Please Join Us Tomorrow for Coffee & Conversation!

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 8:00 - 9:30 AM at the Fair Haven Wooden Soldier.

Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!

Everyone’s welcome!

Bring a friend, grab a cup on us, and let’s talk.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley’s “Coffee & Conversation” on October 7, 2025, 8:00–9:30 AM at the Fair Haven Wooden Soldier, inviting the community to join board members and administrators for coffee and discussion on the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the school year.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: CES Pre-K Teacher, Ms. Laura Daily

This month we’re excited to highlight Ms. Laura Daily, who is now in her third year at Slate Valley—though she’s no stranger to our district! After working here previously, Laura returned about ten years later, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.

Before returning to Slate Valley, Laura worked in several roles across the region, including opening the preschool program at Wells Village School and serving in West Rutland School, the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union, and the Early Childhood Education Department at Bennington College. She’s also worked with HeadStart and as a curriculum coordinator for a private preschool. Laura has been studying and working in education since the 1990s, with her true calling centered around Early Childhood Development and Learning.

When she’s not in the classroom, Laura loves spending time with her family, enjoying nature, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, and taking walks with her dog and three children.

Her favorite quote?
“It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.”

Laura dreams of one day opening her own hands-on learning program that partners closely with families and includes an equine therapy component—an inspiring vision that perfectly reflects her dedication to learning through experience.

Thank you, Ms. Daily, for your passion, creativity, and dedication—and for being such a valuable part of the Slate Valley community!
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday graphic featuring Laura Dailey, CES Pre-K Teacher. Text highlights her early childhood education experience, love for hands-on learning, and hobbies like gardening, yoga, horseback riding, and walking her dog. Includes her quote: 'It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.
Board Meeting Tonight - October 6, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall).
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/sri-euji-itv
Or dial: (US) +1 484-746-4332 PIN: 841 923 393#
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.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads: ‘Please Join Us Tonight.’ On the agenda: Consent Agenda, Board Terms, Coffee & Conversations, Finance Committee Report. Meeting is October 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall). Includes Slate Valley Vermont logo.
October 3, 2025: Slate Valley District Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/fa2659ed6054/district-newsletter-october-3-2025
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter, Oct 3, 2025. Headline: Slate Valley Budget Season: Working Together for FY27. Includes letter inviting families and staff into the budget process, with a photo of a rainbow over trees and a Slater Nation sign.
📢 Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting of the school year!

🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room

This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is going and our hopes moving forward.

All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo with text announcing next meeting on October 7, 2025, at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room at FHUMHS.
OVS September PBIS Assembly
3 months ago, Patrick D. Walters
A wide shot of the school band seated on a stage, playing various instruments including trombones, saxophones, and flutes. The school's sign is visible on the podium. (This is likely the performance component of the assembly.)
A young female student holding a pink certificate, standing next to a kneeling male staff member wearing a patterned blue t-shirt and glasses. A microphone is in the staff member's hand.
A young male student holding a bright green certificate, looking up at an older female staff member wearing a light blue top and glasses. They are on a stage with other students visible.
A young male student holding a light blue certificate, smiling widely next to a female staff member wearing a purple top. They are on a stage with students visible behind them.
A young female student holding a pink certificate with script, smiling next to a female staff member wearing a white and black floral dress. They are standing on a stage with other students visible behind them.
A female student in a dark Vipers t-shirt holds a pink paper, standing next to an older female staff member wearing a white and pink patterned top. The staff member has her arm around the student's shoulder.
A female student holding a yellow certificate, smiling next to a female staff member wearing a mask and a light-colored t-shirt with a blue mascot graphic. A window is visible behind them.
A young male student holding a green certificate with a wreath design, smiling next to a kneeling male staff member wearing a plaid shirt. Other students and music stands are visible in the background.

September Students of the Month

Congratulations to these students of the month for displaying remarkable values of Responsibility throughout the school day, making them outstanding role models for their fellow students.

3 months ago, Patrick D. Walters
Portrait of a young boy with short blonde hair and freckles, wearing a gray t-shirt. He is smiling slightly.
Portrait of a young boy with short, light brown hair, wearing a bright lime green t-shirt with a graphic. He is smiling.
Portrait of a young girl with long blonde hair and a pink headband, wearing a plain pink t-shirt. She is smiling.
Portrait of a young boy with short, dark hair, wearing a plaid button-up shirt over a dark t-shirt. He is smiling.
Portrait of a young boy with short, dark, curly hair, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and a black strap across his shoulder. He is smiling widely.
Portrait of a young girl with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a rust-colored button-up shirt with a patterned print. She is smiling and wearing small earrings.
Portrait of an older boy, possibly a middle school student, with short dark hair and a few visible blemishes, wearing a dark blue t-shirt. He is smiling slightly.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 26, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/79359f4019ef/slate-valley-district-newsletter-92625
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley newsletter, Sept 26, 2025: Happy Autumn and message on strong, unified school districts.
We’re excited to kick off the first podcast of the 2025–2026 school year! Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell sat down with Slate Valley Unified’s Board Chair, Julie Finnegan, for an insightful conversation.

