Reminder! Tonight (January 25, 2021)
You’re invited (virtually) to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http://meet.google.com/qag-fpgi-dtn or by calling (US) +1 617-675-4444 PIN: 658 282 596 9955#
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/osjy
Tonight!
Community Connections: A Virtual Meeting with Slate Valley Central Office Administrators
January 20th
6 - 7 PM
Join with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/cvi-tned-tyc
or by phone(US) +1 402-527-4082 (PIN: 450007785)
Community Connections: A Virtual Meeting with Slate Valley Central Office Administrators
January 20th
6 - 7 PM
Join with Google Meet https://meet.google.com/cvi-tned-tyc
or by phone(US) +1 402-527-4082 (PIN: 450007785)
Tonight!
Topics: Budget Outlook & District Reorganization
Please take this opportunity to learn about the upcoming budget outlook as well as continue the discussion about the board's plans for district reorganization.
Join us at 6 p.m. to discuss the upcoming budget and district reorganization on the following dates.
Jan. 12th with Mike, Rick, Tara, Tanya, and Angela (Fair Haven/West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866)
Jan. 13th with Tim, Julie, Toni, Josh, and Christine (Castleton/Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/qok-edco-jhq or join by phone (US) +1 401-285-6400 (PIN: 766569448)
Jan. 14th with Pati, Becky, and Beckah (Benson) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US)+1 929-266-1990 (PIN: 284595478)
Jan. 14th with Peter, Glen, and John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US) +1 585-535-3234 (PIN: 48340626)
Reminder! Tonight (January 11, 2021)
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board (VIRTUAL) Meeting
Fair Haven Union High School, 6:30 p.m.
Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/bfa-wnzj-tio or by calling (US) +1 317-961-0599 PIN: 177 396 689#.
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/o9q3
Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/nxpn
Topics: Budget Outlook & District Reorganization
Please take this opportunity to learn about the upcoming budget outlook as well as continue the discussion about the board's plans for district reorganization.
Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School.
To address the anticipated low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board voted on December 7th in favor of in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join us at 6 p.m. to discuss the upcoming budget and district reorganization on the following dates.
Jan. 12th with Mike, Rick, Tara, Tanya, and Angela (Fair Haven/West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866)
Jan. 13th with Tim, Julie, Toni, Josh, and Christine (Castleton/Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/qok-edco-jhq or join by phone (US) +1 401-285-6400 (PIN: 766569448)
Jan. 14th with Pati, Becky, and Beckah (Benson) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US)+1 929-266-1990 (PIN: 284595478)
Jan. 14th with Peter, Glen, and John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/rat-adyy-xye or join by phone (US) +1 585-535-3234 (PIN: 48340626)
Dear Slate Valley Families,
I know thus far that 2021 has proven to be a trying time for our community, state and country. Furthermore, I know that anxiety is at an all time high. We have had 8 reported cases of COVID connected to either a staff member or student since November. The prevalence of these cases has escalated in the last few weeks. Up until this point we remained relatively unscathed.
Please note that we work closely with health officials. We follow the Agency of Education Safe and Healthy Start Guidance. So far we have not had any in-school transmission of the virus. This means that while in school, an individual has not spread it to another individual in the school setting. All the transmission has been community based to date, meaning the exposure occurred outside of school. Although this is the case, we are swift and thorough with tracing possible in-school close contacts and through the Department of Health, quarantine them to observe for symptoms until they can get tested. By following the guidelines, close contacts are kept to a minimum in the school setting.
From this point forward, we will only be notifying Slate Valley families when a case specifically impacts the operations of the school, meaning that the employee or student was in attendance while contagious. We know COVID is widespread in our communities.
I also wanted to let you know that staff has been able to get tested at work since November. While this is voluntary, we have a large number of staff that are being tested on a regular basis. So far these tests have all yielded negative results.
I take my job very seriously when it comes to student and staff safety. There are no easy answers for any of us. There are risks to learning in person and there are risks to moving to remote learning. Some of the risks to moving to remote learning include the impact on mental health, child abuse going unreported, learning loss, and further spread of the virus in the community as students have greater opportunity to congregate without protective measures and parents needing to leave their jobs thus increasing poverty. We look at the data and weigh the risks in order to make the very best decision possible for our kids. That being said I encourage you to work with your building principals if you have concerns. We all need to support each other during this very difficult time.
All the best,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent
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 as well as 1 regular part-time Custodian 20 hours per week. Custodial experience preferred.
For additional information, contact Chris Cole, Director of Operations at 265-4905 or email [email protected].
This position will remain open until filled. E O E
Slate Valley MS Athletics -Grades 5-8 - Winter Sports Registration Reopened
Please go to Formreleaf.com and register your athlete for winter bball.
Registration will close on Jan 3rd at 6am - This will be the last opportunity to register, it will not be reopened.
Reminder - Yearly sports physicals are required (every 14 months)
Middle School Basketball for Slate Valley can start as early as Jan 11th. Please check the Slate Valley App for practice and game schedules. That is where you will find changes and updates.
Thank you,
Kim Alexander
Hello all -
Winter sports practices have been given the go ahead. Practices for Slate Valley 5-8 teams will begin the week of January 11, 2021.
We will be implementing practices with strict guidelines, including the wearing of masks, maintaining 6 foot distancing and no physical contact. At this point intra squad scrimmages and interscholastic competitions are prohibited, but will be revisited.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our athletes. To ensure that we can begin and maintain a winter sports season, I ask you to please remember to follow all safety measures, including travel and multi family guidelines. If your athlete will be traveling or is sick please keep them home and follow the Covid guidelines.
I will be working on a practice schedule over break, which will be uploaded onto the Slate Valley app.
We are still looking to fill some coaching slots.If you are interested or know of anyone, please have them contact me at: [email protected]. The following positions are open: CES/CVS: 5/6 Boys head coach and assistant coach. 5/6 Girls assistant coach, 7/8 Boys assistant coach.
Thank you,
Kim
Dear Slate Valley Community Member,
On 12-22-20 we learned about a person with Coronavirus Disease at the Fair Haven Union High School. This person was not in attendance while contagious and therefore no special actions need to be taken. We recommend that you take action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, even if your child is not experiencing symptoms. This is especially true going into the holiday break and knowing the virus is in our communities.
Please read the full letter from Superintendent Olsen-Farrell with links to resources here: https://5il.co/o60d
Reminder! Tonight (December 14, 2020)
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http:// meet.google.com/srb-bmfc-qwa OR BY CALLING (US) +1 320-416-1017 PIN: 600 914 747#
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/nw73
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.
For the weeks of January 4th - 15th - anyone who substitutes in Slate Valley will be paid $15 per hour plus $30 a day bonus for each day they work.
All applicants must apply on https://www.schoolspring.com/. Positions will remain open until filled. EOE
Dear Slate Valley Families,
We have been fielding questions today about the possibility of Slate Valley going remote after December break as many of our neighboring districts have decided to go remote for a period of time beginning January 4th. While that is something that is always on the table should the data specific to Slate Valley indicate that it is appropriate, we do not have data in Slate Valley that would support that move at this time. As such, our intent is to remain in person as we return on January 4th. I continue to believe that in person learning is what is best for students, staff and our communities.
