CES fourth graders have some good news to share regarding their Snowflake Bentley art projects for the Vermont 250th Art Exhibition!

All twenty-eight pieces submitted by the students were chosen to be included and displayed at the art exhibition, titled Unfinished Revolutions held in our State House in Montpelier. The display was open for public viewing from March 4th through March 27th. There was a closing reception on March 26th in which several fourth graders and their families attended. Participants were able to tour the State House, view artwork from around the state, share in an ice cream social, and attend a press conference in the beautiful Cedar Creek reception Room.

Four pieces of art were selected for permanent inclusion into the Vermont State Art Collection. While the artwork from our fourth graders was not selected for this honor, their work will once again be showcased, but this time at Chimney Point in Addison, Vermont for the rest of the 2026 season.

Click the link to see a video from WCAX: https://www.wcax.com/2026/03/29/representing-vermonts-past-present-future-through-art/?outputType=amp
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Two elementary-aged students stand smiling in front of the Vermont State House with its gold dome in the background.
A student stands between two adults in a hallway inside the State House, posing in front of a wooden door.
Display board featuring student snowflake artwork in various colors and designs, with small sketches below each piece.
A large group of adults and children gather in a bright room, talking and viewing artwork displayed on the walls.
Families and community members sit and stand in a cafeteria-style space, looking at student artwork displayed behind glass.
Visitors mingle and view artwork exhibits displayed along a wall inside a public building.
People gather in a reception area with artwork on display, while children and adults explore exhibits together.
A speaker stands at a podium in a historic room while children and adults listen during a presentation.
Another speaker addresses a group of students and adults in a historic room with framed paintings on the walls.
Three students smile and pose together in front of a large historic painting inside the State House.
Looking for a space to share your thoughts, ask questions, and be part of the conversation in a more relaxed setting?

Join us at the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting—an opportunity to connect directly with district leadership and help shape the future of our schools.

💬 Whether you have ideas, feedback, or simply want to stay informed, your voice matters here. This is a welcoming, less formal environment where open dialogue is encouraged and valued.

🗓 Next Meeting: April 7, 2026
🕔 Time: 5:45 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School

We hope you’ll join the conversation—because strong schools start with strong community connections.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo showing stylized figures surrounding a Vermont emblem. Text reads: “Slate Valley Community Advisory Council. Next Meeting: April 7, 2026 – 5:45 PM to 7:30 PM. Central Office Conference Room at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.”
Today’s the day! 🗳️Please take a few minutes to cast your vote!

Slate Valley community members are encouraged to vote on the Revised FY27 Budget Proposal today, March 31st. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our schools and supporting students across the district.

📍 Polling Locations & Hours:
• Benson: 10 AM – 7 PM, Benson Community Hall
• Castleton: 8 AM – 7 PM, Castleton Fire Station
• Fair Haven: 10 AM – 7 PM, American Legion Post #49
• Hubbardton: 10 AM – 7 PM, Hubbardton Town Hall
• Orwell: 10 AM – 7 PM, Orwell Town Office
• West Haven: 10 AM – 7 PM, West Haven Town Hall
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with Slate Valley logo reading “Please Vote Today – March 31st” in large green and red text. Below, polling locations and hours are listed: Benson (10 AM–7 PM, Benson Community Hall), Castleton (8 AM–7 PM, Castleton Fire Station), Fair Haven (10 AM–7 PM, American Legion Post #49), Hubbardton (10 AM–7 PM, Hubbardton Town Hall), Orwell (10 AM–7 PM, Orwell Town Office), and West Haven (10 AM–7 PM, West Haven Town Hall). School logos appear along the bottom.
🇺🇸 Learning Across America! (Photo Batch 3)
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Teacher and student stand by a “State Flags & Capitals” board with a Pennsylvania project displayed above.
Teacher and student hold a yardstick beside a “State Flags & Capitals” board with a South Carolina project above.
Teacher and student pose with a yardstick in front of a Tennessee project and state display board.
Teacher and student stand with a yardstick in front of a Texas project and state display board.
Teacher and student stand beside a “State Flags & Capitals” board with a Utah project displayed above.
Teacher and student stand near a table with a yardstick, in front of a state display board.
Teacher and student stand with a yardstick in front of a Wisconsin project and state display board.
Teacher and student pose with a yardstick in front of a Nebraska project and state display board.
Teacher and student stand with a yardstick in front of a Washington project and state display board.
🇺🇸 Learning Across America! (Photo Batch 2)
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Teacher holds a yardstick beside a student in front of a “State Flags & Capitals” display, with a Michigan project poster above.
Teacher stands next to a student holding a yardstick in front of a state display board, with a Mississippi project poster above.
Teacher and student stand beside a state display board, with a New Hampshire project poster above and a yardstick held upright.
Teacher stands with a student holding a yardstick in front of a state display board, with a New Jersey project poster above.
Teacher and student stand beside a state display board, with a New York project poster above and a yardstick held upright.
Teacher stands next to a student holding a yardstick in front of a state display board, with a North Carolina project poster above.
Teacher and student stand in front of a state display board, with an Ohio project poster above and a yardstick visible.
Teacher stands beside a student holding a yardstick in front of a state display board, with an Oklahoma project poster above.
Teacher and student stand in front of a state display board, with an Oregon project poster above and a yardstick pointing upward.
🇺🇸 Learning Across America! (Photo Batch 1)

