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
about 19 hours 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
about 20 hours 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.
Phoenix Books are here! We have a book fair today during our Thanksgiving meal!
1 day ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up shot of two book covers: the top book is a question-based title asking, "BUT WHY ARE LLAMAS TICKLISH?" The bottom book cover is a sports title titled "SUPERCROSS BUMPS AND JUMPS." Classroom Photos
Four adult women, presumably staff or volunteers, are standing behind a table covered with a red Phoenix Books tablecloth and holding up children's books. They are smiling at the camera, promoting the book fair. A wooden crate sits on the table, which also displays small gift items and a sign indicating payment methods.
A close-up shot of the cover of a non-fiction children's book titled "DIRT BIKES" in large, red and white letters. The cover features an image of a person riding a dirt bike in racing gear.
A table displaying books for the book fair, categorized as "EARLY READERS". The books are laid out on the table and arranged in white baskets and small wooden shelving units. A purple chart showing time measurements is visible on the wall to the left.
IMG_2904.jpg: Four adult women, presumably staff or volunteers, are standing behind a table covered with a red Phoenix Books tablecloth and holding up children's books. They are smiling at the camera, promoting the book fair. A wooden crate sits on the table, which also displays small gift items and a sign indicating payment methods. IMG_2895 (1).jpg: A close-up of the Phoenix Books book fair display table. The red tablecloth features the store's logo. A wooden crate on top holds a sign detailing accepted payment methods (Visa, MC, Checks & Cash). A rotating display rack features 3D novelties and gifts. IMG_2897.jpg: A display table for the book fair is set up beneath a bulletin board titled "Famous Vermonters" which features a map of Vermont. The table is filled with various books arranged on metal tiered racks and laid flat, with a sign indicating the section is for "MIDDLE READERS". IMG_2899.jpg: A long wooden table set up in a school hallway with books displayed for a book fair. A tiered metal rack holds numerous titles, and the table displays stacks of books underneath a sign labeled "EARLY READERS". A red fire extinguisher is visible on the wall in the background. IMG_2898.jpg: A table displaying books for the book fair, categorized as "EARLY READERS". The books are laid out on the table and arranged in white baskets and small wooden shelving units. A purple chart showing time measurements is visible on the wall to the left. IMG_2900.jpg: A close-up shot of the cover of a non-fiction children's book titled "DIRT BIKES" in large, red and white letters. The cover features an image of a person riding a dirt bike in racing gear. IMG_2901.jpg: A close-up shot of two book covers: the top book is a question-based title asking, "BUT WHY ARE LLAMAS TICKLISH?" The bottom book cover is a sports title titled "SUPERCROSS BUMPS AND JUMPS." Classroom Photos IMG_2861 (1).jpg: A boy wearing glasses is standing next to a black pocket chart calendar, with his arm raised in a possible wave or question. The chart displays the days of the week and two small analog clocks labeled '3' and '4'. A girl's arm and a red marker are visible in the foreground. IMG_2863 (1).jpg: A close-up of a student's arm and hand writing on a large sheet of paper titled "Calendar Grid Observations." The chart has columns for Date, Time, am/pm, Between today + yesterday, and Total time elapsed since 11/1, used for a lesson on calculating elapsed time.
A long wooden table set up in a school hallway with books displayed for a book fair. A tiered metal rack holds numerous titles, and the table displays stacks of books underneath a sign labeled "EARLY READERS". A red fire extinguisher is visible on the wall in the background.
A display table for the book fair is set up beneath a bulletin board titled "Famous Vermonters" which features a map of Vermont. The table is filled with various books arranged on metal tiered racks and laid flat, with a sign indicating the section is for "MIDDLE READERS".
We are preparing to welcome over 200 guests to our Thanksgiving meal. A huge Thank you to our amazing chefs preparing today's food.
1 day ago, Kelley Schultz
Three cafeteria workers (all women wearing matching black shirts and hair coverings) are standing behind a stainless steel counter in a kitchen or food preparation area. The woman in the center is holding a block of cheese over a clear bin of prepped food. In the foreground, there is a stainless steel sink and a sign with instructions for Handwashing.
A close-up photograph of a white marker board in a black frame with a hand-drawn message in brown, orange, and red marker that reads: "Welcome to our BVS Family Thanksgiving Meal". The text is surrounded by decorative squiggly lines.
A high-angle, wide shot of the gymnasium set up for the meal, showing the serving and entrance area. Several tables draped in tan and dark green cloths are set up near an open doorway to the kitchen. Fall decorations, including pumpkins and a sign reading "THE FOREST FEAST," are visible along the wall.
A high-angle view of a gymnasium floor set up for a meal. The room contains rows of tables, some covered with white tablecloths and others with yellow patterned cloths. Long picnic-style tables with benches are visible in the foreground, with time cards (e.g., "11:45") placed on them. The floor is marked with sports lines and a teal blue border.
A high-angle view looking across the gymnasium, showcasing the extensive table setup for the meal. The tables are arranged in sections, with some covered in white cloths and others in yellow. A basketball hoop is visible at the far end of the gym, and a large black structural support column and beige partition dominate the right side of the foreground.
🎙️ 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
2 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.
Kindergarten ABL lab!
2 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Four young girls are standing side-by-side along a dark green wooden wall, writing with markers on laminated worksheets taped to the wall. The worksheets show large letters (S, T, U) and alphabet tracing activities, indicating a literacy or handwriting exercise.
A wide-angle shot showing a group of children working on the floor of a large room (like a gym). In the foreground, four children are kneeling and writing on worksheets laid out in a row. A few black balls are scattered nearby, and more children are visible working in the distance.
An aerial view of four young children kneeling on the floor, which has a mix of green and tiled sections. They are all bent over, writing with markers on individual worksheets laminated in plastic, which feature number lines or ten frames for counting practice.
Four young girls are standing side-by-side along a dark green wooden wall, writing with markers on laminated worksheets taped to the wall. The worksheets show large letters (S, T, U) and alphabet tracing activities, indicating a literacy or handwriting exercise.
An aerial view of four young girls kneeling along a black line on the floor, tracing their names onto personalized worksheets in colorful laminated sleeves
A high-angle close-up of four children gathered around a brown table, using plastic tongs (or scoops) to transfer small, colorful pom-poms between an orange tray and colored plastic cups. They are leaning in intently, focusing on the fine motor skill activity.
A high-angle close-up of four children gathered around a brown table, using plastic tongs (or scoops) to transfer small, colorful pom-poms between an orange tray and colored plastic cups. They are leaning in intently, focusing on the fine motor skill activity.
Kindergarten and their Veterans' Day Poster!
3 days ago, Amy Roy
Alt text: A group of young students in a colorful classroom smile and pose around a large chart paper that says “Happy Veterans Day!” The chart includes small pictures of flags, birds, and handprints. The children are wearing jackets and backpacks, and some are pointing to the poster. The classroom is decorated with learning charts, a rocking chair, and bright rugs and materials
🇺🇸 “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
4 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.”
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
8 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.
Kinders created wonderful apples!
8 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Three young students are seated around a blue, kidney-shaped table in a classroom, engaged in a craft activity. In the foreground, a girl with blonde hair in a ponytail is wearing a pink shirt and working on a green apple-shaped paper cutout, with small white pom-poms nearby. Another girl, with long brown hair and a green plaid shirt, is on the right, picking small colorful pom-poms from a blue tray. A boy in a dark t-shirt is at the top of the table, looking up and away from his work, which includes a red apple cutout, a small cup of white pom-poms, and a plastic spoon. Craft supplies like crayons and paper are also on the table.

