Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
about 15 hours 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

about 21 hours 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!!
1 day 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
2 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.
2 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?
2 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
3 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.
3 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!!
4 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
4 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.
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.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Informational graphic with the Slate Valley logo that reads: “No family should face challenges alone…” followed by text encouraging households to find community food resources through the Vermont Foodbank. It includes a QR code and the link “https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/.” The image shows a person in a green coat receiving food from volunteers and illustrations of canned goods.
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!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
“Meet Monday” Slate Valley Faculty & Staff graphic introducing Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School. The image features a portrait of Ellenor, a smiling woman with short curly gray hair, glasses, and a patterned top. The text highlights her experience in SVSU and BRSU, her hobbies of cooking, gardening, and reading, and includes her favorite quote from Thich Nhat Hanh: “Waking up this morning, I smile… I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the lower right corner.
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.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The text reads: “Please Join Us TONIGHT. Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.” The agenda includes: Consent Agenda, Act 73 Discussion, Vermont School Board Association, District Quality Standards Evaluation, and Finance Committee Report. The meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Fair Haven Grade School – Library. The design features green and blue accents with a circular agenda graphic and the Vermont logo.
Chef Tony from Whitsons ended his Slate Valley tour at FHGS on Friday. Chef Tony's honey chicken was a big hit. The students also loved his energy, music and message. Thank you Chef Tony for visiting!!
6 days ago, Deb Infurna
Chef in a white uniform standing in a school cafeteria, speaking to students seated at tables with lunch trays. A large, colorful mosaic mural is visible on the back wall.
A male chef in a white uniform stands in a school cafeteria, speaking to a group of young students seated at tables during lunch. Students have food trays with burgers and milk cartons in front of them, and a large heart-themed mosaic mural is visible on the wall behind them.
A male chef in a white uniform is demonstrating food preparation, holding an item over a counter in a school kitchen, while a group of students watch. A sign that reads "GRAB & GO" hangs above.
A close-up of a whiteboard menu decorated for Halloween, with text reading: "Friday Happy Halloween," "Chef Tony," followed by menu items. The main dish is "Honey Chicken w/ toppings of choice and Potato Wedge," and a list of "Grab-n-Go" options includes SBJ, Ham, Turkey, Buffalo, Pizza Kit, Nacho Kit, Chicken Salad, and Yogurt Kit Parfait.
A male chef in a white uniform stands and speaks in a crowded school cafeteria during lunch, addressing a large group of seated school-aged students. Students are looking toward the chef while eating at long tables.
Chef standing between two women in matching "Falcon Strong" shirts, with a menu board visible on the right.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 31, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated October 31, 2025. The header features the Slate Valley logo and the phrase “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below is a collage of district school buildings with the text “We Are Slate Valley.” The article headline reads: “Slate Valley Building & Grounds – Investing in Safe, Functional, and Future-Ready Schools.” The text describes how the district is maintaining and improving school facilities to ensure a safe and engaging environment, with updates from Director of Operations Chris Cole. A small photo on the right shows new side steps and walkway replacement at Fair Haven Grade School.
More photos of our October Falcon Gathering!!! Bravo students!! Keep Soaring!!!
8 days ago, Deb Infurna
Two girls holding papers and an adult woman stand with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "SOAR" and a portion of "FAIR HAVEN" visible, along with an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and signs for "Sight Words" and "Falcon Fitness."
Two girls and one boy stand with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. The girl on the right holds a paper and has face paint. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "SOAR FAIR HAVEN GR" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and signs for "Sight Words."
Three girls holding papers and an adult woman stand with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Two of the girls have face paint. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "FAIR HAVEN GRADE SCHOOL" and part of "SOAR" visible, along with an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop and a sign displaying "Sight Words."
A wide shot shows a large group of children seated on bleachers in a school gymnasium, with many of them holding their arms up in the air. Two adults and two children stand on the hardwood court facing the seated group, also with their arms raised. A basketball hoop is visible above the children, and signs on the wall include "Teamwork" and "Don't wish for it. Work for it."
Two children holding papers and an adult woman stand with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. To their right is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "SOAR FAIR HAVEN GRADE SCHOOL" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and a sign displaying "Sight Words."
Today, we held our October Falcon Gathering, where we celebrated students who stood out this month in their demonstration of our core values. These students SOARed in being Safe, taking Ownership, being Accepting and Respectful!! Congratulations and thank you for being a part of making FHGS a special learning community.
8 days ago, Deb Infurna
A young girl holding a paper stands with an adult woman and a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. The wall has a climbing surface, an exit sign, a banner that says "Falcon Fitness," and another banner with sight words. A sign on the right says "Fair Haven Grade School."
Two young boys holding papers stand with two adult women and a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Behind them is a cutout sign with the text "Fair Haven Grade School," a basketball hoop, and a wall with signs including "Sight Words."
A group consisting of two young girls, two adult women, and a large blue and white bird mascot stands in a school gymnasium. The girls are holding papers. To their right is a cutout sign with the word "SOAR" next to the text "Fair Haven Grade School" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and signs for "Sight Words."
A group of two girls and two women stands with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. The girls are holding papers, have designs painted on their faces, and are positioned in front of a large, dark blue cutout sign with an image of a bird and the letters "AR," part of the Fair Haven Grade School logo. The background includes a basketball hoop and a sign displaying "Sight Words."
Two children holding papers stand with two adult women and a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "SOAR FAIR HAVEN GRADE SCHOOL" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop and a sign displaying "Sight Words."
Two students, a girl and a boy holding papers, stand with two adult women and a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "SOAR FAIR HAVEN GRADE SCHOOL" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and signs for "Sight Words."
Three boys holding papers and an adult man stand with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "FAIR HAVEN GRADE SCHOOL" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and signs for "Sight Words."
Three girls holding papers and an adult woman stand with a large blue and white bird mascot in a school gymnasium. Behind them is a large, dark blue cutout sign with the text "SOAR FAIR HAVEN GRADE SCHOOL" and an image of a bird. The background includes a basketball hoop and a sign displaying "Sight Words."
Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting !

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM (Notice the slightly later start)
Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room

This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, get FY27 Budget and Act 73 updates and hear how the school year is going.

All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council. The center features the Slate Valley Unified School District logo surrounded by abstract figures in blue and green forming a circle. Text below reads: “Next Meeting: November 4, 2025 – 6:00 PM. Central Office Conference Room – Located in FHUHS.”
❄️🏀 Winter Sports Registration Is Now Open! 🏒❄️

It’s time to register for Slate Valley’s Winter Sports season! Our athletic programs are organized into three levels:

Grades 5–6 Sports

Middle School Sports (Grades 7–8)

High School Sports (Grades 9–12)

Be sure your child is registered on FormReLeaf for their chosen sport (use the link below) and has an up-to-date sports physical on file at their school.

https://formreleaf.com/
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer with a red, blue, and beige color scheme that reads: “Time to register for winter sports! Go to: formreleaf.com. Visit the link above or click on the ‘Registration’ link on the athletics webpage and choose your sport of choice. All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”
In today's Rutland Herald!
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified School District “Our School, Your Future” poster featuring principals from all district schools, their goals for student success, and images of students engaged in learning and activities.