Last Wednesday, April 24th, CES held their 6th Grade Pinewood Derby! Our thanks to Mr. DeMatties for organizing and to Mr. DiFrancesco, Mrs. DeSantis, Mrs. Paolino and Matt DeMatties for helping. Great job by all our 6th graders! Our awards for the night:
Best Design: Alexandria
Most Creative: Azalea
First Place: Emerson
Second Place: Madison
Third Place: James
Congratulations to all!
Tomorrow Night: Portrait of a Graduate Community Forum
April 30, 2024 - 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Cafeteria
The "Portrait of a Graduate" is a statement that captures what we value as a community for every student that graduates from FHUMHS. It is a living and breathing document that is reviewed and adjusted over time. FHUMHS is currently updating its Portrait of a Graduate and needs your help! On April 30th, at 5:30 pm, we will be holding an in-person community forum to gather thoughts and ideas from all of our stakeholders. This will be an opportunity for our community members to give feedback on the draft statement found here: https://5il.co/2jydt. We will hold follow-up meetings on May 14th and May 21st at 5:30 pm, as well. Please feel free to review the document on your own and send your input to Ben Worthing at bworthing@svuvt.org. Thank you for supporting our students!
Today at Castleton Elementary School, a lovely Poppy Presentation was presented by the Ladies Auxiliary from the Castleton American Legion Post #50. Phyllis Blanchard (former 4th grade teacher at CES) read the book, The Poppy Lady , Moina Belle Michael and her Tribute to Freedom, by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh. She was then joined by Sylvia Demgard, both Auxiliary members, who presented the 4th grade class with a Poppy Growing Kit, complete with everything needed for the students to take home and grow their own Poppies. In addition, each student received a Poppy Coloring Book to enjoy.
The students enjoyed the program a great deal! We are very lucky to have these 2 ladies connected to our school!
At Fair Haven Grade School, pure happiness was on display as kindergartners used the parachute for the first time in PE class!
Professor Mango from Vermont State University at Castleton gave a presentation on fossils to grades K-4 at Orwell Village School. Students read Dragon Bones about Mary Anning's fossil discoveries in Lyme Regos, England during library class. They learned how fossils are formed as well as what kind of fossils exist in Vermont and where to find them! It was an amazing guest speaker visit.
On April 24th, Benson Village School hosted an Evening of the Arts. This fun, family and community event showcased student artwork created under the guidance of art teacher, Mrs. Parrott along with students singing and the band playing music under the direction of music teacher, Ms. Broughton. The large attendance was heartwarming to see.
Yesterday, the guidance department at FHUHS put on a successful Career Fair for not only our high school Slaters, but also for students from neighboring Poultney High School, West Rutland High and Mill River Union High. It was a great gathering of local businesses and corporations. A special thank you to Eliza LeBrun for organinzing this multifaceted event.
Educational Insights: A Superintendent's Podcast now has 10 Episodes! Take a look by going to https://bit.ly/EdInsightsSVUUSD
Happy Administrative Assistant Day to an amazing group of people! Your dedication, organization, and hard work keeps everything in Slate Valley running smoothly. Thank you for all you do!
Senior Spotlight: Featuring Emilee Higgins
New Episode of the Superintendent's Podcast: Discussion with Fair Haven Grade School Principal, Deborah Infurna.
View at https://bit.ly/EdInFHGS
Principal Infurna discusses the environment at Fair Haven Grade School, including new initiatives, challenges and future endeavors.
Tonight - April 22, 2024
Two Meetings:
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District-
1) Special Finance Committee Meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium. This meeting will be in person. You can virtually connect by going to: Video call link:https://meet.google.com/tns-zjsm-fjp Or dial: (US) +1 218-451-4211 PIN: 365 606 727#
2) Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to: Video call link:https://meet.google.com/rkh-thjq-bwd Or dial: (US) +1 919-525-2175 PIN: 143 925 874#
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.
Senior Spotlight: Featuring Ruthanne Carlson-Ponto
Often on Fridays, students in the Alt 1 classroom at CES make lunch and then eat together. The “theme” this year has been to cook foods that they would commonly have available at home and can safely make on their own without having to use the stove or oven. Looks like a fun activity enjoyed by all!
MEETING NOTICE
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
Special Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
FHUMHS – 5:00 p.m.
PARTICIPATION WILL BE IN PERSON or
VIRTUALLY CONNECT BY GOING TO
Video call link:https://meet.google.com/fmr-vrpv-qix
Or dial: (US) +1 484-909-0301 PIN: 252 244 280#
New Superintendent's Podcast: Discussion with Benson Village School Principal, Amy Roy.
View at https://bit.ly/EdInBVS
Principal Amy Roy discusses the overall environment at Benson Village School, including new initiatives, challenges and future endeavors.
Yesterday, a highly self-motivative group from the Class of 2025 enjoyed pizza and conversation at lunch with Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O'Meara. It was fantastic to hear not only about their future plans but also their concerns and suggestions about items at FHUMHS.
Message from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell:
Dear Slate Valley,
We hope you're doing well. We wanted to give you an update on the school budget revote, unfortunately, it didn't pass. The vote count was 544 in favor and 947 against. We understand this news may be disappointing for some, as it is for us, considering there are factors beyond our control.
Our main focus remains on providing the best education for our students while being financially responsible. We're actively seeking alternative solutions following this second budget failure. The third budget vote is likely to happen in May.
We encourage open dialogue and welcome any suggestions or concerns you may have. We'll soon hold meetings to discuss the failure, gather feedback, and explore options moving forward. Your participation and engagement are vital during this process.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we're eager to work together to tackle this challenge.
Sincerely,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
Please VOTE Today!
New Podcast: View at https://bit.ly/EdInCESPrincipal
In this episode Castleton Elementary School's Principal, Ms. Kim Prehoda, talks with Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell about CES's school environment, upcoming plans and challenges.
