Yesterday, our 6th graders spent the day on the ice! From reeling in their first catches to soaking up the sun and enjoying some laughs with friends, it was a day for the books. Beyond the fishing, we had some top-tier peer entertainment to keep the energy high. Who knew 6th grade had this much talent and patience!!!
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of students and adults walk in a line across a snowy frozen lake, carrying buckets and gear under a bright blue winter sky.
Student in a winter jacket and gray knit hat carries an orange bucket filled with ice fishing tools while standing on the frozen lake.
Adult instructor demonstrates ice fishing equipment to a group of bundled-up students gathered on the snowy ice with mountains in the background.
Smiling student in a blue and green winter jacket kneels beside an ice hole holding an ice fishing scoop on a sunny day.
Student in a blue jacket and winter hat kneels on the ice using a metal tool to check an ice fishing hole.
Four students in winter gear kneel together around an ice hole, smiling toward the camera on the frozen lake.
Student wearing a gray knit hat and winter bibs examines an ice fishing tip-up while an adult hand points to the line.
Close-up of a small yellow perch being held by hand above the snow-covered ice.
Group of students lie on their backs on the frozen lake, relaxing and looking up at the sky on a sunny winter day.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our OVS Folk Dance! It was incredible to see our students, families, and neighbors coming together to celebrate music and movement. A special shoutout to our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Broughton, and our talented student teacher, Mr. Madore, for organizing such a joyful event. Thank you for teaching us that life is better when you’re dancing!
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Large group of students, staff, and families holding hands in a wide circle while dancing together in a school gymnasium.
Two adults in a school gym smile and give each other a high five during a community dance event while others participate in the background.
Young student and older student hold hands and practice dance steps together on the gym floor as other participants dance behind them.
Adult and elementary student face each other and hold hands while dancing in a crowded school gym during a family event.
Older student leads a younger child in a dance line in the gym while other children and adults watch and wait their turn.
Wide view of a busy school gym filled with families and students dancing together in lines and small groups.
Students and adults form small dance groups in the gym, clapping and moving to the music during a lively school community event.
🏀📚 Third graders at Orwell Village School took a powerful journey through history in library class! After reading the Red Clover book Wat Kept Playing by Emily Inouye Huey, students learned about Wat Misaka’s perseverance as a Japanese-American basketball player during WWII—a time marked by prejudice and uncertainty in the United States.

Inspired by Wat’s determination and love of the game, students put their creativity to work by designing their own basketball hoop games. What a meaningful way to connect history, literacy, and hands-on learning!
14 days ago, Slate Valley
A young student in a classroom holds a small handmade basketball hoop game while standing near a table with laptops and a printer in the background.
A student in a classroom holds up a small handmade basketball hoop game toward the camera, demonstrating the project after the class reading activity.
From OVS Librarian, Mrs. Tina Rampone: "I would like to thank the OVS booster club for their donation of new rugs for our school library! This makes our reading space cozy and welcoming."
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful reading rug with illustrated bookshelves and the words “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” displayed in a school library corner surrounded by wooden bookshelves filled with children’s books.
Five elementary students sit and lie on a colorful reading rug in the library, looking at books and drawings while surrounded by bookshelves.
OVS walked on water yesterday. There’s nothing quite like the silence of a frozen lake and the anticipation of that first flag popping up. Our 4th graders traded their desks for buckets yesterday to learn the ropes of ice fishing. Watching their faces light up at the first sign of a nibble was better than any trophy catch.
14 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students walks across a snowy frozen lake carrying gear toward an ice fishing site under a bright winter sky.
Students in winter gear gather on the ice as an instructor demonstrates ice fishing equipment next to sleds and supply bins.
Ice fishing supplies—including buckets, rods, and sleds—sit on the frozen lake while students listen to instruction in the background.
A group of bundled students kneels around an ice hole while an instructor shows them how to use ice fishing tools.
A student kneels on the ice and drills into a hole while classmates and adults stand nearby on the frozen lake.
An instructor holds up an ice fishing tip-up while students in colorful winter clothing gather around to watch.
An adult kneels beside a student on the ice, helping them measure or check equipment at a fishing hole.
A student in winter gear kneels beside an ice hole using a skimmer to clear slush from the water.
A smiling student sitting on the ice holds up a fishing rod next to a freshly caught fish on the snow.
An adult helps a student operate an ice auger to drill a hole in the frozen lake during an outdoor learning activity.
🚨 Tonight — SVUUSD Annual Meeting 🚨

Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.

🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM

Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj

📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#

We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic badge with icon of a presenter pointing to a board in front of an audience. Text reads “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.” Teal border with gray background and light green and blue icons.
More than just a drawing. 📝✨

Did you know that when a kindergartner draws a self-portrait, they’re doing so much more than "coloring"? They are practicing observational thinking, honing fine motor skills, and building a sense of self-awareness.

