BVS Bike and Groove!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A girl wearing a blue helmet and a grey t-shirt rides a purple mountain bike down a wide gravel path, casting a long shadow in front of her. Other children on bicycles follow behind her under a clear blue sky, with a playground and parking lot visible in the distance.
A young girl with a black helmet and a pink shirt smiles while riding a light blue cruiser bicycle on a gravel path. The bike is decorated with yellow streamers on the handlebars and frame. In the background, there is a grassy field with a playground, parked cars, and other people.
A young child wearing a bright pink helmet and a light yellow t-shirt rides a purple bicycle with training wheels and a wicker front basket. The child is riding on a gravel driveway in front of a building with a sign that reads "Benson Village School."
A young boy wearing a large black helmet and an orange graphic t-shirt rides a black and red youth bicycle designed to look like a motocross dirt bike. He is riding on a gravel path with a sunny playground and parked cars in the background. IMG_0586.jpg Alt Text: A smiling girl wearing a pink helmet and a pink and white color-blocked t-shirt rides a blue mountain bike on a gravel path. Another boy on a bicycle follows closely behind her, with a parking lot and tree line under a bright sky in the background.
BVS Bike and Groove!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
BVS Bike and Groove!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
A wide shot of the school's "Bike and Groove" event. Dozens of students are riding their bicycles along a paved path winding through the school campus, surrounded by green grass [and trees/school buildings].
Cube measuring and balance.
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A smiling woman with long brown hair stands in a classroom doorway, gesturing toward a tall vertical column of interlocking plastic blocks. She is wearing a grey tank top and dark green athletic shorts, and her left arm is raised to touch the top section of the block tower. The colorful tower of blocks is attached to the wooden door frame and stretches from the floor to the top of the door. The door behind her has a green privacy curtain and a colorful banner spelling out part of a word. A red fire alarm pull station is visible on the wall to the right.
Kinders have been doing a fun activity every day for the last 10 days. Today was shaving cream play, and tomorrow will be bubble play outside!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A high-angle shot of a classroom setting where children are sitting at a large, blue clover-shaped table covered in swirls of white shaving cream. A young girl with long blonde hair on the right smiles proudly at the camera, holding up both hands coated thick with foam. On the left, another girl concentrates on rubbing the shaving cream. Names like "Paisley" and "Makenna" are written on the table near a blue folder and a water bottle resting on a paper towel.
A wide shot of a classroom showing two large group tables pushed near each other—one bright yellow and one deep blue—with about ten young children and older students sitting around them. Everyone is actively engaged in sensory play, spreading white shaving cream all over the table surfaces. Several children laugh and hold up their messy hands, while others focus on smoothing the foam out in front of them. The classroom background features storage shelves, a whiteboard, and a window.
An overhead shot of four young children sitting around a large yellow, flower-shaped table in a classroom, enthusiastically playing with white shaving cream spread across the surface. Two boys on the far side hold their messy, foam-covered hands high in the air with big smiles. A girl with blonde hair on the right rubs the foam on the table, while another girl in a blue shirt in the foreground lifts her foam-covered hands. Stacked folders and a colorful drawing sit in the center of the table.
An overhead shot of four young children sitting around a large yellow, flower-shaped table in a classroom, enthusiastically playing with white shaving cream spread across the surface. Two boys on the far side hold their messy, foam-covered hands high in the air with big smiles. A girl with blonde hair on the right rubs the foam on the table, while another girl in a blue shirt in the foreground lifts her foam-covered hands. Stacked folders and a colorful drawing sit in the center of the table.
A high-angle shot looking down at a large yellow table in a classroom where children are playing with white shaving cream. Two young girls are visible; one with blonde hair smiles broadly toward the camera, lifting her foam-covered hands, while a girl in a bright blue shirt next to her rubs the foam onto the table surface. Handprints and upside-down names like "William" and "Demila" are written on the table near a stack of blue folders. The background shows a colorful classroom rug and cubbies.
