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.
about 23 hours 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.
3 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! 🎉🏆💙
3 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
4 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
4 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
5 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.
6 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
7 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!
8 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.
8 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
11 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.

🌟 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

11 days ago, Slate Valley
Collage of first graders working on activities—writing, reading, using laptops, jumping on gym markers, swinging, and playing on monkey bars—with the text “Focus Friday… Celebrating our Fantastic First Graders!” and the Slate Valley logo.
Young boy sitting at a classroom desk smiles while writing the word “yet” on a small whiteboard.
Girl wearing rainbow-colored glasses smiles at her desk with a whiteboard that has her name written on it.
Boy on the playground hangs from monkey bars with a determined expression.
Girl swings on a playground swing on a sunny day, looking toward the camera.
Girl jumps between circular floor markers during an activity in the school gym.
Two students kneel on the classroom floor and read a book together.
Girl writes the word “they” on large blue paper hanging on a classroom wall.
Student wearing headphones focuses on a laptop during classroom work; another student sits beside her.
Two students work together at a desk on a math worksheet, using a pencil and counting dice.
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!!
12 days ago, Deb Infurna
Two students standing next to a bookshelf in the front of a classroom.
two students carrying a bookshelf up a flight of stairs.
Two students and an adult adjusting a bookshelf in a classroom.
FHGS November Newsletter: https://aptg.co/n8KDJ5
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Fair Haven Grade School November 2025 newsletter. The header shows the school building with the Falcon logo on the left and the Slate Valley Unified School District logo on the right. The Principal’s Message encourages gratitude and appreciation for family, friends, and learning opportunities, highlighting Thanksgiving activities focused on thankfulness. It includes a Benchmark Assessment Overview describing how K–6 students completed Star 360 assessments, showing strong growth in reading and math, and outlining steps for extra practice and targeted interventions. The Upcoming Events section lists November and December dates, including: Nov. 3–7: Parent/Teacher Conferences Nov. 4: SV Board Meeting, FHGS 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7: Early Release 11:20 a.m. Nov. 11: Veterans Day – No School Nov. 21: Veggie Van Go Nov. 25: Falcon Gathering 8:30 a.m. Nov. 26–28: Thanksgiving Break – No School Dec. 3: Winter Concert (Grades 4–6) Dec. 9: Parent Literacy Escape Room 5–6 p.m. Dec. 10: PTO meeting 6 p.m. Principal Mrs. Infurna thanks families for their partnership and expresses gratitude for the FHGS community.
🎙️ 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.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Four people sit around a table with microphones recording a podcast in a classroom setting. The image is labeled “Educational Insights: Slate Valley Community Perspectives.” The participants appear engaged in conversation, with one person smiling and waving, and another speaking into a microphone. Framed artwork decorates the wall behind them.
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?
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring a young student dressed in a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans, holding a lasso. Text reads: “This eighth grade student, from Castleton Village School, did his Capstone project on the rodeo... Can you guess who he is?” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and the bottom corner reads “2002 Capstone Learning Projects” alongside a silhouette of a cowboy roping a calf.
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
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Elementary students play instruments together in a music classroom. Several students are seated with flutes, clarinets, and saxophones, while others play drums and percussion in the back. The room is brightly lit with posters, music stands, and instruments lining the walls.
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.
13 days ago, Slate Valley
“Where Are They Now Wednesday” graphic featuring Elizabeth Kyhill, Fair Haven Union High School Class of 1999. The text highlights that she earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Anselm College and an M.S. in Nursing Leadership & Management from Walden University. She serves as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center, volunteers as a nurse and board member for local healthcare organizations, and values family, community, and service. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and a professional photo of Elizabeth Kyhill is on the right.
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!!
14 days ago, Deb Infurna
A man in a gray suit and tie sits in a chair facing a group of young students in a classroom. The students are seated at desks and on the floor, attentively looking toward the man. There is a TV screen on the wall displaying an image of a snowy forest. Classroom decorations include a "MATH WALL" and "NUMBER CORNER."
A group photo in a brightly decorated classroom shows a man and three women standing behind or slightly interspersed with about twenty young students. All the children are holding a copy of the same book, and the adults are smiling. A green mobility aid is visible on the left. The classroom wall has decorations like a "BE KIND" sign and happy face graphics.
A woman in a gray blazer and black pants, wearing a pin, hands a book to a smiling young boy in a brown and black plaid jacket and camouflage pants. A man with a beard and glasses, wearing a dark suit and tie with a pin, sits in a chair behind the boy. The scene is a classroom with colorful decorations on the wall.
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
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?” featuring text about Vermont’s Act 73. It explains that the School District Redistricting Task Force is responsible for reshaping how the state’s schools are organized and will present up to three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025. The image includes a green outline of Vermont with “Act 73” written inside and the Slate Valley Vermont logo in the bottom right corner.