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!
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!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 24, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/6e5e2878b6d7/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-24-2025
https://mailchi.mp/6e5e2878b6d7/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-24-2025
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.
Inspired by the story, our young readers used 3D pens and 3Doodlers to build their own orcas.
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
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
Big news from Benson! 🎥 WPTZ NBC 5 is bringing "Weather at Your School" to Benson Village School this Friday, October 24th!
Tune in between 5–8 AM to catch live weather broadcasts featuring our amazing faculty, staff, and—of course—students!
Tune in between 5–8 AM to catch live weather broadcasts featuring our amazing faculty, staff, and—of course—students!
Board Meeting - October 20, 2025
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/omx-yjby-qea
Or dial: (US) +1 636-888-0147 PIN: 204 052 260#
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.
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/omx-yjby-qea
Or dial: (US) +1 636-888-0147 PIN: 204 052 260#
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.
Reminder: This Wednesday...
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!
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!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 17, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/d574ac7a76a0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-17-2025
https://mailchi.mp/d574ac7a76a0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-17-2025
The Caring Canines have made a few visits so far this year, and our students are loving their time reading to these furry friends—maybe just as much as the dogs love the attention (and the stories)!
This heartwarming program will continue throughout the school year, giving students more chances to build reading confidence and share cuddles and smiles with our four-legged listeners.
This heartwarming program will continue throughout the school year, giving students more chances to build reading confidence and share cuddles and smiles with our four-legged listeners.
On Wednesday, October 15th, Slate Valley UUSD had the great honor of hosting the Vermont State Board of Education Meeting — a first for our district!
Among those in attendance were Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders, State Board Attorney and Slater alum Sarah Buxton, Esq., and Board Member Lyle Jepson, who many will remember as the FHUHS Principal in the 1990s.
The day began with a tour of Fair Haven Union Middle and High School, led by building administrators, followed by a presentation from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and faculty members who showcased the innovative and unique classes offered throughout Slate Valley.
It was a busy, exciting, and truly proud day for our district—highlighting the incredible learning, collaboration, and community that define Slate Valley.
On Wednesday, Castleton Elementary School’s fourth graders visited the Granger House in Castleton for an unforgettable hands-on learning experience. Students became “real-life” archaeologists, guided by Vermont State University–Castleton archaeology students and Ellen Moriarty, Outreach Director of Castleton Hidden History and Adjunct Faculty member.
Throughout the day, students rotated through four exciting experiences:
-Touring the historic Granger House and exploring its architecture and artifacts
-Sorting, counting, and weighing coal—the home’s primary colonial-era heat source
-Digging and sifting soil from the property to uncover artifacts
-Listening to Chief Roger Longtoe Sheehan of the Abenaki/Wampanoag tribe, who shared songs, stories, and artifacts from his people
The quote of the day came from Madeleine Smart in Mrs. Lucci’s class, who perfectly summed up the experience:
“Even the smallest thing we find can tell us a big story.”
It was an incredible day of discovery, culture, and curiosity. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Vermont State University at Castleton for bringing history to life for our students!
Throughout the day, students rotated through four exciting experiences:
-Touring the historic Granger House and exploring its architecture and artifacts
-Sorting, counting, and weighing coal—the home’s primary colonial-era heat source
-Digging and sifting soil from the property to uncover artifacts
-Listening to Chief Roger Longtoe Sheehan of the Abenaki/Wampanoag tribe, who shared songs, stories, and artifacts from his people
The quote of the day came from Madeleine Smart in Mrs. Lucci’s class, who perfectly summed up the experience:
“Even the smallest thing we find can tell us a big story.”
It was an incredible day of discovery, culture, and curiosity. We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Vermont State University at Castleton for bringing history to life for our students!
Notice: Today's 5/6 Boys Soccer game vs Brandon Rec scheduled for 4:30 @ FHGS has been CANCELED.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 10, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/412ddc0cb9f9/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-10-2025
https://mailchi.mp/412ddc0cb9f9/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-10-2025
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!
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!
☕🌸 Staff Wellness Spotlight: A Tea-riffic Treat at CES! 🌸☕
Yesterday, the Castleton Elementary School Staff Wellness Team hosted a lovely tea party for all staff members!
The cozy setup featured bite-sized sandwiches, pastries, jams, jellies, and of course—a variety of teas to sample and enjoy. It was a perfect way to pause, connect, and celebrate the amazing CES team.
A big thank-you to our Wellness Team for bringing joy (and tea!) to the end of a busy week!
Yesterday, the Castleton Elementary School Staff Wellness Team hosted a lovely tea party for all staff members!
The cozy setup featured bite-sized sandwiches, pastries, jams, jellies, and of course—a variety of teas to sample and enjoy. It was a perfect way to pause, connect, and celebrate the amazing CES team.
A big thank-you to our Wellness Team for bringing joy (and tea!) to the end of a busy week!
Friday Focus: Celebrating Our Library & Media Specialists! 📚💻
This week’s Friday Focus shines on the incredible Library/Media Specialists who bring learning, literacy, and technology together across Slate Valley!
Mrs. Annie Crumb – Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Mrs. Tina Rampone – Castleton Elementary & Orwell Village School
Ms. Rebekah Williams – Fair Haven Grade & Benson Village School
Our library/media specialists do so much more than manage books—they inspire curiosity, guide research, and empower students to become thoughtful, tech-savvy learners. From storytime and research projects to digital citizenship and coding, they balance traditional library services with ever-evolving technology integration.
