Slate Valley Unified School District

Recognizing Mrs. AWARD, Administrative Assistant Extraordinaire Seriously, many of our children affectionately call her Mrs. Award, thinking this was her real name! Mrs. Carrie Ward has been the familiar face at CES for 22 years, welcoming generations of CES students and their families to our school. She has served in this role under 4 principals. This alone is a feat! Her role as Administrative Assistant is not for the faint of heart! She has supported administration, staff, students and their families over many years, helping with everything from supplying a bandaid to registering students. She knows how to keep track of our students, providing daily check-ins for them as they arrive, and parents rely on that as much as they do, to guide their children safely home via getting them to correct buses or into the Parent Pick-Up (PPU) lines correctly. Her role, however, goes beyond that very important task. During her time here at CES, Carrie has worn many different hats. She was the Registrar, responsible for daily attendance, running reports for administration, organizing class lists for us, giving building tours to new and prospective students, and meeting with families to help them register their child. She has sent for new records and transferred many of our outgoing students. She has been the face of Kindergarten registration for many years, welcoming new, frightened kindergartners and their parents! She has a way of putting them all at ease with her warm welcoming smile. She helps teachers and administrators create purchase requisitions to get needed classroom supplies for our kids! For years she has done many important jobs within our school, too countless to mention them all. She has managed all of these jobs brilliantly over the years. Carrie will be greatly missed by all, and leaves some pretty BIG SHOES TO FILL! We wish her all the best in her retirement, and take comfort in the fact we know she is planning some very special time with her family.

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Slate Valley has a wonderful opportunity to host a Future Genius Beta Masters camp for incoming 6th through 9th graders this summer. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 26th-30th. For more information: https://www.futuregenius.org/programs/beta-masters/ Camp registration: https://www.futuregenius.org/register/

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Donna Fabricius, aka “Miss Donna'' has served as a speech and language pathologist in our school district since August of 2005 after receiving her Master’s of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Plattsburgh State University. Donna came to the educational field as a 2nd career and in one of her letters of recommendation it was stated, ‘Donna is an energetic, committed, empathetic person with a professional demeanor. Her interpersonal skills are exceptional! Positive effects of these abilities were evident in her relationships with patients, family members, staff , children, and supervisors. Donna is flexible and easy to work with. In the clinical setting she anticipated what needed to be done, and independently completed those tasks; she was always willing to do more than her share. Her foundation of knowledge was more than adequate, enabling her to diagnose and treat various communication and swallowing disorders. Her positive attitude and willingness to work hard make her a desirable addition to any team. I anticipate that she will become an outstanding speech and language pathologist.” Every word of this letter was proven to be true during Donna’s tenure with our organization. Donna Fabricius is an outstanding speech and language pathologist and has served our district well! Throughout the last 16 years, Donna has served as an SLP in every school in our district. She has served at every grade level throughout the grade span from preschool through high school. She has served students with a variety of skills and abilities and always demonstrated a strength based approach. She has worked school year and extended school year programs, always serving as an advocate for students. She has been the voice of many children while they developed the skills and abilities to use their own. Always an outstanding educator, Donna was formally recognized as the ARSU Outstanding Teacher of the Year for Orwell in 2009. In recent years, Donna has worked extensively with our younger and more complex students. She has been a valued member of our early education and special education team. She has been our local expert in communication and augmentative communication and helped many families acquire the equipment needed to support children across environments. Donna will go to great lengths to see a child succeed! We wish Donna the best of luck in this new chapter or her life. We thank her for her service to our schools, our communities and our kids. Her spirited smile, her positive attitude and her professional expertise are all things that we will miss about Donna! Best wishes to Donna Fabricius!

