Orwell Village School

FHUHS REAL Class - Care Package Donation Drive Oct. 12th-Oct. 23rd It is our goal to collect items to make over 50 care packages that can be given to homeless youth and families in need within our community. Please Help us make this possible by donating the following foods and items: Pop Top Canned Food Packaged Crackers or Trail Mix Youth or Adult Socks Winter Hats Soap Mini Shampoo Hand Lotion Hand Warmers All Donations can be dropped off at local drop boxes out front of FHUHS, Fair Haven Grade School, Castleton Village School or Benson Village School. If you would like to make a donation but can’t make it to one of our drop boxes please feel free to contact Nicole Rice, nrice@svuvt.org for pick up.

Dear Slate Valley Families, We are very fortunate to be entering the 6th week of in-person learning in Slate Valley. Our district had one of the most aggressive plans for the return to school for our students in the state and to date it has been very successful. However, we are still in the midst of a pandemic and we all need to do our part. We do not want to find ourselves in a situation where we have to move to remote learning as we strongly believe that it is not what is best for our students. As Halloween approaches we are hearing of different events that are being held in the communities of Slate Valley. We continue to remind everyone to take the health guidelines into consideration when planning activities. We know this is a difficult time for us all and especially our children. The CDC has released guidance (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween) on low, moderate, and high risk activities for celebration. We want all of our children to have fun and also remain safe and healthy. We truly care about the health and well-being of all of our Slate Valley Community. Be well, Brooke Farrell Superintendent

Cross-state Travel Update - Please view the updated cross-state travel map: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel. Washington and Essex Counties in NY are now green, so you can travel to those counties this weekend. Warren and Saratoga Counties (NY) remain on the quarantine list though. Also, while there are no travel restrictions within the state of Vermont, Addison, Bennington and Grand Isle Counties have a large increase in infection rates.

Substitute Teachers 2020-2021 Vacancies Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking Substitute Teachers for the 2020-2021 school year for an hourly rate of $15.00. All applicants must apply on https://www.schoolspring.com/. Position will remain open until filled. EOE

Dear Slate Valley Families, The Cross-State Travel map changed again today and many of the NY counties that border Vermont now require a 14 day quarantine if you travel there for non-essential activity. This includes Washington, Essex, Warren and Saratoga Counties. Please know that as a school district we are required to enforce these rules by the Department of Health. This means that if your child travels to any of these areas for non-essential activities such as but not limited to apple picking, dance lessons, sports, funerals, etc they will be required to quarantine and will not be allowed to attend school in person. If you have a question regarding this please call the Vermont Department of Health or visit the website https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel.

Reminder! Tonight (September 28, 2020) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting. Fair Haven Union High School, 6:30 p.m. Participation will be in person or virtually connect by going to http://meet.google.com/pgv-bvyg-sux or by calling (US)+1 541-897-2511 PIN: 644 673 160# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/lc2h Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/l20l Upcoming Meetings: October 12, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS) October 12, 2020 - SV Finance Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS) November 9, 2020 - SV Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS) November 9, 2020 - SV Finance Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)

Dear Slate Valley Families, It was just announced in the Governor's Press Conference that Vermont schools will be allowed to operate in Stage III starting this Saturday, September 26th. For us in Slate Valley, this means that beginning this weekend we will be allowing athletic contests. Generally, speaking there are minimal changes between Stage II and Stage III in the school reopening guidance. As such, in all other areas we will be remaining status quo for the time being. We are doing well in no small part to the staff, students and community’s cooperation and we want to keep it that way. In the coming days and weeks I will be sending out further communication on changes you may see after 2 weeks in Stage III. I know that the cross-state travel map has been frustrating for some families and I completely understand. Please know that as a school district we are compelled to follow requirements put forth by the State of Vermont. The map is now being updated on Tuesdays so families can plan their activities for the coming weekend. Please note that Washington County, NY is now off the map. However, Warren and Saratoga Counties in NY are still on the map so please, please plan your travel accordingly. We do not want to be in a position of asking your child to remain home from in-person learning. This does not benefit anyone. If you have questions please refer to the website: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel/faqs and/or call the Vermont Department of Health. Also, according to the Vermont Department of Health apple picking is a leisure activity. I know this was not clear to a lot of families over the weekend. Furthermore, we are so grateful for our school nurses. They truly have borne the brunt of the questions and enforcement of the COVID protocols. Please know that they must follow the guidelines put forth from the Vermont Department of Health and as such everyone is doing the best that they can in this difficult situation. As always, thank you for your continued support and cooperation during these trying times. Be well, Brooke Farrell, Superintendent

