Castleton Elementary School

Last week, Castleton Elementary School’s P.E. teacher, Ms. Briley Blackbird, transformed the gym into a spooktacular space for students!

Students rotated through six spooky-themed activity stations, each designed to keep them moving, laughing, and building their fitness skills — all while enjoying a little seasonal fun. From ghostly games to pumpkin-inspired challenges, it was a frightfully good time for everyone!

18 days ago, Slate Valley

A student kneels and smiles while setting up bowling pins on the gym floor during a Halloween-themed activity.

A green cone with a “Ghost Boo-ling” sign sits near bowling pins and balls; a student sets up pins under pink lights.

Students on scooters crawl through a tunnel under a red canopy lined with glowing lights in the gym.

A blue cone glows under a sign that reads “Haunted House – Cruise through the haunted house on your scooter!” set in a dim gym with colored lights

Two students smile holding rings beside a “Witch’s Hat Ring Toss” sign and purple cone with festive lights behind them.

Two students laugh and move energetically in a dimly lit gym decorated with cones and lights.

A red cone with a sign labeled “Pumpkin Putt” invites students to putt a pumpkin to knock over cups; the gym is lit with orange lights.

A student lies on their back with legs raised as part of a gym activity surrounded by colorful floor cones.

Two students in red pose beside a “Cindy Corn-Hole” sign and yellow cone; an American flag hangs on the gym wall behind them.

Students crawl and play around a “Potion Quest” station surrounded by colorful cones and a parachute fort in the gym.

Meet Faculty & Staff Monday featuring Ellenor Cox-Hansen

This week, we’re excited to introduce Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School! Ellenor joined Slate Valley in July 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in SVSU (Bennington) and BRSU (Manchester).

Outside of school, Ellenor enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading, finding joy and creativity in each of these hobbies. Her favorite quote, by Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects her compassionate and mindful approach to both life and education:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”

We’re so happy to have Ellenor as part of Slate Valley and the Fair Haven Grade School team—her dedication, warmth, and wisdom are already making a wonderful impact!

18 days ago, Slate Valley

Board Meeting - TONIGHT - November 3, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xwq-bbuo-ytt
Or dial: (US) +1 321-765-3491 PIN: 771 020 254

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.

18 days ago, Slate Valley

Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 31, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter

21 days ago, Slate Valley

Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting !

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM (Notice the slightly later start)
Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room

This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, get FY27 Budget and Act 73 updates and hear how the school year is going.

All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!

21 days ago, Slate Valley

There were wagging tails and happy smiles at Castleton Elementary School today as the Caring Canines made one of their special visits!

Students had the wonderful opportunity to read aloud to the pups, practicing their fluency and confidence while enjoying some furry encouragement. It’s hard to tell who loved it more — the students or the dogs!

22 days ago, Slate Valley

A student in a blue hoodie reads a book while the golden retriever therapy dog lies stretched out beside him, resting comfortably on the mat.

Two young students sit on a blue mat in the library, gently petting a golden retriever therapy dog wearing a purple Halloween bandana and service vest.

Three students sit around the golden retriever therapy dog, petting it while one student reads aloud from a book.

The therapy dog smiles contentedly while two students pet it in the library reading area surrounded by bookshelves.

A student in a red shirt reads from a book while sitting next to the golden retriever therapy dog, who lies calmly on a mat listening.

❄️🏀 Winter Sports Registration Is Now Open! 🏒❄️

It’s time to register for Slate Valley’s Winter Sports season! Our athletic programs are organized into three levels:

Grades 5–6 Sports

Middle School Sports (Grades 7–8)

High School Sports (Grades 9–12)

Be sure your child is registered on FormReLeaf for their chosen sport (use the link below) and has an up-to-date sports physical on file at their school.

https://formreleaf.com/

23 days ago, Slate Valley

Graphic flyer with a red, blue, and beige color scheme that reads: “Time to register for winter sports! Go to: formreleaf.com. Visit the link above or click on the ‘Registration’ link on the athletics webpage and choose your sport of choice. All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”

In today's Rutland Herald!

23 days ago, Slate Valley

Slate Valley Unified School District “Our School, Your Future” poster featuring principals from all district schools, their goals for student success, and images of students engaged in learning and activities.

This morning, Phyllis Blanchard—retired CES teacher and proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Crippen-Fellows American Legion Post 50—brought a touch of magic to our 4th grade classrooms with some very special gifts!

Each student received an American Legion Auxiliary “Have a Safe Halloween” Coloring Book, while teachers and staff were surprised with handcrafted, Harry Potter–themed teddy bears lovingly made by Mrs. Blanchard herself.

While visiting, Mrs. Blanchard even took a turn with the Harry Potter Sorting Hat—adding a bit of extra fun and laughter!

These special bears will now join the 4th graders on their many adventures at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

We’re so thankful for Mrs. Blanchard’s creativity, kindness, and community spirit!

24 days ago, Slate Valley

Five women dressed in plaid pajamas stand smiling in front of a brick-patterned backdrop with a “Platform 9¾” sign and a white owl decoration, each holding a handmade teddy bear.

