Action based learning with Kinders & 6th graders
29 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Two older students and two younger children sit in a circle on a gymnasium floor. They are working together on "Fast Word Writing" worksheets placed in plastic sleeves, using dry-erase markers and clipboards to practice writing names and words.
A teenage girl in a light blue sweatshirt leans over a cafeteria table, pointing to lettered blocks to help a young girl in a green dress. They are using yellow baseplates and blue/red blocks to build words. An adult man watches the activity from the side. IMG_2944.jpg A side view of the same literacy activity at the cafeteria table. A young girl with a long blonde braid reaches into a clear bin of letter blocks while a teenage mentor stands by to assist. Yellow building plates and word slips are spread across the table.
In a gym, an older student walks past a line of numbered papers taped to the floor. Each paper shows a number and a corresponding ten-frame diagram. A younger child in a red dress kneels to interact with one of the papers while another child stands nearby.
n a gym, an older student walks past a line of numbered papers taped to the floor. Each paper shows a number and a corresponding ten-frame diagram. A younger child in a red dress kneels to interact with one of the papers while another child stands nearby. IMG_2943.jpg A teenage girl in a light blue sweatshirt leans over a cafeteria table, pointing to lettered blocks to help a young girl in a green dress. They are using yellow baseplates and blue/red blocks to build words. An adult man watches the activity from the side.
A teenage girl in a light blue sweatshirt leans over a cafeteria table, pointing to lettered blocks to help a young girl in a green dress. They are using yellow baseplates and blue/red blocks to build words. An adult man watches the activity from the side.
A young girl in a pink hoodie kneels on a green gym floor mat. She is using a dry-erase marker to practice writing the number 6 on a worksheet that includes a ten-frame and a "number rhyme" poem.
A young girl with a long blonde braid, wearing a red polka-dot dress, kneels on the floor to practice writing the number 5 on a math worksheet. Other numbered stations are visible nearby.
Crazy 8's club created different types of graphs today with our own data. We used a graph to compare the seasons of our Birthdates, a matrix to look at dominant and recessive tracts like right handedness and a Venn diagram to look at many other characteristics!
33 minutes ago, Kelley Schultz
The same group of nine students from a different angle, sitting around the floor graph in a classroom. In this version, the students are more spread out and many are making silly faces or poses for the camera. The floor graph with its tape axes and orange sticky note data points remains the central focus of the room.
The same group of nine students from a different angle, sitting around the floor graph in a classroom. In this version, the students are more spread out and many are making silly faces or poses for the camera. The floor graph with its tape axes and orange sticky note data points remains the central focus of the room.
A "Trait Chart" table showing handwritten data for nine children across three categories. Hair Line: 4 kids have a dominant Widow's peak; 5 kids have a recessive straight hairline. Dimples: 1 kid has dominant dimples; 8 kids have no dimples. Eye Color: 1 kid has dominant brown eyes; 8 kids have any other color. IMG_0855.png Nine elementary-age students pose in a classroom around a large, hand-made graph on the floor. The graph uses red tape for axes and orange sticky notes to represent data points. The vertical Y-axis is labeled with numbers 0 through 4, and the horizontal X-axis is labeled "birthday month." The students are sitting and reclining around the graph, looking toward the camera.
Kinders learning how to jump rope!
