We had a successful Coffee & Conversation gathering to kick off the year. If you missed it, don't worry! We have three more scheduled, beginning this Wednesday at 7:30 AM at Buxton's Store in Orwell.
For those who prefer evening events, we have our Budget Forums planned to begin late October at 6:30 PM, as well as our monthly Community Advisory Council meetings, (next one is Tuesday, October 8th at 5:45 PM). Additionally, you're always welcome to attend our School Board Meetings, which are open to the public.
We value your input and encourage you to join us at any of these events to discuss budget and all school matters.
Ahoy, mateys! Who would've known yesterday was International Speak Like A Pirate Day? Well, the 4th graders, of course! They sailed the seas of imagination with pirate map skills, creative pirate writing, and pirate games. But the real treasure was presenting their theater skits called "A Pirate's Adventure"! Groups of swashbucklers dressed the part and presented their tales with a hearty "Yo-ho-ho!"!
During library class, students in grades K-4 delved into the whimsical world of emotions with Patricia Austin's book "Elephant of Sadness, Butterfly of Joy." After exploring the book's animal metaphors, they sculpted their own feelings using Play-Dough on blank face templates, creating a tactile and expressive project.
Look what we've created! Our brand-new Little Library is now open for business. This wonderful outdoor space, where students can borrow books, is the brainchild of our librarian, Mrs. Rampone. Her husband built the library, and our talented art teacher, Mrs. Parrott, painted it with a little help from Mrs. Rampone.
Please join us this Friday morning (September 20th) at the Castleton Free Library. We'll be there at 10 AM, right before Story Hour!
Slate Valley's Fall Coffee & Conversations - Please join us!
4th grade has been studying the effects of mosquitoes on people and the environment. They learned that items that collect standing water can be excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes. They watched scientific videos about places where standing water collects and learned how to empty water from any tires on the property. Each student had an opportunity to practice this important skill, much to their cheers and laughter!
Thank you, Mrs. Ray and Mrs. Lucci, for providing this fun scientific activity!
Where Were You Then Wednesday: Remembering 9/11. We will Never Forget.
Today many Slate Valley faculty and staff shared their stories of where they were when they heard the news of 9/11. Here are a selected few.
Trivia Tuesday: Did you know?
Meet Slate Valley Faculty and Staff Monday: Featuring Tom DeMatties
#weareslatevalley
The Slate Valley Unified Union Snack Sack Program is thrilled to announce that it has once again been awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from the United Way of Rutland County. This marks the fifth consecutive year that our program has received this generous support, which has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity among Slate Valley students.
Since its inception in 2019, the Snack Sack Program has partnered with the United Way to provide nutritious snacks to students in need. The program's success is largely due to the tireless efforts of Carrieann Wolcott, who has worked closely with Kris Benway to secure funding and ensure the program's continued operation. In addition to her work with the Snack Sack Program, Wolcott has also been instrumental in establishing the Vegi-Van-Go program, which distributes fresh fruits and vegetables to families in Slate Valley, Poultney, and Wells. This initiative has helped to promote healthy eating habits and improve access to nutritious food in our community.
Board Meeting - September 9, 2024
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zwq-ssxo-bru
Or dial: (US) +1 225-414-2281 PIN: 533 215 864#
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.
Friday Focus: Please join us in welcoming our new faculty and staff, including those returning to new roles. Their skills and passion will certainly enrich our district's community. Let's make this a great year together! #WeAreSlateValley #WelcomeNewcomers
As a precautionary measure, Fair Haven Union Middle and High School, Fair Haven Grade School, and Castleton Elementary School implemented a Secure The Building protocol this morning for approximately 15 minutes. While regular school activities continued, all students and staff were kept inside. This decision was made in response to reported safety concerns in a neighboring school district. At this time there is no longer a concern, and the schools have returned to normal activity.
Stay connected with Slate Valley Unified Union! Download our free app today for the latest news, events, and important updates. Find it on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Throwback Thursday: Remember the excitement of that first day of school, when you could finally show off your new vintage metal lunch box? It was a highlight of back-to-school shopping, poring over the options at the local department store. Did you have a favorite childhood lunch box? Share your memories in the comments!
#ThrowbackThursday #Lunchbox #Vintage #ChildhoodMemories
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Mr. Richard Buxton
Richard (Rick) Buxton, a 1966 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, is a testament to the enduring spirit of Vermont. His multifaceted career, dedicated community service, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge have earned him the well-deserved title of "Vermont Renaissance man."
After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Buxton pursued higher education at Champlain College, earning an Associate's degree in 1968. Shortly thereafter, he served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Korea for 13 months before completing his service in Texas.
Upon returning home, Buxton joined his parents in a family business and simultaneously began working part-time for the United States Postal Service. His dedication to the Postal Service led to a 40-year career, culminating in his retirement in 2017. In retirement, Buxton continues to contribute to his community by working part-time at his son's general store, Buxton's, in Orwell.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Buxton has been a tireless advocate for his community. He served on the Fair Haven Union High School Board for 20 years, held the position of Town Selectman, volunteered as a firefighter, coached baseball, and served as a Lay Minister for his local church. Buxton attributes his commitment to community service to the positive influences of his high school teachers, who instilled in him a lifelong passion for giving back.
When asked about his advice for current students, Buxton emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity. He encouraged students to actively engage in their education, participate in extracurricular activities, and build strong relationships with their teachers and peers. Buxton believes that the experiences gained during high school can provide a valuable foundation for future success.
Thank you, Mr. Buxton, for your service to the country, state and community. You have always, and continue to embody the essence of a Slater.
Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know?
Reminder: Tonight is our first Community Advisory Council Meeting for the school year... All are welcome to attend! Agenda can be found at: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/page/slate-valley-community-advisory-council
Submitted by Linda Corliss: "Fourth grade's theme this year is Superheroes! Today, we all became Superheroes in training! We each crafted our capes, modeled after the ones that Superheroes wear. We also made matching cuffs to complement our capes and participated in the Superheroes Olympics during the afternoon. We also enjoyed our first "Kid President" episode, which taught us all about the superhero within each and every one of us!"
