More pics of our November Falcon Gathering!! Here are our SOAR superstars recognized for their outstanding performance in specials and on the bus. Bravo for following SOAR values throughout our school environment!!
1 day ago, Deb Infurna
Two children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
One adult, three children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
One adult, three children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
One adult, three children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
One adult, three children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
One adult, three children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
FHGS November Falcon Gathering were we recognized students for exemplifying our SOAR values of safety, ownership, acceptance and respect! Congratulations to all those recognized. Keep SOARING FHGS Falcons!!
1 day ago, Deb Infurna
Two adults, two children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
One adults, one child holding certificate, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
Two adults, two children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
Two adults, two children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
Two adults, two children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
Two adults, three children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
Two adults, two children holding certificates, and a school mascot stand together in a gymnasium for a photo.
Thank you, Slate Valley community!

Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!

Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations

All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.

We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒

Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A bold community flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance – Thank You!” The top features a close-up of an ambulance with its blue emergency lights on and the word “AMBULANCE” in red letters across the front. Below, a large “Thank You!” message appears in white text. The center of the flyer shows the back of an ambulance filled with assorted donated food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and cooking oil. On the left is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo, and on the right is a star-of-life EMS symbol. A white box lists total contributions: “Cash Donations = $1744.05” and “Food Donations = 1,451.15 pounds.” The bottom text reads, “Sponsored by Slate Valley Unified USD & Fair Haven Rescue Squad – All to benefit Slate Valley Cares.”
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Slate Valley!🦃
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A festive Thanksgiving-themed graphic featuring cartoon characters dressed as a Pilgrim boy on the left and a Pilgrim girl on the right. At the top is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo. Colorful fall leaves and banner decorations frame the image. The text reads: “Thanksgiving Break. School will be closed November 26–28. Wishing all of our Slate Valley families a restful and joyful holiday! School resumes Monday, December 1!” The bottom of the graphic is decorated with sunflowers and autumn foliage.
Slater Nation Pre-season Practice Schedule for Winter Sports 2025-26

Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.

Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Pre-Season Practice Schedules” with the Slate Valley logo at the top. Includes illustrated sports icons such as a basketball, pom-poms, wrestling figures, running shoes, and bowling pins. Lists practice times for Indoor Track, Wrestling, Cheer, and Bowling, with dates from December 1–12. A QR code is shown in the bottom left corner for weekly schedules.
Graphic titled “FHU High School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Includes a two-week practice schedule grid for girls’ and boys’ varsity and JV basketball, with dates from November 30 to December 13. A basketball icon labeled “High School” appears in the bottom right corner, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the bottom left.
Graphic titled “FHU Middle School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Features a practice schedule grid for 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball from November 30 to December 13. Notes that practices and home games are at Fair Haven Grade School. A basketball icon labeled “Middle School” appears in the lower left, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the lower right.
⚽ Interested in Becoming a Soccer Referee?
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!

📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254

🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346

This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.

To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.

👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.

Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer for the “2026 Vermont First Time Soccer Referee Clinic.” The top features bold text with “Soccer Referee Clinic” in large white and yellow letters on a dark gray background. Below, the date “February 28, 2026” appears in a red box. On the right side is a cartoon referee blowing a whistle and holding up a red card. On the left is a large illustrated soccer ball with yellow motion streaks. Event details list the time (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) and location (Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT). A yellow arrow points to a QR code labeled “Scan Me!” The bottom includes a link for registration.
Board Meeting - November 24, 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/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#

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.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic flyer announces the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features green and blue text with circular decorative elements. It reads: “Please Join Us TONIGHT,” “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting,” and lists the agenda items: “Consent Agenda, Cognia Results Presentation, Building & Grounds Committee Report.” The Slate Valley logo is displayed on the right. At the bottom, it states: “November 24, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
Slate Valley Distict Newsletter: November 21, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 21, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, followed by a colorful ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ banner with cartoon turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, and fall decorations. Below is a decorative fall-themed border surrounding the heading ‘A Message of Gratitude from the Superintendent,’ with accompanying text expressing appreciation to the Slate Valley community.
🏀❄️ Winter Sports Season Is Almost Here! ❄️🤼‍♂️

The winter sports season will officially begin the week of December 1st!
A few important reminders:

✔️ All athletes must be registered on FormReLeaf
✔️ All athletes must have an up-to-date physical on file at their school

📅 Practice schedules for middle and high school teams will be posted the week of Thanksgiving.
🏀 Grades 5 & 6 basketball practices will begin the week of December 8th.

