🌟 Congratulations to Mrs. Rampone! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Rampone, Orwell Village School’s final Stewardship Award recipient of the school year! 🎉

Mrs. Rampone was recognized during Friday’s PBIS Assembly for the positive impact she makes every day through her dedication, kindness, leadership, and commitment to our students and school community.

As our librarian, Mrs. Rampone inspires a love of reading, encourages curiosity, and helps students grow as learners. Whether she’s sharing a great book, supporting classroom projects, or creating engaging learning experiences, she consistently demonstrates what it means to be a caring and dedicated member of the OVS community.

Thank you, Mrs. Rampone, for all you do for our students and staff. We are grateful for the many ways you help make Orwell Village School a wonderful place to learn and grow!

👏 Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Mrs. Rampone stands smiling with a certificate at an Orwell Village School PBIS assembly. She is joined by five elementary students standing in a row beside her on the gymnasium floor. Musical instruments and student performers are visible in the background.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: June Spotlight

This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who truly represents dedication and commitment within Slate Valley—Ann Pelkey, our Payroll Specialist and the district’s longest-serving employee with an incredible 44 years of service!

For more than four decades, Ann has been an essential part of the Slate Valley family, beginning her career shortly after graduating from Castleton State College with a degree in Business Administration. Forty-four years is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the care, consistency, and heart she brings to her work every day.

While many people may not realize it, Ann’s role impacts every employee across the district. In fact, if you work in Slate Valley and haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Ann personally, you’ve certainly benefited from her hard work behind the scenes. Every time a paycheck arrives accurately and on time, Ann makes that happen — and that’s definitely something worth being thankful for!

Outside of work, Ann enjoys karaoke, reading, mini golf, and spending time with family and friends. She loves going for walks and rides with her loyal and friendly dog, Belle. She is a volunteer at the Fair Haven American Legion, and also serves as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Fair Haven Unit 49.

Ann’s favorite saying perfectly reflects her fun spirit and sense of humor: “It’s never late till midnight — it’s early after that.”
When asked to share anything else, Ann simply said, “I so enjoy working and being a part of the Slate Valley family.” After 44 years of dedication, we can confidently say that the feeling is mutual.

Thank you, Ann, for your years of service, your commitment to the district, and for helping keep everything running behind the scenes. Slate Valley is fortunate to have you!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday” featuring Ann Pelkey, Payroll Specialist at Slate Valley. On the left is a photo of Ann seated at her desk smiling, wearing glasses and a blue patterned blouse in an office setting. On the right, a teal background lists highlights about her career and interests, including being the longest-serving Slate Valley employee with 44 years in the district, graduating from Castleton State College with a Business Administration degree, and enjoying karaoke, reading, mini golf, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Belle. The graphic also notes her volunteer work with the Fair Haven American Legion and her role as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Fair Haven Unit 49. Her favorite saying is included: “It’s never late till midnight — it’s early after that.” The Slate Valley logo appears near the bottom alongside her name and title
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 29, 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/3636bf31d624/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836785
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District newsletter dated May 29, 2026. The top of the image features the title “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” in large dark blue text with the date centered beneath it. The lower portion displays the Slate Valley Unified logo in the center against a blue and green abstract background. Surrounding the district logo are the logos of the district’s schools: Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS), Benson Village School (BVS), Fair Haven Union Middle School (FHU Middle School), Fair Haven Union High School (FHU High School), Orwell Village School (OVS), and Castleton Elementary School (CES). The Vermont Education Quality Standards logo appears in the upper left corner, and the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future” appears in the lower right corner.
Students in the 4th grade library class at Orwell Village School recently read Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy, a story inspired by the true efforts of a couple in San Diego, California who worked to bring color, creativity, and hope to their neighborhood through art. Inspired by the book’s message about the power of collaboration and community, students worked together to create this beautiful lion mural. Each student contributed a piece, showing how individual efforts can come together to create something truly amazing!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A large collaborative mural created by 4th grade students depicts a lion’s face in shades of yellow, brown, black, and white. The artwork is made from many individual squares assembled together on a brown background. Handwritten text beside the mural reads: “4th Grade Library Collaborative Mural,” along with the book title Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy.
Our 4th graders took a deep dive into local history during their field trip to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum! It was a fantastic day filled with teamwork, discovery, and exploring the wonders of the lake.