Two women stand beside a seated older woman wearing a “Slaters Basketball” sweatshirt and the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter, participating in a themed classroom activity.

Today, Chef Tony stopped by Castleton Elementary School to serve up his famous hot honey chicken sandwiches—and they were a huge hit! Students couldn’t stop talking about how delicious everything was, and the lunchroom was filled with smiles.

A highlight of the visit? Chef Tony playfully tossed pickles and cheese slices into the mouths of our 5th and 6th graders—adding laughter to an already tasty day!

Thank you, Chef Tony, for sharing your time (and your talent) with us—we can’t wait to have you back!

24 days ago, Slate Valley

Chef Tony, wearing a white chef’s coat and black cap, talks with two elementary students dressed in colorful outfits at the lunch counter, with bowls of sandwich toppings in front of him.

A Honeyfire Kitchen display featuring a sign that reads “Chef Tony will be making you a Honey fire chicken sandwich with your favorite toppings,” surrounded by fall-themed decorations, a small red toy truck, and chicken figurines.

Chef Tony prepares sandwiches behind the counter while a group of students eagerly waits, watching him assemble their lunches.

Chef Tony playfully tosses a slice of cheese toward a laughing student while others in line smile and cheer, creating a lively, fun cafeteria moment.

Two students sit at a cafeteria table enjoying their sandwiches and smiling, with pink trays of lunch food including vegetables and tater tots in front of them.

Be the Hero of the Day — Substitute with Slate Valley!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is looking for substitute teachers! We’re seeking caring, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and supporting learning across our elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to have you on our team! Interested? Apply at slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities

25 days ago, Slate Valley

Last Friday, Castleton Elementary School students, faculty, and staff brought their favorite stories to life during the annual Book Character Parade! From classic storybook heroes to imaginative new favorites, the parade route was filled with color, creativity, and plenty of smiles.

This beloved tradition celebrates a love of reading—and as always, our CES community showed off amazing costumes and even bigger school spirit!

A special thank you to Ms. Tugas who always captures the day with the best photos!

25 days ago, Slate Valley

Two adults dressed as Arthur characters hold Arthur’s New Puppy and Arthur Writes a Story. They smile and walk with children dressed as superheroes and storybook characters.

A group of young students parade outdoors in colorful costumes. One girl dressed as a bee waves while holding Make Way for Butterfly, followed by classmates as adults watch and guide them.

Two children dressed as witches in black hats and capes pretend to fly on broomsticks during the parade. Autumn leaves fill the background under bright sunlight.

Two girls smile and pose during the parade — one dressed as a cowgirl tipping her hat, and the other as a pirate holding a Magic Tree House book. Other costumed students walk behind them.

A woman wearing cat ears and glasses walks with children in costume, holding the book “Bad Kitty: Tasty Treats.” Kids are dressed as a police officer, a football player, and other characters, parading past families.

A smiling woman dressed in orange holds a “Charlotte’s Web” book and a handmade sign reading “Some Pig.” She wears a spider headband, walking in a parade with children in costumes behind her.

Three children in costumes walk in the parade. One dressed as “Where’s Waldo” holds the matching book, while others hold The Nightmare Before Christmas and Baseball GOAT.

A man dressed as author Orville Wright holds a prop sign reading “Fly, fly, fly!” while walking beside a large inflatable Garfield costume. Other participants in creative outfits follow behind.

A young girl dressed as a bee smiles while holding the book Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera. She wears a yellow-and-black costume with wings and large honeycomb-patterned glasses.

A teacher dressed as a "Bad Seed" and carrying the book leads her students who are dressed in various book character costumes, including Disney's Stitch, a Mermaid, Captain America and a Panda Bear.

Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 24, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/6e5e2878b6d7/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-24-2025

28 days ago, Slate Valley

During library class, students in grades K–4 recently read the Red Clover book Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas by Zachariah OHora. The story introduced students to musician Paul Horn, who once played his flute for Haida the orca—and was amazed when Haida responded with clicks, squeaks, and bubbles!

Inspired by the story, our young readers used 3D pens and 3Doodlers to build their own orcas.

29 days ago, Slate Valley

Student using a 3D pen to fill in an orca whale outline at a classroom table.

Student concentrating while using a turquoise 3D pen to design an orca whale.

Student working carefully with a 3D pen to create a black orca whale design.

Student wearing a cap using a black 3D pen to trace an orca whale template.

Three students using 3D pens at a classroom table filled with cords and supplies.

Smiling student holding up a completed black orca whale 3D creation.

TOMORROW... with the option to participate in person or virtually!
Public Hearing Notice: Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force

The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to attend one of its public hearings to share perspectives and priorities that will help shape proposals for Vermont’s future school district boundaries. The hearing closest to us is:

Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rutland High School, in Rutland.

These hearings are a chance to learn about the Task Force’s purpose and process, share your ideas and concerns, and offer public testimony (2 minutes per speaker; written comments welcome if time runs short).

Your voice matters—help guide the future of Vermont’s schools!

To Participate Virtually Go To: https://bit.ly/vtredistrictingpublichearing

Meeting ID: 288 958 397 374 5 Passcode: Be2vw7j5