🌟 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

8 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.
Students completed a craft, and now they're running an ELA lesson. They've also added in an impromptu dance class. A random PBIS celebration!
8 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A classroom scene where a girl in a purple sweatshirt and glasses is standing by a large, dark interactive display screen, appearing to present or lead an activity. Another student is seated at a table covered in plastic on the left. Classroom shelves filled with art supplies are visible behind them.
A close-up of a finished art project on a wooden tabletop covered in plastic. A black cutout silhouette of a bare tree is glued onto a round coffee filter dyed with red, orange, and yellow colors, giving it the appearance of an autumn sunset or fall foliage.
Four students are standing in a classroom. Three girls are facing a whiteboard with charts (labeled "Mat-Mat," "Stop-Mat"), and two of them appear to be singing or participating in a call-and-response activity, with their hands held near their mouths. The fourth girl is seated at a round table, facing away from the camera.
A close-up of a finished art project on a wooden tabletop covered in plastic. A black cutout silhouette of a bare tree is glued onto a round coffee filter dyed with red, orange, and yellow colors, giving it the appearance of an autumn sunset or fall foliage.
A smiling girl wearing a dark blue fleece jacket stands in a classroom, holding up a round piece of paper (likely a cniature Earth or tie-dye art. A cale USA are behind her.
A girl with long blonde hair and a tie-dye shirt is seated, holding up two decorated coffee filters. The one on the left has bright rainbow colors, and the one on the right has lighter pastel colors. Another girl is visible seated at a table in the background.
🎙️ 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.
9 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?
9 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.
3rd graders reviewing multiple strategies for double and triple digit addition. They're working on decomposing numbers, utilizing number, lines, and traditional algorithms. This is an amazing group of wonderful math minded students!
10 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A wider shot showing four elementary school-age girls lined up at a whiteboard, all actively writing and solving addition problems using the number decomposition strategy. The whiteboard shows the math problem $44 + 55$ being worked on
A view from behind two girls who are standing at a whiteboard, actively working on math problems. The girl on the right, with long blonde hair, is writing the steps to solve $44 + 55$ by decomposing the numbers. The girl on the left is wearing a blue floral dress. The board displays other decomposed addition problems
A girl in a dark blue "Champion" hoodie is seated at a wooden desk, focused on manipulating a small piece of wood or a broken pencil tip with her fingers. A piece of paper in front of her has a vertical column of numbers written on it, including 10, 20, 30, and up to 500. Other students are seated at desks in the background, writing.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Elizabeth Kyhill, Class of 1999

