-Cola, a Hershey bar, and a cup of mac and cheese. In the foreground are three student-made books titled "WHAT Mrs. Roy Does all DAY!" organized by grade levels.
A page from a tribute book featuring a colorful drawing of the Energizer Bunny wearing sunglasses and beating a drum. Below the illustration, the typed text reads, "Mrs. Roy is energetic!" The page is protected by a plastic sheet.
A wooden office table covered in gifts for a principal named Mrs. Roy. Items include several bouquets of pink and white flowers, a glass jar of M&Ms, a 6-pack of Coca-Cola, a Hershey bar, and a cup of mac and cheese. In the foreground are three student-made books titled "WHAT Mrs. Roy Does all DAY!" organized by grade levels.
A child’s drawing in a spiral-bound book. The student, named Amos, drew a green figure and a figure with a small cutout photo of Mrs. Roy’s face attached to it. Below the drawing, the student wrote: "Mrs. Roy helps tie shoes all day."
1st Grade earned a PBIS celebration! They used CD's to create their own 'top'
3 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A top-down view of a boy in a striped shirt sitting with his legs spread on the floor, cupping his hands around a rapidly spinning, multicolored CD top to keep it in place.
A high-angle shot of two children on the floor watching two CD tops spin. One child is lying down to get a side-view of the motion, while the other sits cross-legged.
Five children sit around a long wooden table, using colorful permanent markers to draw designs on the reflective surface of CDs as part of a craft project.
A group of about twelve elementary-aged children pose for a fun group photo in a classroom hallway. Some children are making silly faces and peace signs in front of a "Have a Creative Day!" poster featuring a rainbow bear.
1st Grade earned a PBIS celebration ! They used CD's to create their own 'top'
3 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A smiling young boy proudly holds up a handmade spinning top. The top is made from a CD decorated with colorful marker segments and a green bottle cap glued to the center.
: A young girl with long blonde hair sits cross-legged on a classroom floor, smiling and holding her thumbs up while two CD tops spin in front of her.
An overhead view of a classroom floor where two children are observing two spinning CD tops. A blue toy bin and the edge of a colorful rug are visible in the background.
A wide shot of a classroom floor where several children are playing with DIY spinning tops. One boy in a red shirt sits in the foreground looking at the camera, while another boy in a striped shirt experiments with a top in the background.
A high-angle close-up of a child kneeling on a speckled classroom floor, pointing their finger toward a spinning top made from a recycled CD and a green bottle cap.
A young girl in a pink doughnut-patterned shirt and ripped jeans crouches on the floor, watching a spinning CD top with a focused expression.
A high-angle close-up of a child kneeling on a speckled classroom floor, pointing their finger toward a spinning top made from a recycled CD and a green bottle cap.
A top-down view of a boy in a striped shirt sitting with his legs spread on the floor, cupping his hands around a rapidly spinning, multicolored CD top to keep it in place.
Sunshine soaked bears!
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl with long blonde hair, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt with a colorful butterfly graphic and a yellow skirt, prepares to go down a teal-colored slide. She is positioned at the top of a brown, castle-like plastic play structure. In the background, another child in a pink skirt runs across the woodchip-covered ground
Two young girls sit side-by-side on a gray plastic picnic bench outdoors. The girl on the left wears a blue t-shirt and yellow shorts with her hair in braids; the girl on the right wears a yellow dress with a white daisy pattern and holds a small red snack container. They are sitting under the shade of a blue umbrella on a sunny day, with a playground and woodchips in the
: A young boy in a white dinosaur-patterned tank top and blue cargo shorts stands on a playground platform. He is holding onto white vertical railings with a squinting or strained facial expression. The structure has bright red support poles and a peach-colored canopy. Two yellow slides are visible at the base against a background of trees and a clear blue sky.
A young girl with long blonde hair, wearing an orange shirt and flowered skirt, prepares to go down a teal-colored slide. She is positioned at the top of a brown, castle-like plastic play structure.
💙 Thank You, Lion’s Club! 💙

We are incredibly grateful to the Lion’s Club for their generous donation to the Slate Valley Unified School District.

