🎉 Congratulations to Tina Rampone! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Tina Rampone, Librarian at Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, for being named the Rosen Publishing Northern New England School Librarian of the Month for November 2025!

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding school librarians across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine who go above and beyond in supporting literacy, creativity, and student engagement. Tina exemplifies all of these qualities through her warm, inclusive library environments and her innovative blend of literacy and STEAM learning — from recycled cardboard engineering to 3D pens, circuits, and hands-on problem solving.

✨ About the Award:
Rosen Publishing Group is known for producing engaging print and digital books aligned to school curricula, as well as high-quality databases and interactive e-books. As part of this generous award, Tina will receive:

📚 A curated set of Rosen print titles for both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries
💻 One year of access to Rosen’s PowerKnowledge Science database, praised by the National Science Teachers’ Association as:
“Useful and kid-friendly… Provides the bridge between textbook, inquiry, and technology.”

This award not only honors Tina’s exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment to students — it directly enriches both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries and expands learning opportunities for all.

Please join us in giving Tina a huge Slater Nation congratulations!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A portrait of a woman with short curly gray hair and red-framed glasses, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a floral top with orange and yellow flowers and small drop earrings, posed in front of a gray studio background.
Slater Nation Pre-season Practice Schedule for Winter Sports 2025-26

Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.

Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Pre-Season Practice Schedules” with the Slate Valley logo at the top. Includes illustrated sports icons such as a basketball, pom-poms, wrestling figures, running shoes, and bowling pins. Lists practice times for Indoor Track, Wrestling, Cheer, and Bowling, with dates from December 1–12. A QR code is shown in the bottom left corner for weekly schedules.
Graphic titled “FHU High School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Includes a two-week practice schedule grid for girls’ and boys’ varsity and JV basketball, with dates from November 30 to December 13. A basketball icon labeled “High School” appears in the bottom right corner, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the bottom left.
Graphic titled “FHU Middle School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Features a practice schedule grid for 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball from November 30 to December 13. Notes that practices and home games are at Fair Haven Grade School. A basketball icon labeled “Middle School” appears in the lower left, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the lower right.
⚽ Interested in Becoming a Soccer Referee?
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!

📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254

🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346

This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.

To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.

👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.

Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer for the “2026 Vermont First Time Soccer Referee Clinic.” The top features bold text with “Soccer Referee Clinic” in large white and yellow letters on a dark gray background. Below, the date “February 28, 2026” appears in a red box. On the right side is a cartoon referee blowing a whistle and holding up a red card. On the left is a large illustrated soccer ball with yellow motion streaks. Event details list the time (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) and location (Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT). A yellow arrow points to a QR code labeled “Scan Me!” The bottom includes a link for registration.
Board Meeting - November 24, 2025

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#

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.
13 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic flyer announces the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features green and blue text with circular decorative elements. It reads: “Please Join Us TONIGHT,” “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting,” and lists the agenda items: “Consent Agenda, Cognia Results Presentation, Building & Grounds Committee Report.” The Slate Valley logo is displayed on the right. At the bottom, it states: “November 24, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
Slate Valley Distict Newsletter: November 21, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 21, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, followed by a colorful ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ banner with cartoon turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, and fall decorations. Below is a decorative fall-themed border surrounding the heading ‘A Message of Gratitude from the Superintendent,’ with accompanying text expressing appreciation to the Slate Valley community.
Starting our day off the OVS way, with our calming morning circles before flowing right into focused morning work. A perfect routine for a great day of learning!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A teacher sits on a chair at the front of the room while young students sit on a colorful dot rug and listen attentively.
A group of young students stand in a circle on an alphabet rug as their teacher guides an activity.
A class of students sits in a circle on a world map rug as the teacher at the front shows slides on a laptop.
Students sit in a circle on a rug with two teachers leading a discussion at the front of the classroom.
Students sit in a circle on a blue rug while a teacher leads a lesson using a large screen displaying student work.
Students seated around a classroom raise their hands while a teacher at the front leads a math lesson displayed on a screen.
Our 2nd Graders started their Friday with a blast! We turned the classroom into a dance floor for our Friday Morning Dance Party, and the energy was through the roof! Lots of smiles, awesome moves, and pure joy. What a way to get ready for the weekend! 🎉 🎶
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of elementary students in a classroom enthusiastically following a dance video on a large screen at the front of the room.
An elementary student stands smiling with arms raised while classmates follow a dance video playing on the classroom’s front screen.
Students spread across the classroom participate in a movement activity, watching a dance routine on a TV at the front of the room.
Elementary students dance along to a video displayed on a classroom screen, with several students mid-motion.
Students in a classroom follow along with a dance video on a large front screen, moving energetically in the dimly lit room.
🏀❄️ Winter Sports Season Is Almost Here! ❄️🤼‍♂️