Our schools are some of the safest places for students and staff to be as we carefully follow the health and safety guidance. Of course student and staff safety is always our priority and we will adjust as the data indicates, but going remote is the very last thing we want to do. We continue to encourage students, staff and families to follow Vermont’s Health and Safety Guidance. If everyone continues to do their part, we will get through this together.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions.
Best,
Brooke Farrell, Superintendent
Reminder! Tonight (December 7, 2020)
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http://meet.google.com/pcg-apgw-ehr or by calling (US) +1 929-279-3293 PIN: 353 796 419#
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/nhqo
Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/ng0u
Upcoming Meetings:
December 14, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
December 14, 2020 - SV Building & Grounds Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
December 14, 2020 - SV Policy Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
Dear Slate Valley Families,
I know that the new Executive Order from the Governor has been confusing to navigate. First, please understand that an Executive Order from the Governor is law and we must as a school district follow it. In the very simplest of terms this order means that "except for school, students should only be having contact with immediate household members and/or caregivers as needed for parents to work. No visiting between friends/families outside of school is currently allowable and will result in quarantine." This will be in effect for the foreseeable future; we are expecting at least through mid-January.
There is a Frequently Asked Questions document from the State of Vermont which should help answer some of your questions and give you more details. Please click on the link to read the document.
Frequently Asked Questions https://5il.co/nkuv
If you have additional questions please contact the Vermont Department of Health. (802)863-7240, option 0
As of this moment we will not be including a question on multi-household gatherings in our screening process as we do not want to put our students in difficult situations. Instead we are asking that parents be honest and keep their children home to access learning remotely if they have violated this Executive Order. Please find the Executive Order linked below:
Executive Order https://5il.co/nkus
We fully recognize this is difficult but need your help to keep our schools open. If we find that students are not following the guidelines and then attending school, it may force us to move to remote learning. We know that is not what is best for our families and students and as such do not want to have to make that decision.
Sincerely,
Brooke Farrell, Superintendent
Reminder - You’re invited!
Slate Valley School Board Members are hosting a week of Virtual Listening Tours beginning tonight (November 30th).
Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School. To address low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board is considering in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join board members at 6 p.m. to discuss district reorganization on the following dates:
Nov. 30th with Tanya, Angela (West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866)
Nov. 30th with Josh, Christine (Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/piw-sqjk-crt or join by phone (US) +1 470-208-3216 (PIN: 271699166)
Dec. 1st with Tim, Julie, Toni (Castleton) https://meet.google.com/byi-qppv-qgq or join by phone (US) +1 515-518-4964 (PIN: 853077567)
Dec. 2nd with Peter, Glen, John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/viq-uxim-get?hs=122&authuser=0 or join by phone (US) +1 218-296-8729 (PIN: 318 417 490#)
Dec. 2nd with Mike, Rick Tara (Fair Haven) https://meet.google.com/cjv-qqvq-fhe or join by phone (US) +1 601-909-0134 (PIN: 703665728)
Dec. 3rd with Pati, Becky, Beckah (Benson) https://meet.google.com/ezx-zxdi-zct or join by phone (US) +1 605-777-0574 (PIN: 127269244)
Good Morning Slate Valley Families,
I would like to follow-up on the District letter from yesterday. I know yesterday’s news from the Governor was hard for all of us to digest and left many of us feeling unsettled right before an upcoming holiday. Put simply, schools are compelled to follow the state guidelines and executive orders from the Governor.
Our intent is to return to in-person learning on Monday November 30th, however it is undoubtedly becoming more and more difficult due to the increasing restrictions. Given that, the State has told schools that students who attend multi-house gatherings that are not in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order (https://governor.vermont.gov/sites/scott/files/documents/ADDENDUM%208%20TO%20AMENDED%20AND%20RESTATED%20EXECUTIVE%20ORDER%2001-20_0.pdf) may not attend in person school without quarantining for 7-14 days. Therefore, we ask that if your child has attended a multi-house gathering that goes against the Executive Order that they NOT attend school in-person on Monday the 30th. Instead it is expected that they observe the 7-14 day quarantine and engage in learning remotely.
We have said time and time again that in-person learning is what is best for our students, staff and community. Schools are some of the safest places in terms of the virus as we follow the health guidance closely. Furthermore, please note that these new rules put our staff in an untenable position that isn’t of the schools’ making. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our students and staff and ask that if you are upset by the current rules that you contact the state and not take it out on our staff. We are simply trying to do our best for all at a very difficult time.
I would ask that you speak with your building principal if you have any questions or know your child needs to attend remotely beginning on the 30th.
All the best,
Brooke Farrell, Superintendent
Update from Governor Phil Scott’s press conference today:
The start of school sports for the winter season is postponed until further notice. The state of Vermont will assess information weekly to consider when the start to this season will begin.
The governor expressed the following during his remarks, “I hope adults realize the need to sacrifice to give our kids these experiences and keep them in school as much as possible.”
Schools are being encouraged to inquire about participation in multi-family gatherings during Thanksgiving Break. If a staff member is made aware of participation in a multi-family gathering that person may have to quarantine for 7-14 days.
You’re invited!
Slate Valley School Board Members are hosting a week of Virtual Listening Tours beginning on November 30th.
Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School. To address low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board is considering in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join board members at 6 p.m. to discuss district reorganization on the following dates:
Nov. 30th with Tanya, Angela (West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866)
Nov. 30th with Josh, Christine (Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/piw-sqjk-crt or join by phone (US) +1 470-208-3216 (PIN: 271699166)
Dec. 1st with Tim, Julie, Toni (Castleton) https://meet.google.com/byi-qppv-qgq or join by phone (US) +1 515-518-4964 (PIN: 853077567)
Dec. 2nd with Peter, Glen, John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/viq-uxim-get?hs=122&authuser=0 or join by phone (US) +1 218-296-8729 (PIN: 318 417 490#)
Dec. 2nd with Mike, Rick Tara (Fair Haven) https://meet.google.com/cjv-qqvq-fhe or join by phone (US) +1 601-909-0134 (PIN: 703665728)
Reminder! Tonight (November 23, 2020)
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Participation will be VIRTUAL ONLY. Connect by going to http://meet.google.com/dtb-pfqk-hrp or by calling (US) +1 414-909-6054 PIN: 721 315 535#
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/n63m
Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/n0de
Upcoming Meetings:
December 7, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
December 7, 2020 - SV Finance Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
December 14, 2020 - SV Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
December 14, 2020 - SV Building & Grounds Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
December 14, 2020 - SV Policy Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
You’re invited!
Slate Valley School Board Members are hosting a week of Virtual Listening Tours beginning on November 30th.
Currently the board is exploring a plan for district reorganization that would include the consolidation of all district middle school students to the high school beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. This would result in the closure or educational repurposing of Castleton Village School. Sixth grade students in Castleton would then attend Castleton Elementary School.