Our OVS artists have been hard at work capturing their unique features and bright personalities! From the tilt of a smile to the perfect shade of "OVS Blue," these masterpieces show the growing confidence of our youngest learners. We are so proud of the focus and heart they put into every stroke!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A student in a purple shirt studies their reflection in a mirror while coloring a self-portrait with crayons at a blue table.
Elementary students sit at colorful tables in a classroom, using small tabletop mirrors to draw self-portraits with markers and crayons.
A child smiles at their reflection in a small mirror while sketching a face on paper at a wooden table.
A group of young students at a yellow table color self-portrait worksheets while looking into upright mirrors.
A student concentrates on drawing a face worksheet while looking into a small mirror on a desk, with crayons and supplies nearby.
Several children compare their drawings to their reflections in mirrors while working together on self-portrait art at a shared table.
A child draws a detailed self-portrait while smiling at their reflection in a tabletop mirror; classmates work in the background.
Three students lean in and smile while checking their reflections in mirrors and adding features to their portrait drawings.
Wide classroom view of multiple students seated at different tables, each using a mirror to create self-portrait drawings with art supplies.
Join us for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Annual Meeting on the FY27 School Budget 📘

🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.

For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Hexagon-shaped graphic announcing the SVUUSD Annual Meeting, with an icon of a presenter speaking to an audience beside a safety helmet symbol. Text reads: “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.”
On Friday, February 13, Slate Valley students proudly represented our district at the Green Mountain Music District V Festival. 🎶 Students from multiple schools participated in chorus, band, and jazz, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented their schools.

Festival Participants were:

Middle School Chorus

Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley

Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell

Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink

High School Band — FHUMHS

Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott

Middle School Jazz

Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla

Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Seven middle school chorus students stand in a row against a hallway wall wearing black concert attire and holding green music folders, posing before a performance.
A large student chorus stands on risers in a school gym while a conductor faces them at a microphone stand; students wear black concert clothing and hold green folders.
Wide view of a combined student chorus on gym risers with a conductor in front and a pianist at a grand piano to the side during a concert performance.
Close-up of a section of the student chorus on risers, dressed in black and singing while reading from green music folders.
Front view of a student chorus performing in a gym as the conductor leads with raised arm and a grand piano sits nearby.
Student percussionist in black concert attire plays a mallet instrument near the gym floor while an audience watches from the bleachers behind.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” dated February 13, 2026, with a Presidents Day themed banner showing a patriotic design and an illustration of George Washington. Text states that all Slate Valley schools will be in session on Monday, February 16, 2026 (Presidents Day), and it is a regular school day for students and staff.
There is nothing quite like watching a student master a new skill. Our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders spent their day at Pico Mountain conquering trails and building confidence, all thanks to some stellar coaching. So proud of their persistence and spirit!
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Students in helmets and ski gear stand in a line on a groomed ski slope while an instructor in a red jacket on skis gives directions.
Two elementary students wearing helmets and green bibs stand on skis facing the camera on a sunny slope with other skiers behind them.
Three young skiers in helmets and numbered bibs stand together on skis near the base area with a chairlift and trail in the background.
An instructor on skis speaks with a young student in a helmet and green bib, both standing on a gentle slope during a lesson.
A small group of students in helmets and orange bibs gather around an instructor on skis near a boundary rope at the ski area.
Two students in helmets and red training bibs ski slowly past a lodge building with long icicles hanging from the roof.
Students wearing helmets and winter gear ski slowly down a gentle snowy trail bordered by trees, practicing control and spacing.
Two young skiers sit on a snow-covered picnic table holding their skis and poles, resting near equipment, cones, and a plowed area.
A small group of students on skis glide across a flat area near the base of a ski hill with lift towers and buildings in the background.
Wide view of a ski slope with several skiers descending at different distances, lift poles and cables running up the right side, and wooded hills beyond.
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Poster for Slate Valley Unified USD promoting the Lifetime Activities program. The graphic includes the district logo and text listing the towns served, with multiple photos of students participating in activities such as woodworking, hiking, ice skating, ice fishing, martial arts training, treadmill fitness, fishing, cooking, and horseback riding. A central text block explains the history and purpose of the Lifetime Activities program and notes winter and late spring sessions. The poster includes a video link and QR code, the slogan “Our School, Your Future,” and district contact information with website and social media icons.
Science or Magic? Ask the First Graders! ❄️🧤

After hopping aboard the Magic School Bus to learn how animals stay toasty in the Arctic, our little scientists put Ms. Frizzle’s lessons to the test.
We set up a "Blubber Lab" with bowls of ice water and a big question: Can "blubber" really keep our hands from freezing?