Their work ensures that our students have the resources, skills, and confidence to thrive in an information-rich world.
Thank you, Mrs. Crumb, Mrs. Rampone, and Mrs. Williams, for all that you do to keep our students reading, thinking, and growing every day!
This week’s Friday Focus shines on the incredible Library/Media Specialists who bring learning, literacy, and technology together across Slate Valley!
Mrs. Annie Crumb – Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Mrs. Tina Rampone – Castleton Elementary & Orwell Village School
Ms. Rebekah Williams – Fair Haven Grade & Benson Village School
Our library/media specialists do so much more than manage books—they inspire curiosity, guide research, and empower students to become thoughtful, tech-savvy learners. From storytime and research projects to digital citizenship and coding, they balance traditional library services with ever-evolving technology integration.
Their work ensures that our students have the resources, skills, and confidence to thrive in an information-rich world.
Thank you, Mrs. Crumb, Mrs. Rampone, and Mrs. Williams, for all that you do to keep our students reading, thinking, and growing every day!
🚗 Throwback Thursday! 🚙
We’re cruising back to the early '90s—when boxy cars, big smiles, and Slater pride ruled the parking lot!
If you recognize anyone, feel free to tag them and drop some memories in the comments!
We’re cruising back to the early '90s—when boxy cars, big smiles, and Slater pride ruled the parking lot!
If you recognize anyone, feel free to tag them and drop some memories in the comments!
PLEASE Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!
Community members are warmly invited to our final Fall Coffee & Conversation, tomorrow, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Benson Town Hall.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
Everyone’s welcome! Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk.
Community members are warmly invited to our final Fall Coffee & Conversation, tomorrow, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Benson Town Hall.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
Everyone’s welcome! Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Christopher Hanson, Class of 1991
This week, we’re proud to spotlight Christopher Hanson, a 1991 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey has taken him across the country—and around the world!
After starting at Northeastern University in Boston, Christopher completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees through the University of Nebraska while serving in the U.S. Army, and later earned his doctoral degree from National University. He’s worked as a paramedic in Boston, a Physician Assistant in both military and civilian settings, and now serves as an innovation leader in healthcare quality in Texas. His career has taken him to over a dozen states and numerous countries—truly living the Dr. Seuss quote: “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
Christopher credits several FHUHS teachers for shaping his path:
- Mr. Whalen (Social Studies) – taught him the value of seeing other perspectives and engaging in thoughtful debate.
- Mr. Hier (History) – showed him that studying history helps us learn from the past.
- Mr. Ollie Allen (Substitute Teacher) – encouraged him to take calculated risks, a lesson that guided his life and career.
During his FHUHS days, Christopher wrestled his junior year and served his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Today, he continues to impact lives through health leadership and quality improvement. Outside of work, Christopher enjoys woodworking, painting, travel, pickleball, and playing the bagpipes. He’s also a proud father of two and grandfather to four granddaughters—“there isn’t quite anything like the love of grandkids,” he says.
His advice to current Slate Valley students?
“Never give up. It’s okay to not know what you want to be when you grow up—some days I still don’t. But never, ever give up trying to make yourself a better person.”
Thank you, Christopher, for sharing your journey and reminding us that learning, growth, and service never stop!
This week, we’re proud to spotlight Christopher Hanson, a 1991 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey has taken him across the country—and around the world!
After starting at Northeastern University in Boston, Christopher completed both his undergraduate and master’s degrees through the University of Nebraska while serving in the U.S. Army, and later earned his doctoral degree from National University. He’s worked as a paramedic in Boston, a Physician Assistant in both military and civilian settings, and now serves as an innovation leader in healthcare quality in Texas. His career has taken him to over a dozen states and numerous countries—truly living the Dr. Seuss quote: “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
Christopher credits several FHUHS teachers for shaping his path:
- Mr. Whalen (Social Studies) – taught him the value of seeing other perspectives and engaging in thoughtful debate.
- Mr. Hier (History) – showed him that studying history helps us learn from the past.
- Mr. Ollie Allen (Substitute Teacher) – encouraged him to take calculated risks, a lesson that guided his life and career.
During his FHUHS days, Christopher wrestled his junior year and served his community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
Today, he continues to impact lives through health leadership and quality improvement. Outside of work, Christopher enjoys woodworking, painting, travel, pickleball, and playing the bagpipes. He’s also a proud father of two and grandfather to four granddaughters—“there isn’t quite anything like the love of grandkids,” he says.
His advice to current Slate Valley students?
“Never give up. It’s okay to not know what you want to be when you grow up—some days I still don’t. But never, ever give up trying to make yourself a better person.”
Thank you, Christopher, for sharing your journey and reminding us that learning, growth, and service never stop!
Trivia Tuesday!
Did you know? The name October comes from the Latin word “octo,” meaning eight—but it’s actually our tenth month of the year!
Trivia Question:
Why is October named for “eight” even though it’s our tenth month?
Drop your answer in comments...
... or scroll down for the Answer!
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Answer:
Because in the original Roman calendar, the year began in March, making October the eighth month! When January and February were added later, October shifted to tenth place—but kept its original name.
Did you know? The name October comes from the Latin word “octo,” meaning eight—but it’s actually our tenth month of the year!
Trivia Question:
Why is October named for “eight” even though it’s our tenth month?
Drop your answer in comments...
... or scroll down for the Answer!
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
⬇️
Answer:
Because in the original Roman calendar, the year began in March, making October the eighth month! When January and February were added later, October shifted to tenth place—but kept its original name.