This support helps ensure our students have what they need, when they need it most. Funds are often used to provide winter essentials like coats, snowpants, and boots. They also help students attend camp with confidence—providing items such as bathing suits, new outfits, and shoes.

Your kindness makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. Thank you for helping us take care of our community! 🦁
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Three adults stand indoors holding a large ceremonial check made out to the Slate Valley Unified School District for $1,500. Two American flags hang on the wall behind them. A table with refreshments is visible to the side.
🌎💚 Happy Earth Day from Slate Valley! 💚🌎

Before heading into Spring Break, FHGS second graders in Ms. Bruno’s class took time to learn about caring for our planet by creating their own Earth Day crafts. We’re always proud to celebrate the ways our learners are thinking about protecting and appreciating the world around them.

Wishing our entire Slate Valley community a joyful and meaningful Earth Day! 🌍💙
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Earth Day graphic with floral and nature-themed background and the words “Earth Day” at the top. In the center, a group of second grade students pose in a classroom holding handmade Earth crafts, with a globe displayed on a screen behind them. A Vermont logo appears at the bottom.
🍎☀️ Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens!

Slate Valley is proud to offer the 2026 Summer Food Service Program at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria!

All children and teens 18 and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer—no registration required.

📅 Dates: June 29 – August 14
⏰ Times:
• Breakfast: 8:30–9:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site in the cafeteria.

Help us spread the word so every child has access to healthy, nutritious meals all summer long!