Our 4th graders are continuing their exciting study in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday—and their latest project is one to see!

Students each selected a favorite state and dove into researching important and interesting facts. They brought their learning to life by designing and illustrating their own posters, then confidently presenting their work to classmates while answering thoughtful questions from Mr. Canty.

To deepen the experience, students explored real-world connections through Mr. Canty’s personal collection of state quarters and rare coins, along with a 50-state license plate collection available right in their classroom.

🖼️ If you’re visiting CES, be sure to stop by the hallway leading to the gym to check out their impressive work on display!

Great job to our 4th graders for their creativity, curiosity, and presentation skills! 👏
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Older male teacher in a red vest stands beside a student holding a yardstick in front of a “State Flags & Capitals” display and an Alaska project poster.
Teacher stands next to a student holding a yardstick, with a state display board and an Arizona project visible above.
Teacher and student pose beside a state display board, with a hand-drawn Arkansas project poster above.
Teacher stands with a student holding a yardstick in front of a state display board, with a Colorado project poster above.
Teacher holds a clipboard while standing next to a student holding a yardstick, with a California project poster displayed above.
Teacher and student stand beside a state display board, with a Delaware project poster above and a yardstick held upright.
Teacher and student stand in front of a state display board, with a Florida project poster above and a yardstick visible.
Teacher stands beside a student holding a yardstick in front of a state display board, with a Georgia project poster above.
Teacher and student pose in front of a state display board, with a Hawaii project poster above.
Older male teacher holding a clipboard stands beside a student in front of a “State Flags & Capitals” display, with a student-made state project poster mounted above.
📣 Reminder: Budget Information Meeting TONIGHT & Vote TOMORROW

Join us this evening to learn more and get your questions answered ahead of tomorrow’s vote:

🗓 Tonight – Monday, March 30, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 FHUMHS School Band Room
💻 Virtual option available: https://meet.google.com/bic-zkty-xmx

📞 Or dial: (US) +1 240-812-1886 PIN: 193 973 799#

🗳 Vote Tomorrow – March 31st

Polling Locations & Hours:
• Benson: 10 AM – 7 PM, Benson Community Hall
• Castleton: 8 AM – 7 PM, Castleton Fire Station
• Fair Haven: 10 AM – 7 PM, American Legion Post #49
• Hubbardton: 10 AM – 7 PM, Hubbardton Town Hall
• Orwell: 10 AM – 7 PM, Orwell Town Office
• West Haven: 10 AM – 7 PM, West Haven Town Hall

For more details, visit: www.slatevalleyunified.org

Your voice matters—stay informed and be sure to vote!
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a 2nd proposed budget re-vote information meeting on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS School Band Room, with a virtual link and phone option provided. Also includes reminder to vote on March 31 and lists polling locations and hours for Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell, and West Haven. Includes Slate Valley school logos and decorative elements.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 27, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/6c2b1eb06ee9/slate-valley-district-newsletter-32726
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” dated March 27, 2026, featuring a maple sugaring theme with pancakes, syrup dripping across the top, and a metal bucket labeled “‘Tis the Season.”
🌱💚 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. FHUMHS principals and assistant principals will review submissions and follow up directly.

