First grade had a magical time at the pond this morning! 🌿🐸

Students explored, discovered, and learned firsthand as they searched the water and shoreline—shrieked with excitement when they found a giant water bug, salamanders, frogs, spiders, and worms! Moments like these spark curiosity and bring science to life in the best way.

We are so lucky to have amazing outdoor spaces that allow our students to learn, explore, and connect with nature. What a great day of hands-on learning!
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Three young students stand together in a wooded area, smiling and holding a small clear container with a purple lid that contains water and pond creatures they collected during outdoor exploration.
A young student leans over the edge of a pond using a net to scoop water, surrounded by trees and reflections on the water’s surface.
A young student leans over the edge of a pond using a net to scoop water, surrounded by trees and reflections on the water’s surface.
A group of young students gathers along the edge of a wooded pond, looking into the water and exploring together.
Close-up of a net containing leaves and a large dark-colored water bug resting inside.
Several students stand closely together, looking down into a net as they examine something they have just caught.
This is a gentle reminder that we will be gathering this Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM to celebrate the life of Bonnie L. Partridge.

Please join us at Castleton Elementary School in Castleton, Vermont as we come together to honor Bonnie—a beloved member of the Castleton community whose kindness, dedication, and sense of humor touched so many lives.

In her spirit, guests are invited (if they wish) to wear their favorite Adidas clothing or Dallas Cowboys/NASCAR attire.

We hope you can join us as we share memories, celebrate her life, and support one another. 💙
15 days ago, Slate Valley
A soft blue floral-themed flyer announcing a “Celebration of Life” for Bonnie L. Partridge. The flyer includes a photo of Bonnie smiling outdoors on a field, wearing a tie-dye shirt, black skirt, white socks, sneakers, and a lanyard. Text reads: “Please join us as we gather to celebrate the life of Bonnie L. Partridge, a beloved member of the Castleton community whose kindness, dedication, and sense of humor touched so many lives.” Event details: Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Castleton Elementary School in Castleton, Vermont. Additional note invites guests to wear Adidas clothing or Dallas Cowboys/NASCAR attire in her honor. The design features blue watercolor flowers and a calm, respectful layout.
💙 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! 🦁
16 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! 🌍💙
22 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
23 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
27 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.”
First graders took learning to the air as they celebrated the day before April break with paper airplanes! ✈️ Students practiced hand-eye coordination while testing how far their planes could fly—using both their dominant and non-dominant hands. They also added an extra challenge by aiming to send their planes through a hula hoop. A fun, hands-on way to build skills and kick off break!
27 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of first grade students stands in a cafeteria line holding paper airplanes, preparing to throw them while adults sit on a bench behind them.
A teacher holds a green hula hoop while a student throws a paper airplane toward it, with other students waiting and watching in a cafeteria space.
Students take turns throwing paper airplanes toward a hula hoop held by a staff member, while others watch and hold their own planes.
A student leans forward mid-throw, aiming a paper airplane toward a red hula hoop held by a teacher in a cafeteria with tables in the background.
Young students line up with paper airplanes raised, preparing to throw, with a “Let’s eat!” poster and cafeteria serving area visible behind them.
☕♥️ Spreading Kindness, One Cup at a Time!

Our first graders teamed up with Last Cup Cafe in Rutland to share a little extra joy in the community! After learning about kindness, students created thoughtful messages designed to brighten someone’s day.

They then put their creativity to work, decorating coffee cup sleeves for customers to enjoy—turning an everyday moment into something special.

Our students worked so hard and were so proud to help spread happiness beyond the classroom. Be sure to grab a cup and a smile if you stop by! ♥️✨
27 days ago, Slate Valley
Three young students stand in front of a cloud-themed backdrop, holding decorated coffee sleeve cards with colorful drawings and messages of kindness, including “Smile!”
Two students smile and hold up handmade coffee sleeve cards with cheerful messages, including “You make my day happy,” against a sky-and-cloud background.
Three students stand side by side, proudly displaying a long row of connected, hand-decorated coffee sleeves filled with bright colors, hearts, and patterns.
A student in a yellow dress holds up two small illustrated cards featuring hand-drawn animals and playful designs, smiling in front of a cloud-themed backdrop.
📣 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.
28 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.”
Our Castleton Elementary School 4th graders recently had the opportunity to participate in the Annual Poppy Poster Contest, thanks to an invitation from Poppy Chairperson Phyllis Blanchard of the Castleton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 50.

