Congratulations to Bonnie Lenihan on her retirement! We’re so thankful for the many years of hard work and dedication. We wish Bonnie all the best as she starts this new and exciting journey—you’ll be truly missed!
Please join us in congratulating Kim Prehoda on her retirement! We are grateful for her years of dedication and service. Best wishes, Kim, as you begin this exciting new chapter—you will be missed!
A Castleton Tradition Lives On! 📖🐾
Yesterday, Castleton Elementary School’s third grade class took part in a beloved local tradition—after reading The Blue Cat of Castle Town by Catherine Cate Coblentz, they visited the historic locations featured in the story.
Their literary adventure took them through downtown Castleton, where they explored:
🏠 The Higley House
⛪ The Federated Church
👞 The Cobbler Shop
🏥 The Medical Chapel
🌊 And of course, the Castleton River—where many kept a hopeful eye out for the elusive Blue Cat!
This annual tradition brings literature to life and connects our students to the rich history of their own community. Who knows? Maybe one of them really did catch a glimpse of that mysterious blue feline!
On Monday, June 9th, all current 6th graders from each of our district’s sending schools participated in Step Up Day at Fair Haven Union Middle School.
During their visit, students had the opportunity to:
✅ Meet their future teachers
✅ Practice opening lockers
✅ Learn about the classes they’ll be taking
✅ Receive their supply lists
✅ Hear about Middle School expectations
✅ Participate in fun ice breaker activities
This exciting day is just one of the many ways our district supports students in making a smooth and confident transition from primary school to middle school.
Yesterday, we celebrated a beautiful tradition at Castleton Elementary School — our 6th Grade Torch Ceremony!
We honored our amazing 6th graders as they completed their primary school journey and prepared to take their next big step to the district Middle School. In a heartfelt moment, they passed the symbolic torch to our rising 6th graders—this year’s 5th grade class—who will carry on the responsibility of being leaders and role models next year.
The ceremony concluded with a slideshow, showcasing memories of our 6th graders from infancy to the incredible individuals they are today.
To see the slideshow, go to: https://youtu.be/xGnt8lRtnHY
🎒 New "Go Back to School with Confidence" Campaign! ✨
Every child entering Kindergarten through 6th grade in the Slate Valley Unified Union School District qualifies to receive FREE back-to-school clothing to kick off the new year with confidence!
✅ How to Apply:
Complete the form by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting https://bit.ly/Back2SchoolwithConfidence
📅 Deadline to enter: July 15, 2025
📍 One entry per child
👕 Clothing Pickup:
🗓 Wednesday, August 20, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Questions? Contact Carrieann Wolcott at 📧 cwolcott@svuvt.org or ☎️ 802-265-0676.
Let’s start the 2025-26 school year off right! 💙📚
During Friday’s assembly, we had some technical difficulties and lost our internet connection — which meant we couldn’t share our video. But good news… here it is now! https://youtu.be/L-tQvzfWihY
Board Meeting - June 9, 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
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qiq-sqee-qkq
Or dial: (US) +1 267-358-6351 PIN: 886 884 377#
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.
Slate Valley District Newsletter - June 6, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/873f2eef6f42/june-6-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
Yesterday, Castleton Elementary School had the exciting opportunity to welcome the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Marching Band as part of their district tour!
The talented student musicians stopped at CES to perform and showcase what’s waiting for our students should they choose to join the band program when they move up to FHUMHS. The performance gave our students a glimpse into the fun, spirit, and teamwork that come with being part of the marching band.
Thank you to the FHUMHS band members and director Ms. Sam Adams for inspiring our future musicians—we loved having you here!
Boys Summer Soccer Program
Who Can Join:
Open to boys entering 7th through 12th grade in the upcoming school year.
Schedule:
Sessions will be held three times a week: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 6:00–7:45 PM
June 22 – July 31
At Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Locations:
Sundays & Thursdays: Upper field (northeast corner)
Tuesdays: Track infield
Scrimmages:
Scrimmages against other schools, primarily on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings.
Cost:
The only fee is to cover referee expenses.
Questions?
Contact Tim Dayton at 785-313-5650 (call or text).
Yesterday, Miss Burke’s and Mrs. Gorruso’s second graders had an exciting adventure at ECHO in Burlington!
