April's PBIS Assembly - Classroom Awards!
💙 Thank You, Lion’s Club! 💙
We are incredibly grateful to the Lion’s Club for their generous donation to the Slate Valley Unified School District.
This support helps ensure our students have what they need, when they need it most. Funds are often used to provide winter essentials like coats, snowpants, and boots. They also help students attend camp with confidence—providing items such as bathing suits, new outfits, and shoes.
Your kindness makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. Thank you for helping us take care of our community! 🦁
We are incredibly grateful to the Lion’s Club for their generous donation to the Slate Valley Unified School District.
This support helps ensure our students have what they need, when they need it most. Funds are often used to provide winter essentials like coats, snowpants, and boots. They also help students attend camp with confidence—providing items such as bathing suits, new outfits, and shoes.
Your kindness makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. Thank you for helping us take care of our community! 🦁
Who says writing has to happen at a desk? ✍️☀️ Our 6th graders took their Writing Workshop outdoors today to soak up some vitamin D and find a little inspiration in the fresh air. The words just flow better in the sunshine!
The wait was worth it! With our cafeteria renovations finally complete, we were so excited to host our OVS Thanksgiving dinner before our April Break.
We want to extend a giant thank you to Stonewood Farms, First National Bank of Orwell & our Community Volunteers for their incredible contributions to this feast.
And of course, the biggest thank you to our OVS Lunch Ladies! They put our new kitchen to the test and served up a truly delicious meal for our students and staff.
We want to extend a giant thank you to Stonewood Farms, First National Bank of Orwell & our Community Volunteers for their incredible contributions to this feast.
And of course, the biggest thank you to our OVS Lunch Ladies! They put our new kitchen to the test and served up a truly delicious meal for our students and staff.
📚✨ Orwell Village School families—the Scholastic Book Fair is here!
This is a wonderful opportunity to spark a love of reading and help students build their home libraries with books they’ll enjoy again and again. Families can set up an eWallet for easy, cash-free shopping, and even contribute to Share the Fair to help ensure every student can take home a book.
🗓 Dates: April 27 – May 1
📍 Location: OVS Library
👨👩👧👦 Open to the public:
• Tuesday, April 28 | 3:00–6:00 PM
• Friday, May 1 | 7:45–8:45 AM
Interested in helping out? Volunteers are welcome and appreciated! Let’s make this a fun and memorable reading experience for all. 📖💙
This is a wonderful opportunity to spark a love of reading and help students build their home libraries with books they’ll enjoy again and again. Families can set up an eWallet for easy, cash-free shopping, and even contribute to Share the Fair to help ensure every student can take home a book.
🗓 Dates: April 27 – May 1
📍 Location: OVS Library
👨👩👧👦 Open to the public:
• Tuesday, April 28 | 3:00–6:00 PM
• Friday, May 1 | 7:45–8:45 AM
Interested in helping out? Volunteers are welcome and appreciated! Let’s make this a fun and memorable reading experience for all. 📖💙
🌎💚 Happy Earth Day from Slate Valley! 💚🌎
Before heading into Spring Break, FHGS second graders in Ms. Bruno’s class took time to learn about caring for our planet by creating their own Earth Day crafts. We’re always proud to celebrate the ways our learners are thinking about protecting and appreciating the world around them.
Wishing our entire Slate Valley community a joyful and meaningful Earth Day! 🌍💙
Before heading into Spring Break, FHGS second graders in Ms. Bruno’s class took time to learn about caring for our planet by creating their own Earth Day crafts. We’re always proud to celebrate the ways our learners are thinking about protecting and appreciating the world around them.
Wishing our entire Slate Valley community a joyful and meaningful Earth Day! 🌍💙
🍎☀️ Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens!
Slate Valley is proud to offer the 2026 Summer Food Service Program at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria!
All children and teens 18 and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer—no registration required.
📅 Dates: June 29 – August 14
⏰ Times:
• Breakfast: 8:30–9:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site in the cafeteria.