Each student thoughtfully created both a draft and final poster, inspired by the story of the Poppy Lady, Moina Belle Michael, and her tribute to veterans. Through their artwork, students explored the powerful symbolism of the poppy:

🔴 Red petals represent the sacrifice and blood shed
⚫🟡 The center reflects the mud and hardship of the battlefield
🌱 The green stem symbolizes the land where so many served and sacrificed
💪 The stem also represents courage and determination
🌸 Together, the poppy stands as a symbol of remembrance and renewal

We are proud to share that our students’ posters have been submitted to the Vermont Department Chairperson for consideration. Great work, CES students!
28 days ago, Slate Valley
Three students stand in front of a brick wall display holding hand-drawn poppy posters honoring veterans.
Four students smile while holding colorful poppy artwork with messages about remembering veterans.
Three students hold detailed poppy posters featuring messages about honoring veterans and those who served.
Three students stand side by side holding poppy drawings with red flowers and handwritten messages of remembrance.
Three students display poppy posters with large red flowers and messages about sacrifice and service.
Three students hold posters with poppy illustrations and messages recognizing fallen soldiers and veterans.
Three students present poppy artwork with bright red flowers and “American Legion Auxiliary” written on the posters.
Four students stand together holding small red poppies, smiling in front of a brick wall display.
Students in third and fourth grade are reading the Red Clover Book When You Find the Right Rock by Mary Lyn Ray in library class. To deepen their learning, students explored how rocks are formed by watching an informational video, then put their creativity to work by painting their own rocks. The results are full of thoughtful details and beautiful designs!
28 days ago, Slate Valley
Larger group of students stand together in a classroom, proudly displaying their colorful painted rocks.
A group of decorated rocks displayed on a table, featuring designs such as rainbows, flowers, a tree, a bird, and a sunset scene.
Student’s hands use a yellow paint marker to create a colorful swirl design on a smooth gray rock, with newspaper protecting the table underneath.
Small painted rock on an orange table featuring a spiral design in pink, blue, green, and purple.
Three students sit at a classroom table painting rocks, with colorful markers, newspapers, and a basket of stones in front of them.
Close-up of a hand holding a painted rock designed as a red and black ladybug.
Student leans over a table painting a rock with a white marker; trays of bright paint markers and a closed laptop sit nearby.
Close-up of a hand holding a painted rock with a smiling purple top and decorative patterns in pink and blue.
Student wearing a cap draws on a rock with a green marker while working over a newspaper-covered table.
Group of elementary students in a classroom hold up their painted rocks, smiling and showing their designs.
Share Your Memories of Bonnie 💙

As we prepare to celebrate the life of Bonnie L. Partridge, we invite all friends, colleagues, and students—past and present—to help us honor her memory.

We are creating a special slideshow to be shared during her Celebration of Life on May 2, 2026, and would love to include your photos and video memories.

How to Submit:

• Complete the form by going to: https://bit.ly/BonniePCelebrationofLife
• Scan the QR code on the flyer
• Email your photo/video directly to Lisa Cacciatore at lcacciatore@svuvt.org

Submission Deadline:
All entries must be received by April 24, 2026

Whether it’s a candid moment, a favorite memory, or a short video message, your contribution will help tell the story of Bonnie’s impact and the many lives she touched.

