Thank you, Slate Valley community!

Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!

Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations

All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.

We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒

Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A bold community flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance – Thank You!” The top features a close-up of an ambulance with its blue emergency lights on and the word “AMBULANCE” in red letters across the front. Below, a large “Thank You!” message appears in white text. The center of the flyer shows the back of an ambulance filled with assorted donated food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and cooking oil. On the left is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo, and on the right is a star-of-life EMS symbol. A white box lists total contributions: “Cash Donations = $1744.05” and “Food Donations = 1,451.15 pounds.” The bottom text reads, “Sponsored by Slate Valley Unified USD & Fair Haven Rescue Squad – All to benefit Slate Valley Cares.”
Twin Day at OVS!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A young student dressed in a white shirt and tie stands proudly with an adult man, also in a shirt and tie. They smile in what appears to be an office or conference room, the student wearing ID cards around their neck.
Two boys stand in a classroom; one wears a red Patriots jersey and the other a red hoodie. They smile as they pose in front of colorful classroom materials.
Two teachers stand in a classroom, wearing unintentionally matching outfits: white tops, black cardigans, and jeans. They smile warmly.
Two boys stand together in a hallway, wearing green hoodies—one with an Old Navy logo and the other with a John Deere design. They smile at the camera.
Two boys stand side-by-side wearing matching white “Messi” soccer uniforms. One rests his arm on the other’s shoulder, and both smile proudly.
Four girls stand in a row against a light green wall, all dressed in purple tops. They smile as they pose together.
Two girls stand in front of a map, dressed in pink-themed outfits. One wears a beige vest and pink shirt, and the other wears a pink polka-dot vest. Both wear boots and smile at the camera.
Three girls stand in front of a large U.S. map, all dressed in black outfits. They smile brightly, with sunlight shining on them from the side.
Two young boys stand in front of a classroom map of the United States. One boy wears blue glasses and a striped sweater and is pointing excitedly; the other boy laughs, wearing a blue-and-green color-block shirt.
Two students stand side-by-side in a hallway, both wearing “Willoughby Lake, Vermont” hoodies—one in a light tie-dye style and the other in a blue-and-gray tie-dye. They smile at the camera with a set of windows behind them.
Our 4th graders had a wonderful time making and enjoying Friendship Soup today! This activity was a fantastic lesson in teamwork and community, as every student contributed an ingredient to create one delicious meal. It’s a beautiful reminder that we are all stronger and better together!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A young student in a pink patterned vest smiles while chopping yellow potatoes at a table. An adult woman with gray hair and glasses hugs her from behind, both smiling. Bookshelves filled with colorful books line the background.
Two adults assist a young boy with glasses as he pours ingredients into a pot on a classroom table filled with vegetables, containers, and cooking supplies. Bookshelves and classroom materials surround them.
A smiling young girl in a black sweatshirt stirs chopped vegetables—including carrots and celery—in an Instant Pot on a classroom table filled with cooking supplies and vegetables.
A group of elementary students stands around desks shaking jars, likely making butter. They smile and laugh in a bright classroom decorated with posters and student artwork.
Three boys stand around an Instant Pot full of soup, with one stirring it. Various ingredients—including carrots, onions, and pasta—are spread across the classroom table.
A close-up of a student examining a jar of freshly made butter. Another child stands blurred in the background.
Students and a teacher work together in a classroom to lay out long sheets of red tablecloth material across several desks in preparation for a meal.
A classroom of students sits around a large U-shaped arrangement of desks covered with red tablecloths, eating a meal together. Teachers stand at the back of the room.
Three girls smile while eating soup at a long table covered in red tablecloths. Plates, cups, and polka-dot napkins are arranged in front of them.
A classroom of students sits around tables arranged in a square, eating a meal served in bowls and cups. A teacher stands near the back wall beside a large screen.
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Slate Valley!🦃
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A festive Thanksgiving-themed graphic featuring cartoon characters dressed as a Pilgrim boy on the left and a Pilgrim girl on the right. At the top is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo. Colorful fall leaves and banner decorations frame the image. The text reads: “Thanksgiving Break. School will be closed November 26–28. Wishing all of our Slate Valley families a restful and joyful holiday! School resumes Monday, December 1!” The bottom of the graphic is decorated with sunflowers and autumn foliage.
Our OVS second graders joyfully celebrated the "Balloons Over Broadway" tradition to kick off their Thanksgiving break, proudly parading their creative balloon masterpieces through the halls. Wishing all our OVS families a wonderful and peaceful holiday!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of elementary students stands in a school hallway holding handmade Thanksgiving-themed balloons for a “Macy’s Day Parade” activity. A teacher in front holds a sign labeled “Macy’s Day Parade.” The students smile as they line up along a floor mat featuring a wildcat mascot.
A close-up of a handmade Thanksgiving balloon decorated as a colorful turkey. The balloon features a paper turkey head and feathers, with the message “Happy Thanksgiving” drawn in bright colors.
A young student sits at her desk coloring a large balloon-shaped plastic cutout with bright markers. Other students work in the background inside a classroom filled with learning materials and organized bins.
A student wearing glasses colors a balloon-shaped plastic cutout with brightly colored markers. He is focused on his artwork, with worksheets, markers, and classroom supplies spread out on the desk around him.
Two students work together at a desk, coloring a large balloon-shaped plastic cutout. One student holds the balloon while the other colors it with green and red marker. The classroom shelves and materials are visible behind them.
🎉 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!
19 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
19 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! ⚽✨
20 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.
20 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
23 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!
23 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! 🎉 🎶
23 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
25 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
30 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
30 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!
about 1 month 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!
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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.