Whack a mole with heart words. Kinders are quite the theatrical group!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of six young children are sitting in a circle on a vibrant, multi-colored handprint-patterned rug in a classroom. Each child is holding a square white card featuring a cartoon mole illustration against their forehead. A classroom whiteboard in the background displays a message written in marker: "Today is Monday, June 8, 2026. Our specials are health and STEAM. Love, Miss Ackert." A white rocking chair with "miss ackert" written on the backrest sits in the background near colorful storage organizers.
A classroom scene showing a group of young children playing on a colorful handprint rug. In the foreground, a young boy in a grey-and-white striped hoodie and black shorts smiles broadly as he steps forward. Behind him, another boy in an orange t-shirt lies on his stomach on the rug, looking at a cartoon card. To the right, two young girls are seated on the floor; one is holding a cartoon card to her forehead, and the other looks on. The classroom background includes a white rocking chair, shelves, a globe, and rainbow decor. IMG_6694.jpg An action shot in a classroom setting where several young children are playing on a colorful handprint rug. In the center, a boy in a striped hoodie is captured mid-movement, facing away from the camera. To his left, a boy in an orange shirt sits on the floor, laughing while holding a white card to his forehead. To the right, a girl in a blue shirt also holds a card to her forehead, while another girl sits nearby. The background features a white rocking chair, a globe on a wooden shelf, and a whiteboard with handwritten classroom schedule details.
A group of six young children are sitting in a circle on a vibrant, multi-colored handprint-patterned rug in a classroom. Each child is holding a square white card featuring a cartoon mole illustration against their forehead. A classroom whiteboard in the background displays a message written in marker: "Today is Monday, June 8, 2026. Our specials are health and STEAM. Love, Miss Ackert." A white rocking chair with "miss ackert" written on the backrest sits in the background near colorful storage organizers. .
A close-up shot of a young girl with blue eyes and light brown hair with freckles, wearing a bright green t-shirt. She is sitting on a colorful classroom rug and holding a square white card against her forehead with both hands. The card features a black-and-white cartoon illustration of a mole popping out of a hole with dizzy swirls in its eyes and stars spinning over its construction hat. The word "See" is handwritten in pink marker at the bottom of the card. In the background, another young girl is partially visible, holding up a similar card.
A close-up shot focusing on a young girl wearing a bright blue t-shirt, who is holding a white card directly over her forehead and eyes. The card shows a gray cartoon illustration of a mallet striking a surface with impact sparks and stars. Below the image, the word "See" is written in pink marker. The background shows a blurred classroom setting with storage bins and a colorful rainbow-patterned wall border.
Ready for Middle School!!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A group photo of seven diverse children and teenagers lined up on a vibrant green lawn on a clear, sunny day. They are dressed in casual clothes, t-shirts, and sneakers, with a few of them smiling or giving a thumbs-up. In the background is a long, brick and white school building under a bright blue sky, with an American flag flying on a tall pole. Yellow school buses and a couple of cars are parked in the driveway behind them, and a rustic wooden fence frames the right side of the lawn.
Our 6th Graders got to check out the Middle School this morning! They met their Teachers for the 7th Grade, and engaged in team building activities!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A boy with glasses and wavy brown hair is seated at a wooden classroom desk, looking down intently at a piece of purple paper he is folding. He is wearing a black t-shirt featuring the cartoon character Stitch and the text "NOT TODAY." On his desk, there is an instructional sheet, a pair of black and purple scissors, and another small piece of purple paper. In the background, a green door frame and student artwork displayed on the wall are visible.
A young girl with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail sits at a wooden desk, smiling directly at the camera. She is wearing a grey Nike hooded sweatshirt with a name tag. She holds a folded piece of red paper over an instructional sheet on her desk. The background shows a bright classroom with empty desks, a glass door leading outside, and walls decorated with various student projects.