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Recognizing Jill Christiana & Celebration of Her Many Years of Service Jill Christiana is leaving Slate Valley School District after a total of 23 years of service to our “Littles.” Mrs. C, as they all called her, has been an integral part of the lives of countless children. Her work at identifying their needs and then programming to help them become independent individuals is to be lauded. She has made a difference in so many young lives and has been key in helping parents with everything from toilet training, to social emotional and behavioral support, to helping children find their voices using her vast knowledge of language skill development. She has been a tremendous resource to countless families, helping them to secure services as well as supporting families on how to hold their children to high expectations by setting goals in all areas of development that she knew they could achieve. She was firm but fair while supporting families, and made believers out of many of these folks. Jill is an extremely skilled educator. Her ability to observe children and identify what her children need to thrive is nothing short of amazing. She has held many roles from Early Childhood Special Educator to U-Pre-K Classroom Teacher. She is a gifted evaluator. She knows how to navigate the world of licensing and has earned 5 stars in her programming numerous years in a row at Castleton Elementary while running one of the best district Early Ed programs. She is a mentor to staff as well and a valued colleague. Her ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team on behalf of her students has been nothing short of extraordinary. We will truly miss Mrs. C., her can-do attitude, and the belief she had in all students. We are thrilled that she is going to retire and finally take time for herself, her hobbies, and enjoy her family! We will strive to carry on her legacy, but there will only ever be one Mrs. C!

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Reminder! Tonight, June 7th: You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Fair Haven Union High School in-person or virtually connect by going to https://meet.google.com/xxb-ijaf-teh or join by phone (US) +1 617-675-4444 PIN: 692 154 434 9469# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/tmal Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/tc3e

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Reminder - This week! Virtual Parent Informational Series - This series is intended to help parents and students make a smooth transition from special education in school to life after high school. For more information and to register: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/fhuhs/page/virtual-parent-informational-series Please note: All sessions in the series will be available for viewing (on demand) on the web page above.

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Slate Valley Summer Camp 2021 Ages 6-12 Slate Valley is partnering with Fair Haven Recreation Department at NO COST to any Slate Valley family providing the following Summer Camp options at Fair Haven Grade School for the summer of 2021. Each option includes free breakfast and free lunch, tuition, transportation from our sister schools, all needed supplies, and three weeks of learning activities run by Slate Valley teachers. Register at https://tinyurl.com/SVSummerCamp or email summercamp@svuvt.org or call your child's school to register before June 1st, 2021.

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Congratulations to Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Casey O’Meara, for receiving the Vermont School Library Association - School Library Advocate Award! The award recognizes an administrator or public figure who has demonstrated belief in and has been supportive of school libraries.

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Good Morning, In coordination with the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Emergency Management, and the Agency of Education, Slate Valley Unified School District is hosting a vaccination clinic at Fair Haven Union High School today. Clinic Details: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fair Haven Union High School 33 Mechanic St Fair Haven, VT This clinic will serve students ages 12 and up in our district, as well as members of the community. Currently, walk-ins are being accepted. Therapy dogs will be available at the clinic.

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Reminder! Tonight (May 24th) You’re invited to the (virtual) Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Participation will be virtual only. Connect by going to https://https://meet.google.com/drs-woyk-irm or join by phone (US) +1 617-675-4444 PIN: 740 586 770 3200# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/stz1 Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/so89

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Reminder, tonight! Virtual Listening Tours with SVUUSD Board Members (Note: You are welcome to attend any of the meetings regardless of what town you reside in.) Join board members for a conversation about Middle School Reorganization prior to their vote on May 24th. May 18th, 6 PM - Castleton/Hubbardton - Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/gee-acpe-ota or join by phone (US) +1 442-900-4083 (PIN: 398252852) If you are unable to attend tonight, there is another opportunity tomorrow evening: May 19th, 6 PM - Orwell/Benson - Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/djm-sekz-bca or join by phone (US) +1 786-563-9119 (PIN: 104762513)

