Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 19, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/4fa4cf530e17/final-slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-2025-26-school-year

😎🚌 School’s Out for Summer! ☀️🎉
The Fair Haven Grade School staff made sure students headed into summer break with smiles on their faces! Sporting some fun and colorful sunglasses at dismissal, staff members lined up to wave, cheer, and wish students a safe, relaxing, and adventure-filled summer.
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for another fantastic school year. Enjoy every moment of summer—we can't wait to welcome everyone back in the fall! 🌞📚❤️
The Fair Haven Grade School staff made sure students headed into summer break with smiles on their faces! Sporting some fun and colorful sunglasses at dismissal, staff members lined up to wave, cheer, and wish students a safe, relaxing, and adventure-filled summer.
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for another fantastic school year. Enjoy every moment of summer—we can't wait to welcome everyone back in the fall! 🌞📚❤️

🌻🎉 Congratulations to Diane Roberts on her retirement! 🎉🌻
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!

Please join us in congratulating Kelley Schultz on her retirement from Slate Valley Unified Union School District!
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜

Getting Ready for the Next Chapter!
As part of their Move Up Day experience, FHGS fourth graders had the opportunity to visit with the teachers who will be guiding them next year in fifth grade.
Students spent time learning about classroom expectations, asking questions, and getting a glimpse of what next year will look like. Move Up Day helps ease the transition to a new grade level while building excitement and confidence for the year ahead.
We hope our fourth graders enjoyed meeting new teachers, exploring new classrooms, and taking the next step in their educational journey. Fifth grade is just around the corner!
As part of their Move Up Day experience, FHGS fourth graders had the opportunity to visit with the teachers who will be guiding them next year in fifth grade.
Students spent time learning about classroom expectations, asking questions, and getting a glimpse of what next year will look like. Move Up Day helps ease the transition to a new grade level while building excitement and confidence for the year ahead.
We hope our fourth graders enjoyed meeting new teachers, exploring new classrooms, and taking the next step in their educational journey. Fifth grade is just around the corner!

🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚

Submitted by Ms. O'Dell: What a fantastic way to wrap up Year 2 of Spring Olympics!
For the past six weeks, our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students have been participating in Spring Olympics, building teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and school spirit along the way.
After weeks of competition and fun, the final results are in:
🥉 Bronze Medal – Ms.Manning's Team: Royal Rage
🥈 Silver Medal – Ms. Quinn's Team: The Blueberries
🥇 Gold Medal – Ms.O'Dell's Team: Black Attack
In addition to earning team medals, each team selected a 4th-grade student who demonstrated outstanding leadership, encouragement, and teamwork throughout the competition. We are so proud of these students for setting a positive example for their teammates and helping make this event a success.
Congratulations to all of our participants for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes. What a great way to celebrate the end of another successful school year!
For the past six weeks, our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students have been participating in Spring Olympics, building teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and school spirit along the way.
After weeks of competition and fun, the final results are in:
🥉 Bronze Medal – Ms.Manning's Team: Royal Rage
🥈 Silver Medal – Ms. Quinn's Team: The Blueberries
🥇 Gold Medal – Ms.O'Dell's Team: Black Attack
In addition to earning team medals, each team selected a 4th-grade student who demonstrated outstanding leadership, encouragement, and teamwork throughout the competition. We are so proud of these students for setting a positive example for their teammates and helping make this event a success.
Congratulations to all of our participants for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes. What a great way to celebrate the end of another successful school year!






🌸🎉 Congratulations, Joann Higgins, on Your Retirement! 🎉🌸
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!

Round 2 of Falcon Fest pictures!!! So much fun has been had by all.





Falcon Fest Day 2 has provided great water fun for all!! From slip-and-slides to water relay games, splash relay, water balloon dodgeball, sponge relay and pin down. Having fun together has been a wonderful way to bring closure to a great year of learning together!!!







🔧🎉 Congratulations, Tony Greene, on Your Retirement! 🎉🔧
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!