The same young girl with blonde hair in a ponytail is shown from a similar angle, but she is now looking down, focused on carefully folding the red paper in her hands. The instructional sheet for the "Paper Football Game" sits flat on the wooden desk in front of her. The classroom background remains the same, showing desks and a sunlit door.
Two students are seated next to each other at a desk in a classroom. On the left, a boy in a black graphic t-shirt looks off to the side with a slight smirk, holding a small piece of white paper. Next to him, a girl with long wavy brown hair and glasses looks forward with a neutral expression, wearing a pink t-shirt. The background features a large map on the wall and a small sign that reads "VERMONT" above a green silhouette of the state.
A young boy with short brown hair sits at a light-colored wooden school desk, leaning forward with his elbows resting on the surface. He is wearing a blue t-shirt and a small white name tag on his chest. His attention is focused downward on a yellow piece of paper he is holding and folding with both hands. In front of him on the desk is an instructional worksheet titled "Paper Football Game." The background shows a classroom setting with bookshelves filled with novels and a hockey-themed poster on the wall. Another student's hands holding red paper are partially visible in the bottom-left corner.
A vertical, framed motivational poster hangs on a beige classroom wall. The text uses a variety of colorful fonts and hand-lettered styles. It reads: "SOME KIDS ARE SMARTER THAN YOU. SOME KIDS HAVE cooler clothes THAN YOU. SOME KIDS ARE better at sports THAN YOU. IT DOES NOT MATTER. YOU HAVE your THING TOO. BE THE KID WHO CAN GET ALONG. BE THE KID WHO IS generous. BE THE KID WHO IS happy for other people. BE THE KID WHO DOES THE RIGHT THING. Be the nice kid." A small illustration of a blue graduation cap sits at the top, and a simple green leafy vine illustration decorates the bottom.
Our 6th Graders got to check out the Middle School this morning! They met their Teachers for 7th Grade, and engaged in team building activities
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up of a boy with short dark hair sitting at a school desk, looking down intently as he carefully folds a piece of red paper into a triangle shape. An instructional sheet for making a paper football is visible on the desk to his left. He is wearing a black graphic t-shirt and two wristbands. IMG_5959.jpg: A girl with long brown hair and glasses sitting at a school desk, smiling as she looks down at a small piece of purple paper she is holding in both hands. An instructional sheet titled "Paper Football Game" sits on the desk in front of her. Other students and adults are visible in the background of the classroom.
A girl with long brown hair and glasses sitting at a school desk, smiling as she looks down at a small piece of purple paper she is holding in both hands. An instructional sheet titled "Paper Football Game" sits on the desk in front of her. Other students and adults are visible in the background of the classroom.
: Two young girls standing side-by-side indoors against a green cinderblock wall and a light wood door. The girl on the left has shoulder-length brown wavy hair and wears a dark brown t-shirt with a pink logo. The girl on the right has long brown hair, wears clear-rimmed glasses, and a light blue t-shirt with the number "76" printed on the front. Both are smiling at the camera and wearing small white name tags.
IMG_5961.jpg: Two young girls standing side-by-side indoors against a green cinderblock wall and a light wood door. The girl on the left has shoulder-length brown wavy hair and wears a dark brown t-shirt with a pink logo. The girl on the right has long brown hair, wears clear-rimmed glasses, and a light blue t-shirt with the number "76" printed on the front. Both are smiling at the camera and wearing small white name tags. IMG_5958.jpg: A student with short brown hair and glasses sitting at a wooden school desk, enthusiastically giving a double thumbs-up with a wide smile. They are wearing a black t-shirt featuring a cartoon character and the words "NOT TODAY". On the desk in front of them are a pair of scissors, a piece of purple paper, and an instructional worksheet. IMG_5960.jpg: A close-up of a boy with short dark hair sitting at a school desk, looking down intently as he carefully folds a piece of red paper into a triangle shape. An instructional sheet for making a paper football is visible on the desk to his left. He is wearing a black graphic t-shirt and two wristbands. IMG_5959.jpg: A girl with long brown hair and glasses sitting at a school desk, smiling as she looks down at a small piece of purple paper she is holding in both hands. An instructional sheet titled "Paper Football Game" sits on the desk in front of her. Other students and adults are visible in the background of the classroom.