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Reminder, tonight! Virtual Listening Tours with SVUUSD Board Members (Note: You are welcome to attend any of the meetings regardless of what town you reside in.) Join board members for a conversation about Middle School Reorganization prior to their vote on May 24th. May 17th, 6 PM - Fair Haven/West Haven - Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/pdu-abre-xnm or by phone (US) +1 585-532-5413 (PIN: 713397202) If you are unable to attend tonight, you are welcome to attend on these evenings: May 18th, 6 PM - Castleton/Hubbardton - Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/gee-acpe-ota or join by phone (US) +1 442-900-4083 (PIN: 398252852) May 19th, 6 PM - Orwell/Benson - Connect by going to https://meet.google.com/djm-sekz-bca or join by phone (US) +1 786-563-9119 (PIN: 104762513)

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Dear Slate Valley Families: In coordination with the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont Emergency Management, and the Agency of Education, Slate Valley Unified School District has scheduled an upcoming vaccination clinic at Fair Haven Union High School. This clinic will serve students ages 12 and up in our district, as well as students in other nearby public and independent schools and members of our community – including parents! We especially look forward to providing vaccines for our 12-15 year-old students, who are newly eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download). The Health Department and Vermont pediatricians have put together this two-page information sheet (https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/COVID19-Vaccine-Parent-Handout.pdf) on the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and why it is safe and effective for this age group. Please see details about the vaccination clinic below. If you have any questions, please contact Deb Hanson, RN at dhanson@svuvt.org. We are eager to support you however we can to help get our students vaccinated for their health and the health of our community. Sincerely, Brooke Olsen-Farrell Superintendent Clinic Details Clinic Location: Fair Haven Union High School Clinic Street Address: 33 Mechanic St, Fair Haven, VT Clinic Date: Wednesday, May 26th Clinic Hours: 9:30-3:30 Registration The best way to reserve a dose of vaccine for your child is to register online (https://vermont.force.com/events/s/selfregistration). As part of registering online, you will be asked to provide your consent as their parent/guardian for your child to receive the vaccine. More information on registering online is available on the Health Department website (https://apps.health.vermont.gov/COVID/faq/#vaccine-registration-and-appointments). Anyone who is unable to make their appointment online, needs help, or who wants to speak with someone in a language other than English can call (855) 722-7878 and press 1 for interpretation services, Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This phone line is TTY enabled. If your student attends Fair Haven Union High School and you register for an appointment during the school day, your child will be able to attend their vaccine appointment while at school. You do not need to be present, but you are welcome to attend with them if that would be helpful. We also encourage you to make an appointment for yourself if you are not yet vaccinated! If your child attends the clinic without you, they will be asked to confirm the answers to health questions that were part of the registration process, such as whether or not they: -Have any history of allergic reaction to vaccines or injectable therapies -Are currently sick with COVID-19 -Have recently had any other vaccines -Have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners -Are breastfeeding or lactating Walk-Ins The best way to ensure a dose is available for your child is to register in advance, but depending on how many registrations are made, we expect there to be a limited number of walk-in doses available. If your child takes advantage of a walk-in appointment, we will need to get your consent for them to be vaccinated in one of three ways: -You can complete and sign the Vaccine Consent Form (https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/vaccine-consent-form-English.pdf). -You can come to the clinic and give your consent in person. -A member of the vaccine clinic staff or the school nurse can call you on the phone to talk to you and document your consent. Other Options to Get Vaccinated If our school clinic is not a convenient time for your family, there are many options statewide to get vaccinated. Your 12-15-year-old can register for a vaccine at any community vaccine clinic providing the Pfizer vaccine that is convenient to you. In addition, pharmacies at Kinney Drugs, CVS, Costco and Hannaford’s are now offering appointments for Pfizer vaccine to Vermonters aged 12 and up. Please note that each pharmacy has its own process and requirements for parental consent. https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccines-vermont

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley

Good Afternoon, This month, the FCC is accepting enrollments for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. As of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting http://GetEmergencyBroadband.org. To learn more about the benefit, visit https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit and the FAQ page: https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit.

over 2 years ago, Slate Valley