🔎 Find more locations at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program featuring images of school meals on green trays and a stack of pancakes. Text explains that free breakfast and lunch are available for anyone 18 and under at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria from June 29 to August 14, with breakfast served from 8:30–9:30 AM and lunch from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM. It notes meals must be eaten on-site and includes a link to find additional locations.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 17, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/8852b597100f/district-newsletter-april-10-13836492
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter header dated April 17, 2026, featuring a central Vermont-themed logo surrounded by a collage of student photos including outdoor learning, graduation, classroom activities, and performances, with the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future.”
Kinders and 1st Graders going on a nature walk and a scavenger hunt for Earth Day!
17 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Three children walk down a school hallway. A girl in a purple jacket in the foreground looks through homemade binoculars made from cardboard tubes. Behind her, a girl wears a tall decorated paper hat and a boy holds up his scavenger hunt clipboard.
A group of smiling children posing in a school hallway. A girl in a denim jacket and purple dress stands in the center holding a clipboard, with yellow cardboard binoculars hanging from her neck. Behind them is a bulletin board decorated with student artwork and colorful paper hearts. IMG_3270.jpg: Two children walk toward the camera in a hallway. A girl on the left wears a tall white paper hat and orange jacket, holding a scavenger hunt sheet and green binoculars. A boy behind her peeks through his own cardboard binoculars.
Two children walk toward the camera in a hallway. A girl on the left wears a tall white paper hat and orange jacket, holding a scavenger hunt sheet and green binoculars. A boy behind her peeks through his own cardboard binoculars.
A line of elementary-aged children walking down a school hallway. Several children are holding clipboards with "Earth Day Scavenger Hunt" worksheets. One boy in the foreground wears a blue shirt and has homemade cardboard tube binoculars hanging around his neck.
A group of children standing in a hallway near a doorway labeled "IA Office #102." A girl in a yellow hoodie and silver glitter boots holds a pencil up in the air. A female teacher or staff member stands in the doorway smiling at the group.
A close-up shot of a young boy holding a clipboard. The clipboard holds a "Earth Day Scavenger Hunt" coloring sheet featuring a large recycling symbol in the center surrounded by icons of nature and sustainable items like flowers, pinecones, and water taps.
Kindergarten flowers after reading "The Flower Thief"
17 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Bulletin Board Display A vibrant, classroom bulletin board themed after the book "The Flower Thief." * Centerpiece: A large, stylized tree made of brown construction paper strips stands in the middle. Hand-shaped cutouts in dark green act as "leaves" on the branches. Bottom Section: A row of colorful, hand-drawn paper flowers with green stems "grows" along the bottom of the board. The flowers are brightly colored in shades of blue, pink, yellow, and orange. Decorative Elements: Oversized, decorative paper pencils and bright stars are scattered across the white-plank patterned background. Book Reference: A printout of the book cover for The Flower Thief by Alice Hemming is pinned directly to the trunk of the paper tree. Border: The entire board is framed by a colorful border featuring a pattern of vertical, multi-colored pencils.
Book Cover Close-up A close-up shot of a printed book cover for "The Flower Thief" by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater. Characters: The illustration features a whimsical, bright orange squirrel with large, expressive eyes looking toward a small, yellow and blue bird perched on a tree stump. Setting: They are in a lush green meadow under a bright blue sky, framed by two large trees with green leaves and small yellow fruit or flowers. Text: The title "the FLOWER THIEF" is written in bold, blue playful lettering at the top. At the bottom, it reads: "By the New York Times bestselling creators of The Leaf Thief, ALICE HEMMING & NICOLA SLATER."
3rd Graders watching Winn-Dixie after reading the book.
17 days ago, Kelley Schultz
: A wide-angle shot of a classroom during a movie screening. Several elementary-aged students are sitting or lying on colorful yoga mats and blankets spread across the floor. A teacher sits at a desk in the background, and a large screen at the front of the room displays a night scene from a film. The room is decorated with educational posters and an alphabet strip.
A wide-angle shot of a classroom during a movie screening. Several elementary-aged students are sitting or lying on colorful yoga mats and blankets spread across the floor. A teacher sits at a desk in the background, and a large screen at the front of the room displays a night scene from a film. The room is decorated with educational posters and an alphabet strip.
A close-up of a large wall-mounted television in a classroom. The screen shows a scene from a movie featuring an adult man and a young girl sitting together on a couch. Below the TV, colorful student-made posters are taped to the wall, and the top of a student's head is visible in the foreground as they watch.
Bird Feeders!
17 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young boy in a classroom wears a tall, hand-decorated paper crown and holds a red plastic cup with blue yarn threaded through it. Other children and classroom shelves filled with books are visible in the background.
A wide shot of a classroom where several children are showing off their "cup and string" crafts. A girl in an orange jacket smiles at the camera, while another girl in a purple hat holds up her red cup in the background.
A young girl in a black "Princess Peach" T-shirt holds a red plastic cup with blue yarn and a wooden stick inside. She is smiling at the camera, and another girl in a red vest is visible in the background.
A young girl with wavy brown hair wearing a light green long-sleeved shirt smiles while standing on a colorful rug featuring large handprints. The classroom background includes a yellow table and a door with student decorations.
Two young girls work on their crafts. One girl in a pink shirt and a paper crown focuses on threading yellow string, while the girl next to her in an orange jacket holds her completed red cup craft.
A teacher in a light green T-shirt leans down to talk to a young girl in a classroom. They are standing near a counter where a "Candy Land" board game and a hot glue gun are visible.
A close-up of a young girl with blonde hair wearing a gold and red tiara and a shiny red vest. She is smiling broadly while holding a red plastic cup with blue yarn attached to it. I
A young girl wearing a purple "Bass Pro Shops" hat and a pink dress holds up a red plastic cup by a long blue string. She is standing in front of a gray classroom counter.
K, 1st & 2nd doing all sorts of crafts to celebrate Earth Day!
17 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Two young girls working on an art project. The girl in the foreground smiles at the camera, wearing a teal dress with a watermelon print and a sparkling gold tiara. Behind her, another girl in a blue floral dress is focused on cutting a piece of purple construction paper. A television in the background displays a colorful video game interface.
A medium shot of a young girl with a missing front tooth wearing a pink t-shirt and a dark baseball cap with a bow. She is standing behind a wooden table cluttered with colorful construction paper, scissors in a blue basket, and a reference photo of a craft project involving decorated cardboard tubes.
a young girl in a red cable-knit sweater stands at a craft table covered in supplies like paint, glue, and cardboard tubes. Another girl in a denim jacket and floral dress walks nearby. In the background, there is a colorful "handprint" rug and a white board that reads, "Today is Friday, April 17th, 2026."
A medium shot of a young girl with a missing front tooth wearing a pink t-shirt and a dark baseball cap with a bow. She is standing behind a wooden table cluttered with colorful construction paper, scissors in a blue basket, and a reference photo of a craft project involving decorated cardboard tubes.
A young girl with a pink bow in her hair sits cross-legged on a colorful "handprint" patterned rug. In front of her are several coffee filters being decorated with colorful markers and a small spray bottle used to create a tie-dye effect.
A high-angle shot of several coffee filters spread out on plastic sheets over a classroom rug. The filters show vibrant, bleeding patterns of blue, purple, yellow, and red ink. The legs of a child in a floral dress stand among the art. Paper Crafting & Drawing
A wide view of a classroom where children are working on various art projects. One child is drawing on a long strip of paper on the floor, while others work at wooden tables with supplies like red cups, pencils, and scissors.
A close-up of a young girl in a white t-shirt holding a sheet of colorful star stickers. On the table in front of her is a white paper crown decorated with green grass and a crab sticker, along with a sheet of bird stickers.
A boy in a blue long-sleeve shirt holds up a finished white paper crown featuring green scribbles and a crab sticker. In the background, another student stands near a shelf filled with books and colorful storage bins.
A young boy wearing a Pokémon-themed fleece jacket and a "Canopy" baseball cap smiles while sitting at a desk. He is coloring a long, horizontal strip of paper with green and orange pencils.
📣 Reminder for Slate Valley Families!

