Read important information about the future of Slate Valley in this issue of the SVUUSD Newsletter - June 12, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/f9c5248ac253/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836886
Some Fair Haven Union High School seniors returned yesterday to where their educational journey began—Orwell Village School—for one final walk through the halls.
Students were greeted with smiles, cheers, and well wishes from current students and staff as they reflected on how far they have come since their elementary school days. This senior walk offerered the soon to be graduates an opportunity to reconnect with the school and educators who helped shape their journey.
Pictured are OVS graduates from the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 alongside OVS Administrative Assistant Marcy Hart, celebrating this special milestone before tomorrow evening's commencement ceremony.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your next chapter leads.
Students were greeted with smiles, cheers, and well wishes from current students and staff as they reflected on how far they have come since their elementary school days. This senior walk offerered the soon to be graduates an opportunity to reconnect with the school and educators who helped shape their journey.
Pictured are OVS graduates from the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 alongside OVS Administrative Assistant Marcy Hart, celebrating this special milestone before tomorrow evening's commencement ceremony.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your next chapter leads.
🧺☀️ Orwell Village School Community Picnic is Almost Here! ☀️🧺
School may be winding down, but there’s still time for one more wonderful community tradition!
Join OVS students, families, and staff for the Annual Community Picnic on the Orwell Town Green as we celebrate the last day of school together.
📅 Thursday, June 18
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM
📍 Orwell Town Green
To help make the picnic a success, families are invited to bring a dish to share:
🍪 Grades K–1: Sweet treats, chips & dip, or fresh fruit
🥗 Grades 2–3: Salads, fruit salads, tossed salads, or raw vegetables
🍲 Grades 4–6: Hot dishes such as mac & cheese, baked beans, and other favorites
🐾 Please remember to leave pets and animals at home.
We look forward to celebrating another successful school year and spending time together as a community. See you on the Town Green!
School may be winding down, but there’s still time for one more wonderful community tradition!
Join OVS students, families, and staff for the Annual Community Picnic on the Orwell Town Green as we celebrate the last day of school together.
📅 Thursday, June 18
⏰ 10:30–11:30 AM
📍 Orwell Town Green
To help make the picnic a success, families are invited to bring a dish to share:
🍪 Grades K–1: Sweet treats, chips & dip, or fresh fruit
🥗 Grades 2–3: Salads, fruit salads, tossed salads, or raw vegetables
🍲 Grades 4–6: Hot dishes such as mac & cheese, baked beans, and other favorites
🐾 Please remember to leave pets and animals at home.
We look forward to celebrating another successful school year and spending time together as a community. See you on the Town Green!
Happy Retirement, Mrs. Rampone!
Our 5th and 6th graders split into groups today for a hands-on STEM challenge: building bridges out of straws! It was incredible to see their creativity and engineering skills in action. Stay tuned for an update and more photos soon to see how these designs hold up during testing!
📣 Exciting Staff Updates at Orwell Village School! 📣
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, OVS is celebrating both new beginnings and a legacy of service.
Please join us in thanking Josh Martin for 14 years of dedication to Orwell Village School as he begins a new administrative opportunity, and in welcoming Olivia Cook as our new 3rd Grade Teacher and Monica Alvarez as our new School Librarian. We are also excited for Emily Slote as she transitions into leading OVS's new combined K/1 classroom this fall.
Thank you, Josh, for your years of service, and welcome to the OVS family, Olivia and Monica! 💙💛
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, OVS is celebrating both new beginnings and a legacy of service.
Please join us in thanking Josh Martin for 14 years of dedication to Orwell Village School as he begins a new administrative opportunity, and in welcoming Olivia Cook as our new 3rd Grade Teacher and Monica Alvarez as our new School Librarian. We are also excited for Emily Slote as she transitions into leading OVS's new combined K/1 classroom this fall.
Thank you, Josh, for your years of service, and welcome to the OVS family, Olivia and Monica! 💙💛
Special Board Meeting - June 8, 2026 -
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vsx-qjxt-kye
Or dial: (US) +1 234-719-4117 PIN: 856 473 497#
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. in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vsx-qjxt-kye
Or dial: (US) +1 234-719-4117 PIN: 856 473 497#
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.
PLEASE check out the latest Slate Valley District Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/0936e2d3fb42/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836831
Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.
We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.
Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.
We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.
Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
This morning, our talented 5th and 6th-grade musicians took the stage at the High Note music festival in Glens Falls! After weeks of practice and hard work, our students performed for expert evaluators. Once the music wraps up, they’ll be heading over to Six Flags Great Escape for a well-deserved afternoon of celebrating on the coasters. We are incredibly proud of their dedication—wish them luck!
Friday Focus: Field Trips - Learning Beyond the Classroom
As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.
Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.
Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.
These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.
Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.
Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.
These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
Today the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Marching Band brought the energy to OVS! The students loved hearing the amazing music and cheering on our talented musicians. Such a great visit!