To address low enrollment of middle school students in Benson Village School, the board is considering in-district school choice (with transportation) for 7th and 8th grade students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Listening tours are an opportunity to have a conversation with your board members. Please join board members at 6 p.m. to discuss district reorganization on the following dates:
Nov. 30th with Tanya, Angela (West Haven) https://meet.google.com/bsc-wcrm-zbw or join by phone (US) +1 929-287-3647 (PIN: 876141866)
Nov. 30th with Josh, Christine (Hubbardton) https://meet.google.com/piw-sqjk-crt or join by phone (US) +1 470-208-3216 (PIN: 271699166)
Dec. 1st with Tim, Julie, Toni (Castleton) https://meet.google.com/byi-qppv-qgq or join by phone (US) +1 515-518-4964 (PIN: 853077567)
Dec. 2nd with Peter, Glen, John (Orwell) https://meet.google.com/viq-uxim-get?hs=122&authuser=0 or join by phone (US)
+1 218-296-8729 (PIN: 318 417 490#)
Dec. 2nd with Mike, Rick Tara (Fair Haven) https://meet.google.com/cjv-qqvq-fhe or join by phone (US) +1 601-909-0134 (PIN: 703665728)
Dear Slate Valley Families,
I hope it goes without saying that we know how stressful the pandemic has been for everyone. We are all in this together and we will get through it. I want to remind everyone that our primary focus as a district is to keep everyone safe and remain open for in-person learning. However, as COVID cases begin to rise across the state and region we will only be as safe as our community makes us. It is on all of us to do the right thing and follow the state guidelines.
As the days wear on, we have noticed an increase in the number of student screening questions that are not being answered accurately. We are trying to do our very best as a district to comply with the State’s Health and Safety Guidance and we need families to help make sure the screening questions are accurately and completely answered. In order to keep our schools open and safe we need every single person to do their part. Community spread in Vermont is due to people traveling to restricted areas, not wearing masks and not practicing physical distancing from those outside your household. Please keep your child home if the screening indicates they should stay home. I cannot stress the importance of this enough.
Please do your part and let us know if you need support. We are here to help in these very difficult times.
Best,
Brooke Farrell
Superintendent
What are you planning for the holidays this year? It’s hard to imagine breaking with tradition and celebrating at home, but that is what a lot of Vermont families are deciding to do in 2020.
Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, and the way you celebrate this year will have an impact on your family, community, and Vermont.
Our ability to keep schools open relies on everyone doing their part. It’s easy to let our guard down among friends and family -- people we trust. But the fact is, we don’t know if they’ve been exposed to the virus, and it’s those times that the virus can spread very easily. Please keep this in mind as you consider holiday plans.
Resources
https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
Good morning,
Due to the rising COVID case counts in the Northeast effective today, November 10, 2020, the State of Vermont has suspended its leisure travel map and implemented a mandatory quarantine for anyone returning or traveling to Vermont.
https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
Slate Valley Middle School Winter Sports Registration -- IS NOW OPEN
IT WILL BE OPEN FROM NOVEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 15TH.
PLEASE GO TO ---- FORMRELEAF.COM
Slate Valley Middle School
Choose your school, sport and grade level
Fill out the WHOLE form or resubmit if already in.
REMINDER of yearly physical (upload or send to nurse)
SAVE the information
Check to make sure that your information is saved, you should receive verification.
Information will be coming of start dates for practices, games, etc. We will also be notifying you of ALL guidelines, restrictions, etc.
Thank you for your continued flexibility and support!
All my best.
Kim
Reminder! Tonight (November 9, 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/iso-hvnh-hhv or by calling (US) +1 405-656-0082 PIN: 628 068 926#
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/mvql
Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/mj5k
Upcoming Meetings:
November 23, 2020 - SV Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
November 23, 2020 - SV Buildings & Grounds Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
November 23, 2020 - SV Policy Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
#GOBEARS #BVS #BenStrong #LIghteninginabottle
I could not be more proud of this staff, these students, this community! It takes a village .. Benson Village to be exact!
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
Good afternoon,
The State of Vermont has updated the Cross State Travel Map: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel.
As you will note, travel outside of the state of Vermont (including Washington County, NY) for non-essential reasons requires a 14 day quarantine.
Kinder/1st counting collections!
Jack and the Beanstalk math lesson! Measurement, comparison, data collection, and addition!
Grades 2/3 measuring perimeters!
One-to-one correspondence with elbow noodles!
Good evening, here is a link to our COVID-19 guide: https://5il.co/ml9y. We hope you find this resource helpful. Note: This guide has been updated from the one (briefly) posted this afternoon to include a missing page.
Dear Slate Valley Families,
As the pandemic wears on, I know that the coming months may be especially difficult for everyone in our Slate Valley Community. I so appreciate all of your efforts and diligence as I know it has been challenging to say the least. For many of us, we miss our family and friends and long for a return to normal. I am hopeful that 2021 will bring with it a return to "normal" albeit a slow return. As we enter winter and the holiday season I would be remiss if I did not remind everyone of the holiday travel guidance from the CDC and the Vermont travel map which is now a sea of red and yellow. I know that as a result many of us will need to adjust our holiday/vacation plans and for that I am sorry. I am certainly hopeful for better days ahead.
Our primary goal is to remain in person for as long as possible with everyone healthy so as such I need to remind you that if students travel out of state during the holiday breaks they may need to quarantine before they return to school. We greatly appreciate your attention to this matter as it will take all of us to do our part. I have included some recent articles on Pandemic Fatigue and the rise of cases. As always please reach out with any questions.
Best,
Brooke Farrell
Superintendent
VT Digger: Pandemic Fatigue
https://vtdigger.org/2020/10/20/as-cases-rise-vermont-balances-economic-health-with-concerns-of-pandemic-fatigue/
NY Times: Pandemic Fatigue
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/17/us/coronavirus-pandemic-fatigue.html
CDC Coping with the Holidays
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#thanksgiving
Cross State Travel
https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
Good afternoon,
Here is the weekly update of the cross state travel map: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
The only Vermont border county that travel is allowed is Washington, NY. All other border counties now require a quarantine.
We are very excited that Slate Valley is offering parent tutorials for our remote learning platforms. A huge thank you to Lisa Cacciatore and Rodney Batschelet Slate Valley's Technology Integrationists!
BVS:
10/28 6 to 7pm for grades K-3 https://meet.google.com/sfz-inwa-oub
10/29 6 to 7pm for grades 4-8 https://meet.google.com/gvx-bsfm-uks
Good afternoon, here is the updated travel map for this week: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel
Please note Washington County, NY is green again. However, many more counties adjacent to Vermont are now yellow and red.
Reminder, the FHUHS REAL Class's Care Package Donation Drive runs through Friday, October 23rd. For more information: https://www.smore.com/qumzr
Cross-state Travel Update - The cross-state travel map has been updated by the State of Vermont: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19/restart/cross-state-travel. Please be aware that Washington County, NY is now yellow again as are many other border counties.
The FHUHS REAL Class is holding a Care Package Donation Drive from October 12 through 23. Please visit: https://www.smore.com/qumzr for more information.
Reminder! Tonight (October 12, 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/grn-jxau-emp or by calling (US) +1 225-414-2284 PIN: 456 101 981#
Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/lvat
Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/lmhb
Upcoming Meetings:
November 9, 2020 - SV Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
November 9, 2020 - SV Finance Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (FHUHS)
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, [email protected] 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
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.
Middle School outdoor learning!
Second and third grade went on a texture scavenger hunt! They looked for antonym textures (soft/hard, smooth/rough, prickly/fuzzy) outside. These scientists are practicing observation and critical thinking skills.
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)
Our BVS Kinders & 1st grades outside for some nature work!
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 [email protected].
