🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚

🌸🎉 Congratulations, Joann Higgins, on Your Retirement! 🎉🌸
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!

🔧🎉 Congratulations, Tony Greene, on Your Retirement! 🎉🔧
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!

🏛️ FREE Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders! 🏛️
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov

From FHUMHS Band Director, Ms. Samantha Adams: Marching Band sign ups for grades 7-12 are OPEN. If you are an incoming 7th grader or above, you are invited to join! Scan the QR code or click the link to sign up! Sign ups close at the end of the day July 1st, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Samantha Adams at sadams@svuvt.org
https://forms.gle/a8HQgJoAS94FM8kt9
https://forms.gle/a8HQgJoAS94FM8kt9

🎉☀️ OVS Field Day is Almost Here! ☀️🎉
Get ready for a day full of fun, teamwork, and excitement! Orwell Village School's annual Field Day is happening on Tuesday, June 16, and students will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and friendly competition throughout the day.
From a dunk tank, carnival games, face painting, and photo booth to water slides, obstacle courses, yard games, and the always-popular Hula Hoop Challenge: Adults vs. 6th Graders, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
A few reminders for families:
☀️ Apply sunscreen before school
👕 Dress comfortably for outdoor activities
💦 Pack a change of clothes and a towel—students may get wet!
🚰 Send a reusable water bottle labeled with your child's name
We can't wait to celebrate the end of the school year with a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and school spirit. Let's make it a safe and memorable day for all!
Get ready for a day full of fun, teamwork, and excitement! Orwell Village School's annual Field Day is happening on Tuesday, June 16, and students will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and friendly competition throughout the day.
From a dunk tank, carnival games, face painting, and photo booth to water slides, obstacle courses, yard games, and the always-popular Hula Hoop Challenge: Adults vs. 6th Graders, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
A few reminders for families:
☀️ Apply sunscreen before school
👕 Dress comfortably for outdoor activities
💦 Pack a change of clothes and a towel—students may get wet!
🚰 Send a reusable water bottle labeled with your child's name
We can't wait to celebrate the end of the school year with a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and school spirit. Let's make it a safe and memorable day for all!

📚🎉 Happy Retirement, Tina Rampone! 🎉📚
After 16 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of Slate Valley, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School librarian, Tina Rampone, on her retirement.
For more than a decade and a half, Tina has inspired a love of reading, learning, and curiosity in countless students. Through story times, library lessons, book recommendations, special projects, tech. integration, and her welcoming presence, she helped make the library a place where every child could discover new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
Tina's passion for literacy, commitment to students, and support of both schools have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. The thousands of young readers she has encouraged and the memories she has helped create are a testament to the difference one dedicated educator can make.
Thank you, Tina, for 16 years of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our school communities. We wish you all the happiness, relaxation, adventures, knitting and good books that retirement has to offer.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 🧶📖✨
After 16 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of Slate Valley, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School librarian, Tina Rampone, on her retirement.
For more than a decade and a half, Tina has inspired a love of reading, learning, and curiosity in countless students. Through story times, library lessons, book recommendations, special projects, tech. integration, and her welcoming presence, she helped make the library a place where every child could discover new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
Tina's passion for literacy, commitment to students, and support of both schools have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. The thousands of young readers she has encouraged and the memories she has helped create are a testament to the difference one dedicated educator can make.
Thank you, Tina, for 16 years of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our school communities. We wish you all the happiness, relaxation, adventures, knitting and good books that retirement has to offer.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 🧶📖✨

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)