Special Board Meeting - June 8, 2026 -
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vsx-qjxt-kye
Or dial: (US) +1 234-719-4117 PIN: 856 473 497#


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.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features the text “Please Join Us Tonight” surrounding a circle of stylized green figures representing community members. Large text reads “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.” Inside the center circle, the agenda includes: Consent Agenda, End-of-Year Goal Sharing (Elementary), Legislative Update, Committee Reports, and Finance. The Vermont-themed Slate Valley logo appears on the right side. At the bottom, the graphic lists the meeting details: June 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium. The graphic uses teal, green, and light gray colors on a white background.
Mount Independence Hike!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl smiles while posing behind a cutout board of a colonial woman holding a basket with a cat. Behind her, two other girls stand waiting, and an empty cutout board of a man in a blue coat is visible to the left. A bronze plaque mounted on a concrete wall is visible in the background.
Two young girls pose behind side-by-side colonial photo cutout boards outside a building with ivy growing on the wall. The girl on the left peeks through the cutout of a man wearing a blue coat, orange vest, and tan breeches. The girl on the right smiles from behind the cutout of a woman in a white patterned dress holding a basket with a sleeping cat.
A group of children playing around two colonial photo cutout boards. Two girls smile directly at the camera while posing in the head cutouts—one as the man in the blue coat and the other as the woman holding a cat basket. In the background, another child bends over between the boards, and a fourth child peeks out from behind.
Two young girls smile warmly while posing behind historical photo cutout boards on a sunny day. The girl on the left stands behind the cutout of a colonial man holding a book, while the girl on the right stands behind the cutout of a colonial woman holding a cat in a basket.
A young girl makes a funny, crinkled-face expression while posing behind a photo cutout board of a colonial woman holding a cat in a basket. Next to her, an empty cutout board of a man in a blue coat stands unused. In the background, two other children look on.
A young girl with light brown hair peeks over a painted photo cutout board outside a concrete building. The cutout depicts a woman in a colonial-style white dress with black polka dots, holding a sleeping tabby cat in a woven basket. The girl rests her hands on top of the board, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile. A bronze historical plaque is visible on the wall behind her. IMG_6033.jpg Two young girls pose behind side-by-side colonial photo cutout boards outside a building with ivy growing on the wall. The girl on the left peeks through the cutout of a man wearing a blue coat, orange vest, and tan breeches. The girl on the right smiles from behind the cutout of a woman in a white patterned dress holding a basket with a sleeping cat.
PLEASE check out the latest Slate Valley District Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/0936e2d3fb42/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836831

Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.

We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.

Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated June 5, 2026. The header reads "Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter" with the date displayed below. The center of the graphic features the Slate Valley Vermont logo over a scenic lake and tree-lined background. Surrounding the logo are school emblems representing Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS), Benson Village School (BVS), Fair Haven Union Middle School, Fair Haven Union High School, Orwell Village School (OVS), and Castleton Elementary School (CES). The graphic uses the district's green, blue, gold, red, and gray school colors and includes the slogan "Our School, Your Future."
6th Grade Twister fun on a Friday Morning.
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
In the foreground of a classroom, three children are smiling at the camera while playing Twister. One boy in a black t-shirt and grey shorts has his hand on a green circle. Next to him, a girl in a grey hoodie has her hand on a different green circle. A second boy in an olive green shirt and red shorts crouches on the mat. The background features a classroom setting with a world map, colorful bulletin boards, and school desks.