Help us spread the word so every child has access to healthy, nutritious meals all summer long!
🔎 Find more locations at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
Slate Valley is proud to offer the 2026 Summer Food Service Program at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria!
All children and teens 18 and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer—no registration required.
📅 Dates: June 29 – August 14
⏰ Times:
• Breakfast: 8:30–9:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site in the cafeteria.
Help us spread the word so every child has access to healthy, nutritious meals all summer long!
🔎 Find more locations at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 17, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/8852b597100f/district-newsletter-april-10-13836492
https://mailchi.mp/8852b597100f/district-newsletter-april-10-13836492
📣 Reminder for Slate Valley Families!
All Slate Valley schools will have an early release day on Friday, April 17, 2026.
This will be followed by Spring Break from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. 🌸
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break!
Classes will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.
All Slate Valley schools will have an early release day on Friday, April 17, 2026.
This will be followed by Spring Break from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. 🌸
We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break!
Classes will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.
After a long, intense week of Cognia testing, these 5th graders have officially crossed the finish line. 🏁
To celebrate all that hard work and focus, we’re trading the Chromebooks for some much-needed sunshine and extra recess! So proud of their perseverance.
To celebrate all that hard work and focus, we’re trading the Chromebooks for some much-needed sunshine and extra recess! So proud of their perseverance.
Our OVS Student Council took leadership to the next level yesterday! They had the incredible opportunity to visit the State House. From touring the historic halls to meeting with representatives, our students came home inspired to make a difference in our own school community.
Last weekend’s bottle drive was a huge success, and it’s all thanks to the people behind the scenes. A massive thank you to the parents who spent their morning driving our students house-to-house—we truly appreciate your patience and the gas mileage!
To the neighbors and local businesses who donated bottles, equipment, and extra hands: your kindness is the backbone of this project. It’s about more than just bottles; it’s about showing our students what a supportive community looks like. Thank you all for making this happen!
To the neighbors and local businesses who donated bottles, equipment, and extra hands: your kindness is the backbone of this project. It’s about more than just bottles; it’s about showing our students what a supportive community looks like. Thank you all for making this happen!
Join us tomorrow at OVS for a special Community Thanksgiving Dinner—this time in April! 🍂🦃
While this beloved tradition couldn’t take place in the fall due to kitchen renovations, we’re excited to celebrate now that the new kitchen is officially up and running. What better way to bring everyone together than with a delicious Thanksgiving-style meal?
📅 Thursday, April 16
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Orwell Town Hall
Enjoy a FREE holiday buffet prepared by talented chefs Heather & Ruth, featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, fresh vegetables, rolls, dessert, and more.
A big thank you to our generous sponsors, National Bank of Orwell and Stonewood Turkey Farm, for helping make this event possible.
All are welcome—bring your family, friends, and appetite! Let’s celebrate community, connection, and a fresh new kitchen together.
While this beloved tradition couldn’t take place in the fall due to kitchen renovations, we’re excited to celebrate now that the new kitchen is officially up and running. What better way to bring everyone together than with a delicious Thanksgiving-style meal?
📅 Thursday, April 16
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Orwell Town Hall
Enjoy a FREE holiday buffet prepared by talented chefs Heather & Ruth, featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, fresh vegetables, rolls, dessert, and more.
A big thank you to our generous sponsors, National Bank of Orwell and Stonewood Turkey Farm, for helping make this event possible.
All are welcome—bring your family, friends, and appetite! Let’s celebrate community, connection, and a fresh new kitchen together.
🌱💚 FHUMHS Students Giving Back for Green-Up Day! 💚🌱
On May 1st, students from Fair Haven Union Middle & High School will be out in the community celebrating Green-Up Day—and they’re ready to lend a helping hand!
From spring yard clean-ups to other small outdoor tasks, our students are excited to support members of the Slate Valley community. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, give back, and make a positive impact together.