*The Prediction: Students made their best guesses (there were some skeptics!).
The Experiment: One hand in plain ice water, the other protected by a "blubber glove."
The Discovery: The "Aha!" moments were everywhere as they realized their predictions were (mostly!) spot on.

It turns out, polar bears really do know what they’re doing! 🐻‍❄️✨
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of elementary students standing together on a classroom rug wearing colorful safety goggles, posing and smiling during a science activity.
Two students wearing safety goggles place a sealed plastic bag into a large red bowl filled with ice, conducting a classroom science experiment.
Two students in goggles lean over a teal bowl of ice water while holding a plastic bag, smiling during a hands-on experiment.
Three students in safety goggles watch as another student lowers a sealed bag into a metal bowl of ice for a science experiment.
Three students wearing red goggles lean closely over a red bowl filled with ice water, carefully observing the experiment.
Five students in goggles gather around a metal bowl of ice while one student dips a measuring strip or paper into the water as others watch.
Two students wearing goggles look into a teal bowl of ice water while one holds a test strip above the surface.
Three students in goggles observe a metal bowl filled with ice water as one student places a test strip into the bowl.
Four students around a lab table with goggles and materials prepare for an ice-bath science activity in a classroom.
Four students wearing safety goggles stand around a lab table with a red bowl of ice and experiment supplies, smiling at the camera.
The OVS March Madness Chess Tournament is BACK!
For a decade, our students have battled it out on the 64 squares—and this year is set to be our biggest yet. Last year we saw a massive turnout with 91 games and 41 players, but the 10th-anniversary trophy is up for grabs and the stakes have never been higher.

Will our defending OVS champion hold the line, or will a new strategist rise to the top? Expect clever plays, intense checkmates, and world-class sportsmanship.
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful poster titled “OVS March Madness Chess Tournament 2026” with paw print accents and a chess knight graphic. Text reads: “Play Fair, Play Hard,” orientation on 3/9, starts March 10th, held during lunch and recess. Open to grades 2–6. Features a double-elimination bracket and the message “Win with grace, lose with dignity.”
OVS Family Folk Dance - Wednesday, February 18th starting at 6:30!
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Bright yellow and orange flyer for Orwell Village School Family Folk Dance featuring silhouettes of children holding hands in a circle. Text reads: “Orwell Village School Family Folk Dance, Wednesday February 18, 2026, starts at 6:30–7:30. Easy dances first. Band: Red Dog Riley. Sponsored by Orwell Booster Club. Refreshments in the cafeteria following dance.”
🚨 All Slate Valley Afterschool Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled – Tuesday, February 10, 2026 🌨️

Due to the impending weather, all afterschool activities and athletics are cancelled today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This also includes Boys & Girls Club programs.

Please plan for students to go home at regular dismissal time. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a snowy background and the Slate Valley logo that reads: “Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Canceled. This includes Boys & Girls Club Programs.”
ATTENTION: Tonight’s School Board meeting has been moved to the Orwell Village School library.
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School, with the location updated from Town Hall Gym to Library. Agenda items listed include Consent Agenda, Board Reorganization, and Finance Committee Report, with district and Vermont-style logos displayed.
Board Meeting - February 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School – Town Hall/Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fxz-sazi-cds
Or dial: (US) +1 567-234-0136 PIN: 731 443 207#

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.
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting with text “Please Join Us Tonight,” agenda highlights (consent agenda, board reorganization, finance committee report), scheduled for February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School Town Hall/Gym, with district logo and people icons in a circle.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for February 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/1a88fa7ae27d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-262026
27 days ago, Slate Valley
Header graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated February 6, 2026, showing a cartoon groundhog popping out of a snowy burrow with the sun behind it, flanked by two worried-looking cartoon children, with school branding elements in the corners.
It’s been a vibrant, messy, and totally inspired week in the OVS art studio! Our young artists have been busy exploring a world of color and texture using everything from Sharpies and oil pastels to chalk and paint.
27 days ago, Slate Valley
Student painting a multicolored handprint artwork with a brush and watercolor palette in the foreground while classmates work at tables behind.
Several young students stand around a classroom art table painting colorful handprint-style designs with watercolor paints and brushes near a window.
Smiling student seated at a classroom table coloring a handprint art page with oil pastels, with a container of pastels and pencils nearby.
Students lined up at an art table carefully painting bright, layered handprint artwork, with paint palettes and water cups spread across the surface.
Student in a red shirt coloring a handprint-themed worksheet with a pencil while classmates work quietly at tables in the background.
Group of elementary students working at a table, some coloring handprint drawings with oil pastels while others paint with watercolors on similar hand-themed art projects.
Older students at an art table shaping and pressing small colorful pieces of modeling material onto purple paper while working on a mixed-media project.
Small group of students gathered around an art table outlining and coloring handprint designs with markers and crayons on large sheets of paper.