Check out some highlights from our day by the water!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling child in an orange shirt playfully peeks through a wooden restraint on a historic ship exhibit outdoors.
Students and an instructor sit and stand aboard a large wooden ship replica during an outdoor educational tour on a sunny day.
A group of children and adults gather outdoors in a wooded area around large storage bins and waders, preparing for an environmental education activity near the water.
Students wearing chest waders stand along the edge of a lake and a boardwalk while holding a large seine net in the water. Two green canoes rest nearby on the shore surrounded by trees.
A group of students wearing chest waders stand together in shallow lake water during an outdoor science activity. The students gather around a large net while instructors help them explore and observe aquatic life near the shoreline under shady trees.
An instructor in a green shirt holds up a clear container while students in waders raise their hands during an outdoor science lesson beside a lake.
A smiling young girl wearing waders holds a clear observation container with small aquatic creatures inside while standing in a wooded outdoor classroom area.
Two children peer through a display opening at a historic cannon exhibit inside a museum featuring maps and artifacts related to Lake Champlain history.
An adult and two children read an informational museum display together inside a history exhibit with white walls and educational panels.
Children explore a large wooden historic ship replica outdoors at a museum site with red-roofed buildings in the background.
A huge shoutout and thank you to everyone who came out this past Saturday to support our 5th & 6th grade Boston Trip Car Wash Fundraiser! Thanks to your incredible support and donations, the car wash was a massive success! Our students are so excited and grateful. Next stop: Boston!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Several children wash a large black dump truck outdoors on a cloudy day, using sponges, soap, and hoses. Soap suds cover parts of the truck as students work together around it.
Children and an adult work together washing a red SUV covered in thick soap suds. Two students scrub the side of the vehicle while others stand nearby with a hose and cleaning supplies.
Students wash a black sedan covered in soap in a school parking lot. One student sprays water while others scrub the car with sponges and buckets nearby.
A group of students washes a white minivan during a community car wash event. Children scrub the vehicle with soapy sponges while buckets and hoses sit nearby.
Children and adults wash a gray SUV in a parking lot covered in soap suds. Students use sponges and hoses while others walk nearby carrying cleaning supplies.
📣 Community members are invited to attend the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting!

The Community Advisory Council provides an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations that help support and strengthen our Slate Valley schools.

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕔 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School

This meeting will also serve as the final Community Advisory Council meeting of the 2025–26 school year. Thank you to everyone who has participated and shared ideas throughout the year. Your voices, perspectives, and collaboration help make our Slate Valley community stronger.

We hope you’ll join us as we wrap up another great year together!
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting featuring the Slate Valley logo in the center surrounded by stylized figures in blue and green representing community members. Text reads: “Slate Valley Community Advisory Council.” Meeting information at the bottom states: “Next Meeting: June 2, 2026 – 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM, Central Office Conference Room at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.”
🌿🚣 Celebrating 40 Years of Summer Environmental Projects! 🚣🌿

For four decades, students and community members in Slate Valley have explored, learned, and connected with nature through unforgettable summer environmental programs—from the original East Creek Project, to CARP & CHAMP, and today’s GAP program.

Now it’s time to celebrate this incredible milestone together!

📅 Saturday, May 30
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 Glen Lake

Whether you participated years ago, are involved today, or simply enjoy the outdoors, everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate 40 years of environmental learning, stewardship, and memories.