If you or someone you know could use a little extra help this spring, please fill out the quick form below, or contact Jackie Phillips (email: jphillips@svuvt.org or phone: 802-265-4966). FHUMHS principals and assistant principals will review submissions and follow up directly.
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHYQ48U-NIH-q2A1cECoC8cBXMl0eQSxBGHs8ZvZqpa98wow/viewform
Thank you for being part of our community—and for helping our students make a difference! 🌎✨
On May 1st, students from Fair Haven Union Middle & High School will be out in the community celebrating Green-Up Day—and they’re ready to lend a helping hand!
From spring yard clean-ups to other small outdoor tasks, our students are excited to support members of the Slate Valley community. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, give back, and make a positive impact together.
If you or someone you know could use a little extra help this spring, please fill out the quick form below, or contact Jackie Phillips (email: jphillips@svuvt.org or phone: 802-265-4966). FHUMHS principals and assistant principals will review submissions and follow up directly.
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHYQ48U-NIH-q2A1cECoC8cBXMl0eQSxBGHs8ZvZqpa98wow/viewform
Thank you for being part of our community—and for helping our students make a difference! 🌎✨
🪕 Boots, Scoots, and Smiles! 🪕
Our 6th Grade Fun Friday was a total whirlwind of energy! We traded the textbooks for some classic square dancing, and the kids handled it like pros.
A massive THANK YOU to our wonderful community members who stepped in to show us the ropes. Seeing our students learn to "do-si-do" and "allemande left" with so much laughter was the highlight of our week. It’s amazing how a little tradition can bring out so much joy and teamwork!
Our 6th Grade Fun Friday was a total whirlwind of energy! We traded the textbooks for some classic square dancing, and the kids handled it like pros.
A massive THANK YOU to our wonderful community members who stepped in to show us the ropes. Seeing our students learn to "do-si-do" and "allemande left" with so much laughter was the highlight of our week. It’s amazing how a little tradition can bring out so much joy and teamwork!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 10, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/5722f5802f0b/district-newsletter-april-10-2026
https://mailchi.mp/5722f5802f0b/district-newsletter-april-10-2026
🏆 2026 March Madness Champion Crowned!
The halls of Orwell Chess Academy are still buzzing after an incredible tournament. In an absolute masterclass of strategy, Benytt Gero emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Clinton Snyder in a final for the history books! ♟️ Huge thanks to everyone who competed, defended their Kings, and cheered from the sidelines. See you on the board next March!
The halls of Orwell Chess Academy are still buzzing after an incredible tournament. In an absolute masterclass of strategy, Benytt Gero emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Clinton Snyder in a final for the history books! ♟️ Huge thanks to everyone who competed, defended their Kings, and cheered from the sidelines. See you on the board next March!
📚✨ Friday Focus: Smiles & “i before e”… or is it? ✨📚
This week, our Friday Focus shines on our amazing 2nd and 3rd graders across Slate Valley!
Traveling from school to school, it was impossible to miss the smiles, laughter, and joy of learning happening in every classroom and hallway. Whether students were tackling their Cognia assessments, heading out for recess or lunch, diving into a good book, or puzzling over tricky spelling rules like “ei” and “ie,” their curiosity and energy were on full display.
It’s moments like these that remind us how special our schools are—filled with students who are growing, learning, and supporting one another every single day.
Keep shining, Slate Valley! 🌟
This week, our Friday Focus shines on our amazing 2nd and 3rd graders across Slate Valley!
Traveling from school to school, it was impossible to miss the smiles, laughter, and joy of learning happening in every classroom and hallway. Whether students were tackling their Cognia assessments, heading out for recess or lunch, diving into a good book, or puzzling over tricky spelling rules like “ei” and “ie,” their curiosity and energy were on full display.
It’s moments like these that remind us how special our schools are—filled with students who are growing, learning, and supporting one another every single day.
