Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: CES Pre-K Teacher, Ms. Laura Daily
This month we’re excited to highlight Ms. Laura Daily, who is now in her third year at Slate Valley—though she’s no stranger to our district! After working here previously, Laura returned about ten years later, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.
Before returning to Slate Valley, Laura worked in several roles across the region, including opening the preschool program at Wells Village School and serving in West Rutland School, the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union, and the Early Childhood Education Department at Bennington College. She’s also worked with HeadStart and as a curriculum coordinator for a private preschool. Laura has been studying and working in education since the 1990s, with her true calling centered around Early Childhood Development and Learning.
When she’s not in the classroom, Laura loves spending time with her family, enjoying nature, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, and taking walks with her dog and three children.
Her favorite quote?
“It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.”
Laura dreams of one day opening her own hands-on learning program that partners closely with families and includes an equine therapy component—an inspiring vision that perfectly reflects her dedication to learning through experience.
Thank you, Ms. Daily, for your passion, creativity, and dedication—and for being such a valuable part of the Slate Valley community!
This month we’re excited to highlight Ms. Laura Daily, who is now in her third year at Slate Valley—though she’s no stranger to our district! After working here previously, Laura returned about ten years later, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.
Before returning to Slate Valley, Laura worked in several roles across the region, including opening the preschool program at Wells Village School and serving in West Rutland School, the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union, and the Early Childhood Education Department at Bennington College. She’s also worked with HeadStart and as a curriculum coordinator for a private preschool. Laura has been studying and working in education since the 1990s, with her true calling centered around Early Childhood Development and Learning.
When she’s not in the classroom, Laura loves spending time with her family, enjoying nature, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, and taking walks with her dog and three children.
Her favorite quote?
“It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.”
Laura dreams of one day opening her own hands-on learning program that partners closely with families and includes an equine therapy component—an inspiring vision that perfectly reflects her dedication to learning through experience.
Thank you, Ms. Daily, for your passion, creativity, and dedication—and for being such a valuable part of the Slate Valley community!
Board Meeting Tonight - October 6, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall).
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/sri-euji-itv
Or dial: (US) +1 484-746-4332 PIN: 841 923 393#
Please note: To participate in conversation virtually and/or ask a question virtually, please use the “raise hand” icon in Google Meet. Typing responses or questions in chat is not an option.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall).
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/sri-euji-itv
Or dial: (US) +1 484-746-4332 PIN: 841 923 393#
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.
October 3, 2025: Slate Valley District Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/fa2659ed6054/district-newsletter-october-3-2025
https://mailchi.mp/fa2659ed6054/district-newsletter-october-3-2025
The Slater Field Hockey will be hosting the Otter Valley Otters at VTSU Castleton's Dave Wolk Stadium on Monday, October 6th, at 4 pm.
Students using the high ropes course in P.E. this week!
On Thursday, October 2nd, FHUHS students had the opportunity to attend a college fair right here at school! Many colleges, universities and military branches were represented, giving students a chance to explore future pathways, ask questions, and start planning their next steps.
💡✨ Design Class Spotlight! ✨💡
To kick off our GlowForge laser-cutting unit in Middle School Design, students got hands-on with a sweet experiment...
Using laser pointers and gummy bears, they explored how light behaves before diving into the high-tech world of laser cutting. 🔍💥
A creative (and tasty!) way to spark curiosity and set the stage for exciting projects ahead.
To kick off our GlowForge laser-cutting unit in Middle School Design, students got hands-on with a sweet experiment...
Using laser pointers and gummy bears, they explored how light behaves before diving into the high-tech world of laser cutting. 🔍💥
A creative (and tasty!) way to spark curiosity and set the stage for exciting projects ahead.
📣 Attention Slater Nation! 🎟️
Fair Haven Union Middle Schoolers are now selling tickets for their November Gift Card Raffle! 🙌
✨ 30 days of prizes
✨ Every ticket = 30 chances to WIN BIG 🎉
Want to support our middle school? Simply reach out to a middle schooler in your life to purchase a ticket.
Thank you for helping us make this fundraiser a success!
Fair Haven Union Middle Schoolers are now selling tickets for their November Gift Card Raffle! 🙌
✨ 30 days of prizes
✨ Every ticket = 30 chances to WIN BIG 🎉
Want to support our middle school? Simply reach out to a middle schooler in your life to purchase a ticket.
Thank you for helping us make this fundraiser a success!
🎶✨ Slater Pride in Song! ✨🎶
Last Friday, September 26, 2025, was an incredible day for music as three of our chorus students proudly represented Fair Haven Union Middle and High School at the Castleton Honors Festival! 🎤🎼
The day was filled with choral rehearsals and capped off with an inspiring evening concert, where our students shined alongside talented peers from nearby schools. 🌟
👏 Please join us in congratulating:
Emily Williams – Alto
James Shorey – Tenor
John Crownighshield – Bass
We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and wonderful performances.