🚣 Need a kayak? Kayaks may be available to borrow! Contact cstantonvt@gmail.com

Come reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the impact these programs have had across generations. 🌲
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer with a light green background celebrating “40 Years of Summer Environmental Projects.” The flyer includes photos of students and community members kayaking on a lake and exploring nature. Text invites the community to join a celebration at Glen Lake on Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m. The flyer explains that the event marks the 40th anniversary of the original East Creek Project and celebrates four decades of environmental programs in Slate Valley, including East Creek Project, CARP & CHAMP, and GAP. A note at the bottom says kayaks may be available to borrow and provides the contact email cstantonvt@gmail.com
District Newsletter - May 22, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/330cab433461/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836741
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 22, 2026. The design features a Memorial Day theme with patriotic imagery, including American flags, red poppies, a bugler silhouette playing a trumpet, and a military figure saluting. “Memorial Day” appears in the center beneath red, white, and blue banner decorations, with Slate Valley branding elements incorporated into the design.
So proud of our students today! Our Student Council did an incredible job with the Color Guard, and our 5th and 6th-grade band blew us away with their performance during our Memorial Day tribute. It was an absolute privilege to share this day, and a great cookout lunch, with our local veterans.
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Students from a school band sit outdoors near a gazebo performing music during a Memorial Day gathering, with a church visible in the background on a sunny day.
A student and a teacher stand holding the American flag and a state flag beneath a large tree during a Memorial Day ceremony.
Community members and veterans sit in folding chairs under the shade of trees while listening to a student band perform near a gazebo.
A wide view of an outdoor Memorial Day ceremony shows students holding flags, community members seated under trees, and a gazebo at the center of the event.
Student musicians stand and play instruments outdoors near a gazebo during a Memorial Day ceremony.
A speaker stands at a podium inside a gazebo addressing attendees while student musicians sit nearby during an outdoor Memorial Day event.
People gather around tables serving food near a town hall building and a school bus during a community Memorial Day event.
Military service flags stand around a memorial stone beneath large trees on a bright sunny day.
Three veterans sit together on a park bench enjoying food and conversation during a community Memorial Day gathering.
Don’t think for a second that our 6th graders aren’t pumped for middle school! This morning, they got a special visit from some of the 7th-grade teachers to ask questions and get a sneak peek at next year. The excitement is building, and they officially can't wait for the Middle School visit on June 8th!
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Students sit at individual desks in a classroom listening to several adults presenting at the front of the room near a display screen during a classroom presentation.
Students seated at desks face the front of a classroom as presenters speak and share information. Bookshelves, posters, and classroom materials line the walls.
A classroom presentation is underway as students listen attentively while multiple adults stand at the front speaking and holding materials for discussion.
Storytime just got a major upgrade! Our 6th graders took over Kindergarten yesterday for an awesome afternoon of buddy reading. From picture books to funny voices, our oldest students proved that reading is always better when you share it.
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Students sit around colorful classroom tables reading together in small groups while older student readers share books with younger students during a classroom literacy activity.
An older student and a younger student sit side by side at a blue classroom table reading a book together while classroom materials and a whiteboard are visible in the background.
An older student and a younger student sit together at a yellow classroom table reading a picture book and discussing the story.
An older student reads aloud from a picture book to a younger student seated beside her at a classroom table.
A smiling student sits on a colorful classroom rug next to a completed pattern-building activity made with geometric shapes.
Students sit in a circle on a colorful classroom rug listening as an older student reads aloud at the front of the room during a classroom reading activity.
📣 Reminder for Students & Families 📣

Please note the upcoming schedule changes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:

🕒 Friday, May 22 – Early Release Day
🇺🇸 Monday, May 25 – No School in recognition of Memorial Day

As we enjoy the long weekend, we also take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Please plan accordingly, and we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. ❤️🤍💙
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Patriotic school reminder graphic with red, white, and blue borders, stars, and an American flag design. The graphic announces an Early Release on Friday, May 22 and No School on Monday, May 25 in recognition of Memorial Day. A Vermont school logo appears at the top.
🚗🫧 Get your car sparkling clean and support Orwell Village School! 🫧🚗

Join us for the OVS Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit OVS Field Trips and Field Day!

💦 Cars: $8
💦 SUVs & Trucks: $10
💦 Big rigs: Pricing TBD

🌭 Food will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, and more!

📍 Orwell Village School
494 Main Street, Orwell

You can also help by bringing bottles and cans to the school for drop-off throughout the day.

Come support OVS students and leave with a clean ride! 🚙✨
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful flyer for the Orwell Village School Car Wash fundraiser. The bright blue and green design features cartoon illustrations of students washing a yellow pickup truck with soap bubbles and cleaning supplies. Text announces the OVS Car Wash benefiting field trips and Field Day on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pricing includes $8 per car, $10 for SUVs and trucks, and TBD pricing for big rigs such as tractor trailers, dump trucks, and buses. Food will be available for sale, including hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, and more. The event takes place at Orwell Village School, 494 Main Street, Orwell, and attendees may also bring bottles and cans for donation drop-off.
🇺🇸 Honor • Remember • Thank 🇺🇸

Please join Orwell Village School as we come together for a Memorial Day Tribute honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
🕘 9:45 a.m.
📍 Village Green – Orwell, Vermont

The ceremony will include the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic music, poetry, the sharing of poppies, the retiring of the flag, and Taps.