During their visit, students used the Engineering Design Process to brainstorm and build creative solutions for helping animals stay safe near roadways. They had a blast exploring the hands-on exhibits and interactive stations throughout the center. After all the learning and discovery, everyone enjoyed a sunny outdoor lunch together. It was a fun-filled day of curiosity, creativity, and sunshine!
Our 6th grade library students are getting hands-on with creativity and engineering!
They’re building cardboard automata (Karakuri) — traditional Japanese paper movement machines. Using simple materials, they’re designing frameworks, crafting cams to produce different motions, and bringing characters to life through animation!
It’s a fantastic blend of art, storytelling, and mechanical design.
We are taking advantage of the beautiful weather with some outside learning!
Reminder: The Community Advisory Council Meeting is tonight at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room located at FHUMHS. We hope to see you there! Here is the agenda: https://5il.co/3ggzz
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 30, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/3cbb4609f47c/may-30th-slate-valley-district-newsletter
Reminder: The last student day for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District will be Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This date accounts for the snow days we had to make up during the school year. Please note: June 17th will also be an early release day.
Third grade library students recently read Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty—a fun and inspiring story about a young boy with a big passion for building. Iggy loves creating replicas of famous structures, but when a new teacher discourages his creativity, he’s crushed. However, during a class picnic, when a bridge unexpectedly collapses, it’s Iggy’s talent that saves the day! Inspired by the story, students put their own engineering skills to the test by designing and building imaginative structures using straws, Brain Flakes, and Stackin’ Sticks.
Meanwhile, fifth grade library students are diving into hands-on STEM challenges. Their current task: design three different styles of paper airplanes. Each model had a unique purpose—one for distance, one for acrobatics, and one that featured a creative, out-of-the-box design. Through trial, error, and lots of flying fun, students explored principles of aerodynamics and engineering in action.
Over the past few weeks, sixth graders from Ms. Desantis's class have been observing and caring for Painted Lady caterpillars as they transformed into chrysalises—and finally into beautiful butterflies. Yesterday marked a special moment: release day!
Although this special day took place a week ago, we continue to hold close in our hearts all those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. What follows is a look back at a meaningful and memorable day in 4th grade on Thursday, May 22, 2024.
Last Thursday was a truly special occasion for our 4th grade students—a day filled with learning, remembrance, and gratitude. We were honored to welcome several guests who helped us reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice.
Mrs. Phyllis Blanchard, a retired CES 4th grade teacher and president of the Castleton American Legion Post 50 Ladies Auxiliary, joined us to share some exciting news. She came to celebrate the winners of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Annual Americanism Essay Contest and the Poppy Poster Contest. Students across grades 2–12 were invited to participate, and our 4th graders proudly represented the Slate Valley District.
We’re thrilled to congratulate Jameson Bennick from Mrs. Lucci’s class, who won the Essay Contest, and William (Kash) DeFelice from Mrs. Ray’s class, who won the Poppy Poster Contest. Both of their entries were selected to move forward to state and national levels for further recognition—an incredible honor and a testament to their thoughtfulness and hard work.
After the awards were presented, Mrs. Blanchard read America’s White Table by Margaret Theis Raven, a touching story that introduces a quiet but powerful tradition honoring service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
We were also joined by Mrs. Lobdell, another beloved retired 4th grade teacher and auxiliary member, who shared The Poppy Lady by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh. This inspiring book tells the story of Moina Belle Michael and how her simple act of remembrance—wearing a red poppy—grew into a national symbol of honor for our veterans.
These stories and the thoughtful conversations that followed added a deeper meaning to our Memorial Day Assembly, which took place the next morning.
To close out this special day, Mrs. Sheila Demgard, also a member of the Auxiliary, gifted each student with their very own Poppy Seed Planting Kit, containing seeds for Flanders Field poppies. It was a simple but beautiful gesture that brought the message of remembrance home in a tangible way.
We are so grateful to these kind and generous women for spending the day with us. Their continued commitment—not only to our veterans and military families, but also to the students of Slate Valley—is a gift we will always treasure. Their visit left a lasting impression on our hearts, and we thank them sincerely for helping us understand the true meaning of service, remembrance, and hope.