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHYQ48U-NIH-q2A1cECoC8cBXMl0eQSxBGHs8ZvZqpa98wow/viewform?usp=dialog

Thank you for being part of our community—and for helping our students make a difference! 🌎✨
20 days ago, Slate Valley
🎉 Congratulations, Anna Daly! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate Anna Daly, a special education teacher here at Castleton Elementary School, for being named one of WOKO/Hannaford’s 20 Outstanding Women of 2026! Anna was honored at last night’s awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Burlington, Vermont.

Anna’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. As a dedicated educator, community advocate, and founder of Lizzie’s Lasting Light, she continues to uplift others through compassion, service, and unwavering commitment. After the tragic loss of her sister, Elizabeth, Anna turned her grief into purpose—raising awareness around addiction, supporting those affected, and giving back through scholarships in her community.

“Anna is also a loving mother, partner, daughter, and sister, honoring her sister’s legacy through action, service, and compassion. She is driven not by accolades, but by a genuine desire to uplift others and create meaningful change.” – Sara Spear

From volunteering in under-resourced communities across the country to supporting local organizations like the Turning Point Center in Rutland, Anna exemplifies what it means to lead with heart.

To hear Anna's radio interview visit https://www.woko.com/2026/02/17/anna-daly/

Thank you, Anna, for the difference you make every day—for your students, your colleagues, and your entire community.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic featuring a smiling woman, Anna Daly, seated in front of a brick wall, alongside text reading “20 Outstanding Women” with WOKO 98.9 and Hannaford logos displayed.
A smiling woman gives a thumbs-up while sitting in a radio studio in front of a microphone, with a “WOKO 98.9 FM” sign and broadcast equipment visible behind her.
A woman stands smiling beside a display poster that reads “20 Outstanding Women” featuring her photo and name, Anna Daly.
A woman stands with a man and a young child in front of a gold backdrop at an awards event, all smiling as they pose together.
Slate Valley Estimated Tax Rates Remain Stable - Decreases Expected in Largest Towns

As we approach the FY27 budget revote on March 31, 2026, here are a few key highlights:

• Education spending (budget less local revenue) increase: just 0.86%
• Per-pupil increase (2.7%) is due to declining enrollment—not new spending
• No estimated tax rate increases at or above 7%
• Estimated decreases in our largest towns:
  Castleton: –3.44% | Fair Haven: –0.56%

By the numbers:
• $32M budget supports all five schools
• Among the lowest per-pupil spending in Vermont
• Estimated equalized tax rate: $1.2955 (down 5¢ from last year)

What this means:
• 62% of taxpayers pay based on income sensitivity—many may pay less than property-based estimates
• Local tax trends continue to differ from statewide headlines

📍 Informational Meeting: March 30 | 6:30 PM | FHUMHS Band Room
🗳 Budget Revote: March 31, 2026

For even more detailed information, visit www.slatevalleyunified.org
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slate Valley Estimated Tax Rates Remain Stable” outlining FY27 budget highlights, including March 31 revote, minimal spending increase (0.86%), no tax rate increases above 7%, estimated decreases in Castleton and Fair Haven, a $32M budget, and an estimated tax rate of $1.2955 (down 5¢), with info meeting details and website link.
🏀 Slate Valley Celtics 5/6 Boys – Tournament Success! 🏀

On Friday, March 20, our Slate Valley Celtics 5/6 Boys team earned an impressive 2nd place finish at the Glodzik Tournament in West Rutland! 👏

Team members included:
Brody Kendall, Sire Beayon, Grant Bixby, Frankie McKeighan, Waylon Hutchins, Griffith Bowen, Logan Vadnais, and Maverick Pope.

A special congratulations to Brody Kendall (FHGS) and Frankie McKeighan (BVS) for being named to the All-Tournament Team—an honor recognizing standout players from across all teams! 🌟

From their coach:
“I am thrilled and proud to share that Brody and Frankie have been selected for the All-Tourney Players Team! At this age, there are so many distractions and challenges every day, yet these boys consistently show up, stay determined, and find ways to make things happen. It has been such a pleasure to watch them grow, not only in their basketball skills over the years but also in accountability and their willingness to help younger players. Their leadership and perseverance truly exemplify their hard work and dedication.”