This position will remain open until filled. E O E
Food Box Distribution Day
Thursday August 27th
10am - 11am
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
Good morning, please view the Slate Valley Reopening Plan: https://5il.co/jkgt. This plan will be updated frequently as new guidance becomes available.
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 [email protected].
This position will remain open until filled.
E O E
Reminder: The Slate Valley budget vote is today.
This budget represents the current year's (2020-2021) operational budget only. Complete budget details can be found on the Slate Valley website https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions: https://5il.co/j8fk
As we approach the opening of school in the fall, please read the following letter from Superintendent Olsen-Farrell in regard to state travel restrictions: https://5il.co/j60a
Reminder - Our last scheduled day for food pick up at FHGS is Tuesday, August 11th and will include meals thru Friday, August 14th.
Meals are available for pick up between the hours of 10:00AM and 11:00AM on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer at Fair Haven Grade School. Any child from any town who is 18 years of age or younger can receive meals. When children are not present at the time of meal pick up, a parent or guardian can only receive meals for their child or children. Adults cannot pick up meals for other children when the children are not present with the adult.
We have started a Frequently Asked Questions document regarding the reopening of schools: http://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/browse/155634. Please check back often as this will be updated as new information becomes available.
Reminder:
There will be a budget informational meeting this evening (Monday, August 3, 2020) at 6:30 PM.
Please connect virtually by going to http://meet.google.com/xyb-itrv-dgu or by calling (US) +1 234-307-0704 PIN: 698 588 330#.
Good afternoon, please see the following letter from Principal Amy Roy regarding the current plans for the re-opening of BVS in the fall of 2020: https://5il.co/inja
If you missed our free food box giveaway on Saturday you still have a chance to come pick one up. The remainder of the boxes will be distributed tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28th between 10am-11am at the Fair Haven Grade School!
Good afternoon, please read the following letter (https://5il.co/ijms) from Superintendent Olsen-Farrell in regard to the district’s Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying Policy.
Food Box Distribution Day:
Saturday July 25th
Noon-2PM
Pick up behind FHGS
All families within the Slate Valley School District are invited to pick up a Food Box. There are 100 boxes available on a first come, first served basis.
Helpful resources for the upcoming (August 11th) Slate Valley Budget Revote:
Budget Web Page https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/budget--108
Budget Flyer https://5il.co/igm1
Frequently Asked Questions https://5il.co/ig1r
Please read the following letter from Superintendent Olsen-Farrell regarding the re-opening of school: https://5il.co/igh5
Reminder, there is a special SVUUSD Board Meeting tonight at 6:30 PM
Virtually connect by going to: http://meet.google.com/qbe-fiog-fsk
See the agenda for more information.
Summer Meals Reminder:
Meals will be available for pick up between the hours of 10:00AM and 11:00AM on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer at Fair Haven Grade School.
Any child from any town who is 18 years of age or younger can receive meals. When children are not present at the time of meal pick up, a parent or guardian can only receive meals for their child or children. Adults cannot pick up meals for other children when the children are not present with the adult.
The last day for meal pick up will be Tuesday, August 11th and will include meals through Friday.
Slate Valley middle school athletes (grades 5-8) can sign up for Fall 2020 athletics from July 1st-August 14th on https://www.FormReleaf.com.
Reminder- A yearly physical is required.
2020-2021 Athletics Information:
Please read the full letter from Kim Alexander, District Middle School Athletic Director, here: https://5il.co/heuc
Slate Valley Middle School Athletics (grades 5-8) Fall 2020 Sports Registration for:
FHGS/BVS 5/6 Soccer
FHGS/BVS 7/8 Boys Soccer
FHGS/BVS 7/8 Girls Soccer
CES/CVS/OVS 5/6 Soccer
CVS/OVS 7/8 Boys Soccer
CVS/OVS 7/8 Girls Soccer
Slate Valley Padded Flag Football (6-8)
Slate Valley Cross Country (6-8)
School Reopening Update - More Information Will Be Provided the Week of July 20th
As you know, we are planning for reopening of schools in the fall. This planning will draw upon input from the parent survey as well as guidance from the Agency of Education (AOE). Guidance from the AOE has changed throughout the pandemic and continues to change frequently. In view of this, we are planning to provide further information during the week of July 20th. Thank you for your continued patience and support during these challenging times.
AOE Guidance: https://5il.co/hjf2
You're invited to come discuss the upcoming August 11th Slate Valley Budget Revote with your board members on July 9th at 6 PM.
2020-2021 Athletics Information:
Please read the letter from Kim Alexander, District Middle School Athletic Director, here: https://5il.co/heuc
Slate Valley Middle School Athletics (grades 5-8) Fall 2020 Sports Registration for:
FHGS/BVS 5/6 Soccer
FHGS/BVS 7/8 Boys Soccer
FHGS/BVS 7/8 Girls Soccer
CES/CVS/OVS 5/6 Soccer
CVS/OVS 7/8 Boys Soccer
CVS/OVS 7/8 Girls Soccer
Slate Valley Padded Flag Football (6-8)
Slate Valley Cross Country (6-8)
Please sign up on the Formreleaf registration (July 1 - August 14)/REMEMBER a yearly physical is mandatory.
Tonight!
Slate Valley Board Member Listening Tour
Come share your thoughts with school board members from your community in a casual setting.
June 18th at 6 p.m.
With the budget being voted down, we wanted to provide you with an opportunity to voice your concerns. Board members from your community will be available to listen to you during these challenging times.
Benson Residents - Meet at Benson Village School with Patricia Beaumont ([email protected]) and Rebeckah St. Peter ([email protected]) to share your concerns.
Castleton Residents - Meet at Castleton Elementary School (outside pavillion) with Julie Finnegan ([email protected]), Toni Lobdell ([email protected]), and Timothy Smith ([email protected]) to share your concerns.
Fair Haven Residents - Meet in the FHUHS Gym - with Michael Bache ([email protected]), Tara Buxton ([email protected]), and Richard Wilson ([email protected]) to share your concerns.
Hubbardton Residents - Meet in the Town Hall with Joshua Hardt ([email protected]) to share your concerns.
Orwell Residents - Meet on the Town Green with Glen Cousineau ([email protected]), Peter Stone ([email protected]), and John Wurzbacher ([email protected]) to share your concerns.
West Haven Residents - Meet at the Grange with Angela Charron ([email protected]) and Tanya Tolchin ([email protected]) to share your concerns.
Please note that due to current requirements, gatherings will be limited to 25 people. We would ask that you adhere to current social distancing and mask recommendations.
If you are unable to make it or feel more comfortable, you may email your board members at the provided email addresses.
Reminder: You're invited! Come share your thoughts with school board members from your community in a casual setting on June 18th at 6 p.m.
Summer Meal Pick Up
The last day for meal pick up or delivery in Orwell, Benson and Castleton will be Friday, June 26th. On Friday the meals distributed will be for Friday through Tuesday, June 30th.
Starting on Tuesday, July 7th meals will be available for pickup only at Fair Haven Grade School between the hours of 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Any child from any town who is 18 years of age or younger can receive meals. When children are not present at the time of meal pick up, a parent or guardian can only receive meals for their child or children. Adults cannot pick up meals for other children when the children are not present with the adult.