Winter Sports Offered by Slate Valley / Fair Haven Union MHS
Indoor Track
Bowling
Competition Cheer
Wrestling — Middle & High School
Middle school wrestlers will practice at FHUMHS with the high school team
Girls Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Boys Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Middle school basketball practices and home games will be held at FHGS
Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5 & 6

(Four teams anticipated)
🏀 Practices begin the week of December 8
📍 Practices and home games will take place at Castleton Elementary School

Teams:
Castleton / Orwell Girls
Castleton / Orwell Boys
Fair Haven / Benson Girls
Fair Haven / Benson Boys
10 days ago, Slate Valley
A promotional graphic for Slate Valley’s 2025 Winter Sports Tip-Off Week, starting December 1st. The top features bold blue text reading “Slate Valley 2025 Winter Sports Tip Off Week – December 1st!” Below it, red text says “Not registered yet? Go to: FormReleaf.com.” Small illustrations of wrestlers, pom-poms, running shoes, a bowling ball and pins, and a basketball appear throughout. The flyer lists winter sports offered at Slate Valley/Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Indoor Track, Bowling, Competition Cheer, Middle & High School Wrestling, Girls Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), Boys Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), and Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5–6 with practices and games at CES. It also notes Castleton/Orwell and Fair Haven/Benson team groupings. A blue banner at the bottom reads, “All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”
Last week in honor of Veterans Day, Mrs. Mingo’s first graders put on their very own Blue Angels air show! ✈️💙
These young pilots were dazzled with creativity and patriotic spirit as they celebrated and honored our veterans.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Two young girls stand in a classroom holding blue paper airplanes; one also holds a Scholastic News magazine featuring the Blue Angels.
A girl and a boy stand in front of a chalkboard holding open a Scholastic News spread titled “Team Blue Angels.”
A group of elementary students pose together in a hallway, each holding a blue paper airplane.
Three children in a hallway throw blue paper airplanes while classmates watch from the side.
A line of children stand in a hallway holding blue paper airplanes, preparing to throw them.
Children in a hallway all throw blue paper airplanes at the same time.
A class of students sits and stands in front of a chalkboard, each holding a patriotic red, white, and blue letter-writing project.
Kindergarten has been diving into weather and the four seasons! Students brought their learning to life by creating trees that represent their favorite season—bright blossoms, sunny greens, colorful fall leaves, or snowy branches.
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Three young students stand in a classroom holding up artwork made from cut paper. Each picture shows a tree made of brown paper strips with white paper pieces representing snow. Below each artwork is a sentence starter indicating the child’s favorite season. The students smile as they display their winter-themed trees.
Three young students stand in a classroom holding up paper-collage tree artwork. Two of the trees have green paper leaves representing summer, while one has white paper pieces representing winter. Each artwork includes a label stating the child’s favorite season. The students smile proudly at the camera.
Our Slater Football team hit the road to South Burlington this morning—with some extra special wishes packed along for the ride! 🚌🏈💙

Mrs. Mingo’s FHGS first graders were thrilled to learn the team is playing in this weekend’s Championship game. To show their Slater pride, students created colorful “Good Luck” signs filled with drawings and motivating messages like:

✨ “We believe in you!”
✨ “Hope you win!”
✨ “Keep working hard!”
✨ “You’ve got this!”

These heartfelt creations were shared with our high school athletes before they headed out, giving them an extra boost of encouragement as they gear up for the big game.

Good luck, Slaters—your entire Slate Valley community is cheering for you! 🎉🏆💙
14 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of high school football players sit and stand together in a team room, each holding up a handmade good-luck poster created by younger students. The posters feature drawings of a Slaters football player and encouraging messages like “Good luck!”, “You’ve got this!”, and “Go Slaters!” The players smile proudly as they display the artwork on the tables and in their hands.
A November District Drive Through Slate Valley
It was a spontaneous drive to visit all Slate Valley schools—no special events, just everyday learning on full display. From music and art to math, reading, and a lively P.E. kickball game, students were engaged everywhere I went. Lunchtime smiles, hallway hellos, and even a few photo poses made the day even better.
Fun fact: the only screens seen all day were in the digital arts class—proof that hands-on learning is thriving in Slate Valley!
📽️ Check out the video recap here: https://youtube.com/shorts/g09yDudmgi8?feature=share
15 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling elementary student sits at a desk writing in a notebook with a pencil. He is wearing a red hoodie and looking up at the camera. A large red play button icon is overlaid in the center, indicating a video preview. A small illustrated car graphic appears at the bottom right corner, and the video duration “2:25” is shown in the lower corner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
15 days ago, Slate Valley
A newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated November 14, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, a green and blue hexagon emblem with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below it is an illustrated banner showing a white car with the Slate Valley logo driving through a colorful neighborhood with houses, trees, and clouds. The section title “A November District Drive” appears underneath.
🎙️ Educational Insights: Community Perspectives — Part 2