The winter sports season will officially begin the week of December 1st!
A few important reminders:

✔️ All athletes must be registered on FormReLeaf
✔️ All athletes must have an up-to-date physical on file at their school

📅 Practice schedules for middle and high school teams will be posted the week of Thanksgiving.
🏀 Grades 5 & 6 basketball practices will begin the week of December 8th.

Winter Sports Offered by Slate Valley / Fair Haven Union MHS
Indoor Track
Bowling
Competition Cheer
Wrestling — Middle & High School
Middle school wrestlers will practice at FHUMHS with the high school team
Girls Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Boys Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Middle school basketball practices and home games will be held at FHGS
Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5 & 6

(Four teams anticipated)
🏀 Practices begin the week of December 8
📍 Practices and home games will take place at Castleton Elementary School

Teams:
Castleton / Orwell Girls
Castleton / Orwell Boys
Fair Haven / Benson Girls
Fair Haven / Benson Boys
18 days ago, Slate Valley
A promotional graphic for Slate Valley’s 2025 Winter Sports Tip-Off Week, starting December 1st. The top features bold blue text reading “Slate Valley 2025 Winter Sports Tip Off Week – December 1st!” Below it, red text says “Not registered yet? Go to: FormReleaf.com.” Small illustrations of wrestlers, pom-poms, running shoes, a bowling ball and pins, and a basketball appear throughout. The flyer lists winter sports offered at Slate Valley/Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Indoor Track, Bowling, Competition Cheer, Middle & High School Wrestling, Girls Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), Boys Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), and Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5–6 with practices and games at CES. It also notes Castleton/Orwell and Fair Haven/Benson team groupings. A blue banner at the bottom reads, “All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”
A November District Drive Through Slate Valley
It was a spontaneous drive to visit all Slate Valley schools—no special events, just everyday learning on full display. From music and art to math, reading, and a lively P.E. kickball game, students were engaged everywhere I went. Lunchtime smiles, hallway hellos, and even a few photo poses made the day even better.
Fun fact: the only screens seen all day were in the digital arts class—proof that hands-on learning is thriving in Slate Valley!
📽️ Check out the video recap here: https://youtube.com/shorts/g09yDudmgi8?feature=share
22 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling elementary student sits at a desk writing in a notebook with a pencil. He is wearing a red hoodie and looking up at the camera. A large red play button icon is overlaid in the center, indicating a video preview. A small illustrated car graphic appears at the bottom right corner, and the video duration “2:25” is shown in the lower corner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated November 14, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, a green and blue hexagon emblem with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below it is an illustrated banner showing a white car with the Slate Valley logo driving through a colorful neighborhood with houses, trees, and clouds. The section title “A November District Drive” appears underneath.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls... have we got a show for you! 🎉 Our K–6 students are ready to shine on stage and show off their acting skills! Come enjoy the spectacular skits they’ve been working hard on — featuring a special appearance from our very own SRO! Don’t miss this fun-filled performance tonight at 6:30!
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A PE instructor stands in front of a group of elementary students in a gym, holding a black foam block above his head. The students kneel or stand on colorful mats, raising their hands and reacting enthusiastically while participating in an activity.
A PE instructor demonstrates how to spin a plate on a stick while a group of elementary students sit on red and yellow mats watching attentively. Gym equipment and large windows line the background.
A police officer in uniform and a PE teacher help a young student use a spinning rope toy in the gym. Other students play with similar equipment in the background.
A police officer kneels on a gym mat, helping a young student balance a spinning plate on a stick. The student holds a blue plate while the officer demonstrates with a red one. Gym equipment is stacked behind them.
A PE instructor helps a young girl balance on a wobble board in the gym, holding her hands for support. She smiles while trying to stabilize herself.
Several students play on wobble boards and balance equipment in the gym. One boy in the foreground poses excitedly while standing on a balance rocker, with other students practicing similar activities behind him.
What an incredible day of learning! Miss S is truly rocking it — just look at all the amazing work and engagement happening in her classroom. Learning is fun, and her students prove it every day!
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A group photo of two adults and eight students standing and kneeling together on a colorful United States map classroom rug. Everyone is smiling. Behind them are shelves with board games, classroom supplies, and a large expectations poster.
A teacher sits at a table with a laptop displaying a bar graph while a young student in a winter jacket reaches out for a high-five. Another adult sits beside the student, smiling. Behind them is a colorful classroom wall with posters, names, and sports-themed decorations.
A teacher sits at a kidney-shaped table with two young students, each working on worksheets. One student writes while the other follows along on a chart. The teacher has a laptop open and points to the screen. The classroom background includes shelves, binders, posters, and student artwork.
A teacher sits at a small table with two older students who are completing worksheets. All three smile at the camera. The classroom background includes shelves filled with binders, books, and games, along with an American flag near the window.
A teacher works with a small group of students at a round table covered with math materials, including number models and cut paper strips. Other students sit or kneel on the classroom carpet nearby, also engaged in work. Shelves, bins, and classroom supplies line the walls.
A teacher poses with three smiling students in a classroom. They stand in front of shelves filled with board games, art supplies, and bins. A classroom expectations poster is visible on the wall behind them.
🎙️ Educational Insights: Community Perspectives — Part 2

