Slate Valley Unified School District

Our first week of summer transition camp, High School Prep, was a huge success! Incoming ninth graders participated in team-building activities, produced art for the local community, completed community service projects, and participated in the Vermont Outdoor Adventure Program at Lake Bomoseen. We’re looking forward to welcoming Slate Valley’s eighth grade students at next week’s camp! Also, remember families are invited to join us on Fridays to see what we’ve been up to all week…and participate in some Friday fun!

Athletics for 2022-2023 Registration is open on http://formreleaf.com/ FHU Fall Offerings: 9-12th Football, Golf, Cheer (8-12th) , Bass Fishing, B/G Soccer, Cross Country and Field Hockey 7/8th Offerings: 7/8 Boys soccer, 7/8 Girls Soccer, Cross Country (6-8th) Slate Valley 5/6th Offerings: 5/6 Boys Soccer, 5/6 Girls Soccer, Cross Country (6th) Please register your athletes soon! Yearly physicals are required, either upload your athlete's physical form on Formreleaf.com or email to Kalexander@svuvt.org. Remember if you have registered your athlete before, you only need to autofill, unless there are changes to be made. Please register incoming 7th, 8th and 9-12th on the FHUHS site (5/6th are still under SLATE VALLEY). If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Have a wonderful summer! I will be sending out information on the Fall opening meeting. All my best, Kim

Coming soon! In anticipation of the opening of Fair Haven Union Middle School, we have launched a Fair Haven Union Middle School Facebook page. We invite you to “like” the page https://www.facebook.com/FHUMS and engage with us as we prepare to welcome the district’s middle school students in August!

Coming soon! In anticipation of the opening of Fair Haven Union Middle School, we have launched a Fair Haven Union Middle School Facebook page. We invite you to “like” the page https://www.facebook.com/FHUMS and engage with us as we prepare to welcome the district’s middle school students in August!

Retirement Spotlight: Karon Chanski Karon has been teaching at Castleton Village School (CVS) for 25 years. She studied English and education at Green Mountain College after graduating from Fair Haven Union High School. Karon received her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Castleton University in 2011. During her time at CVS, Karon developed the personal investigation project for eighth-grade students that is now used throughout the Slate Valley School District. Karon has been an advocate and supporter of the therapy dogs program at our school, she has served as a mentor and curriculum developer. She has also done service work with students to honor veterans and active duty service men and women. She has organized a number of fundraisers for Tatum’s Totes, a non-profit organization that provides foster families with cribs, beds, strollers, car seats, and more. A certified bowling coach, Ms. Chanski was honored by Rutland Bowlerama for the work she has done coaching CVS student bowlers through the lifetime activities program. After retirement, Karon is very excited to move into her new home in North Carolina and to spend her days with her grandchildren.

Retirement Spotlight: Sharon Ryan Sharon spent the past year as our 504 Coordinator and Work-Based Learning Coordinator. She dedicated time and energy to ensuring 504 compliance, and working with families to support our students. In her role as WBL Coordinator, she helped many students find jobs within the community, and coordinated informational sessions so students were prepared to engage with employers and the community. Prior to her time in this role, Sharon subbed in several buildings in Slate Valley, worked as a Special Educator, and was the Special Services Coordinator at Stafford Technical Center for a number of years. We thank Sharon for supporting our students at FHUHS, and wish her the best in retirement!

Retirement Spotlight: Tom Smith For the past 13 years, Tom Smith has served our Slater students as a dynamic and engaging science teacher. Tom has been a dedicated chemistry, earth and physical science teacher, as well as the head of the school's Drama Club, and a member of the summer programming that occurred across the district. Prior to this position, Tom was a proud graduate of Purdue University and taught a wide range of grade levels within the State of Vermont. We thank Tom for supporting our students at FHUHS, and wish him the best in retirement!

Retirement Spotlight: Clare Bartholomew Clare has worked for Slate Valley Unified Union District for the past twenty-four years. She started as a substitute teacher. In 1998 through 2012 Clare was a Physical Education Teacher and an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union High School. In 2013, Clare became an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union High School where she has worked in various settings. We’ve enjoyed working with her and she has always worked hard and helped many students make it through their high school years. Clare will be greatly missed by her students and staff. We wish her well with her retirement!

Retirement Spotlight: Susan Howe Sue Howe has been a part of Slate Valley school district long before it was Slate Valley. Sue began her career in our district substituting in all of our schools. Her substitute teaching career spanned decades. She supported Benson and FHGS through long-term substitute teacher positions in addition to providing daily support to all of our schools whenever called. She finally gave up those early morning phone calls to take a full-time position at FHGS as our Preschool Teacher Assistant. Sue Howe has been part of the preschool team at FHGS for the last 6 years and in that time has proven herself to be irreplaceable as a teacher, colleague, and friend. She has been someone who can be counted on to "get the job done", whether that be co-teaching, preparing materials, seemingly endless cleaning, or subbing for another teacher at a moment's notice. In the classroom Sue is patient, flexible, and responsive, forming positive relationships and helping students be successful. She has a knack for finding humor in any situation and takes challenges in stride. Sue has a natural ability to connect with children and families and is adored by students long after they leave preschool. She has also been open to learning new teaching strategies in order to best meet the needs of students and always gives 110%. Sue will be deeply missed and preschool at FHGS just won't be the same without her! We wish her all the best as she takes time for herself, her hobbies, and her family in this new chapter of life. We will do our best to continue on in her absence, but there's only ever going to be one Mrs. Howe!