Bags of meals will continue to be available for pick up at 10:00AM on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer at Fair Haven Grade School. The last day for meal pick up will be Tuesday, August 11th and will include meals through Friday.
Parents/Guardians of Slate Valley students:
This letter (https://5il.co/h6gs) was sent to households on June 12. We invite you to read it.
In an effort to include your voices as parents/guardians of Slate Valley students, we welcome your perspectives as we reflect, learn, and plan for the fall of 2020. Here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FDTZNTC) is the link to a survey we have created in order to collect your input.
You're invited! Come share your thoughts with school board members from your community in a casual setting on June 18th at 6 p.m.
Good morning, the Budget Re-Vote results are as follows:
Yes: 550
No: 812
Parents & Guardians: Kindergarten Registration
If you have a child that will be age 5 prior to September 1st and will be entering kindergarten in the fall or if you are new to our community and have school aged children who will be attending school in the fall, please register your child(ren).
Please note that if you are moving into Vermont from out-of-state, you will have to follow the 14 day quarantine requirement prior to being allowed to attend Slate Valley schools.
You may access a registration packet at our Slate Valley Unified School District Website under the Parent section or through this link: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/browse/68589.
Completed registrations can be sent to Deb Robbins, Slate Valley Unified School District, 33 Mechanic Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743.
We look forward to having your child(ren) join us and want to begin planning for the transition.
Thank you!
Reminder:
Tonight (June 8) - There will be an Informational Meeting at 6:30 p.m.(Please connect virtually by going to meet.google.com/iig-prfw-ngu or by calling (US) +1 856-485-0395 PIN: 415 992 197#).
Tomorrow (June 9) - Budget Re-Vote. Please Note: The proposed budget includes ONLY the expenses necessary to address the operational needs of Slate Valley’s schools in their current configuration for the next school year.
Warning: https://5il.co/gct2 Budget: https://5il.co/gepr
For more information visit: http://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/budget--108
Reminder:
The Budget Re-vote for the district will be on June 9.
The Informational Meeting will take place on June 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Please connect virtually by going to meet.google.com/iig-prfw-ngu or by calling (US) +1 856-485-0395 PIN: 415 992 197#).
Please Note: The proposed budget includes ONLY the expenses necessary to address the operational needs of Slate Valley’s schools in their current configuration for the next school year.
Warning: https://5il.co/gct2
Budget: https://5il.co/gepr
For more information visit: http://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/budget--108
Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution
The Vermont National Guard will be at Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport on Monday, 6/1, from 10AM-2PM distributing non-perishable food boxes, along with produce, chicken, and dairy products provided by the Abbey Group while supplies last.
Anyone is welcome to go pick up food.
They will be distributing Farmers To Families meal kits containing meat, produce, and dairy products.
They will also be distributing non-perishable food from FEMA.
All food will be distributed while supplies last.
Visit: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/event/farmers-to-families-food-box-distribution-rutland for more information.
The Budget Re-vote for the district will be on June 9.
The Informational Meeting will take place on June 8 at 6:30 p.m. (Please connect virtually by going to meet.google.com/iig-prfw-ngu or by calling (US) +1 856-485-0395 PIN: 415 992 197#).
Please Note: The proposed budget includes ONLY the expenses necessary to address the operational needs of Slate Valley’s schools in their current configuration for the next school year.
Warning: https://5il.co/gct2
Budget: https://5il.co/gepr
For more information visit: http://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/budget--108
Distance/Remote Learning Update
Update from Casey O'Meara, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
VPA Press Release: Cancellation of the 2020 Spring Sports Season
Shaw's supermarket in Fair Haven is now a drop off location for our Food Drive.
Slate Valley Food Drive: April 27 - May 8
Reminder: Today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rutland Southern VT Regional Airport (1002 Airport Road, North Clarendon, VT)
The Vermont Foodbank is working with FEMA and the VT National Guard to distribute MREs at five sites around Vermont.
Anyone in need of food is welcome and can receive a seven-day supply of Meals Ready-to-Eat for each member of their household.
Here are some additional resources for accessing food during this challenging time:
Dear Parent/Guardian,
On March 17, 2020 Slate Valley educators provided students with review and/or enrichment material, and/or information for new learning assuming everyone would return to school on April 6th. As Vermont is experiencing a school closure for the remainder of the year, Slate Valley educators are preparing to move students forward with grade-level expectations in pursuit of Proficiencies and Performance Indicators upon our return from vacation, April 20, 2020.
Please read the full letter here: https://5il.co/eqcz
Good morning! This is a reminder that we will be having Spring Break next week, April 13 though 17.
Beginning on Tuesday, April 7th - meal pick-up locations will change due to a change in the Federal/State Guidelines:
Meals will be available for pick up on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
-Benson Village School
-Castleton Elementary School (no longer Fair Haven
Union High School)
-Fair Haven Grade School
-Orwell Village School
Good evening. Tim Smith, chairman of the Slate Valley School District.
I hope everyone is staying home and healthy in these difficult times. Many thanks to our health care providers.
While difficult to discuss given the circumstances, I want to remind everyone that our school budget failed on Town Meeting Day by a small margin, 95 votes. The $59.5 million construction bond will be tabled for the foreseeable future, at least until the duration of the virus and its far-reaching impacts are better understood. Nonetheless, we are obligated to re-vote the school budget and hope to have a positive result by June 30th. While we continue to work with VT Govt officials, school administration, and town clerks, it is unclear at this time whether we will be holding an in-person vote by late spring or a mail-in vote. We will keep the public notified of any developments.
Public participation is welcome at all of our meetings, however now, the ability of the public to attend is more challenging given the social distancing guidelines. In the past week, Governor Scott amended the open meeting laws whereby a physical location for the public to attend is no longer required. In the same manner that board members participate, the public is invited to attend our meetings in a virtual format.
We are scheduled to have a Finance Committee on Monday 4/6 at 5:30pm, the link to attend is:
https://meet.google.com/hus-roox-dkq?hs=122, dial in only 1-(502) 947-4166 PIN 781 639 980#
We are scheduled to have a regular Board meeting on Monday 4/6 at 6:30pm, the link to attend is:
https://meet.google.com/bzx-mcps-foo?hs=122, dial in only 1-(417) 647-1150 PIN 584 195 054#
Information can also be found at the Slate Valley website, www.slatevalleyunified.org
We appreciate your support and participation. Be well.
Beginning on Tuesday, April 7th - meal pick-up locations will change due to a change in the Federal/State Guidelines:
Meals will be available for pick up on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
-Benson Village School
-Castleton Elementary School (no longer Fair Haven
Union High School)
-Fair Haven Grade School
-Orwell Village School
Bears with their favorite stuffed animals!
Learning about gardening and landscaping and keeping those reading skills sharp!
I love these pictures! Keep them coming, Benson!
I spied two Bears on a recent bike ride!
Another piece of beautiful painted marble from one of our middle school Bears!
Enjoying the sunshine!
Mrs. Wolcott working with her grandson!
Smiling while continuing their learning from home! A small amount of time each day makes a big difference. Some of our Bears took their classroom outside and made boats and raced them down the river! There were also train cars to count!
Bears taking a nature break!
Another great piece of marble artwork!
Math study buddies and another creative marble painting! You GO Middle School Bears!