This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.

After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.

When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”

While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.

Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”

Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”

Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.

Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
“Where Are They Now Wednesday” graphic featuring Elizabeth Kyhill, Fair Haven Union High School Class of 1999. The text highlights that she earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Anselm College and an M.S. in Nursing Leadership & Management from Walden University. She serves as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center, volunteers as a nurse and board member for local healthcare organizations, and values family, community, and service. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and a professional photo of Elizabeth Kyhill is on the right.
6th graders practice their story books play!
11 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up shot of a student seated at a wooden round table in a classroom. The student, wearing a black shirt, is looking down at an open book or magazine with colorful graphics, holding their hand up to their forehead. Another student is seated back-to-back behind them. Classroom shelves filled with organized supplies are visible in the background.
A group of people, including two adult women, are seated around a round wooden table in a brightly lit classroom. The woman on the left has glasses and long hair. The woman in the center is wearing a red sweater. A student in a black shirt is seated in the foreground, facing away from the table and looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. An assignment board is visible on the wall behind them.
Two boys are seated opposite each other at a round wooden table. The boy on the left, wearing a black sweatshirt, has his hand covering his eyes as he looks down at an open magazine on the table. The boy on the right, wearing a red hoodie, is looking at and holding up his open book. Classroom decorations, including a calendar chart and colorful storage bins, are visible in the background.
A student in a blue sweatshirt is seated at a table, looking down at an open book. Another student, wearing a dark hoodie and patterned pajama-style pants, is seated in a separate chair facing the front of the classroom and reading a book. In the background, a large interactive whiteboard displays three large blank circles, and classroom decor is visible on the walls.
4th graders learning how to read elapsed time and time on analog clocks during Bridges Number Corner!
11 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A boy wearing glasses is standing next to a calendar wall chart, pointing or raising his hand while a girl, visible in the foreground, is holding a red dry-erase marker. The calendar displays the days of the week, with two smaller charts underneath showing analog clocks with hands at different times, labeled '3' and '4'.
A group of elementary school-age children is seated around a blue table in a classroom. A female teacher, wearing a dark shirt and glasses, stands behind the table, addressing the students and pointing to a small whiteboard. A girl in a black and white hoodie is smiling brightly, while a boy in a neon yellow hoodie and two other boys look toward the teacher. A large map of the United States is visible on the wall behind them.
A close-up shot of a student's arm and hand writing on a large sheet of paper labeled "Calendar Grid Observations." The paper is a chart with columns for Date, Time, am/pm, Between today + yesterday, and Total time elapsed since 11/1. The visible rows include dates 11/1, 11/2, 11/3, and 11/4. The student is writing in the 'Between today + yesterday' column.
Trivia Tuesday: 💡Did You Know?
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?” featuring text about Vermont’s Act 73. It explains that the School District Redistricting Task Force is responsible for reshaping how the state’s schools are organized and will present up to three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025. The image includes a green outline of Vermont with “Act 73” written inside and the Slate Valley Vermont logo in the bottom right corner.
Hello Slate Valley Families,

We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.

If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!

📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068

🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/

No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Informational graphic with the Slate Valley logo that reads: “No family should face challenges alone…” followed by text encouraging households to find community food resources through the Vermont Foodbank. It includes a QR code and the link “https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/.” The image shows a person in a green coat receiving food from volunteers and illustrations of canned goods.