🏈⚽🏑📣 Attention Slate Valley student-athletes and families! 📣🏑⚽🏈
Planning to participate in a fall sport during the 2026 season? Join us for the Slate Valley Fall Athletics Informational Meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym.
This meeting is for students entering grades 7–12 and their families and will cover important information including:
✅ Athlete registration updates
✅ Fall start dates and heat acclimatization requirements
✅ Summer training opportunities
✅ Athletic schedules and sports physicals
✅ ParentSquare communication tools
✅ Concussion and injury communication protocols
✅ Booster Club support
📌 Please note: This meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting.
🏃♀️🏈⚽ All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school.
Questions? Contact Athletic Director Eric Ramey at eramey@svuvt.org.
Planning to participate in a fall sport during the 2026 season? Join us for the Slate Valley Fall Athletics Informational Meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym.
This meeting is for students entering grades 7–12 and their families and will cover important information including:
✅ Athlete registration updates
✅ Fall start dates and heat acclimatization requirements
✅ Summer training opportunities
✅ Athletic schedules and sports physicals
✅ ParentSquare communication tools
✅ Concussion and injury communication protocols
✅ Booster Club support
📌 Please note: This meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting.
🏃♀️🏈⚽ All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school.
Questions? Contact Athletic Director Eric Ramey at eramey@svuvt.org.
📸🎓 Throwback Thursday: FHUHS Graduations Through the Years! 🎓📸
From 1976 to 1993 to 2006 — a lot may have changed at Fair Haven Union High School over the years… but some things never do: the excitement of graduation day, proud families in the crowd, and Slater pride shining through.
What differences do you notice between these graduation photos from the last 50 years? 👀
What feels exactly the same?
Do you recognize anyone in these throwback snapshots? Tag them in the comments or share a favorite graduation memory from your time at FHUHS!
And Slater Alumni — 🎓⬇️ Drop the year you graduated from FHUHS in the comments and see who else from your class is here!
(Photos courtesy of The Rutland Herald Archives)
From 1976 to 1993 to 2006 — a lot may have changed at Fair Haven Union High School over the years… but some things never do: the excitement of graduation day, proud families in the crowd, and Slater pride shining through.
What differences do you notice between these graduation photos from the last 50 years? 👀
What feels exactly the same?
Do you recognize anyone in these throwback snapshots? Tag them in the comments or share a favorite graduation memory from your time at FHUHS!
And Slater Alumni — 🎓⬇️ Drop the year you graduated from FHUHS in the comments and see who else from your class is here!
(Photos courtesy of The Rutland Herald Archives)
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Looking for a fun way to stay active this summer?
The Slate Valley Efts Running Group is welcoming youth athletes interested in cross country or cross-training for other sports! No registration, no commitment—just drop in when you can.
Join local USATF SafeSport-certified coaches for age-appropriate workouts and group runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00–7:30 p.m., beginning June 16, at the R&H Rail Trail entrance on South Street in Castleton.
Whether you're training for a sport or simply enjoy running, come check it out!
Questions? Contact Dan Verrington at dan.verrington@svuvt.org
The Slate Valley Efts Running Group is welcoming youth athletes interested in cross country or cross-training for other sports! No registration, no commitment—just drop in when you can.
Join local USATF SafeSport-certified coaches for age-appropriate workouts and group runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00–7:30 p.m., beginning June 16, at the R&H Rail Trail entrance on South Street in Castleton.
Whether you're training for a sport or simply enjoy running, come check it out!
Questions? Contact Dan Verrington at dan.verrington@svuvt.org
Where Are They Now Wednesday: June Alumni Feature - Jeffrey Jr. York, FHUHS Class of 2016
From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.
After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities. Today, Jeffrey works at Brown’s Auto Salvage as an Inventory Specialist, a position he says he truly enjoys.
Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him. "He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."
Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.
When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."
Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."
We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.
After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities. Today, Jeffrey works at Brown’s Auto Salvage as an Inventory Specialist, a position he says he truly enjoys.
Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him. "He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."
Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.
When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."
Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."
We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: June Alumni Feature - Jeffrey Jr. York, FHUHS Class of 2016
From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.
After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities.
Today, Jeffrey works at Doran brothers, and is enrolled in classes earning his CDL. Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him.
"He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."
Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.
When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."
Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."
We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.
After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities.
Today, Jeffrey works at Doran brothers, and is enrolled in classes earning his CDL. Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him.
"He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."
Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.
When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."
Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."
We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
🎓 Trivia Tuesday – June Edition! 🎓
School is winding down, graduation celebrations are approaching, and we have an end of year question to test your knowledge!
Do you know?
Approximately how many days does a student spend in school from kindergarten through Grade 12?
Drop your guess in the comments below.
School is winding down, graduation celebrations are approaching, and we have an end of year question to test your knowledge!
Do you know?
Approximately how many days does a student spend in school from kindergarten through Grade 12?
Drop your guess in the comments below.
Congratulations to this month's PBIS Assembly Classroom Award recipients!
Congratulations to our May PBIS Assembly Specialist Award recipients!