Last Friday, September 26, 2025, was an incredible day for music as three of our chorus students proudly represented Fair Haven Union Middle and High School at the Castleton Honors Festival! 🎤🎼
The day was filled with choral rehearsals and capped off with an inspiring evening concert, where our students shined alongside talented peers from nearby schools. 🌟
👏 Please join us in congratulating:
Emily Williams – Alto
James Shorey – Tenor
John Crownighshield – Bass
We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and wonderful performances.
📢 Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting of the school year!
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is going and our hopes moving forward.
All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is going and our hopes moving forward.
All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 26, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/79359f4019ef/slate-valley-district-newsletter-92625
https://mailchi.mp/79359f4019ef/slate-valley-district-newsletter-92625
We’re excited to kick off the first podcast of the 2025–2026 school year! Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell sat down with Slate Valley Unified’s Board Chair, Julie Finnegan, for an insightful conversation.
In this episode, Julie shares about:
✔️ The responsibilities of the board chair position
✔️ The school board’s goals and aspirations for the year ahead
✔️ The importance of community involvement
✔️ Thoughts on Act 73 and what it could mean for our community
Tune in to hear directly from district leadership as we continue building transparency and connection with our community. 🎧
Watch or Listen to the full Podcast at https://youtu.be/zus4jJvbsb0
In this episode, Julie shares about:
✔️ The responsibilities of the board chair position
✔️ The school board’s goals and aspirations for the year ahead
✔️ The importance of community involvement
✔️ Thoughts on Act 73 and what it could mean for our community
Tune in to hear directly from district leadership as we continue building transparency and connection with our community. 🎧
Watch or Listen to the full Podcast at https://youtu.be/zus4jJvbsb0
🏈🏀⚾️ Spirit Week Thursday: Team Jersey Day! ⚾️🏀🏈
Slater Nation showed their pride today by repping their favorite teams for Team Jersey Day! From pro teams to local favorites, the halls of FHUMHS were filled with sports spirit and team pride.
Slater Nation showed their pride today by repping their favorite teams for Team Jersey Day! From pro teams to local favorites, the halls of FHUMHS were filled with sports spirit and team pride.
Announcement from Athletic Director, Eric Ramey: Midde School Girls and Boys soccer games are postponed today, as are practices.
🎶✈️ Big News for Our Slater Band Students! ✈️🎶
Check out the excitement as our FHUMHS band students learned they’ve been granted permission to take a field trip to Florida! 🌴☀️ Their reaction says it all—what an incredible opportunity ahead.
To help make this dream a reality, our band will be holding fundraisers throughout the year. The first fundraiser is on November 14th, when they’ll partner with the drama department to host a Dinner Theatre Show. 🍽️🎭 Dinner will be served from 5–7 PM, followed by the show at 7 PM. More details to come soon!
See the video at https://youtu.be/1zjwSCTd2mc
Check out the excitement as our FHUMHS band students learned they’ve been granted permission to take a field trip to Florida! 🌴☀️ Their reaction says it all—what an incredible opportunity ahead.
To help make this dream a reality, our band will be holding fundraisers throughout the year. The first fundraiser is on November 14th, when they’ll partner with the drama department to host a Dinner Theatre Show. 🍽️🎭 Dinner will be served from 5–7 PM, followed by the show at 7 PM. More details to come soon!
See the video at https://youtu.be/1zjwSCTd2mc
🌊☀️ Spirit Week Wednesday: Beach Day! ☀️🌊
Slater Nation brought the sunshine inside yesterday with Beach Day vibes! 🏖️ From Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses to flip-flops and beach towels, students filled the halls with summer spirit—even on a gloomy, rainy September day. 🌴😎
Slater Nation brought the sunshine inside yesterday with Beach Day vibes! 🏖️ From Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses to flip-flops and beach towels, students filled the halls with summer spirit—even on a gloomy, rainy September day. 🌴😎
👯♀️Twin Day!👬
Tuesday’s Homecoming Spirit Week theme brought out double the fun! From matching outfits to look-alike smiles, our halls were filled with dynamic duos (and a few trios!).
Tuesday’s Homecoming Spirit Week theme brought out double the fun! From matching outfits to look-alike smiles, our halls were filled with dynamic duos (and a few trios!).
☕️💬 Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!
Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!
Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!
Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
Let’s not overlook the awesome decorated hallways in our Middle School! Over the weekend, the amazing Middle School PTO teamed up with students to show off their Slater pride.
The theme—voted on by students themselves—was “Celebrate Slaters” with plenty of blue, white, and sport motifs filling the halls.
Thank you to our PTO and students for bringing the energy and creativity to Homecoming Spirit Week!
