District Newsletter: September 4, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/f279484e3664/district-newsletter-september-4-2026
https://mailchi.mp/f279484e3664/district-newsletter-september-4-2026
Dear Slate Valley Community,
We want to make you aware that the Slate Valley School District is currently experiencing a cybersecurity issue that is impacting our technology systems.
At this time, we anticipate that we will not have access to the internet, including district email, until further notice. This means that staff will not be able to send or receive email during this time.
Our school phone systems remain operational. If you need to contact your child’s school or a staff member, please call the school directly. School staff will assist you or ensure that your message gets to the appropriate person.
We are actively working with our technology and cybersecurity professionals to address the issue and restore services as safely and quickly as possible. We will provide additional updates to the community as information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent
We want to make you aware that the Slate Valley School District is currently experiencing a cybersecurity issue that is impacting our technology systems.
At this time, we anticipate that we will not have access to the internet, including district email, until further notice. This means that staff will not be able to send or receive email during this time.
Our school phone systems remain operational. If you need to contact your child’s school or a staff member, please call the school directly. School staff will assist you or ensure that your message gets to the appropriate person.
We are actively working with our technology and cybersecurity professionals to address the issue and restore services as safely and quickly as possible. We will provide additional updates to the community as information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent
🍎 Vendors Wanted for Applefest! 🍎
Applefest is coming up, and we’re looking for vendors to join the fun! Whether you sell handmade goods, crafts, local products, delicious treats, or operate a food truck, we’d love to have you be part of this favorite fall tradition.
Applefest 2026 will be held Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, September 20.
🍏 General Vendors: $30 per spot
🍎 Food Vendors/Food Trucks: $35 per spot
Interested in becoming a vendor? Reserve your spot today-Call 802-265-3883!
Applefest is coming up, and we’re looking for vendors to join the fun! Whether you sell handmade goods, crafts, local products, delicious treats, or operate a food truck, we’d love to have you be part of this favorite fall tradition.
Applefest 2026 will be held Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, September 20.
🍏 General Vendors: $30 per spot
🍎 Food Vendors/Food Trucks: $35 per spot
Interested in becoming a vendor? Reserve your spot today-Call 802-265-3883!
Building Our Classroom Community, One Square at a Time!
Mrs. McCrea’s first graders started the school year with a special project designed to celebrate what makes each student unique while bringing everyone together as a class!
Each student created their own illustrated square, which was then combined with their classmates’ artwork to create this wonderful classroom quilt. Just like the pieces of a quilt, every student brings something special to the classroom—and together, they make an amazing community.
What a creative way to begin a new year of learning, friendship, and growing together!
Mrs. McCrea’s first graders started the school year with a special project designed to celebrate what makes each student unique while bringing everyone together as a class!
Each student created their own illustrated square, which was then combined with their classmates’ artwork to create this wonderful classroom quilt. Just like the pieces of a quilt, every student brings something special to the classroom—and together, they make an amazing community.
What a creative way to begin a new year of learning, friendship, and growing together!
NOTICE:
Tonight’s CAC meeting is cancelled. We apologize for the short notice.
Thank you for your understanding.
Tonight’s CAC meeting is cancelled. We apologize for the short notice.
Thank you for your understanding.
🐐 GOAT of the Week!
Submitted by third grade teacher, Ms. Mead: Our third grade students are kicking off a new incentive called GOAT of the Week! Each week, two students will have the opportunity to earn this special recognition by consistently following our classroom expectations. These expectations include being respectful to classmates, following directions, and taking ownership of their work and actions.
Our GOATS of the Week will receive a certificate and a special trophy to proudly keep on their desk throughout the following week. We are so excited to celebrate students who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and kindness each day!
Our first GOATS of the Week are Theo P. and Addi H.! 🎉 🐐 Congratulations Theo and Addi! We are so proud of you!
Submitted by third grade teacher, Ms. Mead: Our third grade students are kicking off a new incentive called GOAT of the Week! Each week, two students will have the opportunity to earn this special recognition by consistently following our classroom expectations. These expectations include being respectful to classmates, following directions, and taking ownership of their work and actions.
Our GOATS of the Week will receive a certificate and a special trophy to proudly keep on their desk throughout the following week. We are so excited to celebrate students who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and kindness each day!
Our first GOATS of the Week are Theo P. and Addi H.! 🎉 🐐 Congratulations Theo and Addi! We are so proud of you!
Welcome Back Slate Valley District Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e12155be4a5d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-august-28-2026
As we begin a new school year, please remember: when a school bus has its red lights flashing, STOP. 🛑
Drivers must stop for the bus—do not go around it and do not pass it from the opposite direction. Students may be entering or crossing the roadway, and their safety depends on every driver paying attention and following the law.