Clover Exploration!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
Three young girls sit closely together at a long wooden cafeteria table, collaboratively building a colorful structure out of toy bricks. A large orange plastic bin filled with building pieces sits to their right, and an instructional paper with a cartoon zoo drawing lies on the table in front of them.
Two young girls sit at a long wooden cafeteria table, focused on building with toy bricks. The girl in the background wears a light blue t-shirt and works on a small baseplate, while the girl in the foreground wears a pink shirt and patterned leggings, holding a small plastic piece in her hands as she builds.
Three young girls sit closely together at a long wooden cafeteria table, collaboratively building a colorful structure out of toy bricks. A large orange plastic bin filled with building pieces sits to their right, and an instructional paper with a cartoon zoo drawing lies on the table in front of them.
: A high-angle view looking down into an enclosed fort built from grey, fabric-covered modular panels. Two young boys are inside the structure, smiling up at the camera; one boy in a red shirt peeks through a doorway gap, while the other boy with glasses looks out from a square cutout window.ggings, holding a small plastic piece in her hands as she builds.
Four children sit or stand around a long wooden table in a school cafeteria or community room, working with building blocks. One boy in a blue shirt reaches into a large orange storage tub, while two other boys and a girl in a blue shirt assemble flat baseplates with various colorful pieces.
A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible.
A high-angle view looking down into an enclosed fort built from grey, fabric-covered modular panels. Two young boys are inside the structure, smiling up at the camera; one boy in a red shirt peeks through a doorway gap, while the other boy with glasses looks out from a square cutout window.
Clover Exploration!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
IMG_9371.jpeg Alt Text: A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible. IMG_9367.jpeg Alt Text: A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop. IMG_9368.jpeg Alt Text: An overhead view of a child in a blue t-shirt sitting at a wooden desk, playing with a small LEGO raft floating inside a clear plastic bin of water. To the left, another child's hands work on a separate LEGO baseplate next to an instructional activity worksheet.
A group of elementary-aged children playing inside a large room with modular, gray felt privacy screens. Several children are gathered inside an enclosed fort-like structure made from the panels, while one boy in the foreground stands on loose panels on the floor, holding up a vertical panel to add to the structure. IMG_9364.jpeg Alt Text: A group of five young students gathered around a wooden table indoors, looking closely at a small science or engineering experiment. In the center of the table, a plastic bin filled with water contains a floating toy boat made from building bricks. A boy in a bright orange t-shirt in the foreground interacts with the setup while three girls and another student watch attentively.
A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible.
A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop.
A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop. IMG_9368.jpeg Alt Text: An overhead view of a child in a blue t-shirt sitting at a wooden desk, playing with a small LEGO raft floating inside a clear plastic bin of water. To the left, another child's hands work on a separate LEGO baseplate next to an instructional activity worksheet.
A group of elementary-aged children playing inside a large room with modular, gray felt privacy screens. Several children are gathered inside an enclosed fort-like structure made from the panels, while one boy in the foreground stands on loose panels on the floor, holding up a vertical panel to add to the structure.
A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible. IMG_9367.jpeg Alt Text: A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop.
A top-down view looking into a small, enclosed space formed by gray, upholstered modular partition panels. Inside the cozy nook, a young child wearing a blue t-shirt and grey shorts sits on the floor, looking up at the camera with a wide smile.
A group of elementary-aged children playing inside a large room with modular, gray felt privacy screens. Several children are gathered inside an enclosed fort-like structure made from the panels, while one boy in the foreground stands on loose panels on the floor, holding up a vertical panel to add to the structure.
All school field trip to Mount Independence!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
Three boys posing playfully by a wooden split-rail fence in a grassy, wooded area. The boy on the left wears a light blue t-shirt and salutes. The boy in the middle wears a sun hat and a bright blue shirt that says "Fear is the path to the dark side" with his arms outstretched. The boy on the right wears a grey "Coyotes" t-shirt and dark pants, also giving a salute.