In this episode, Julie shares about:
✔️ The responsibilities of the board chair position
✔️ The school board’s goals and aspirations for the year ahead
✔️ The importance of community involvement
✔️ Thoughts on Act 73 and what it could mean for our community

Tune in to hear directly from district leadership as we continue building transparency and connection with our community. 🎧
Watch or Listen to the full Podcast at https://youtu.be/zus4jJvbsb0
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Two women sit across from each other in conversation, both smiling. One wears a white blazer and the other a purple patterned blouse with glasses. They are seated at a table with microphones and a headset in front of them, with a colorful abstract painting and a whiteboard in the background.
☕️💬 Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!

Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.

Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!

Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley’s “Coffee & Conversation” on Sept. 26, 2025, 9:00–10:30 AM at Orwell Free Library, inviting the community to join board members and administrators for coffee and discussion on the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the school year.
Board Meeting - September 22, 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/asz-bujx-ixw
Or dial: (US) +1 218-301-2538 PIN: 630 332 195#
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.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on September 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room. Agenda includes consent agenda, guidance team presentation, Act 73 (H.454) discussion, and committee reports on building & grounds and policy.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 19, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4bee6898ba67/slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-september-19-2025
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter cover dated September 19, 2025, featuring the Slate Valley logo, illustrations of apples, and headline announcing that Fair Haven graduate Emmet MacKay’s nomination earned Mr. Nathan Morris the Yale Educator Award.

Camo Day at OVS - What a great Camo Day at OVS! We loved seeing everyone get into the spirit and show off their best camouflage outfits.

3 months ago, Patrick D. Walters
A group of five boys pose for a photo outside a brick building.
A group of five smiling children stands in front of a brick building.
A group of ten students, some kneeling and some standing, smile for a photo in a classroom.
A group of children and two adults stand together in a classroom, smiling for a photo.
A group of nine smiling children, some standing and some kneeling, pose for a photo in a classroom.
A teacher and a group of students are gathered on the floor in a classroom.
A group of five children wearing camouflage clothing stand together in a classroom.
Gear up, OVS!

Get ready to blend in with your surroundings this Friday for Camo Day!

Show your school spirit by wearing your favorite camouflage gear, whether it's a hat, a jacket, a t-shirt, or a full-on camo outfit.

Let's see your best camo look on Friday!

3 months ago, Slate Valley
Group of students dressed in camouflage clothing posing in a school hallway for Camo Day. Text on image reads: 'Camo Day, This Friday September 19th.
Orwell Village School Newsletter: Week of September 12, 2025
https://5il.co/3pq4m
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Orwell Village School newsletter Sept 12, 2025 with key dates, new chef intro, milk program update, and calls for volunteers.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of September 12, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter dated September 12, 2025, featuring a banner of kindergarten students holding posters for the “12th Day of School” celebration with phrases like “12 crayons coloring,” “6 golden stars,” and “1 big smile just for me.” Headline reads: “12 Days In and Our First Full Week Complete!” with a note thanking families and community for their support.
Focus Friday: Slate Valley is celebrating our newest full-time students — our kindergarteners!

As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”

The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten

We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley’s “Focus Friday” highlighting kindergarteners. Text reads: “Slate Valley is celebrating our newest full-time students — our kindergarteners! This week, kindergarteners from OVS, BVS, CES, and FHGS teamed up to create a joyful video in honor of their 12th day of school — which just happens to be today, September 12th! Video at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten.” The flyer includes multiple photos of kindergarten students smiling, coloring, playing, and engaging in classroom activities. Bottom text: “Celebrating Our Kindergarteners!” with the Slate Valley logo
☕✨ Coffee & Conversation is back! ✨☕

Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!

📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM

Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Coffee & Conversation flyer with school district logo, coffee cup graphic, and event details. Dates and times: Sept 19 Castleton Free Library 10–11 AM; Sept 26 Orwell Free Library 9–10:30 AM; Oct 7 Fair Haven Wooden Soldier 8–9:30 AM; Oct 9 Benson Town Hall 8–9:30 AM. Invitation to join board members and administrators to discuss FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the school year.
Throwback Thursday!

Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!

This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.

Thankfully, times have changed!

Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring a 1967 Rutland Daily Herald article titled ‘OH (for Outhouse) in Hubbardton, West Haven,’ with photos of old schoolhouses and outhouses. Text reads: ‘Back to ’67: When Bathroom Breaks Meant the Outhouse!
1967 Rutland Daily Herald article titled “It’s OH (for Outhouse) in Hubbardton, West Haven” describing schools with outdoor privies and no running water.
Black and white photo of Turnpike School with a small outhouse to the right, surrounded by trees and grass.
Black and white photo of Monument Hill School with a shed that sheltered outhouses attached to the building.
Black and white photo of Turnpike School pupils playing outside during recess, with children running and smiling in a grassy field.
Remembering September 11

Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic honoring 9/11 with New York skyline silhouette, Statue of Liberty inside the number 9, and the Twin Towers as the number 11 with stars at the top. Text reads: "In Honor and Remembrance, 11th September, Never Forget.