Please be patient, stay alert, and give our students the time they need to safely get on and off the bus.
Flashing red lights mean STOP. Every time. 🚌❤️
Thank you for helping keep our Slate Valley students safe!
Drivers must stop for the bus—do not go around it and do not pass it from the opposite direction. Students may be entering or crossing the roadway, and their safety depends on every driver paying attention and following the law.
Please be patient, stay alert, and give our students the time they need to safely get on and off the bus.
Flashing red lights mean STOP. Every time. 🚌❤️
Thank you for helping keep our Slate Valley students safe!
📣 Have a question, concern, or idea for Slate Valley? Join the conversation!
Our next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting will be held:
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:45–7:00 PM
The CAC is a space created specifically for conversation between our community and district administration. Community members are encouraged to bring questions, share concerns, offer ideas, and discuss topics that are important to them.
While public comment at School Board meetings follows Robert’s Rules of Order and includes established limits on time and discussion, CAC meetings provide an opportunity for more open dialogue with district leadership.
Have something on your mind? Bring it to the CAC. We encourage parents, families, staff, and community members to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and be part of the conversation.
💬 Your voice matters. We hope you’ll join us!
Our next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting will be held:
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:45–7:00 PM
The CAC is a space created specifically for conversation between our community and district administration. Community members are encouraged to bring questions, share concerns, offer ideas, and discuss topics that are important to them.
While public comment at School Board meetings follows Robert’s Rules of Order and includes established limits on time and discussion, CAC meetings provide an opportunity for more open dialogue with district leadership.
Have something on your mind? Bring it to the CAC. We encourage parents, families, staff, and community members to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and be part of the conversation.
💬 Your voice matters. We hope you’ll join us!
District Title I Meeting
Families of Slate Valley Unified USD students are invited to join us for a Title I Meeting to learn more about the Title I program and how it supports student learning in Slate Valley.
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:15 PM - Before our Monthly CAC Meeting
📍 Slate Valley Central Office Conference Room located at FHUMHS
Mr. Casey O’Meara, Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will share information about Title I services and answer questions from families.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the resources and support available to our students through Title I!
Families of Slate Valley Unified USD students are invited to join us for a Title I Meeting to learn more about the Title I program and how it supports student learning in Slate Valley.
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:15 PM - Before our Monthly CAC Meeting
📍 Slate Valley Central Office Conference Room located at FHUMHS
Mr. Casey O’Meara, Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will share information about Title I services and answer questions from families.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the resources and support available to our students through Title I!
🎒 FHGS is ready for a new school year! 📚
Fair Haven Grade School was buzzing with excitement tonight as students and families filled the halls for Open House!
Students had the opportunity to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers, explore activities, and get comfortable in their learning spaces before the big day. Families also stopped by the library to browse the Book Fair and find some new books to enjoy. 📖
It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and so many students, families, and staff reconnecting throughout the building. The smiles and excitement made one thing pretty clear — FHGS is ready for tomorrow!
We can’t wait to welcome our students back for the first day of school! 🍎✏️
Here’s to a great 2026–2027 school year! 💙
Fair Haven Grade School was buzzing with excitement tonight as students and families filled the halls for Open House!
Students had the opportunity to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers, explore activities, and get comfortable in their learning spaces before the big day. Families also stopped by the library to browse the Book Fair and find some new books to enjoy. 📖
It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and so many students, families, and staff reconnecting throughout the building. The smiles and excitement made one thing pretty clear — FHGS is ready for tomorrow!
We can’t wait to welcome our students back for the first day of school! 🍎✏️
Here’s to a great 2026–2027 school year! 💙
⚽ Reminder: Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Meeting! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
A reminder for families of 5th and 6th grade fall athletes! Our Fall Sports Informational Meeting is coming up this Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School gym.
Families of students planning to participate in fall sports are encouraged to attend to get the information they need for the upcoming season.
📌 Important: A copy of each athlete’s Athletic Physical Exam must be on file with the school in order to participate.
We’re looking forward to a great fall sports season! 🍂⚽
A reminder for families of 5th and 6th grade fall athletes! Our Fall Sports Informational Meeting is coming up this Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School gym.
Families of students planning to participate in fall sports are encouraged to attend to get the information they need for the upcoming season.
📌 Important: A copy of each athlete’s Athletic Physical Exam must be on file with the school in order to participate.