: Three girls standing together next to a wooden split-rail fence with thick green foliage behind them. The girl on the left wears a dark green "Westside Pride" t-shirt and holds a yellow water bottle. The middle girl wears a bright yellow t-shirt and jeans. The girl on the right wears a tie-dye shirt, orange shorts, and holds a blue water bottle.
A group of ten children sitting and standing along an old wooden split-rail fence in a grassy area. They are dressed in casual summer clothes and hats, smiling for the camera. Behind them is a thick wall of green trees and bushes, with a scenic view of distant hills appearing on the far left under a slightly overcast sky.
Four girls posing together against a rustic wooden split-rail fence with dense green bushes behind them. From left to right: a girl in a white tank top and grey baseball cap smiles; a girl in a purple t-shirt sits on the fence; a girl in a grey t-shirt, camo hat, and floral backpack smiles; and a girl with red hair stands with crossed arms wearing a light green patterned t-shirt with a maroon sweatshirt tied around her waist. A fifth girl in a blue shirt is partially visible on the far left.
: Two boys smiling and sitting on an old wooden split-rail fence outdoors. The boy on the left wears a wide-brimmed sun hat, a bright blue t-shirt, and grey shorts. The boy on the right wears a camo baseball cap, a grey "Coyotes" t-shirt, dark jeans, and holds a blue water bottle. A lush green forest and distant hills are visible under a bright sky in the background.
Two boys smiling and sitting on an old wooden split-rail fence outdoors. The boy on the left wears a wide-brimmed sun hat, a bright blue t-shirt, and grey shorts. The boy on the right wears a camo baseball cap, a grey "Coyotes" t-shirt, dark jeans, and holds a blue water bottle. A lush green forest and distant hills are visible under a bright sky in the background.
All school field trip to Mount Independence!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of nine children sitting side-by-side along a rustic, weathered split-rail wooden fence. They are smiling at the camera on a sunny day. Behind them is a thick wall of green bushes and trees, with a scenic view of distant hills and water visible to the far left.
A wide shot of a group of children and counselors hanging out in a vibrant green grassy field on a sunny day. They are clustered near a large, shady evergreen tree. The kids are dressed in colorful activewear and summer clothing, spread across the lawn.
Five children taking a break, sitting along an old wooden split-rail fence on a grassy hillside. Behind them, lush green trees and foliage fill the landscape, leading to a scenic valley view with hills under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
A close-up profile view of a young girl with her hair tied back, wearing a blue floral romper. She is standing next to a black wrought-iron fence, intently reading the inscription carved into a large, historic stone monument. Green woods serve as the background.
A view looking over a black wrought-iron fence into a sunlit grassy field where a group of children and an adult leader are gathered. A large evergreen tree stands in the center of the lawn, with dense green woods lining the background of the field.
A young girl wearing a dark green t-shirt and navy shorts walks across a bright green lawn, holding a yellow cup. In the background stands a tall, historic grey stone obelisk monument enclosed by a black wrought-iron fence, bordered by dense green trees. IMG_3389.jpg Alt Text: A group of five young boys standing together on a forest path covered in fallen leaves and soil. The boys are dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and baseball caps, with some looking directly at the camera. Tall, thick tree trunks and vibrant green foliage frame the scene.
A group of five young boys standing together on a forest path covered in fallen leaves and soil. The boys are dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and baseball caps, with some looking directly at the camera. Tall, thick tree trunks and vibrant green foliage frame the scene.
A group of five young girls and an adult woman standing together on a shaded, leaf-covered dirt trail in a dense forest. The girls are dressed in summer clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and skirts, with one girl in the center posing with her hands on her hips. Large mature trees and lush green foliage surround them.
A group of children gathered on a wooded hiking trail covered in fallen leaves. In the foreground, a girl with her back to the camera wears a blue and white patterned top and a dark drawstring backpack. Other children stand around talking, wearing casual summer clothes and hats, surrounded by bright green forest trees.
