Yesterday was a special day for CES students in grades 1 and 2. They were invited to the Castleton Free Library who hosted a visit from Vermont Children's author and illustrator Ashley Wolff! Ms. Wolff, along with her furry companion Rufus, spoke to the students about working as an author/illustrator. She then continued by reading one of her books, demonstrating drawing an animal with human characteristics, using Rufus as the model, and concluded by leading a drawing activity where students were asked to draw an animal of their choosing. It was a morning packed full of fun activities. The visit was topped off with each student borrowing a book from the library. A huge thank you to Ms. Sharon Lovett-Graff, of the Castleton Free Library, who organized this wonderful event and of course to Ms. Wolff for sharing her time, passion and talent with our kids.
Please join us for the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council - May 7th at 5:00 PM in the Central Office Conference Room at FHUMHS. Pizza will be served. Agenda can be found at https://5il.co/2k6ox. All are welcome!!!!
Happy Principal Appreciation Day to Slate Valley's principals. We thank them for all the ways they support their teachers, students, schools and communities every day!
Last Wednesday, April 24th, CES held their 6th Grade Pinewood Derby! Our thanks to Mr. DeMatties for organizing and to Mr. DiFrancesco, Mrs. DeSantis, Mrs. Paolino and Matt DeMatties for helping. Great job by all our 6th graders! Our awards for the night:
Best Design: Alexandria
Most Creative: Azalea
First Place: Emerson
Second Place: Madison
Third Place: James
Congratulations to all!
Today at Castleton Elementary School, a lovely Poppy Presentation was presented by the Ladies Auxiliary from the Castleton American Legion Post #50. Phyllis Blanchard (former 4th grade teacher at CES) read the book, The Poppy Lady , Moina Belle Michael and her Tribute to Freedom, by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh. She was then joined by Sylvia Demgard, both Auxiliary members, who presented the 4th grade class with a Poppy Growing Kit, complete with everything needed for the students to take home and grow their own Poppies. In addition, each student received a Poppy Coloring Book to enjoy.
The students enjoyed the program a great deal! We are very lucky to have these 2 ladies connected to our school!
Educational Insights: A Superintendent's Podcast now has 10 Episodes! Take a look by going to https://bit.ly/EdInsightsSVUUSD
Happy Administrative Assistant Day to an amazing group of people! Your dedication, organization, and hard work keeps everything in Slate Valley running smoothly. Thank you for all you do!
Tonight - April 22, 2024
Two Meetings:
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District-
1) Special Finance Committee Meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium. This meeting will be in person. You can virtually connect by going to: Video call link:https://meet.google.com/tns-zjsm-fjp Or dial: (US) +1 218-451-4211 PIN: 365 606 727#
2) Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to: Video call link:https://meet.google.com/rkh-thjq-bwd Or dial: (US) +1 919-525-2175 PIN: 143 925 874#
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.
Castleton Elementary School Kindergarten Registration -
May 9, 2024
Call (802) 468-5624 to sign up for a time. Times will be available
in 20 minute time slots from 8 am - 3:30 pm. If you are unable to
come on May 9th, we will arrange another time for you to come to
CES.
Often on Fridays, students in the Alt 1 classroom at CES make lunch and then eat together. The “theme” this year has been to cook foods that they would commonly have available at home and can safely make on their own without having to use the stove or oven. Looks like a fun activity enjoyed by all!
MEETING NOTICE
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
Special Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
FHUMHS – 5:00 p.m.
PARTICIPATION WILL BE IN PERSON or
VIRTUALLY CONNECT BY GOING TO
Video call link:https://meet.google.com/fmr-vrpv-qix
Or dial: (US) +1 484-909-0301 PIN: 252 244 280#
Pre-K enjoying some time outdoors!
Message from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell:
Dear Slate Valley,
We hope you're doing well. We wanted to give you an update on the school budget revote, unfortunately, it didn't pass. The vote count was 544 in favor and 947 against. We understand this news may be disappointing for some, as it is for us, considering there are factors beyond our control.
Our main focus remains on providing the best education for our students while being financially responsible. We're actively seeking alternative solutions following this second budget failure. The third budget vote is likely to happen in May.
We encourage open dialogue and welcome any suggestions or concerns you may have. We'll soon hold meetings to discuss the failure, gather feedback, and explore options moving forward. Your participation and engagement are vital during this process.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we're eager to work together to tackle this challenge.
Sincerely,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
A BIG THANKS to our CSO for sponsoring today's Laser Light Show! Students were treated to some very cool lights and music and really enjoyed this experience.
Please VOTE Today!
New Podcast: View at https://bit.ly/EdInCESPrincipal
In this episode Castleton Elementary School's Principal, Ms. Kim Prehoda, talks with Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell about CES's school environment, upcoming plans and challenges.
REMINDER: TONIGHT, APRIL 10, 2024
SVUUSD Revised Budget Revote Information Meeting
6:30 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
Attendance can be in-person or virtual
VIRTUALLY CONNECT BY GOING TO:
Video call link:https://meet.google.com/isa-bvcy-yzv
Or dial: (US) +1 252-662-0070 PIN: 776 860 500#
TOMORROW, APRIL 11, 2024: REVISED FY25 BUDGET REVOTE
Carl has been busy again! Last Friday he helped us welcome families of sixth graders as they joined their students for lunch, then later in the afternoon, he celebrated with everyone at the April assembly. Today, Carl joined students from grades 4 and 5 for their
rescheduled family lunch day.
Please Vote - Thursday, April 11th - On the Ballot: REVISED PROPOSED FY25 BUDGET
Please attend the Information Meeting - Wednesday, April 10th, 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
Attendance can be in-person or virtual.
VIRTUALLY CONNECT BY GOING TO
Video call link:https://meet.google.com/isa-bvcy-yzv
April 11 Polling locations and times are:
Town of Benson 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Benson Community Hall
Town of Castleton 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Castleton Fire Station
Town of Fair Haven 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM American Legion Post 49
Town of Hubbardton 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Hubbardton Town Hall
Town of Orwell 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Orwell Town Clerk’s Office
Town of West Haven 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM West Haven Town Hall
Ms. Blackbird played Eclipse Theme games today during P.E. Some grades played "Complete the Eclipse" which required groups to toss beanbags from different distances in order to cover the sun (yellow hoop) completely! Other grades played Eclipse Tag. In this game, students tried to tag as many friends as possible, turning them into moons. Once turned into a moon, they had to find a yellow hoop to cover up until an untagger can come release them! What creative, fun ways to celebrate the Solar Eclipse!