We’re looking forward to a great fall sports season! 🍂⚽
🌟 Celebrating Our 2026 SVUUSD Instructional Assistants of the Year! 🌟
Behind every successful school community are dedicated individuals who make sure students feel supported, encouraged, and ready to learn. Today, we are proud to celebrate our 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Instructional Assistants of the Year!
Each year, administrators at our schools select an Instructional Assistant whose dedication to students and willingness to go above and beyond make a meaningful difference in their school community.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
👏 Benson Village School: Cris Andronaco
👏 Castleton Elementary School: Eileen Hurlburt
👏 Fair Haven Grade School: Brianna Norton
👏 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Diane Roberts
👏 Orwell Village School: Barbara Young
Whether providing one-on-one encouragement, supporting learning in the classroom, helping students navigate their day, or simply being the caring adult a student needs in that moment, our Instructional Assistants play an invaluable role in Slate Valley.
Please join us in congratulating Cris, Eileen, Brianna, Diane, and Barbara on this well-deserved recognition and thanking them for all they do for our students! 💙💚💛❤️
Behind every successful school community are dedicated individuals who make sure students feel supported, encouraged, and ready to learn. Today, we are proud to celebrate our 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Instructional Assistants of the Year!
Each year, administrators at our schools select an Instructional Assistant whose dedication to students and willingness to go above and beyond make a meaningful difference in their school community.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
👏 Benson Village School: Cris Andronaco
👏 Castleton Elementary School: Eileen Hurlburt
👏 Fair Haven Grade School: Brianna Norton
👏 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Diane Roberts
👏 Orwell Village School: Barbara Young
Whether providing one-on-one encouragement, supporting learning in the classroom, helping students navigate their day, or simply being the caring adult a student needs in that moment, our Instructional Assistants play an invaluable role in Slate Valley.
Please join us in congratulating Cris, Eileen, Brianna, Diane, and Barbara on this well-deserved recognition and thanking them for all they do for our students! 💙💚💛❤️
Celebrating Our 2026 SVUUSD Teachers of the Year! 🍎
As we begin a new school year, we are proud to recognize the 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Teachers of the Year!
Each year, our school administrators select an educator from their school whose dedication, commitment, and impact on students exemplify the very best of Slate Valley. This year’s honorees are:
🏆 Benson Village School: Laura Budde
🏆 Castleton Elementary School: Jordan Perry
🏆 Fair Haven Grade School: Tiffany Manning
🏆 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Michael Lenox
🏆 Orwell Village School: Emily Slote
These educators make a difference every day through the relationships they build, the opportunities they create, and the care and commitment they bring to their students and school communities.
Please join us in congratulating Laura, Jordan, Tiffany, Michael, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition! We are fortunate to have you as part of the Slate Valley team. 💙💚💛❤️
As we begin a new school year, we are proud to recognize the 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Teachers of the Year!
Each year, our school administrators select an educator from their school whose dedication, commitment, and impact on students exemplify the very best of Slate Valley. This year’s honorees are:
🏆 Benson Village School: Laura Budde
🏆 Castleton Elementary School: Jordan Perry
🏆 Fair Haven Grade School: Tiffany Manning
🏆 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Michael Lenox
🏆 Orwell Village School: Emily Slote
These educators make a difference every day through the relationships they build, the opportunities they create, and the care and commitment they bring to their students and school communities.
Please join us in congratulating Laura, Jordan, Tiffany, Michael, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition! We are fortunate to have you as part of the Slate Valley team. 💙💚💛❤️
🏆 Congratulations to Our SVUUSD Executive Board Award Recipients!
As part of our Opening Day celebrations, we were proud to recognize this year’s Slate Valley Unified Union School District Executive Board Award recipients!
This special award recognizes faculty and staff members who have truly gone above and beyond in their service to students, colleagues, and their school communities. Recipients are selected collectively by Slate Valley’s district principals, making this recognition especially meaningful.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
🌟 Elizabeth Schuyler — Benson Village School
🌟 Laura Brayton-Illinski & Emily Klee — Castleton Elementary School Clinician Team
Each of these outstanding educators has demonstrated the dedication, compassion, teamwork, and commitment that make a difference every day in our schools.
Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth, Laura, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition—and thanking them for all they do for the students and families of Slate Valley!
As part of our Opening Day celebrations, we were proud to recognize this year’s Slate Valley Unified Union School District Executive Board Award recipients!