We also want to recognize Tenley Rice (FHGS) for being selected to the Girls All-Tournament Team—an outstanding accomplishment! 👏

Great job to all of our athletes for representing Slate Valley with pride!
24 days ago, Slate Valley
A youth basketball team in matching Falcons uniforms stands together on a gym court holding a trophy, smiling after their tournament finish.
A young basketball player in a Falcons jersey holds both a trophy and a small award on a gym court with other players and spectators in the background.
A young boy stands in a kitchen holding a basketball award, smiling proudly while wearing a dark green sweatshirt.
A student stands in a gym holding a clear basketball award, smiling with decorative face paint, against a green padded wall.
Board Meeting - Tonight - March 23, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/iqn-ovgq-etb
Or dial: (US) +1 304-935-5224 PIN: 665 218 411#

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.
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic inviting the public to a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on March 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room. Agenda includes consent agenda, MTSS presentation and discussion, Stafford report, letter to governor discussion, contracts, and committee reports including building and grounds, policy, and executive.
Reminder: The Slate Valley Unified USD budget re-vote is coming up on March 31.

A second proposed budget information meeting will be held on Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room—an opportunity to learn more about the updates and ask questions.

Be sure to review the changes, check your polling location, and make your voice heard. Every vote matters!

Find more information at: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
27 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley Unified USD budget re-vote on March 31, with bold text “Please Vote.” Includes details for a second proposed budget information meeting on March 30, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS band room. Lists polling places and hours for Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell, and West Haven. A section titled “What Changed?” explains a $202,500 reduction from the original budget, including staffing and spending adjustments. A QR code directs viewers to more information on the district website.
27 days ago, Slate Valley
Digital newsletter header for Slate Valley Unified USD dated March 20, 2026, featuring a colorful illustration of Earth split between day and night with the sun, clouds, and moon, and banners reading “Hello Spring.”
Today in Ms. Daily’s Preschool classroom, students got hands-on with science while making oobleck!

Using simple ingredients, students explored how this unique mixture can act like both a liquid and a solid—squishing, pouring, and stretching it as they discovered its surprising properties. The room was full of curiosity, laughter, and a little bit of mess as students experimented and learned through play.
28 days ago, Slate Valley
Four preschool students wearing smocks stand around a green sensory bin, using their hands to explore and mix a flour-like substance.
A teacher pours liquid into a green sensory bin as preschool students mix the oobleck, creating a messy, hands-on science activity.
Preschool students wearing colorful smocks gather around a sensory bin, mixing and squeezing oobleck with their hands.
Four preschool students smile and focus on mixing oobleck in a blue sensory bin while a teacher assists nearby.
Preschool students reach into a sensory bin filled with oobleck, stretching and squeezing the mixture as part of a hands-on activity.
A close-up view of preschool students’ hands mixing oobleck in a sensory bin, showing the messy texture of the activity.
Preschool students in smocks gather around a red sensory bin, exploring oobleck with their hands while a teacher guides the activity.
Three preschool students wearing blue smocks stand around a green sensory bin, using their hands to explore and mix pink oobleck in a classroom.
Two preschool students in colorful smocks reach into a red sensory bin filled with orange oobleck, observing and feeling the mixture with their hands.
Two preschool students wearing smocks press their hands into a blue sensory bin as colorful dye spreads through a milky oobleck mixture, creating swirling patterns.
Dear Slate Valley Community,

Thank you for your continued engagement and thoughtful participation throughout this year’s budget process. In response to the initial budget vote on Town Meeting Day, the School Board carefully reviewed the proposal and made targeted adjustments to reduce overall spending while continuing to support our students and staff.

The revised FY27 budget reflects a reduction of approximately $202,500 from the original proposal. These changes include:
Reducing one additional elementary teaching position in Orwell due to a smaller-than-anticipated kindergarten class size ($72,500)
Reducing tuition funds that had been allocated to support a Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program ($30,000)
Scaling back planned spending on buildings and grounds ($100,000)

With these adjustments, the revised budget is now $32.3 million, which is down from the original proposal. This brings the year-over-year increase to 2.16%, which is below the current inflation rate of 2.4% and the 2026 Cost of Living adjustment of 2.8%.