3 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl in a blue and white checkered dress jumps over a green circular floor marker in a gym.
In a wide shot of the gymnasium, a teacher in a grey t-shirt holds a long orange jump rope for a young student in a pink shirt.
A young girl in a tan ruffled sweatshirt and black leggings walks across the gym floor while holding a green jump rope.
A smiling young girl in a light blue shirt featuring a kitten graphic holds a green jump rope behind her shoulders.
A young girl in a teal long-sleeve shirt and grey leggings is captured mid-air while jumping with a red jump rope in a gymnasium
A young boy wearing a horizontal-striped shirt and maroon pants stands in a gym, holding the handles of a green jump rope that rests behind him.
A young girl with long brown hair, wearing a teal floral shirt and black leggings, stands ready with a green jump rope on a blue section of the gym floor.
A young boy in a tan t-shirt and olive cargo pants jumps high into the air with his arms raised while using a red jump rope.
4th Grade natural disaster research papers
3 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A printed report titled "The Great Chicago Fire 1871" . The text summarizes a fictional story about a boy named Oscar from the I Survived book series and includes historical facts about the fire starting in O'Leary's barn.
A printed report titled "Mt. Saint Helens" This report also focuses on the 1980 eruption, noting the 57 casualties and the danger of volcanic gases and magma.
A wide shot of a classroom bulletin board with a black background and a colorful confetti border. The header "Natural Disasters" is written in orange letters. Below it, several printed student reports are stapled in a row, each paired with hand-drawn orange labels for events like "Hurricane," "Tsunami," "Volcano Erupts," "Chicago Fire," "Wild Fire," and "Blizzard."
A printed report titled "The Japanese Tsunami" . The text describes the 2011 disaster, mentioning a book called I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 and facts about evacuation drills and wave heights.
A printed report titled "Mt. St. Helens" The student writes about the 1980 eruption in Washington state, describing the smoke and ash, and mentions reading the book I Survived the Eruption of Mt. St. Helens.
A printed report titled "The 1900 Storm." It includes a digital graphic of the title and text discussing the 1900 Galveston, Texas hurricane, its death toll, and general facts about hurricane categories and seasons.
A printed report titled "CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES 2018" by Matty Bob. The text explains how the fires started due to faulty electrical equipment, the damage caused in acres and homes, and safety tips for evacuations.
Kinders working on double strategies!
3 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Red Ladybug Math Craft A close-up of a student's math project. Five red-colored ladybug cutouts are glued to a large green paper leaf. Each ladybug has a triangle on its back containing an even number: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
Classroom Bulletin Board A classroom bulletin board with a white wood-grain background and a colorful border of vertical pencils. The board features several green leaf cutouts, each adorned with five red ladybug drawings labeled with the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Decorative elements include large wavy yellow and blue pencils, stars, and text snippets that read "Double double," "This this," and "That that." In the bottom right corner, a large orange eraser cutout says, "Whoops! It’s okay to make mistakes."
A close-up of another student’s project on the bulletin board. This green paper leaf holds five ladybugs colored with pink and red crayons. Like the others, they are labeled with even numbers from 2 to 10. A blue and orange checkered star decoration is pinned to the wall nearby.
Board Meeting - January 12, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/epv-sidz-zry
Or dial: (US) +1 406-905-1177 PIN: 663 913 503#