This special award recognizes faculty and staff members who have truly gone above and beyond in their service to students, colleagues, and their school communities. Recipients are selected collectively by Slate Valley’s district principals, making this recognition especially meaningful.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
🌟 Elizabeth Schuyler — Benson Village School
🌟 Laura Brayton-Illinski & Emily Klee — Castleton Elementary School Clinician Team
Each of these outstanding educators has demonstrated the dedication, compassion, teamwork, and commitment that make a difference every day in our schools.
Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth, Laura, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition—and thanking them for all they do for the students and families of Slate Valley!
🍎 Celebrating Slate Valley’s UVM Outstanding Teachers of the Year!
We are proud to congratulate Margaret Quinn, Grade 4 Teacher at Fair Haven Grade School, and Michael Lenox, Special Education Teacher at Fair Haven Union High School, on being named this year’s University of Vermont Outstanding Teachers of the Year! 🎉
This recognition honors educators whose dedication, talent, and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students and within their school communities.
Margaret and Michael exemplify the care, creativity, and commitment to students that we are so fortunate to have throughout Slate Valley. Their impact extends well beyond the classroom, and we are thrilled to see them recognized for the important work they do each day.
Please join us in congratulating Margaret and Michael on this well-deserved honor! 👏
We are proud to congratulate Margaret Quinn, Grade 4 Teacher at Fair Haven Grade School, and Michael Lenox, Special Education Teacher at Fair Haven Union High School, on being named this year’s University of Vermont Outstanding Teachers of the Year! 🎉
This recognition honors educators whose dedication, talent, and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students and within their school communities.
Margaret and Michael exemplify the care, creativity, and commitment to students that we are so fortunate to have throughout Slate Valley. Their impact extends well beyond the classroom, and we are thrilled to see them recognized for the important work they do each day.
Please join us in congratulating Margaret and Michael on this well-deserved honor! 👏
🏀 Celebrating Leadership, Inclusion & the Power of Unified Sports! 🏀
During Slate Valley’s Opening Day Inservice on Friday, August 21, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell presented the inaugural Superintendent’s Award to Margaret Hayward of Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
This new award was created to recognize extraordinary leadership and the dedication it takes to turn a new idea into something meaningful—and Margaret’s work in launching Unified Sports at Fair Haven Union exemplifies exactly that.
Unified Sports is built on a simple but powerful idea: sports can bring people together, break down barriers, and give every student an opportunity to belong, participate, and shine.
Margaret’s vision, drive, and countless hours behind the scenes helped turn that idea into reality. But she didn’t just help launch a new athletic program—she helped create a community where athletes of all abilities can compete together, support one another, build friendships, and experience what it means to be part of a team.
The recognition was also an opportunity to thank the many faculty and staff members who helped bring Unified Sports to life. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, and commitment have shown our entire Slate Valley community what inclusion in action looks like.
Congratulations, Margaret, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to everyone who has helped make Unified Sports such a special part of Fair Haven Union! 💚💙
We all play on the same team!
During Slate Valley’s Opening Day Inservice on Friday, August 21, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell presented the inaugural Superintendent’s Award to Margaret Hayward of Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
This new award was created to recognize extraordinary leadership and the dedication it takes to turn a new idea into something meaningful—and Margaret’s work in launching Unified Sports at Fair Haven Union exemplifies exactly that.
Unified Sports is built on a simple but powerful idea: sports can bring people together, break down barriers, and give every student an opportunity to belong, participate, and shine.
Margaret’s vision, drive, and countless hours behind the scenes helped turn that idea into reality. But she didn’t just help launch a new athletic program—she helped create a community where athletes of all abilities can compete together, support one another, build friendships, and experience what it means to be part of a team.
The recognition was also an opportunity to thank the many faculty and staff members who helped bring Unified Sports to life. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, and commitment have shown our entire Slate Valley community what inclusion in action looks like.
Congratulations, Margaret, on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to everyone who has helped make Unified Sports such a special part of Fair Haven Union! 💚💙
We all play on the same team!
🎉 Welcome to Slate Valley! 🎉
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to welcome several new faculty and staff members to the Slate Valley team!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to:
Rebeckah St. Peter – Administrative Assistant, Benson Village School
Kailyn LaDuke – Kindergarten Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School
Emily McMahan – Grade 5 Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School
Ethan Ringquist – Student Support Coach, Fair Haven Grade School
Chris Colton – Music & Choral Teacher, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Amy Dorsey – School Counselor, Fair Haven Union High School
Monica Alvarez De Luna – Librarian, Castleton Elementary School & Orwell Village School
Olivia Cook – Grade 3 Teacher, Orwell Village School
We are so happy to have each of you joining our schools and becoming part of the Slate Valley community. We look forward to the talents, ideas, energy, and experiences you will bring to our students and colleagues.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead! 💚💙💛❤️
Welcome to the Slate Valley team!