🏛️ FREE Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders! 🏛️
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov

What a fantastic first day of Falcon Fest! 🦅🎉
Our students and staff enjoyed a day filled with fun, laughter, and community as they participated in a variety of exciting activities, including bouncy houses, obstacle courses, mini golf, capture the flag, cornhole, playground games, arts and crafts, Minute to Win It challenges, and a glow dance!
It was wonderful to see so many smiles, teamwork, and positive energy throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who helped make Falcon Fest such a memorable experience for our students, from the leadership of Mr. P and the specialist team who organized and facilitated activities to the PTO who donated funds to support them. We can't wait for more fun tomorrow!
Our students and staff enjoyed a day filled with fun, laughter, and community as they participated in a variety of exciting activities, including bouncy houses, obstacle courses, mini golf, capture the flag, cornhole, playground games, arts and crafts, Minute to Win It challenges, and a glow dance!
It was wonderful to see so many smiles, teamwork, and positive energy throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who helped make Falcon Fest such a memorable experience for our students, from the leadership of Mr. P and the specialist team who organized and facilitated activities to the PTO who donated funds to support them. We can't wait for more fun tomorrow!







From FHUMHS Band Director, Ms. Samantha Adams: Marching Band sign ups for grades 7-12 are OPEN. If you are an incoming 7th grader or above, you are invited to join! Scan the QR code or click the link to sign up! Sign ups close at the end of the day July 1st, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Samantha Adams at sadams@svuvt.org
https://forms.gle/a8HQgJoAS94FM8kt9
https://forms.gle/a8HQgJoAS94FM8kt9

📚🎉 Happy Retirement, Tina Rampone! 🎉📚
After 16 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of Slate Valley, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School librarian, Tina Rampone, on her retirement.
For more than a decade and a half, Tina has inspired a love of reading, learning, and curiosity in countless students. Through story times, library lessons, book recommendations, special projects, tech. integration, and her welcoming presence, she helped make the library a place where every child could discover new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
Tina's passion for literacy, commitment to students, and support of both schools have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. The thousands of young readers she has encouraged and the memories she has helped create are a testament to the difference one dedicated educator can make.
Thank you, Tina, for 16 years of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our school communities. We wish you all the happiness, relaxation, adventures, knitting and good books that retirement has to offer.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 🧶📖✨
After 16 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of Slate Valley, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School librarian, Tina Rampone, on her retirement.
For more than a decade and a half, Tina has inspired a love of reading, learning, and curiosity in countless students. Through story times, library lessons, book recommendations, special projects, tech. integration, and her welcoming presence, she helped make the library a place where every child could discover new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
Tina's passion for literacy, commitment to students, and support of both schools have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. The thousands of young readers she has encouraged and the memories she has helped create are a testament to the difference one dedicated educator can make.
Thank you, Tina, for 16 years of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our school communities. We wish you all the happiness, relaxation, adventures, knitting and good books that retirement has to offer.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 🧶📖✨

💚🏃♀️ What a fantastic finish to another Girls on the Run season! 🩷✨
Over the past two weekends, our Girls on the Run participants celebrated all they accomplished this spring through teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and friendship.
On June 6, the team traveled to Manchester for the Girls on the Run Celebratory 5K, where students proudly crossed the finish line surrounded by teammates, coaches, family members, and supporters. From colorful tutus and face paint to encouraging signs and smiles, the event was a joyful celebration of everything they learned throughout the season.
This past weekend, the team gathered one last time for their end-of-season celebration. The evening included ice cream, a glow dance party, and plenty of laughter. The highlight of the night? The team getting their chance to silly string their coaches as a fun thank-you for a season filled with encouragement and support!
Congratulations to all of our Girls on the Run participants and coaches on an incredible season. You showed what it means to be strong, confident, and unstoppable! 💚🩷
Over the past two weekends, our Girls on the Run participants celebrated all they accomplished this spring through teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and friendship.
On June 6, the team traveled to Manchester for the Girls on the Run Celebratory 5K, where students proudly crossed the finish line surrounded by teammates, coaches, family members, and supporters. From colorful tutus and face paint to encouraging signs and smiles, the event was a joyful celebration of everything they learned throughout the season.
This past weekend, the team gathered one last time for their end-of-season celebration. The evening included ice cream, a glow dance party, and plenty of laughter. The highlight of the night? The team getting their chance to silly string their coaches as a fun thank-you for a season filled with encouragement and support!
Congratulations to all of our Girls on the Run participants and coaches on an incredible season. You showed what it means to be strong, confident, and unstoppable! 💚🩷










Read important information about the future of Slate Valley in this issue of the SVUUSD Newsletter - June 12, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/f9c5248ac253/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836886