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release day on Friday, April 17, 2026.

This will be followed by Spring Break from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. 🌸

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break!
Classes will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a spring-themed background featuring flowers and leaves. At the top is a Vermont emblem above a red banner that reads “REMINDER.” The text states: “Early Release Day for All Slate Valley Schools, Friday - April 17, 2026.” Below, it reads: “Followed by Spring Break, Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24.” At the bottom: “Classes Resume Monday, April 27, 2026.”
Second graders, exploring length with plinks! Linking 1000 together and then talking about what might be shorter or longer
18 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A medium shot of a young boy with blonde hair holding up a tangled bunch of red and blue plastic chains. He is wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and jeans. To his left, another boy in a red Under Armour shirt smiles at the camera while standing against a purple bulletin board.
) In a school hallway, an adult with curly blonde hair leans over to help a young boy in a tan outfit connect sections of a red and blue plastic chain. Other children are visible sitting along the walls in the background.
Three young boys stand against a hallway wall next to a purple bulletin board, each holding or playing with lengths of red and blue plastic chains. The boy in the foreground, wearing a dark teal shirt, is focused on gathering the chain in his hands.
A wide, long-distance shot down a bright school hallway. A very long chain of red and blue plastic links stretches down the center of the floor, extending toward the far end of the hall. Several students and staff members are scattered along the sides of the hallway, watching or participating in the activity.
A top-down, vertical shot of a long chain made of interlocking red and blue plastic links lying straight on a speckled grey tiled floor. The chain alternates colors in small sections.
Friday, April 17th is Hat Day!
18 days ago, Kelley Schultz
An image featuring a purple bucket hat centered against a solid vibrant blue background. Below the hat, white text reads, "Friday, April 18th is Hat Day!".
🌱💚 FHUMHS Students Giving Back for Green-Up Day! 💚🌱

On May 1st, students from Fair Haven Union Middle & High School will be out in the community celebrating Green-Up Day—and they’re ready to lend a helping hand!

From spring yard clean-ups to other small outdoor tasks, our students are excited to support members of the Slate Valley community. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, give back, and make a positive impact together.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra help this spring, please fill out the quick form below, or contact Jackie Phillips (email: jphillips@svuvt.org or phone: 802-265-4966). FHUMHS principals and assistant principals will review submissions and follow up directly.

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHYQ48U-NIH-q2A1cECoC8cBXMl0eQSxBGHs8ZvZqpa98wow/viewform

Thank you for being part of our community—and for helping our students make a difference! 🌎✨
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Fair Haven Union High School “Green Up Day” on Friday, May 1, 2026. It invites community members who need help with yardwork or small projects to connect with student volunteers. Services include raking, picking up debris, and general yard cleanup. Contact information is provided for Jackie Phillips (jphillips@svuvt.org , 802-265-4966) or via QR code. The offer is open to residents of Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell, and West Haven. Graphics include leaves, a paintbrush, hammer, rake, and yard tools.