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to welcome several new faculty and staff members to the Slate Valley team!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to:
Rebeckah St. Peter – Administrative Assistant, Benson Village School
Kailyn LaDuke – Kindergarten Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School
Emily McMahan – Grade 5 Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School
Ethan Ringquist – Student Support Coach, Fair Haven Grade School
Chris Colton – Music & Choral Teacher, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Amy Dorsey – School Counselor, Fair Haven Union High School
Monica Alvarez De Luna – Librarian, Castleton Elementary School & Orwell Village School
Olivia Cook – Grade 3 Teacher, Orwell Village School
We are so happy to have each of you joining our schools and becoming part of the Slate Valley community. We look forward to the talents, ideas, energy, and experiences you will bring to our students and colleagues.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead! 💚💙💛❤️
Welcome to the Slate Valley team!
📚 FHGS Title I Meeting
Families of Fair Haven Grade School students are invited to join us for a Title I Meeting to learn more about the Title I program and how it supports student learning at FHGS.
📅 Tuesday, August 25
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Grade School
Mr. Casey O’Meara, Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will share information about Title I services and answer questions from families.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the resources and support available to our students through Title I!
Families of Fair Haven Grade School students are invited to join us for a Title I Meeting to learn more about the Title I program and how it supports student learning at FHGS.
📅 Tuesday, August 25
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Grade School
Mr. Casey O’Meara, Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will share information about Title I services and answer questions from families.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the resources and support available to our students through Title I!
🎉 WELCOME BACK, SLATE VALLEY! 🎉
Today marked the official first day back for all Slate Valley faculty and staff, and we packed a lot into our Opening Day Inservice!
We kicked off the morning with breakfast, catching up with colleagues, and a stop at the Slate Valley swag table to pick up this year’s T-shirt, new lanyards, and photo calendar. Of course, no Opening Day would be complete without a little fun at our traditional photo booth! 📸 Meanwhile, DJ Principal Jared kept the music going with songs submitted by faculty and staff—our own Slate Valley team soundtrack! 🎶
Once everyone gathered, we welcomed and recognized our newest staff members and celebrated some outstanding members of our team with our Teacher of the Year, Instructional Assistant of the Year, and UVM Teacher of the Year honors. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more about these deserving recipients soon! 🌟
Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell then addressed the group, celebrating what we have accomplished together, looking ahead to the opportunities of a new school year, and reminding us of an important message:
“We all play on the same team.”
And we put that message into action! Staff worked together to decorate individual pennants with names, messages, and designs representing their teams. Those pieces were then brought together to create one large Slate Valley team pennant—a visual reminder that while we each bring something unique, we are all part of something bigger.
The day continued with two important workshops. Mr. Nick Strance of the American Heart Association led staff through hands-only CPR training, while Castleton Police Chief Peter Mantello provided a review of Run, Hide, Fight safety procedures.
It was a jam-packed Opening Day filled with learning, laughter, teamwork, celebration, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect.
It was great to have the entire Slate Valley team back together. Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Here we go!
Today marked the official first day back for all Slate Valley faculty and staff, and we packed a lot into our Opening Day Inservice!
We kicked off the morning with breakfast, catching up with colleagues, and a stop at the Slate Valley swag table to pick up this year’s T-shirt, new lanyards, and photo calendar. Of course, no Opening Day would be complete without a little fun at our traditional photo booth! 📸 Meanwhile, DJ Principal Jared kept the music going with songs submitted by faculty and staff—our own Slate Valley team soundtrack! 🎶
Once everyone gathered, we welcomed and recognized our newest staff members and celebrated some outstanding members of our team with our Teacher of the Year, Instructional Assistant of the Year, and UVM Teacher of the Year honors. Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing more about these deserving recipients soon! 🌟
Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell then addressed the group, celebrating what we have accomplished together, looking ahead to the opportunities of a new school year, and reminding us of an important message:
“We all play on the same team.”
And we put that message into action! Staff worked together to decorate individual pennants with names, messages, and designs representing their teams. Those pieces were then brought together to create one large Slate Valley team pennant—a visual reminder that while we each bring something unique, we are all part of something bigger.
The day continued with two important workshops. Mr. Nick Strance of the American Heart Association led staff through hands-only CPR training, while Castleton Police Chief Peter Mantello provided a review of Run, Hide, Fight safety procedures.
It was a jam-packed Opening Day filled with learning, laughter, teamwork, celebration, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect.
It was great to have the entire Slate Valley team back together. Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Here we go!