One of our awesome Middle School Bears working on their science! A tremendous THANK YOU to students and families for however they are making this work for them!
Eat up little bears! Thank you so much for making our small efforts so worthwhile!
Huge shout out to Sara Mason PreK Teacher and Greta Doran Prek IA for creating and maintaining such a stellar program!
Hi Sara,
I hope you’re well and doing ok despite the Covid19 developments.
The STARS annual report for Benson Village School Preschool Program has been approved and the 5 star status of the program has been updated for the coming year. Congratulations on this achievement and thank you for your ongoing commitment to providing high quality early learning opportunities for the children in your program.
Yours,
Johanna Vaczy
STARS Coordinator
Carrie Wolcott (IA extraordinaire) went by Proctor, picked up some marble pieces and passed them out with the meals today for kiddos to paint!
A "Pawsitive" Referral!
Kinder students measuring each other, working with parents and siblings and SMILING! We got this! Keep sending your pics! We are always thinking about our students and families!
Our everyday heroes!!!!! Thank you, Mandy, for driving the bus, thank you, Greta and Carrie, for handing out the meals!
From Mrs.Thurston, Kinder Teacher: "Teaching from a distance is different. I can’t wait until we are all back at school learning together. I have amazing parents that are going above and beyond to make sure their children are getting what they need! You all are the best!"
Meals distribution at BVS!
The "in-person" Universal Preschool Screenings for Slate Valley have been canceled. If you signed up for the 0-5 developmental screenings, we will contact you about an alternative method for conducting the screening in the next few weeks.
March 23, 2020 Update - Meals During School Dismissal
Beginning on Tuesday, March 24th we will only have meal pick-up/delivery twice weekly to help maintain social distancing practices.
On Tuesdays breakfast and lunch for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be made available for pick-up or delivery.
On Fridays meals for Friday and Monday will be made available for pick-up/delivery
Meals will be available for pick up on Tuesdays and Fridays starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
Benson Village School
Fair Haven Union High School
Fair Haven Grade School
Orwell Village School
Meals can be delivered to your home if you have a completed food delivery form on file (https://5il.co/dwgv). Please connect to your school if you have questions.
If you are getting delivery at home please leave a cooler out on your porch. This allows for a more efficient delivery process.
Meals are available to all children ages 18 or younger. You do not need to reside in our district to pick-up meals.
Please note that you can go to any of the schools listed above. You are not restricted to the school that your child attends.
Please notify staff at the pick up location if you will be picking up meals regularly and you have any special dietary needs that have medical implications that must be met.
**** Due to Federal Guidelines we are not allowed to have Castleton Elementary and Village School as pick up locations because of eligibility requirements. However all Castleton families can pick up at any of the other sites in the district.
All Slate Valley playgrounds are closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Thank you for your cooperation.
Overwhelmed with information coming from all directions? Our COVID-19 page features information and resources in one central location. Visit www.SlateValleyUnified.org and click on the "COVID-19 Information" link at the top.
On this page, you’ll find the latest updates from our district, links to the Vermont Department of Health COVID-19 page, an embedded CDC page, as well as many other helpful resources. It is updated frequently, so check back often.
Update (3-19-20) - Meals During Dismissal:
Starting on Thursday, March 19th the school district will make breakfast and lunch meals available to all children ages 18 years old and younger while school is dismissed. Meals will be available Monday through Friday.
Friday, March 20th - and each day thereafter a breakfast and a lunch will be available for pick up.
Meals will be available for pick up starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
Benson Village School
Fair Haven Union High School
Fair Haven Grade School
Orwell Village School
**** Due to Federal Guidelines we are not allowed to have Castleton Elementary and Village School as pick up locations because of eligibility requirements. However all Castleton families can pick up at any of the other sites in the district.
Meals will be delivered to homes if you have a completed food delivery form on file (Link to form: https://5il.co/dwgv). Please contact your school if you have questions.
Please note that you can go to any of the schools listed above. You are not restricted to the school that your child attends.
Please notify staff at the pick up location if you will be picking up meals regularly and you have any special dietary needs that have medical implications that must be met.
Many parents have already picked up personal belongings and work for the next couple of weeks. If you have not, please make arrangements to do so. You may contact the school with any questions.
These two companies are offering free Internet services to households during these challenging times:
Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Is offering students 2 months of free home Internet Service, plus free installation. See the flyer for details.
Internet Essentials from Comcast
As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect low-income families to the Internet at home. Follow this link for further details: https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Attention Essential Workers: Please read this Press Release from the State of Vermont Emergency Operation Center: https://5il.co/dxv2 for important information about childcare.
Essential workers who need help finding childcare should visit: https://webportalapp.com/webform/essentialworkers or call 2-1-1 ext. 6
Homeschool families are also entitled to come for meal pick-ups!
Please note that you can pick up meals for other families. If you are unable to pick up meals, we will make every effort to get the meals to you. Please call the school to make arrangements.
We're all ready for meal pick-ups between 10 and 12 today!
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Starting on Thursday, March 19th the school district will make breakfast and lunch meals available to all children ages 18 years old and younger while school is dismissed. Meals will be available Monday through Friday.
Thursday, March 19th - a breakfast for Thursday, a lunch for Thursday and a breakfast for Friday will be available for pick up.
Friday, March 20th - and each day thereafter a breakfast and a lunch will be available for pick up.
Meals will be available for pick up starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
Benson Village School
Fair Haven Union High School
Fair Haven Grade School
Orwell Village School
**** Due to Federal Guidelines we are not allowed to have Castleton Elementary and Village School as pick up locations because of eligibility requirements. However all Castleton families can pick up at any of the other sites in the district.
The school district will let you know if the method of distribution is going to change.
At some point in the future, meals may be made available for pick up along the bus routes, but we will let you know in advance if and when this change is made. If we make this change, meals will still be available at each of the schools listed above for pick up. However, Castleton and Hubbardton families will still need to pick up meals from one of the eligible sites.
We will be sending out a form with the meals. We ask that you complete the form and return it to the staff member distributing the meals so that we can get a better idea of who needs meals, but is unable to get to one of the schools listed above for pick up. If you are unable to pick up meals, we will make every effort to get the meals to you. This form will also be made available online: https://5il.co/dwgv
Please note that you can go to any of the schools listed above. You are not restricted to the school that your child attends.
Please notify staff at the pick up location if you will be picking up meals regularly and you have any special dietary needs that have medical implications that must be met.
Important Update:
Date: March 18, 2020
To: All Slate Valley UUSD Families
From: Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
Subject: Meals Starting March 19, 2020- Updated
Starting on Thursday, March 19th the school district will make breakfast and lunch meals available to all children ages 18 years old and younger while school is dismissed. Meals will be available Monday through Friday.
Thursday, March 19th - a breakfast for Thursday, a lunch for Thursday and a breakfast for Friday will be available for pick up.
Friday, March 20th - and each day thereafter a breakfast and a lunch will be available for pick up.
Meals will be available for pick up starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
Benson Village School
Fair Haven Union High School
Fair Haven Grade School
Orwell Village School
**** Due to Federal Guidelines we are not allowed to have Castleton Elementary and Village School as pick up locations because of eligibility requirements. However all Castleton families can pick up at any of the other sites in the district.