💙 Celebrating our 6th Graders! 💙
Today, Fair Haven Grade School honored its sixth-grade students during a special 6th Grade Celebration, recognizing their accomplishments, growth, and contributions throughout their elementary school years.
Families gathered alongside faculty and staff as students were recognized with certificates, awards, and words of encouragement from their teachers. The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievements, but also the friendships, character, perseverance, and memories that have shaped their time at FHGS.
Following the celebration, students, families, and staff enjoyed an outdoor barbecue lunch together, providing one final opportunity to celebrate this milestone as a school community.
As our oldest Falcons prepare to spread their wings and begin their next chapter at Fair Haven Union Middle School, we wish them continued success and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.
Congratulations, sixth graders! Once a Falcon, always a Falcon. 🦅💙
Today, Fair Haven Grade School honored its sixth-grade students during a special 6th Grade Celebration, recognizing their accomplishments, growth, and contributions throughout their elementary school years.
Families gathered alongside faculty and staff as students were recognized with certificates, awards, and words of encouragement from their teachers. The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievements, but also the friendships, character, perseverance, and memories that have shaped their time at FHGS.
Following the celebration, students, families, and staff enjoyed an outdoor barbecue lunch together, providing one final opportunity to celebrate this milestone as a school community.
As our oldest Falcons prepare to spread their wings and begin their next chapter at Fair Haven Union Middle School, we wish them continued success and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.
Congratulations, sixth graders! Once a Falcon, always a Falcon. 🦅💙








🍦✨ One Last Hoorah with the Special Education Team! ✨🍦
As the school year winds down, the FHGS Education Team celebrated with a sweet hands-on activity—making homemade ice cream!
Students worked together to measure ingredients, mix everything in bags, shake, stir, and patiently wait as science and teamwork combined to create a delicious treat. Along the way, they practiced following directions, cooperation, problem-solving, and, of course, enjoyed plenty of laughs.
The activity was a fun way to celebrate a year filled with growth, learning, friendships, and accomplishments. Sometimes the best lessons come with a little sugar, a lot of teamwork, and a homemade scoop of ice cream!
A special thank you to the staff who helped make this memorable end-of-year experience possible. 🍨
As the school year winds down, the FHGS Education Team celebrated with a sweet hands-on activity—making homemade ice cream!
Students worked together to measure ingredients, mix everything in bags, shake, stir, and patiently wait as science and teamwork combined to create a delicious treat. Along the way, they practiced following directions, cooperation, problem-solving, and, of course, enjoyed plenty of laughs.
The activity was a fun way to celebrate a year filled with growth, learning, friendships, and accomplishments. Sometimes the best lessons come with a little sugar, a lot of teamwork, and a homemade scoop of ice cream!
A special thank you to the staff who helped make this memorable end-of-year experience possible. 🍨







☀️🏕️ Summer Fun is Just Around the Corner! 🏕️☀️
The Fair Haven Summer Recreation Program is gearing up for another exciting season packed with camps, clinics, creativity, sports, and adventure!
This year's offerings include:
🎭 Theatre Camp (currently full)
🔬 Science Camp
🎨 Arts & Crafts Camp
🦁 Go Wild! Camp
🎒 Kinder Camp
Plus a variety of sports clinics:
⚾ Baseball/Softball
🏀 Basketball
🏈 Flag Football
🏑 Field Hockey
⚽ Soccer
Programs run throughout July and early August, providing opportunities for children to learn new skills, make friends, stay active, and have fun all summer long.
📲 Visit fairhavenrecreation.com or scan the QR code on the flyer for full program details and online registration.
Don't miss out on a summer full of learning, exploration, and fun in Fair Haven!
The Fair Haven Summer Recreation Program is gearing up for another exciting season packed with camps, clinics, creativity, sports, and adventure!
This year's offerings include:
🎭 Theatre Camp (currently full)
🔬 Science Camp
🎨 Arts & Crafts Camp
🦁 Go Wild! Camp
🎒 Kinder Camp
Plus a variety of sports clinics:
⚾ Baseball/Softball
🏀 Basketball
🏈 Flag Football
🏑 Field Hockey
⚽ Soccer
Programs run throughout July and early August, providing opportunities for children to learn new skills, make friends, stay active, and have fun all summer long.
📲 Visit fairhavenrecreation.com or scan the QR code on the flyer for full program details and online registration.
Don't miss out on a summer full of learning, exploration, and fun in Fair Haven!