In this continuation of our Educational Insights podcast series, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara continue discussion with active community members Bob Crowley of Castleton and Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven.

In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into important topics such as school-to-community communication, how Vermont’s education system is funded, and the fiscal challenges surrounding the upcoming FY27 budget. The group also discusses the value and impact of Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council, highlighting how community voices help guide district priorities and build understanding around education in our region.

Tune in to hear genuine perspectives, thoughtful discussion, and shared ideas about how Slate Valley can continue strengthening its partnership with the community. https://youtu.be/e5JYVkgrUNQ
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Title slide for Slate Valley’s podcast, showing the Slate Valley logo in the center with animated soundwave graphics on a black background. Text reads “Episode #18” at the top and “Part 2” at the bottom.
🇺🇸 “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent. Today, we honor those who have served and those who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and sacrifice.”

To all veterans—students, staff, families, community members, and alumni—thank you.
Your service protects our freedoms, and your dedication inspires us each day.

We are grateful. We remember. We honor. 🇺🇸

#VeteransDay #WeAreSlateValley#ThankYouVeterans
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic honoring Veterans Day. The background features a slightly faded American flag. Large white text reads, “THANK YOU, VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE.” To the right, a small box shows “11 NOV.” Silhouettes of military figures appear at the bottom—one saluting and two soldiers helping each other. Additional text reads: “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.”
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the top section of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, featuring a green and blue hexagon with the word “Vermont” inside and the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a Veterans Day banner with silhouettes of saluting service members in front of an abstract American flag, along with messages that read “Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served” and “Thank You for Protecting Us.” The first article headline reads: “Slate Valley Leaders Attend Vermont Statewide Strategic Planning Retreat,” followed by a paragraph describing district leaders attending the retreat hosted by the Vermont Agency of Education.
PE was on a roll this week! Our 2nd graders mastered scooter skills with high-energy games of tag and teamwork-focused relay races. So much fun building coordination and endurance! Great job, everyone!
30 days ago, Slate Valley
A young child kneels on a small pink scooter board inside a gymnasium, looking toward the camera with a playful expression. The gym's wooden floor and light blue wall are visible in the background.
Several children ride colorful scooter boards across a gymnasium. Some are sitting or kneeling on the boards while others push themselves forward. A teacher or adult stands in the background supervising.
Four children ride small scooter boards around a gym floor. One child in the foreground is on a pink scooter board, while the others use blue and red boards. They appear to be playing a game and are spread out across the gym.
A wide view of a gymnasium shows multiple children skating on scooter boards in various directions. The gym is bright, with large windows and blue and maroon wall padding.