The school district will let you know if the method of distribution is going to change.
At some point in the future, meals may be made available for pick up along the bus routes, but we will let you know in advance if and when this change is made. If we make this change, meals will still be available at each of the schools listed above for pick up. However, Castleton and Hubbardton families will still need to pick up meals from one of the eligible sites.
We will be sending out a form with the meals. We ask that you complete the form and return it to the staff member distributing the meals so that we can get a better idea of who needs meals, but is unable to get to one of the schools listed above for pick up. If you are unable to pick up meals, we will make every effort to get the meals to you. This form will also be made available online: https://5il.co/dwgv
Please note that you can go to any of the schools listed above. You are not restricted to the school that your child attends.
Please notify staff at the pick up location if you will be picking up meals regularly and you have any special dietary needs that have medical implications that must be met.
Per Governor Scott's recent directive regarding the requirements of providing child care for specified groups of essential employees as outlined in the following link we are working to collect information regarding those individuals in need of child care for their children. Please complete this form only if you are in need of child care for your children as defined by Governor's Scott directive (https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-orders-implementation-child-care-system-personnel-essential-covid).
Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sSylQhJKYFxlBXGB3Wc_bl9Iei8FZLE8mykhz4HsIMc/edit?ts=5e72490b
Social Distancing: What does it mean?
Starting on Thursday, March 19th the school district will make breakfast and lunch meals available to all children ages 18 years old and younger while school is dismissed. Meals will be available Monday through Friday.
Thursday, March 19th - a breakfast for Thursday, a lunch for Thursday and a breakfast for Friday will be available for pick up.
Friday, March 20th - and each day thereafter a breakfast and a lunch will be available for pick up.
Meals will be available for pick up starting at 10:00 AM until noon at the following locations:
Benson Village School
Castleton Elementary School
Fair Haven Grade School
Orwell Village School
The school district will let you know if the method of distribution is going to change.
At some point in the future, meals may be made available for pick up along the bus routes, but we will let you know in advance if and when this change is made. If we make this change meals will still be available at each of the schools listed above for pick up.
We will be sending out a form with the meals. We ask that you complete the form and return it to the staff member distributing the meals so that we can get a better idea of who needs meals, but is unable to get to one of the schools listed above for pick up. If you are unable to pick up meals, we will make every effort to get the meals to you. This form will also be made available online.
Please note that you can go to any of the schools listed above. You are not restricted to the school that your child attends.
Please notify staff at the pick up location if you will be picking up meals regularly and you have any special dietary needs that have medical implications that must be met.
Due to increased volume nationwide, our alert system is experiencing difficulties. Please check our website regularly for important updates: https://bit.ly/38JVkpl
Good evening,
As a result of increased volume nationwide, our alert system is experiencing difficulties. The following message was sent out this evening:
Due to the issuance of new information by the White House and the rapidly changing situation, all Slate Valley Schools will be closed tomorrow March 17th to both students and non-essential staff. I will follow-up with an update tomorrow.
Thank you again for your patience and stay safe.
Brooke Farrell, Superintendent
We know that we are in the midst of uncertain times. Please know that we are doing everything within our power as a district to care for the well-being of staff, students and families. The Governor released a declaration today that stated that all students will be dismissed from school no later than Wednesday, March 18th. However, student attendance on Monday, March 16th and Tuesday March 17th is a family decision. Your child will not be penalized for staying home.
As a district, in accordance with recommendations from the Department of Health, we are no longer allowing non-essential outside visitors into our school such as volunteers, guest speakers, parents, etc. We will be asking parents to pick up and drop off their students at the front door. If you need to pick up your child during the school day please call ahead to the main office and arrangements will be made to meet you at the front door.
If you have a meeting scheduled with school personnel, please call ahead as we are making arrangements to host required meetings by phone or video. This includes Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings and evaluation planning and results meetings that are required by law.
In addition, field trips and all after-school events are canceled from this point through at least April 6th.
We are working on a plan to offer students at-home learning opportunities and access to a school meals program. We will be asking families whether or not you would like to receive meals while school is dismissed. I will be sending out further communication on this topic tomorrow.
Thank you in advance for your support as we progress through these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Good afternoon,
On March 15 at 3:20 p.m., Governor Scott announced that statewide school closure will occur no later than Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The purpose of this message is to provide you an update of the actions the Slate Valley Unified School District will take as it relates to Governor Scott's School Closure announcement.
First and foremost, student attendance at school on Monday and Tuesday is a family decision. For these two days, Slate Valley Unified School District attendance procedures will be waived, and no student will be penalized for not attending.
Your district leadership teams will be working with our employees to plan for the support of our students and families during the closure of school. To be clear, our primary areas of focus include the wellbeing of our students, families and employees. The plan that we are developing will strive to encompass all of the components that Governor Scott has referenced in his statement/press conference.
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we move forward. You can expect regular communication from our district so that we are keeping you informed. We are doing all we can to make sure these priorities are taken care of to the best of our abilities.
Sincerely ,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
March 3, 2020 Results
2019-2020 BVS/OVS 7/8 Boys Basketball Team!
Middle School Theater and Bake Sale
Spring Sports Registration for Slate Valley Middle Schools: BVS, CVS, FHGS, OVS
Track and Field:
Slate Valley Middle School - Grades 6-8
Baseball:
CVS/OVS - Grades 7/8
FHGS/BVS - Grades 7/8
Softball:
CVS/OVS - Grades 7/8
FHGS/BVS - Grades 7/8
Registration is open through March 30, 2020
Formreleaf.com
Slate Valley Middle School
If you have questions, please email Kim Alexander ([email protected])
STEAM Project
Please note the following Tournament Game changes:
Thursday 2/27
4:30 p.m. FHGS 7/8 Girls vs. Otter Valley 7th Girls
5:30 p.m. Barstow 7/8 Girls vs. Poultney 7/8 Girls
6:30 p.m. winner game 10 vs. winner game 8
7:30 p.m. winner game 9 vs. winner game 11
Thank you for your flexibility.
PreK is all about penguins!
Can't wait to have everyone back next week!
The lights are finished in the BVS hallway! So nice to have "natural" lights!!!!
FHGS 2020 Invitational Basketball Tournament Info:
Letter: https://5il.co/d30y
7/8 Tournament Schedule: https://5il.co/d30z
5/6 Tournament Schedule: https://5il.co/d310
Discover Slate Valley's new approach to happy and healthy young people on March 5.
Please note: March 20th will now be a student day.
All activities including the Prospective Student Night have been cancelled. The Prospective Student Night has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 27th.
Junior Class reps meeting with BVS 8th-Graders for the Big Slater/Little Slater Dance!
Reminder! Join us Wednesday night (January 15) from 6-8 PM as we explore real-time data from the youth in Slate Valley. Working together, we can break through barriers to help our youth thrive. Please bring a cell phone for audience participation. *Refreshments provided. *Childcare available at Castleton Village School. Castleton University (The Casella Theater, Fine Arts Building).
You’re Invited!
Join us as we explore real-time data from the youth in Slate Valley. Working together we can break through barriers to help our youth thrive.
Please bring a cell phone for audience participation.
*Refreshments provided
*Childcare available at Castleton Village School
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
6-8 PM, Castleton University (The Casella Theater, Fine Arts Building)
The sign-up for Slater Youth Wrestling Club (Boys and Girls, Grades K-6) is January 13th from 6-6:30PM.