Community members are warmly invited to attend as students and staff pause to reflect, remember, and express gratitude for the sacrifices made for our freedom.
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the Orwell Village School Memorial Day Tribute. The patriotic-themed flyer features the Orwell Village School logo, an American flag, a battlefield memorial with military boots and helmet, and a gazebo on a village green. Text invites the community to attend a Memorial Day Tribute on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. on the Village Green in Orwell, Vermont. The event honors and remembers those who gave their lives in service to the country. Program highlights include presenting the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic songs, sharing of poppies, a reading of “In Flanders Fields,” retiring the flag, and Taps. The flyer also asks guests to leave quietly and respectfully.
For many years, Slate Valley Unified Union School District has proudly participated in the USDA Summer Food Service Program, providing free, nutritious meals to children throughout our community during the summer months. As we begin planning for Summer 2026, we want to hear from you!

We are gathering feedback about the SFSP non-congregate meal program, which offers free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under. Each box includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, can be picked up by a parent or guardian, and requires no application or income qualification.

We are especially hoping to connect with families whose children are not enrolled in the Castleton Recreation Camp or the Boys and Girls Club camp at Castleton Elementary School, as those programs will continue providing free summer meals on site.

Please take a few moments to complete this anonymous survey—
https://bit.ly/SVSummerMeals2026Survey

your feedback will help us make the program as accessible and convenient as possible for Slate Valley families. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us better serve our community. Please complete one survey per household.
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Special Board Meeting - May 18, 2026 - Notice Earlier Start
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mcd-hhri-num
Or dial: (US) +1 470-839-8350 PIN: 521 928 888#


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.
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Special Board Meeting. The graphic features teal and green text on a light gray background with the Vermont Slate Valley logo. Text reads: “Please Join Us Tonight,” “Special Board Meeting,” and lists agenda items including consent agenda, executive session for a student matter, continuous improvement planning, end-of-year goal sharing, elementary reorganization committee formation, Stafford update, committee reports, and public comment. Meeting details at the bottom read: “May 18, 2026 – 6:00 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 15, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 15, 2026. The top of the graphic features the title “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” in large dark teal lettering with the date centered below. The lower portion includes the Slate Valley logo surrounded by hexagon-shaped school icons representing schools across the district. Decorative spring flowers and green leaves frame the sides, with the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future” in the bottom right corner.
Mr. Walters took a break from the desk today to head outside and toss the ball around with some of the students.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Students and an adult play catch on a grassy field outdoors near a chain-link fence and trees. One student is throwing a baseball while another person wearing a glove prepares to catch it.
Third graders had an unforgettable adventure last week during their visit to the Montshire Museum! From giant bubbles and hands-on science experiments to outdoor exploration and interactive exhibits, students had the chance to learn through play, curiosity, and discovery every step of the way.

One thing that made the trip even more colorful? The amazing tie-dyed shirts the students created before the visit! 🌈 The bright designs made it easy to spot our group and added even more fun and school spirit to an already exciting day. Great job, third graders — your creativity was on full display both in the classroom and at the museum!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Two students wearing colorful tie-dyed shirts use giant bubble-making stations at the Montshire Museum while other children explore exhibits in the background.
A student stands inside the Montshire Museum bubble booth exhibit while pulling a rope mechanism to create a giant bubble around herself.
Students gathered around an augmented reality sand table use their hands to shape mountains and valleys while projected colors simulate water and landscapes.
Two students experiment with a foam fountain exhibit at the Montshire Museum while steam and bubbles rise from tubes in front of them.
Three smiling students wearing matching tie-dyed shirts explore bubble-making activities together at a hands-on science exhibit.
Students and an adult chaperone gather around a circular interactive exhibit at the museum while experimenting with spinning objects and motion activities.
Third grade students wearing tie-dyed shirts balance and play on colorful dome-shaped playground structures outdoors.
Students line up along a wooden outdoor activity exhibit in a forested play area while participating in a hands-on science challenge.
Three students explore a wooden gravity and water-themed outdoor exhibit by guiding objects through spiral tracks in a wooded area.
A group of students and teachers wearing tie-dyed shirts pose together for a group photo during their Montshire Museum field trip.