Tonight - June 13, 2022 You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Fair Haven Union High School. This meeting will be in person or virtually connect by going to https://meet.google.com/dod-jyju-crr or by calling (US) +1 406-640-3090 PIN: 541 301 047# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/1bvm0 Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/1b7tp Next Board Meeting: Monday June 27, 2022 - Benson Village School at 6:30 p.m.

Retirement Spotlight: Colleen Hutchins Colleen Hutchins has touched so many students and adults throughout her many years working for Slate Valley. She has such a calming and reassuring way about her that helps put one at ease. She knew that relationships were important with her students. She knew they needed to feel respected and cared for. The relationships she built allowed her to be able to carry out academic or behavioral requests with her students. I know this from personal experience when Colleen worked with my son, Colton, who has down syndrome. Colton knew when she asked him to work on something, he needed to get it done, (not that he wouldn't still resist her requests from time to time). He also knew that if he was sad or struggling, he could get that important nurturing hug that helped him be able to move forward. With another student, I also know that during the stretch of remote time in the early pandemic days, she would drop by one of her student's houses and leave him messages and items to help him not feel so alone and left out while we were absent from the classroom. She always knows what students instinctively need to feel supported, emotionally as well as academically. As a colleague, I have also had the immense pleasure of working with Colleen on our 5th grade team. As an instructional assistant working in our classrooms, she worked well implementing behavioral strategies for all students and offering help with those that asked, beyond her assigned student(s). She has been an integral part of classroom management, one would say part of the classroom backbone structure. She was truly part of our team and we learned to lean on her as much as she leaned on us. While I was saddened to hear she was retiring this year, I am also very happy for her. Now she'll be able to enjoy some time with her family, relax some and possibly get to all those "things" she's always wanted to do. We will all miss her and hope that she will consider returning from time to time as a substitute instructional assistant. All of your colleagues at FHGS thank you Colleen for your years of service to our students, families and colleagues. You will be greatly missed. We wish you the very best in your retirement!

Beginning today, we will be recognizing our staff members who will be retiring at the end of this school year. We will recognize two today and then one each day through June 17 in our retirement spotlights. Retirement Spotlight: Lisa Brough “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” Ralph Waldo Emerson Lisa Brough, or just “Brough” as she is known by many, possesses a wealth of knowledge, kindness and generosity, which she has freely given to students and staff alike for several decades. According to Central Office records, she has worked here in the district for 25 years. However, unknown to most, she started even before that working in a student’s home, teaching the student directly. She bravely started her career walking into another person’s house and teaching them with only her own knowledge and support! She then came to Fair Haven Grade School and has worked as an instructional assistant in every grade level from Preschool to Middle School. During this time, Lisa has been an integral part of the lives of countless students and staff. Lisa is an extremely skilled educator. Her ability to observe and identify what her students and staff members need in order to thrive is nothing short of amazing! She has supported everyone in this school in numerous ways. If you ever needed anything, we all knew we could go to Lisa for support and direction (except for microwaving water, which was a disaster!! LOL!). She supported us not only with her extensive knowledge but also with her humor and positive attitude! Lisa will be greatly missed by all and she will leave a big void to fill. We are thrilled that she will finally have time to relax and enjoy her family more often. We will truly miss you, Lisa! You are a talented, amazing and strong person that has given a lot to our school. THANK YOU!

