Board Meeting Tonight- September 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#
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.

We’re excited to kick off the first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2025–2026 school year with Mrs. Becky Lanfear! Mrs. Lanfear has been part of the Slate Valley family for an incredible 26 years at Castleton Elementary School, where she has taught Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grade—inspiring countless students along the way.
Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.
One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!
We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!
Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.
One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!
We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!

Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 5, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025

🎶 Slate Valley Teachers Take the Stage! 🎶
Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.
📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students
Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!
Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.
📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students
Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!

🏈 Slater Football Season Kicks Off Tonight Under the Lights! ✨
📅 Friday, September 5th | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on your defending State Champions! 💙
🎟️ Admission:
Adults: $3
Students: $2
Senior Citizens (62+): $2
📅 Friday, September 5th | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on your defending State Champions! 💙
🎟️ Admission:
Adults: $3
Students: $2
Senior Citizens (62+): $2

Calling All Slater Alumni!
We are excited to continue the tradition of featuring Fair Haven Union High School graduates in our “Where Are They Now?” spotlights! These stories highlight the journeys, successes, and life experiences our alumni have built since graduation.
If you’re interested in being featured, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/SlatersWhereRTheyNow so our Communications Coordinator can connect with you, or email her directly at lcacciatore@svuvt.org.
Our community loves celebrating the amazing things our alumni are doing—please take part and share your story!
We are excited to continue the tradition of featuring Fair Haven Union High School graduates in our “Where Are They Now?” spotlights! These stories highlight the journeys, successes, and life experiences our alumni have built since graduation.
If you’re interested in being featured, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/SlatersWhereRTheyNow so our Communications Coordinator can connect with you, or email her directly at lcacciatore@svuvt.org.
Our community loves celebrating the amazing things our alumni are doing—please take part and share your story!

📢 Reminder: Please join us tonight for the first Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting of the school year!
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is starting and our hopes moving forward.
We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is starting and our hopes moving forward.
We look forward to seeing you there! 💙

📢 Reminder: There will be no school this Monday in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday!

Slate Valley District Newsletter: August 29, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a3352b4ace47/slate-valley-back-to-school-newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/a3352b4ace47/slate-valley-back-to-school-newsletter

First Day Freeze Frames 📸
See the full video at https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19xeZ8KHb8/
Welcome Back to All Slate Valley Students!
See the full video at https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19xeZ8KHb8/
Welcome Back to All Slate Valley Students!

We’re excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year and invite you to our first Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting on:
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 | 5:45 PM
Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
The agenda link is below. We’ll review council goals for the year, share key district updates, and set priorities together. Your insights help us strengthen family, school, and community partnerships—thank you in advance for your time and perspective.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Agenda link: https://5il.co/3opgw
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 | 5:45 PM
Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
The agenda link is below. We’ll review council goals for the year, share key district updates, and set priorities together. Your insights help us strengthen family, school, and community partnerships—thank you in advance for your time and perspective.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Agenda link: https://5il.co/3opgw

📢 Join us tonight for the 2025–2026 Annual Title I Meeting!
We’re excited to welcome parents and families to learn more about Title I Schoolwide Programs and how they help address barriers to academic success. 💙
📍 Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS)
🕓 4:00 PM – meet.google.com/yim-skxt-frq
📍 Castleton Elementary School (CES)
🕔 5:00 PM – meet.google.com/afe-fpah-mzj
We’re excited to welcome parents and families to learn more about Title I Schoolwide Programs and how they help address barriers to academic success. 💙
📍 Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS)
🕓 4:00 PM – meet.google.com/yim-skxt-frq
📍 Castleton Elementary School (CES)
🕔 5:00 PM – meet.google.com/afe-fpah-mzj

Please join us in welcoming our new faculty and staff to Slater Nation!






Say hello to the amazing new faculty and staff joining Fair Haven Grade School!






Let's give a big welcome to Orwell Village School's newest team members!



Welcome to Castleton Elementary School's new faculty and staff!



Say hello to our new school nurse who will be joining both Benson Village School and Orwell Village school in October!

🎶✨ “We Ready!” ✨🎶
Slate Valley faculty & staff are pumped to welcome back our amazing students this week! #WeAreSlateValley #BackToSchool #WeReady
See our video at: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CdPHhQrHx/
or
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNwfSiVYvDY/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Slate Valley faculty & staff are pumped to welcome back our amazing students this week! #WeAreSlateValley #BackToSchool #WeReady
See our video at: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CdPHhQrHx/
or
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNwfSiVYvDY/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

🎨✨ On Friday, during Inservice, every Slate Valley faculty and staff member came together for a powerful group art project.
Each table received a canvas—some with hidden letters—tasked with one simple rule: cover it completely with color. Every Slate Valley member added at least one brushstroke, symbolizing our shared commitment. The letters were revealed and brought together to spell out the phrase:
“We Are Slate Valley.” 💫
In every splatter of paint, every dab of color, and every stroke of life, our faculty and staff captured a shared truth: no matter the distractions or challenges beyond our control, we will continue to show up fully for the students who show up for us every day.
This art piece is more than just decoration—it’s our collective promise. The completed canvases will be displayed throughout Slate Valley school buildings as a reminder of the strength, unity, and dedication of our Slate Valley family. 💙
Each table received a canvas—some with hidden letters—tasked with one simple rule: cover it completely with color. Every Slate Valley member added at least one brushstroke, symbolizing our shared commitment. The letters were revealed and brought together to spell out the phrase:
“We Are Slate Valley.” 💫
In every splatter of paint, every dab of color, and every stroke of life, our faculty and staff captured a shared truth: no matter the distractions or challenges beyond our control, we will continue to show up fully for the students who show up for us every day.
This art piece is more than just decoration—it’s our collective promise. The completed canvases will be displayed throughout Slate Valley school buildings as a reminder of the strength, unity, and dedication of our Slate Valley family. 💙










First day vibes! Our Slate Valley faculty & staff officially kicked off the school year on Friday, August 22nd with Opening Day Inservice—full of laughs, hugs, summer stories, and lots of catching up. Here's some photos from a great day with great people. 💙