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.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on January 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Castleton Elementary School cafeteria. Agenda items include the consent agenda, Act 73 discussion, open board seats discussion, and committee finance reports. Includes district logo and “Please Join Us Tonight” text.
WANTED: Community members interested in serving as Slate Valley School Board Representatives!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking residents who want to make a meaningful impact on our schools and students. Open seats are available in West Haven (3 seats), Hubbardton (1 seat), and Orwell (1 seat). There are also seats in Benson, Fair Haven, and Castleton, where current members are running unopposed.

Serving on the school board is a great way to represent your community, support student success, and help shape the future of Slate Valley schools. Board members receive an annual stipend, and no prior experience is required—just a commitment to serve.

If you’re interested in running, please visit your town office to obtain a petition and learn more about the process and requirements.
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Alt text: A green graphic reading “Wanted: Slate Valley School Board Representatives,” showing three person icons with the Slate Valley logo and text noting open seats in West Haven, Hubbardton, and Orwell, and a $1,200 reward.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: January 9, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/878590be2697/january-9-2026-slate-valley-district-newsletter
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic showing the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter header with the text “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter,” dated January 9, 2025, above a festive “Happy New Year 2026” design with gold lettering, hanging numbers, and subtle geometric patterns.
3rd Graders getting a Yeti for a New Year!
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
The mug is colored light blue with white polka dots and features a brown yeti holding a pencil. Five paper marshmallows are glued to the top of the hot cocoa, with handwritten resolutions including: "be better then my zibling," "be cheeze," "EXPLOD!", "be kind," and "be a good friend.
A close-up of a student’s New Year's craft The paper mug is colored with green, orange, and purple crayons, featuring a red cartoon yeti holding a large pencil. Five paper marshmallows are glued to the top of the mug with handwritten goals: "I like scool," "I like recess," "I like Video games," "Pla the ninten do," and "Sit on the tere."
A close-up of a New Year's craft by Charlotte. The mug is colored light blue with white polka dots and features a brown yeti holding a pencil. Five paper marshmallows are glued to the top of the hot cocoa, with handwritten resolutions including: "be better then my zibling," "be cheeze," "EXPLOD!", "be kind," and "be a good friend."
Classroom Bulletin Board Alt Text: A classroom bulletin board with a bright yellow background and a colorful rainbow-striped border. The board is decorated with numerous student art projects featuring the pun "YETI FOR A NEW YEAR!" Each project consists of a paper mug cutout containing a cartoon yeti holding a pencil. Above each mug is a paper lightbulb featuring a student’s name and a pair of sunglasses. The mugs are colored in various shades, and small paper "marshmallows" with handwritten resolutions are glued to the top of each mug.
1st Grade quilt squares
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A bulletin board displays a grid of children's artwork. It features alternating squares of blue and white woven paper mats and colorful crayon drawings of starfish in various shapes and colors. The display is mounted on a large sheet of white paper against a blue background with a starry border.
1st Grade quilt squares
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A bulletin board displays a grid of children's artwork. It features alternating squares of blue and white woven paper mats and colorful crayon drawings of starfish in various shapes and colors. The display is mounted on a large sheet of white paper against a blue background with a starry border.
2nd Graders made "Things I Love" snowflakes!
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Classroom Bulletin Board A wide shot of a classroom bulletin board covered in silver glitter paper. It displays several student art projects: paper snowflakes on black backgrounds and rainbow-shaped name tags. Above the bulletin board, a wooden shelf holds a row of monochromatic 3D assemblages made from various objects, each painted a single bright color like gold, blue, purple, red, and teal.
A close-up of a student art project by Thea. It features a snowflake colored with teal, blue, and purple stripes. The center has a cute smiley face and the words "SNOW many things I love." The hearts on the points of the snowflake list: Family, Presents, Hot cocoa, Snow, Reading, and Sledding.
Felicity's Snowflake A close-up of a winter-themed student project by Felicity. A blue and dark blue colored snowflake is centered on black paper. The hearts at the tips of the snowflake list things the student loves: School, I like my teacher, Sledding, Snowman, Reading, and Family. The background is decorated with white scribbles to look like a snowstorm.
) A close-up of a student art project titled "SNOW many things I love" by a student . It features a hand-colored purple and light blue snowflake on black paper. Six paper hearts are attached to the points of the snowflake, each containing a word: School, Family, Crafts, Reading, Hot cocoa, and Snow. White crayon marks on the background represent falling snow.
4th Grade playing "Camouflage" and animal tracking on the nature trail
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of children in colorful winter gear run and play through a snowy field with bare trees and bright sunlight in the background.
A boy wearing a blue and black jacket and camouflage gloves smiles brightly while kneeling in the snow beneath frost-covered evergreen branches.
A boy in a black and neon green jacket lies on his back in the snow with his mouth wide open, looking up toward the overhanging pine branches.
A young boy peeking through the thick, green branches of a pine tree in a bright, snowy field.
A smiling girl in a purple jacket and navy beanie hugging the trunk of a large pine tree in a snowy forest.
A smiling girl wearing an oversized camouflage U.S. Army jacket and pink snow pants, standing behind pine tree branches.
A girl in a black winter coat and black Adidas beanie stands in a snowy field under a clear blue sky, looking confidently at the camera.
A boy in a bright blue winter jacket stands in a snowy field, holding a tall, dried plant stalk up to his face.
A group selfie of a smiling adult in a purple jacket and orange scarf with six children following behind her on a narrow, snowy trail.
A boy in a black t-shirt and snow pants kneels on a snowy path, looking up and gesturing with his hands while his blue jacket lies on the snow beside him.

This Friday, we’re focusing on Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council (CAC)—a group that brings community voices together to support and strengthen our schools. Made up of community members from across the district, CAC meets monthly with the superintendent and district staff to share perspectives, discuss school-related topics, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities they serve. Everyone is welcome to attend—join us at the next meeting on February 2, 2026, in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library. We will be joined by our local legislators to discuss updates on Act 73. Come be part of the conversation!

