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
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
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
🎙️ 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
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
🇺🇸 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.
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.
🇺🇸 “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
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
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!
Today, our Kindergarten students worked hard on thank-you cards for veterans — a small gesture to show their big appreciation.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
🌟 Friday Focus on our Fabulous, Fantastic First Graders! 🌟
Our first-grade friends are flourishing!
They’re spelling like superstars, writing with wonder, and figuring out equations like future mathematicians.
And when it’s time to move? They’re all about ABL – Action Based Learning!
At ABL stations, our students learn and leap, solve and stretch, think and thrive—because movement makes mighty minds!
We love watching this phenomenal first-grade crew grow, explore, and shine each and every day.
Keep it up, super scholars — your future is brilliant! ✨
Watch the spotlight video at: https://youtu.be/VVfdm8F_D7E
Project Build is a hands-on middle school program led by Christopher Stanton, a longtime FHGS teacher and current Slate Valley School Board member. Each year, interested 7th and 8th grade students are selected by their teachers to take part. On Tuesdays, students work with Mr. Stanton to design and build woodworking projects that serve real needs within our school district. Each group sees their project through from concept to completion, after which a new team begins the next build. Our own Ms. Quinn, grade 4 teacher, was the recipient of their latest project. Thank you students and staff from Project Build!!
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧
In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.
This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0
🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.
This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0
🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
Throwback Thursday: We’re heading back to 2002, when Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village School students — from kindergarten through 8th grade — took part in creating Capstone Learning Projects!
Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.
Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.
Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
Submitted by our music teacher, Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins:
Big smiles and even bigger sounds at our first Beginning Band rehearsal this morning! These students have been working hard and were so excited to play together for the first time! 🎺🎶👏
See the clip at:
https://youtu.be/9knVr7AIxsU
Big smiles and even bigger sounds at our first Beginning Band rehearsal this morning! These students have been working hard and were so excited to play together for the first time! 🎺🎶👏
See the clip at:
https://youtu.be/9knVr7AIxsU
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Elizabeth Kyhill, Class of 1999
This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.
After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.
When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”
While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.
Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”
Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”
Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.
Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.
After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.
When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”
While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.
Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”
Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”
Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.
Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
Members of the Whitehall Elks Lodge came to FHGS today to donate dictionaries to each of our third grade students. There thoughtful gift provides our students with a valuable resource that encourages a love of words and learning. Thank you Whitehall Elks Lodge!!
Trivia Tuesday: 💡Did You Know?
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
Hello Slate Valley Families,
We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.
If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!
📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068
🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/
No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.
If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!
📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068
🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/
No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday featuring Ellenor Cox-Hansen
This week, we’re excited to introduce Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School! Ellenor joined Slate Valley in July 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in SVSU (Bennington) and BRSU (Manchester).
Outside of school, Ellenor enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading, finding joy and creativity in each of these hobbies. Her favorite quote, by Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects her compassionate and mindful approach to both life and education:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
We’re so happy to have Ellenor as part of Slate Valley and the Fair Haven Grade School team—her dedication, warmth, and wisdom are already making a wonderful impact!
This week, we’re excited to introduce Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School! Ellenor joined Slate Valley in July 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in SVSU (Bennington) and BRSU (Manchester).
Outside of school, Ellenor enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading, finding joy and creativity in each of these hobbies. Her favorite quote, by Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects her compassionate and mindful approach to both life and education:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
We’re so happy to have Ellenor as part of Slate Valley and the Fair Haven Grade School team—her dedication, warmth, and wisdom are already making a wonderful impact!
Board Meeting - TONIGHT - November 3, 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 Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xwq-bbuo-ytt
Or dial: (US) +1 321-765-3491 PIN: 771 020 254
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 Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xwq-bbuo-ytt
Or dial: (US) +1 321-765-3491 PIN: 771 020 254
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.