As Vermont continues to work to manage rising education costs, Slate Valley, one of 19 districts out of 114 whose budgets did not pass on Town Meeting Day, remains under significant fiscal pressure. These include rising healthcare and insurance costs, inflation, evolving student needs, and a growing number of unfunded state and federal mandates. Together, these factors make it increasingly challenging to balance educational priorities with affordability for taxpayers within the current state education funding formula.

As a district within Vermont's statewide education funding system, we operate within these broader fiscal realities. While neighboring districts may spend more per pupil, the system's structure means we collectively support all students across the state, not just those in our own communities.
At the same time, we want to recognize that last year, all Slate Valley communities experienced decreases in tax rates, and current estimates suggest that tax rates may decrease again this year in our largest town, Castleton.

Throughout this process, our focus has remained steady: supporting student learning, maintaining essential services, and aligning with the district’s long-term goals, while being mindful of our responsibility to taxpayers.

We invite you to join us for an informational meeting on Monday, March 30, at 6:30 PM in the band room at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School to learn more about the revised budget. Your voice and participation are important as we prepare for the revote on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

For more detailed information, please visit the FY27 Budget page on our website at www.slatevalleyunified.org.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our students.
Sincerely,
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
30 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the “Revised FY27 Proposed Budget” for Slate Valley Unified Union School District, featuring a QR code to access more information, the website slatevalleyunified.org, and school logos along the side.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s Executive Board Meeting to discuss the revised FY27 Proposed Budget. We appreciate the time, thoughtful questions, and community engagement as we continue this important process together.

📅 Next Steps:

Information Meeting: March 30

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

🗳️ Budget Revote: March 31

Your voice and participation matter—thank you for being part of the conversation and staying informed.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Community members sit around tables in a school library during a meeting, listening and participating in a discussion.
Two adults sit at a table during a meeting, with one person speaking and gesturing while holding a document.
Group of community members seated in a library, listening attentively during a discussion at a school meeting.
Last Thursday afternoon marked the conclusion of Parent-Teacher Conferences, and on Friday teachers across the district spent the day collaborating and learning during Professional Development.

Staff participated in collaborative sessions led by colleagues and district coaches, exploring topics such as OpenSciEd science instruction, Artificial Intelligence in education, teaching neurodivergent learners, vocabulary development, and school safety practices. Teachers rotated through short sessions, shared strategies, and engaged in professional learning rounds designed to strengthen instruction and support students.

Professional learning is an important part of keeping our classrooms innovative, supportive, and responsive to student needs. Thank you to all of our educators who continue to grow, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to their classrooms every day.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
An educator sits across from a parent in a classroom, smiling and talking during a conference with a laptop open on the table.
A teacher presents information on a laptop to two colleagues seated at a table during a small-group professional development discussion.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
Instructional assistants sit in a circle of chairs in a gymnasium participating in a safety training discussion during professional development.
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom presenting a slide titled “Overstimulation – Tips” while educators listen and take notes during a professional development session.
A small group of teachers sit around a table discussing classroom strategies while a presentation about guiding student AI usage appears on a screen behind them.
Educators sit at tables in a school gymnasium listening to a presentation during a large-group professional development meeting.
A group of elementary teachers sit around a table with laptops, collaborating and discussing instructional planning during a professional learning session.
A teacher stands at the front of a classroom pointing to a projected slide while educators seated at tables listen and participate in a professional development workshop.
⚾🥎👟 Spring Sports Are Approaching in Slater Nation!

Spring athletics are getting ready to begin at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, and we’re excited to see our student-athletes back in action!

High School (Grades 9–12)

Baseball & Softball: Pitchers and Catchers report March 23

Regular season begins March 30

Track & Field: First practice March 30 at 3:30 PM

Middle School (Grades 7–8)

Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball will begin the week of March 30. Practice times and locations will be shared soon.

Track & Field Opportunity: Students in grades 5–8 are welcome to participate.

📄 Important Reminder: A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participating.

For questions, families can contact:

Baseball: agreenlese@svuvt.org

Softball: jhayes@svuvt.org

Track & Field: jon.oakman@svuvt.org

MS Track & Field: sarah.robles@svuvt.org
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Spring Sports” with Slate Valley logo announcing FHUMHS spring sports start dates. High school baseball and softball pitchers and catchers report March 23 with season starting March 30; track and field begins March 30 at 3:30 PM. Middle school baseball, softball, and track start the week of March 30. Reminder that athletic physicals must be on file.