Field trip to Mount Independence!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl with brown hair wearing a light blue shirt and blue pants poses while hiking. There is a group of students behind her all smiiling
A group of children hike forward along a dirt trail scattered with leaves, surrounded by a dense, sunlit green forest.
A large group of children and a guide hike in a single-file line up a dirt trail, viewed from behind, surrounded by a dense green forest.
Four people, seen from behind, hike along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by a dense, green forest during the day. One person in the center wears a bright orange backpack.
A group of children and two adults gather on a wooded trail during a nature hike. The children stand among tall trees and dense green foliage, listening and talking while taking a break. One child in the foreground covers their face with their hands, while others look around the forest. Sunlight filters through the tree canopy, creating dappled light across the trail and surrounding vegetation.
A group of children and an adult hike through a lush green forest. Several children wait near a small stream while others carefully cross a narrow log bridge. The wooded trail is shaded by dense leafy trees, with fallen logs and undergrowth surrounding the path. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a peaceful outdoor scene.
Four people, seen from behind, hike along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by a dense, green forest during the day. One person in the center wears a bright orange backpack.
2nd Graders filled their hive and decided on a Teacher/Student swap. Where they got to take turns being the Teacher! Some kiddos even dressed like a Teacher!
3 months ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of nine elementary school children pose together for a photo in a classroom or school hallway. They are gathered around a decorative cardboard tree that is adorned with paper bees and features a large, handmade paper beehive hanging from a branch. One boy in a grey Nike shirt stands near the center holding a clear jar filled with yellow and black marbles or beads, while the other children smile or pose from seated and standing positions around him.
A medium shot of a young child with short blonde hair smiling while standing outdoors in a grassy area with a playground structure visible in the background. The child is wearing a pink T-shirt that reads "Read Books. Be Kind. Stay Weird." in colorful lettering, light pink shorts, red dangling earrings, and a handmade "STAFF" ID badge on a beaded white lanyard around their neck.
Two smiling children stand outside on a gravel driveway in front of a light grey school building with blue doors. On the left, a boy in a bright orange Under Armour shirt and camouflage shorts poses with his hands on his hips. On the right, a girl wearing a yellow floral dress and a black lanyard smiles widely at the camera, with the wind blowing a few strands of hair across her face.
A child wearing glasses, red earrings, and a pink shirt sits focused at a round wooden classroom table, working on a small craft or object with their hands. In the foreground on the table, there is a yellow pencil, a large translucent purple plastic bin, and a translucent pink plastic bin containing rolled-up papers. The background features a classroom whiteboard covered in educational alphabet cutouts and posters.
An indoor shot of a classroom presentation or activity. In the foreground, a child with short blonde hair and red earrings sits at a white table with their arms crossed, looking toward the front of the room. In the background, two young boys stand near a large whiteboard filled with diagrams and handwritten notes about "Mummies" and "Pyramids," while another boy in a baseball jersey stands off to the far left.
A young boy with short brown hair smiles warmly at the camera inside a classroom. He is wearing a white Boston Red Sox baseball jersey with red trim. Taped to the top of his head is a bright orange piece of paper folded into a crown shape, featuring the words "Big kid" handwritten in black marker with an arrow pointing downward toward his face.
Friday Focus: Field Trips - Learning Beyond the Classroom

As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.

Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.

Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.

These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday: Field Trips” featuring a collage of photos from student learning experiences across Slate Valley schools. Images show students touring a manufacturing facility, participating in hands-on activities at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, exploring aquatic ecosystems by collecting samples with nets, visiting the Wonderfeet Kids Museum, attending a music festival and trip to Great Escape, taking part in a historical reenactment at Mount Independence, and conducting a lake ecology activity in shallow water. The Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo appears in the lower right corner. The graphic highlights the variety of off-campus educational opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.