In this continuation of our Educational Insights podcast series, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara continue discussion with active community members Bob Crowley of Castleton and Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven.

In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into important topics such as school-to-community communication, how Vermont’s education system is funded, and the fiscal challenges surrounding the upcoming FY27 budget. The group also discusses the value and impact of Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council, highlighting how community voices help guide district priorities and build understanding around education in our region.

Tune in to hear genuine perspectives, thoughtful discussion, and shared ideas about how Slate Valley can continue strengthening its partnership with the community. https://youtu.be/e5JYVkgrUNQ
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Title slide for Slate Valley’s podcast, showing the Slate Valley logo in the center with animated soundwave graphics on a black background. Text reads “Episode #18” at the top and “Part 2” at the bottom.
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes — First Grade Style! 🇺🇸

Mrs. Roberts’s first graders celebrated Veterans Day with creativity and heart! Each student created an adorable “Thank You Veteran” project—complete with hand-drawn soldiers and personal letters of appreciation to those who have served.
17 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of first-grade students from Mrs. Roberts’ class at Castleton Elementary School stand in rows on a colorful classroom rug, proudly holding their Veterans Day art projects. Each project features a paper soldier with a handwritten thank-you note. The students wear handmade hats that say “Thank You Veteran” and smile for the photo.
🇺🇸 “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent. Today, we honor those who have served and those who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and sacrifice.”

To all veterans—students, staff, families, community members, and alumni—thank you.
Your service protects our freedoms, and your dedication inspires us each day.

We are grateful. We remember. We honor. 🇺🇸

#VeteransDay #WeAreSlateValley#ThankYouVeterans
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic honoring Veterans Day. The background features a slightly faded American flag. Large white text reads, “THANK YOU, VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE.” To the right, a small box shows “11 NOV.” Silhouettes of military figures appear at the bottom—one saluting and two soldiers helping each other. Additional text reads: “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.”
Ms. O’Dell’s third graders created amazing agamographs for Veterans Day, showing images that change as you move! While working on their colorful artwork, students also learned about the meaning behind Veterans Day and the importance of honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. It was a wonderful way to combine creativity, learning, and gratitude!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Elementary students stand in two rows in a classroom, each holding artwork of an American flag with an eagle. A colorful classroom math display is behind them.
Overhead view of students lying on the floor in a circle with their American flag eagle artwork over their legs; a book titled What Is Veterans Day? is placed in the center of the circle.
Today, our Kindergarten students worked hard on thank-you cards for veterans — a small gesture to show their big appreciation.
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A student leans over a thank-you sheet, carefully coloring a drawing. A pencil pouch and classroom furniture are visible nearby.
Four kindergarten students stand in a row on a classroom rug, proudly holding up the Veterans Day thank-you drawings they created.
A child wearing a red shirt sits at a desk drawing on a Veterans Day thank-you sheet. Crayons and pencils are spread out on the desk around him.
Three kindergarten students stand on a colorful classroom rug, smiling and holding up their completed Veterans Day thank-you drawings.
A young student sits at a classroom desk coloring a Veterans Day thank-you sheet with crayons. The desk has a nameplate and scattered crayons, and cubbies are visible in the background.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the top section of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, featuring a green and blue hexagon with the word “Vermont” inside and the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a Veterans Day banner with silhouettes of saluting service members in front of an abstract American flag, along with messages that read “Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served” and “Thank You for Protecting Us.” The first article headline reads: “Slate Valley Leaders Attend Vermont Statewide Strategic Planning Retreat,” followed by a paragraph describing district leaders attending the retreat hosted by the Vermont Agency of Education.