Thank you for helping us celebrate Bonnie in such a meaningful way. 💙
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Blue floral-themed memorial flyer with soft watercolor flowers and a circular photo of a smiling woman wearing a cap and glasses (Bonnie Partridge). The headline reads “Share Your Memories of Bonnie.” The flyer invites friends, colleagues, and past and present students to submit photos or video memories for a slideshow to be shown at her Celebration of Life. Submission options include a link (bit.ly/BonniePCelebrationofLife), scanning a QR code, or emailing Lisa Cacciatore at lcacciatore@svuvt.org . Deadline for submissions is April 24, 2026. The bottom of the flyer announces the Celebration of Life on May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Castleton Elementary School, with the message: “A beautiful soul who touched many hearts, forever remembered and missed.”
🌱💚 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! 🌎✨
29 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.
First graders are learning in motion! 🎉
This year, students have been participating in Action Based Learning (ABL), both in the classroom and in the gym. Through hands-on activities, movement, and play, students are building skills while staying active and engaged. From puzzles and pattern building to balance, math games, and collaborative play—learning has never been so fun!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Two first grade students sit on a colorful classroom rug, creating geometric patterns with small wooden blocks spread around them.
Three young students kneel on the classroom floor, smiling beside a completed ocean-themed jigsaw puzzle.
Three students sit around a large dinosaur puzzle on the floor, working together to complete the scene.
A group of six students sit on a bright rug surrounded by pattern blocks, posing with their collaborative design.
Two students sit on the floor assembling a farm-themed floor puzzle, with puzzle pieces scattered nearby.
Four students sit on a rug building structures with wooden blocks and playing with dinosaur figures.
Two students stand at a wall pointing to letters on large blue posters, practicing letter recognition.
Two students stand at a table moving toy cars along a hand-drawn path of math problems, combining movement with addition practice.
Two students balance and move along a foam beam while navigating a classroom obstacle course.
Four students sit on a colorful rug working together to create a heart-shaped design using pattern blocks.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 10, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/5722f5802f0b/district-newsletter-april-10-2026
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Banner reading “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” with the date April 10, 2026, featuring the district logo in the center and school mascots on both sides against a blue and green background.
Submitted by 5th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Meredith Simpson: "During Art Club, Mrs. Parrott and I taught the students how to make creations from shrink film, including keychains, earrings, miniature signs, and more. Another project, which was a major hit, was making a tiny laptop with a movable cursor and mouse! Our final project involved wrapping wire and beads around a rock to make a photo holder. We stayed busy and had a blast!"
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Students and teachers in an art classroom create beaded jewelry; students string colorful beads while smiling, and two teachers pose together in the classroom.
Students in an art classroom display handmade projects, including resin jewelry and keychains; one student holds a book while others smile and show their finished pieces, with a close-up of cat-shaped earrings.
Students design and color small paper “laptop” creations with detailed screens and keyboards, showing both the drawing process and completed colorful designs.

Batch 2: April PBiS Assembly - Last week, CES celebrated our PBIS award recipients for the month of March. Students were honored for demonstrating the character trait of the month, resiliency. We're so proud of all those recognized, keep up the great work!

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Staff member stands with two students holding certificates during a recognition event in a gym.
Staff member stands with a student holding a certificate, smiling for a photo during an awards presentation.
Staff member stands with a student holding a certificate in a gym during a school recognition event.
Staff member stands with a student holding a certificate, posing in front of gym equipment and a mural.
Two students stand side by side holding certificates during a school awards ceremony.
Two students stand holding certificates in a gym during a recognition event.
Staff member stands behind two students holding certificates, smiling during a school awards presentation.

Batch 1: April PBiS Assembly - Last week, CES celebrated our PBIS award recipients for the month of March. Students were honored for demonstrating the character trait of the month, resiliency. We're so proud of all those recognized, keep up the great work!

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Adult with microphone stands with two young students holding certificates in a school gym during an awards presentation.
Student holds a “Castleton Elementary School Certificate of Achievement” while standing in a gym with classmates seated in the background.
Staff member stands with two students holding certificates in a gym, posing in front of a colorful mural.
Staff member in a red shirt stands beside a student holding a certificate during a school recognition event.
Staff member stands with two students holding certificates in a gymnasium during an awards ceremony.
Staff member stands with a student holding a certificate, smiling during a school assembly.
Staff member stands with a student holding a certificate while speaking into a microphone in a gym.
📚✨ Friday Focus: Smiles & “i before e”… or is it? ✨📚

This week, our Friday Focus shines on our amazing 2nd and 3rd graders across Slate Valley!

Traveling from school to school, it was impossible to miss the smiles, laughter, and joy of learning happening in every classroom and hallway. Whether students were tackling their Cognia assessments, heading out for recess or lunch, diving into a good book, or puzzling over tricky spelling rules like “ei” and “ie,” their curiosity and energy were on full display.

It’s moments like these that remind us how special our schools are—filled with students who are growing, learning, and supporting one another every single day.

Keep shining, Slate Valley! 🌟
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday – Spotlighting our smiling second & third graders” with Slate Valley logo, featuring a collage of photos of elementary students smiling, playing outside, reading, and working in classrooms.
📚✨Throwback Thursday✨📚

We’re taking it back to the 1976 FHUHS Yearbook, where this creative drawing introduced “Ogg,” a proposed Slater mascot designed by a sophomore with the initials K.C.

The student shared their vision of building a mascot for games—complete with blue and white hair and a large rubber nose!

Here’s the fun part…
👀 Do you know who K.C. is?

Hint: This talented artist went on to become a long-time teacher right here in Slate Valley!

Drop your guesses in the comments—we can’t wait to see who remembers! 👇
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring Slate Valley branding and a 1976 FHUHS yearbook throwback. Includes a student-drawn Slater mascot named “Ogg,” a typed description of the mascot concept, a small yearbook-style student photo, and the prompt “Who is K.C.?” alongside “1976 FHUHS Yearbook.”