Keep shining, Slate Valley! 🌟
📚✨Throwback Thursday✨📚
We’re taking it back to the 1976 FHUHS Yearbook, where this creative drawing introduced “Ogg,” a proposed Slater mascot designed by a sophomore with the initials K.C.
The student shared their vision of building a mascot for games—complete with blue and white hair and a large rubber nose!
Here’s the fun part…
👀 Do you know who K.C. is?
Hint: This talented artist went on to become a long-time teacher right here in Slate Valley!
Drop your guesses in the comments—we can’t wait to see who remembers! 👇
We’re taking it back to the 1976 FHUHS Yearbook, where this creative drawing introduced “Ogg,” a proposed Slater mascot designed by a sophomore with the initials K.C.
The student shared their vision of building a mascot for games—complete with blue and white hair and a large rubber nose!
Here’s the fun part…
👀 Do you know who K.C. is?
Hint: This talented artist went on to become a long-time teacher right here in Slate Valley!
Drop your guesses in the comments—we can’t wait to see who remembers! 👇
Where Are They Now Wednesday: April Spotlight - Marty Vinci, Class of 1970
This month, we’re proud to highlight Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Marty Vinci, a member of the Class of 1970 whose journey reflects dedication, hard work, and a lifelong connection to his roots.
Following graduation, Marty pursued specialized training at Meat Cutting School in Toledo, Ohio—launching a career that would span four decades. He worked as a meat cutter throughout Vermont and upstate New York, building a reputation for skill and consistency in his trade.
In 2007, Marty took his experience to the next level, beginning a new chapter with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Meat Inspector in Atlanta, Georgia. After three years, he transferred to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he continued his work for an additional 15 years. Marty officially retired on January 1, 2025, concluding an impressive career dedicated to food safety and public service.
Retirement hasn’t slowed him down. Today, Marty enjoys working part-time in the pro shop at a local golf course in the Hilton Head area—staying active and connected within his community.
During his time at Fair Haven, Marty was a two-sport athlete, participating in football, and baseball. He served as captain of the football team his senior year, demonstrating leadership both on and off the field. One of his most memorable moments came on the baseball diamond, when he delivered a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 14th inning to defeat rival Poultney—a moment that still stands out decades later.
Marty also credits Coach Tom LaPlaca as a meaningful influence during his high school years. Their close relationship helped keep him motivated and focused, leaving a lasting impact that extended well beyond graduation.
From standout student-athlete to a long and successful career, Marty Vinci’s story is one of perseverance, pride, and community—qualities that continue to define Slater alumni.
This month, we’re proud to highlight Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Marty Vinci, a member of the Class of 1970 whose journey reflects dedication, hard work, and a lifelong connection to his roots.
Following graduation, Marty pursued specialized training at Meat Cutting School in Toledo, Ohio—launching a career that would span four decades. He worked as a meat cutter throughout Vermont and upstate New York, building a reputation for skill and consistency in his trade.
In 2007, Marty took his experience to the next level, beginning a new chapter with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Meat Inspector in Atlanta, Georgia. After three years, he transferred to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he continued his work for an additional 15 years. Marty officially retired on January 1, 2025, concluding an impressive career dedicated to food safety and public service.
Retirement hasn’t slowed him down. Today, Marty enjoys working part-time in the pro shop at a local golf course in the Hilton Head area—staying active and connected within his community.
During his time at Fair Haven, Marty was a two-sport athlete, participating in football, and baseball. He served as captain of the football team his senior year, demonstrating leadership both on and off the field. One of his most memorable moments came on the baseball diamond, when he delivered a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 14th inning to defeat rival Poultney—a moment that still stands out decades later.
Marty also credits Coach Tom LaPlaca as a meaningful influence during his high school years. Their close relationship helped keep him motivated and focused, leaving a lasting impact that extended well beyond graduation.
From standout student-athlete to a long and successful career, Marty Vinci’s story is one of perseverance, pride, and community—qualities that continue to define Slater alumni.