6 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Friday Focus: CAC – Community Advisory Council.” The design features photos of adults seated around tables in meeting settings, engaged in discussion and listening. Text on the graphic includes “All Are Welcome” and “One Meeting Each Month,” along with the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo.
Literacy Stations in Kinder Land!
7 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Two young girls sit on a blue classroom rug playing a game of "Spot It!" with circular cards. One girl is wearing a red dress with gold stars, and the other is in a cream-colored top.
Three young children sit on a colorful rug decorated with handprints. They are using dry-erase markers and small toy cars to complete "Race and Read" sight word worksheets inside plastic sleeves.
Two young girls sit on a blue classroom rug playing a game of "Spot It!" with circular cards. One girl is wearing a red dress with gold stars, and the other is in a cream-colored top. IMG_5235.jpg: Three children are spread out on a colorful handprint rug, lying on their stomachs or kneeling. They are using black dry-erase markers to trace shapes and wavy lines on laminated practice sheets. IMG_5230.jpg: A close-up selfie of a young girl with blonde hair wearing headphones next to a smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses. In the background, a classroom whiteboard displays the date "1/8/26" and alphabet cards.
Three young children sit on a colorful rug decorated with handprints. They are using dry-erase markers and small toy cars to complete "Race and Read" sight word worksheets inside plastic sleeves.
A close-up selfie of a young girl with blonde hair wearing headphones next to a smiling woman with long dark hair and glasses. In the background, a classroom whiteboard displays the date "1/8/26" and alphabet cards.
More 2nd Grade number scrolls
7 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A smiling girl , wearing a light pink sweater, holds up her completed number grid. She is standing in a classroom with educational posters and a calendar visible behind her.
A blonde boy grins widely while holding his chart. At the bottom of his paper, he has playfully written a long string of the number 9.
A young boy wearing a tan hoodie smiles while holding his number chart. His chart is filled out up to the number 83. The classroom background shows a colorful rug and another student.
: A girl wearing a fancy pink dress with a sparkly headband holds up her hand-written number grid. She is standing by a wooden desk in the classroom.
A boy with freckles , wearing a red and grey striped shirt, holds a fully completed 1-100 number grid. He is sitting in front of a shelf filled with colorful book bins. I
A boy in a black hoodie holds his completed hundreds chart. On the right margin of the paper, he has drawn small stick figures and a pair of glasses next to the rows of numbers.
A boy named in a bright lime green shirt holds his completed hundreds chart while sitting at a school desk. The numbers are written clearly in pencil within the grid squares. IMG_3704 (Khalia): A smiling girl named Khalia, wearing a light pink sweater, holds up her completed number grid. She is standing in a classroom with educational posters and a calendar visible behind her.
2nd Grade started their number corner scrolls today
7 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl, wearing a bright green patterned shirt, smiles for the camera while holding up her number scroll. The scroll contains a completed 1 to 100 number grid handwritten in pencil. Other students and desks are visible in the background of the classroom.
A young girl , wearing a white headband and a purple and white patterned sweater, stands in a classroom holding her completed number scroll. The scroll shows a neatly handwritten 1 to 100 grid. In the background, classroom displays titled "Talking about Math" and "Number Corner" are visible.
A young boy in a green long-sleeve shirt smiles while holding his number scroll. The paper, featuring a handwritten 1 to 100 grid, is taped to a cardboard roll. He is standing next to a wooden desk in a bright classroom.
A young girl with dark hair and a purple shirt smiles broadly as she peeks over a cardboard tube. She is holding a sheet of paper with a handwritten 1 to 100 number grid taped to the tube to create a scroll. An empty grid sits on the desk in front of her.
🏆 Throwback Thursday 🏆

A decade ago, the Fair Haven Union High School Scholars Bowl Team made school history by defeating Rutland High School to win the 2016 PEGTV Academic Showdown Championship—a match that was televised and watched by viewers across the region.

This victory marked the first—and only—time the FHUHS Scholars Bowl Team captured the championship title, earning well-deserved recognition for their knowledge, teamwork, and dedication.