Dear Slate Valley Families, I know we are all heartbroken and angry over yet another tragic school shooting. Our hearts and minds are certainly with the grieving families and the community of Uvalde, TX. There have been 27 school shootings in our country so far in 2022. This is unfathomable, and needs to end. Our district, through the good work of our community, staff and law enforcement, averted a significant threat in 2018. No one is immune to this type of violence. If your child is struggling with the news please reach out. We are happy to support your child in any way that we can. The following are resources that discuss ways in which you can talk to your child about school violence: -Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: https://5il.co/1b2dd -Tips for Talking to Children about Violence: https://5il.co/1b2de As you know we are deeply committed to the school safety in Slate Valley. In light of yesterday I want to remind you of everything we have in place in our district. Summary of School Safety Planning Schools are required to have an Emergency Operations Plan. We have developed comprehensive Emergency Operations Plans for the School District as well as for each individual school. These plans take into account the unique infrastructure needs and location of the individual schools. Plans are reviewed and updated annually. We have established good working relationships with our emergency response agencies across the District to ensure they are familiar with our emergency responses plans and have included these agencies in our training and exercise plans. Environmental Design We have committed funding to redesign the entrances to our buildings to allow for catchment areas for visitors upon entering our buildings. In addition, the outside lighting has been enhanced in some areas around the district. We have revised parking procedures, signage and general traffic flow for pick-up and drop off at all of our schools over the last few years. Behavioral Threat Assessment Team The state recommends that every school and school district have a Behavioral Threat Assessment Team. We have one in place that consists of school administration, mental health professionals, school counselors, a school nurse and local law enforcement as appropriate. This team is charged with evaluating concerning behaviors, social media posts, verbal or written threats or other actions displayed by students, staff or others that may negatively impact our schools. These Assessments are then reviewed further by the School District Public Safety Team. School Safety Tip Line We know that 74% of all attacks that have been averted have been due to someone coming forward with information. Vermont has a tip line where you can submit tips anonymously. www.safe4vt.org Public Address/Emergency Notification Systems We are continuing to review and enhance our intercom systems. In addition, we have purchased a radio system with enhanced capabilities that allows us to talk across all of the schools within the District. We are continually adding to this system as funding allows. Infrastructure -Locking mechanisms- All classroom doors have been updated to lock from the inside. -Security Cameras- Cameras have been installed throughout the school district with plans to continue to replace older cameras along with additional installations. In addition, the school board has adopted a policy to define how these cameras can be used. -Window Shading- Classroom door windows along with many exterior windows have been covered with window shadings. -Radio Communication- Schools are connected through a new radio system that allows for communication between buildings throughout the school district. Access Control/Visitor Management We continue to work to refine our access control/visitor management policy/procedures throughout the district. We want and encourage the community to visit our schools post COVID of course while at the same time we need to ensure that we know who is in our schools at all times. The school board has also adopted an Access Control Policy for the District. School Crisis Planning Team/School District Public Safety Team The School District has a Public Safety Team that meets monthly. The team includes representatives from the following groups: local first responders, administration, school counseling/nursing, bussing company and building/grounds. School Safety Drills and Exercises We take an all hazards approach to emergency preparedness. As a district we recognize that some of these drills may induce anxiety in some people. As such we always approach it from a trauma informed perspective. Some of the drills we do are: -Bus Evacuation Drills -Lockdown (Options-Based) Drills -Evacuation Drills We can’t do this work alone. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns at any time. In partnership, Brooke Olsen-Farrell

Tonight - May 23, 2022 You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Orwell Village School. This meeting will be in person or virtually connect by going to https://meet.google.com/fdu-ksmw-yju or by calling (US) +1 510-431-7130 PIN: 397 631 240# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/1awxy Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/1ajny Next Board Meeting: Monday June 13, 2022 - 6:30 p.m. at Fair Haven Union High School

Today is National School Nurse Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our nurses for their tireless efforts throughout the year! In honor of the day, Governor Scott has issued a proclamation declaring today School Nurse Day in Vermont.

Tonight - May 9, 2022 You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Fair Haven Union High School Library. This meeting will be in person or virtually connect by going to https://meet.google.com/wdf-rbzv-grn or by calling: (US) +1 715-544-8886 PIN: 163 155 016# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/19xjx Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/19ip5 Next Board Meeting: May 23, 2022 - 6:30 p.m. at Orwell Village School

"Slate Valley students are sending a sweet message to children in Ukraine. Recently, students across the district have been making care packages containing maple candy to send children living in the war-torn eastern European country." https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/slate-valley-students-send-sweet-notes-to-ukraine/article_f84bb2c2-2845-57f3-b310-7c0325940e94.html

Slate Valley hosted a partner table at the First United Way Fun Day at Castleton University on May 1st. The United Way is a huge financial supporter of our Snack Sack Program and are wonderful community partners!

Dear Slate Valley Staff and Families, Unfortunately Covid-19 is making a resurgence in our area. If anyone is experiencing symptoms, even if you think it is just allergies or other illness, it is still recommended that you test to be sure. You can request tests from the school if you need them. If you are unable to test, you should stay home if you have symptoms until you feel better. You can also choose to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, keep your hands away from your nose and mouth, clean surfaces frequently and distance yourself where you feel it is necessary. Please see the Department of Health website for more in depth information. Hopefully by following these strategies, we can keep this resurgence to a minimum. https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19 Please reach out to your school nurse if you have any questions. Best, Brooke Olsen-Farrell Superintendent

We're hiring! Slate Valley Unified Union School District has a year round full time position opening for an ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST. Responsibilities including processing accounts payable for the district. Bookkeeping experience is required, as well as strong technology and organizational skills. For more information, please contact Cheryl Scarzello, Director of Finance at (802) 265-2561 or email at cscarzello@svuvt.org Please visit https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/page/employment-opportunities for a complete listing of employment opportunities with SVUUSD.