Sign up form: https://5il.co/c64z
New carpet!!!!!!
More 🐻s using technology, building, creating, and stretching their minds!
STEAM @ BVS
https://5il.co/bte4
Link to BVS brochure!
Hour of Code at BVS
You're Invited!
Join us as we explore real-time data from the youth in Slate Valley. Working together we can break through barriers to help our youth thrive.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Castleton University
The Casella Theater, Fine Arts Building
Beading Club!!!!!!
A HUGE shout out to Sam Batholomew for getting information to the plow drivers! Thank you to Chris Cole Director of Operations @ SVUVT and Casey O'Meara Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment @ SVUVT, for driving to stuck buses and delivering kiddos safely home!!!!!!! Thank you Kris Benway Director of Special Education @ SVUVT for being the channel between the Central Office, Chris/Casey and the school! Thank you to Pam Arel Admin Asst. for staying late and manning the radios and phone! It takes a village and fortunately our village extends far and wide! I am hanging out with 3 🐻s back at the school until the roads clear and we are having a blast!!!!!
First and second-grade 🐻s are using differentiated workplace stations to practice addition and subtraction. They practiced teaching each other their games!
Our interactive literacy backpack collection is growing! Exploring, Holidays, New Baby, Dinosaurs!!! These are the hottest" item in the Library!
Beading Club!!!!!
Kinder bears used our green screen for the weather forcast they designed themselves!
Marble Maze!!!
PBIS Letter from the Secretary of Education
Reminder: You’re invited to join us for an informational building tour at FHUHS Tonight at 6:30 p.m. starting in the FHUHS Library.
Letter to Community Members: https://5il.co/b0t9
Parents of 6th-8th grade students:
You will be receiving a Letter and Sign-Up Form from your child’s school for the Life Time Activities (LTA) Program offered throughout our district. You may also view the letter (https://5il.co/bfpo) and form (https://5il.co/bfpn) online.
The LTA program is a curriculum based field trip for school students. We are asking for your help in allowing students to make a good selection of activities.
Basketball practices have started in the district, please check the Slate Valley App for updated practices and games.
Slate Valley District Wrestling will start Monday, November 18th 4:00-5:30 p.m. at FHUHS. Check the Slate Valley App for all practices. Meets will be updated as they are scheduled.
Reminder: Winter sports meeting for all Middle school athletics, November 18th, 6 p.m. at FHUHS cafeteria. Come meet coaches!
You’re invited to join us for an informational building tour at FHUHS on November 20th at 6:30 p.m. in the FHUHS Library:
•See Facilities Needs
•Learn about Slate Valley Innovation Project
•Ask Questions
There will be a Mandatory Winter Sports Meeting for all Parents, Coaches, Administration:
Monday, November 18th, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fair Haven Union High School Cafeteria
We will be introducing Winter Coaches for Basketball and Wrestling, going over practice protocol, schedules (game and practice), uniforms, and Q/A.
Fire Safety with BVFD!
K-2 at the apple orchard!
Reminder! Online registration is open through November 8 for Slate Valley Middle School Winter Sports (Basketball & Wrestling). Register online at: https://bit.ly/2B0TSAC
Online registration is open from October 11 through November 8 for Slate Valley Middle School Winter Sports (Basketball & Wrestling). Register online at: https://bit.ly/2B0TSAC
Stay up-to-date with "Girls on the Run - Vermont" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/153805061340162/posts/2418123071575005?sfns=mo
Middle School trip to archaeological dig site in West Haven.
The Incredible Shrinking Carrot - 5th grade students weighing carrots for Numbers Corner.
Middle School BEARS learning coding in STEAM class.
Middle school Bears learning how to weave in World Studies.
This 1/2 math lesson was inspired by all that Mrs. Sturtevant has been learning at the Vermont Mathematics Initiative. Students practiced turning and talking to engage in mathematical discourse. We looked at "how many" we could find on a picture, and then counted objects in different ways.
Kinders learning to copy and extend patterns.
PreK 🐻s!
Happy Pre-K students!
Go coyotes!
Thank you to all of the families and staff that participated in the BVS Open House last night! Scholastic Book Fair runs through this morning!
Reminder - Picture Day is 9/26
BVS is proud to be a part of Gear Up! Our middle school students will be going to see Jared Campbell on the 9/25 at FHGS! (http://jaredcampbell.com/)
Reminder - Open House tomorrow 9/18, 6-7pm! Scholastic Book Fair, Boy & Girl Scout sign-up!
First and second grade science students went outside to observe clouds and how they change over time!
Artwork!
Reminder! BVS K-8 Open House 9/18 @ 6-7pm! Book fair happening as well!
More 🐻s conquer Mt. Jungle Gym!
The first Kinder Guest Reader! Thank you for sharing your time with us!
Our kinder 🐻s are practicing following text from top to bottom and left to right!
Elementary and middle school, beginning of the year activities.
Kinders working on letter formation and math work places <3 (continued)
Kinders working on letter formation and math work places <3
Our middle school students building the Benson State Building! <3 these 🐻s!
Kinders working on writing standards! Go 🐻s!
Look at these amazing Middle School Coat of Arms!
Our Kinder 🐻s exploring math manipulatives! Mrs. Thurston, a Vermont Mathematics Initiative Masters student, fosters students' natural curiosity and guides the development of math understanding through the use of 3D and 2D representations of kinder math thinking & strategizing.
More from our Middle School Students
Our Middle School Students worked on the following and then sorted by the response, our Middle School Team is spending these first days building bridges with their students to best serve their social, emotional, and educational needs! GO BEARS! 🐻💕
Bulletin Boards around BVS!
Everyone in the Slate Valley is back and gearing up for an exciting school year! This morning during our district-wide gathering, we recognized some of the many outstanding members of our Slate Valley community. Congratulations to all of our 2019 District Award recipients!
Thank you BEARS staff for welcoming our families back this evening! Nothing shows the passion you have for teaching more than the hugs and smiles of students and parents! I am honored to be a part of the BVS team! 🐻💕
A HUGE thank you to all the families that attended our soft back to school night! It was wonderful to see everyone and we are even more excited to get this school year going!!!! Enjoy the remaining days of vacation!!!! 🐻
Being on-the-go doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected with your child’s school. Our new app has everything you need to be an active participant in your child’s education Features include: Live Feed, News, Events, Athletics, Documents, Notifications and more.
Throwback Thursday: One of our BEARS enjoying some downhilling @KillingtonMtn while teachers were in class!
Thank you to our awesome 8th graders for coming out to sell calendars, their 1st DC Trip fundraiser! Thank you to Ms. Moyer and Mr. Muller for being there to support! Fantastic to be a part of the Benson Burdock and Family Day festivities!
New student registration packets are at the Slate Valley Central Office located at Fair Haven Union High School. We are happy to help with any of the information or forms so please don't hesitate to give us a call 537-2491.
Join host Dan Warnecke as he talks with Melissa Hoyer (and a student helper!) about the Snack Sack program: https://youtu.be/tFywZN5CYv4
Community members are welcome to attend to tell stories, learn, provide support, and share in a vision for a hate-free Vermont. FB Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/400176637372124