We’re proud to celebrate this unforgettable moment and the students and advisor who made it happen.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
The team advisor with four members of the Fair Haven Union High School Scholars Bowl Team stand on a stage holding a large championship check after winning the 2016 PEGTV Academic Showdown.
Crazy 8’s Club kicked off 2026 by constructing popsicle stick planes and used flight factors to predict the safest runway path. Students determined that avoiding factors of 12 was the safest plan. Thank you, Mrs. Schuyler, for bringing Crazy 8's to BVS again this year!
7 days ago, Amy Roy
A group of elementary-aged students kneel on the classroom floor, working together to arrange colorful glow sticks into symmetrical, radiating lines that meet at a central point, creating a starburst pattern. The students lean in and collaborate as they carefully place the glow sticks, with classroom chairs visible in the background.
A group of elementary-aged students kneel on the classroom floor, working together to arrange colorful glow sticks into symmetrical, radiating lines that meet at a central point, creating a starburst pattern. The students lean in and collaborate as they carefully place the glow sticks, with classroom chairs visible in the background.
Where Are They Now Wednesday? | Fair Haven Union High School Alumna Spotlight
Nikiah (Vincent) Viger, Class of 2005

From the halls of Fair Haven Union High School to a career dedicated to helping students navigate their college journeys, Nikiah Viger’s path is a powerful example of leadership, service, and lifelong learning.

Nikiah graduated from FHUHS in 2005 (then Nikiah Vincent) and went on to complete her undergraduate studies at the College of St. Joseph, earning a B.A. in Psychology (2005–2009). She continued her education at Suffolk University, where she earned a Master of Education in School Counseling with a Certificate in Admissions Counseling (2009–2011).

While her original goal was to become a guidance counselor, Nikiah quickly learned how competitive the field could be. Rather than giving up, she pivoted—and found her calling. In July 2012, she returned to her alma mater, the College of St. Joseph, as a Financial Aid Counselor, where she spent more than four years helping students understand and access federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

“CSJ meant a great deal to me,” Nikiah shared. “It’s where I met my husband and a large group of friends who are now family. I was able to give back to a place that gave me a great education and helped shape the person I am today.”

In November 2016, Nikiah took the next step in her career, joining Castleton University as Senior Financial Aid Officer. Now nine years into her time with Vermont State University, she has continued to grow professionally, navigating evolving federal regulations and the challenges of a university merger while keeping student service at the center of her work. Most recently, Nikiah earned a promotion to Financial Aid Specialist, a milestone she is incredibly proud of.

When asked about a teacher who left a lasting impact, Nikiah immediately pointed to Mr. Bruce.
“He always had fun ways to teach history,” she recalled. “His passion made it easy to listen and learn—and I’m certain no one who had him will ever get ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ out of their heads.”

Beyond the classroom, she credits Mr. Bruce with creating a safe, supportive space for students and maintaining meaningful connections long after graduation—especially special for the Class of 2005, who were among his very first students.

Nikiah was deeply involved during her time at Fair Haven Union High School, successfully balancing academics, leadership, and a wide range of activities. She participated in Field Hockey for three years, Winter Cheer for four years, and Softball for four years as a catcher. In addition, she was active in the National Honor Society, SMILE, Community Service Club, Chorus, KeyNotes, Yearbook Club, Marching Band, and Jazz Band, and served as Class Treasurer all four years.

Her involvement, she says, helped shape the confidence and leadership skills she carries into her career today.

Nikiah met her husband, Chadd, during their college years at CSJ, and the couple recently celebrated 15 years of marriage. After completing their graduate studies in Boston, they returned to Vermont, settling in Nikiah’s hometown of Fair Haven.

They have two children: Max (13), a 7th grader at FHUMHS who plays sports year-round, and Maylee (10), a 5th grader at FHGS and a competitive dancer. Their household also includes two Boston Terriers, Sammie and Ollie, and a cat named Luna. Chadd currently serves as a Selectman in Fair Haven.

When they’re not at a ball field or dance auditorium, the Viger family enjoys spending time with friends and family and heading out on new adventures together.

Her advice for current Slate Valley students is to stay curious and engaged. She stated, “Get involved and explore opportunities. Try a new club, sport, or role you might normally shy away from. The more you engage and challenge yourself, the more you’ll grow. And always be kind—small acts can make a big difference. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Just keep showing up, stay curious, and be good to others.”
We’re proud to celebrate Nikiah Viger and the meaningful work she continues to do in support of students and families. Once a Slater, always a Slater!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now? Wednesday” featuring FH UHS Class of 2005 alum Nikiah (Vincent) Viger. Includes a portrait photo and highlights her education in psychology and school counseling, career in higher education financial aid, current role at Vermont State University–Castleton, and a favorite inspirational quote about being bold, brave, and kind.