Children ride scooter boards around the gym while one child in the foreground holds a red scooter board and watches. Others are kneeling or sitting on boards as they move across the gym floor.
Honoring Our Veterans: Potluck Postponement

The children and staff of Orwell Village School send their deepest gratitude to all our local veterans who have bravely served our community, state, and country.

We are sorry to share that our annual tradition of hosting a Veterans Potluck Lunch must be postponed this year due to the ongoing kitchen renovation at the Town Hall. Honoring you is truly one of the highlights of our school year.

Please know that we will reschedule this important celebration once the renovation is complete. Watch for a special invitation in the months ahead! In the meantime, please join us in sending special thoughts to all our veterans this coming Tuesday (and always).
30 days ago, Slate Valley
Small chalkboard sign with the message “THANK YOU, VETERANS” written in white chalk, displayed in front of an American flag draped to the side.

🌟 Friday Focus on our Fabulous, Fantastic First Graders! 🌟

Our first-grade friends are flourishing!
They’re spelling like superstars, writing with wonder, and figuring out equations like future mathematicians.

And when it’s time to move? They’re all about ABL – Action Based Learning!
At ABL stations, our students learn and leap, solve and stretch, think and thrive—because movement makes mighty minds!

We love watching this phenomenal first-grade crew grow, explore, and shine each and every day.
Keep it up, super scholars — your future is brilliant! ✨

Watch the spotlight video at: https://youtu.be/VVfdm8F_D7E

30 days ago, Slate Valley
Collage of first graders working on activities—writing, reading, using laptops, jumping on gym markers, swinging, and playing on monkey bars—with the text “Focus Friday… Celebrating our Fantastic First Graders!” and the Slate Valley logo.
Young boy sitting at a classroom desk smiles while writing the word “yet” on a small whiteboard.
Girl wearing rainbow-colored glasses smiles at her desk with a whiteboard that has her name written on it.
Boy on the playground hangs from monkey bars with a determined expression.
Girl swings on a playground swing on a sunny day, looking toward the camera.
Girl jumps between circular floor markers during an activity in the school gym.
Two students kneel on the classroom floor and read a book together.
Girl writes the word “they” on large blue paper hanging on a classroom wall.
Student wearing headphones focuses on a laptop during classroom work; another student sits beside her.
Two students work together at a desk on a math worksheet, using a pencil and counting dice.
We are celebrating the vibrant culture of reading literacy in Ms. Laslocky's 4th grade! Every photo tells a story of student engagement, utilizing every corner of the learning space to read, discuss, and reflect.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
A teacher sits on a blue carpet reading with a small group of students in a classroom surrounded by bookshelves.
Three students sit on a blue rug reading books together in front of a classroom display labeled “Sketchbook of Impossible Things.”
A teacher and three students sit on the floor in a reading group, each holding a book, surrounded by shelves of classroom materials.
Four students sit in a hallway near a green and white wall, each reading a book quietly.
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧

In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.

This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Four people sit around a table with microphones recording a podcast in a classroom setting. The image is labeled “Educational Insights: Slate Valley Community Perspectives.” The participants appear engaged in conversation, with one person smiling and waving, and another speaking into a microphone. Framed artwork decorates the wall behind them.