“It’s just another example of this amazing community pulling together and doing things for the kids,” Orwell School Principal Patrick Walters said. https://addisonindependent.com/news/school-back-session-%E2%80%94-outdoors

Free Giveaway Saturday September 26th , 12-3 p.m. Out back of Fair Haven Grade School Mask required. Bring your own bags. Free items including clothes, household items, and some toys! Everyone is invited to browse the items and take what you need.

Dear Slate Valley Families, Thank you so very much for all of your patience and cooperation these last couple of weeks. The reopening of school has gone well due in no small part to all of your support. The cross-state travel map changed today and as such many of the counties that you may travel to in NY state are now on the travel restriction list. Please make sure to check this map if you are planning any travel out of state as it may impact your child's ability to attend school in person. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact your school administration. https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel Thank you and have a wonderful weekend! Best, Brooke Farrell, Superintendent

The 2020 Census ends on September 30th. Please take a few minutes at http://www.2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to make sure you count.

We are off to a wonderful start! (more pictures)

We are off to a wonderful start! My sincerest gratitude to all who made our arrival so smooth, acting with kindness and patience!

Reminder! Tonight (September 14, 2020) You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting. Fair Haven Union High School, 6:30 p.m. Participation will be in person or virtually connect by going to http://meet.google.com/sed-pvzz-bsy or by calling (US) +1 317-961-0599 PIN: 177 396 689#. Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/ksn7 Previous Meeting Minutes: http://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/browse/151952 Upcoming Meetings: -September 28, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS) -September 28, 2020 - SV Policy Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS) -September 28, 2020 - SV Building and Grounds Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS) -October 12, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS) -October 12, 2020 - SV Finance Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)

Reminder: 7/8 Boys and Girls Soccer players from OVS/BVS/FHGS/CVS - ​FormReLeaf (http://www.formreleaf.com/) sign up is open until 9-15-20 -- Please sign your athletes up! MS Athletics Letter (8-27-20): https://5il.co/kunv

Congratulations to all of our exceptional Slate Valley Staff! District Awards Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vsLm7iXGI7Qqws3GukYbnNNLLFosJZJ4/view?usp=sharing Award Recipients: SVUUSD Executive Awards Fair Haven: Library/Tech Integration Team - Maggie McGarry, Lisa Cacciatore & Rodney Batschelet FHUHS: FHUHS Counseling Department UVM Outstanding Teacher Award Castleton Village: Annie Crumb FHUHS: M. Susan Cornell SVUUSD Outstanding Teacher Award Benson: Jessica Thurston Castleton Elementary: Jenna Ray Castleton Village: Annie Crumb Fair Haven: Katie Hart FHUHS: M. Susan Cornell Orwell: Francine Broughton Instructional Assistant Award Benson: Greta Doran Castleton Elementary: Amy Cotton Castleton Village: Jill McClure Fair Haven: Lisa Brough FHUHS: Robin Sheldrick Orwell: Amy Messer SVUUSD Special Service Award Letter Slate Valley Technology Team

Reminder: Food Box Distribution Day Thursday, August 27th 10am - 11am

Nursing Substitutes 2020-2021 Vacancies Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking Nursing Substitutes for the 2020-2021 school year for an hourly rate of $30.00. All applicants must apply on https://www.schoolspring.com/. Position will remain open until filled. EOE

Looking for temporary, part-time work? Slate Valley Unified School District is seeking temporary part-time Custodians, up to 25 hours per week, during the COVID pandemic to maintain the cleanliness of the school facilities. Custodial experience preferred. For additional information contact Chris Cole, Director of Operations at 265-4905 or email ccole@svuvt.org. This position will remain open until filled. E O E

Food Box Distribution Day Thursday August 27th 10am - 11am