Slate Valley FY27 Budget: Fiscal Responsibility in Action
As you consider the FY27 budget, here are a few key highlights:
✅ Spending per pupil remains below the state average — $11,565 in Slate Valley compared to $13,947 statewide.
✅ The proposed budget represents a 2.8% increase, just slightly above the current rate of inflation.
✅ Staffing has been reduced by over 45 positions in the past eight years, including 3 administrators, demonstrating long-term cost control.
📊 Learn more about the FY27 budget at https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic reading “Tuesday, March 3rd — Please Vote” with Slate Valley and school logos. Polling places and hours listed: Benson 10 am–7 pm at Benson Community Hall; Castleton 8 am–7 pm at Castleton Fire Station; Fair Haven 10 am–7 pm at American Legion Post #49; Hubbardton 10 am–7 pm at Hubbardton Town Hall; Orwell 10 am–7 pm at Orwell Town Hall; West Haven 10 am–7 pm at West Haven Town Hall. Text reads “Our School, Your Future.”
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday — March Spotlight

This month, we’re excited to feature Alicia Bouzianis, a valued member of the Slate Valley team!

Alicia has been part of Slate Valley for eight years. Prior to her current role, she worked with the ABBY Group through Slate Valley, continuing her commitment to supporting students in our schools.

Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time outdoors — especially taking long walks and hikes through the woods. She also loves long car rides filled with country music (and isn’t afraid to sing along like she’s headed for the big stage!). Most of all, she enjoys being around kids and making meaningful connections.

A quote that inspires her is:
“Saddle your dreams before you ride them.” — a wise man told me

Beyond the school day, Alicia dedicates significant time to the Boys & Girls Club, working after school and throughout the summer. She shares that seeing the kids’ faces and creating fun experiences with them truly makes her heart full.

Alicia says she truly loves being part of Slate Valley, and we’re grateful for the care, energy, and positivity she brings to our students each day.
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Monday – Slate Valley Faculty & Staff” featuring a portrait of Alicia Bouzianis, OVS Instructional Assistant. The design includes bullet points noting she has worked at Slate Valley for 8 years, previously worked with the ABBY Group through Slate Valley, enjoys long walks and hikes in the woods, likes country music and long car rides, is passionate about working with kids, and is active with the Boys & Girls Club after school and in the summer. Favorite quote: “Saddle your dreams before you ride them.” The Slate Valley logo appears in the corner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 27, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/dbb66208584e/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-30-13836170
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter graphic dated February 27, 2026, promoting Town Meeting Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The design features illustrated hands holding ballots around a green ballot box labeled “Vote!” and the phrase “Our School, Your Future.”
Please join us for Coffee and Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy!

Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome to join Senator Ruth Hardy for a casual breakfast conversation.

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library

Come hear updates from the current legislative session and learn more about Act 73, with time for questions and discussion. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share perspectives, and connect with your local senator.

Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.

We hope to see you there!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer inviting the community to “Coffee & Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy.” Event is Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Orwell Free Library from 9:00–10:00 AM. Graphic shows a steaming coffee mug and a muffin with the Slate Valley logo. Text notes the event is offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Free Library.
We Are Slate Valley highlights the heart of our district—our students. In this video, Slate Valley students chose words they believe best describe who we are as a district, sharing their voices and perspectives. Together, their reflections celebrate the opportunities, growth, and strong sense of belonging that define Slate Valley. From classrooms to activities, see how our schools support every learner and help students discover who they are and who they can become. See the video at: https://youtu.be/jGoplAjolPU
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Smiling elementary-age student wearing glasses and a pink shirt stands in front of a decorative tree display with paper snowflakes. A banner along the bottom shows Slate Valley school logos including BVS, CES, FHGS, OVS, FHU High School, and FHU Middle School.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 20, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/7cc4725364fd/slate-valley-district-newsletter
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter graphic dated February 20, 2026, featuring cartoon children celebrating in front of the words “February Break.” Text reads: All Slate Valley schools will be closed for February Break from Monday the 23rd through Friday the 27th. Classes will resume on Monday, March 2, 2026.
1st Graders created stained glass using tissue paper to end their unit on light.
21 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A large window with twelve colorful tissue paper flower artworks taped to the glass in a 3-by-4 grid. Each flower is made from overlapping translucent squares in bright colors like pink, purple, blue, green, and red, with green stems. Snowy landscape and bare trees are visible outside through the window.
🚨 Tonight — SVUUSD Annual Meeting 🚨

Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.

🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM

Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj

📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#

We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic badge with icon of a presenter pointing to a board in front of an audience. Text reads “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.” Teal border with gray background and light green and blue icons.
Our last day of Crazy 8’s included a pirate adventure. Mrs. St. Peter made us eye patches and students used coordinates to create a treasure map. 🗺️
22 days ago, Amy Roy
Gemini said Two students in a classroom work together on a large coordinate grid map spread across a round wooden table. One student, wearing an eye patch on her forehead, watches as the other draws orange lines connecting points on the grid. Various markers and a brown envelope labeled "3" are scattered on the table.
Two students collaborate on a math activity at a round wooden table, connecting dots on a large coordinate grid with orange markers. Both students wear black eye patches—one over her eye and the other pushed up onto her forehead—while classroom supplies like board games and storage bins are visible in the background.
Two students collaborate on a coordinate grid activity at a round wooden table. One student, wearing an eyepatch on her forehead, holds an orange marker while the other student, wearing an eyepatch over her eye, draws orange lines connecting points on the large grid paper.
Two students collaborate on a coordinate grid activity at a round wooden table. One student, wearing an eyepatch on her forehead, holds an orange marker while the other student, wearing an eyepatch over her eye, leans over to connect points on the large grid paper. A brown envelope labeled "3" and several crayons sit nearby
Gemini said A group of school children wearing black eye patches and holding a large graph paper drawing of a boat in a classroom.
Join us for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Annual Meeting on the FY27 School Budget 📘

🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.

For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Hexagon-shaped graphic announcing the SVUUSD Annual Meeting, with an icon of a presenter speaking to an audience beside a safety helmet symbol. Text reads: “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.”
Skating trip 2026!
24 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up of a young girl with long blonde hair smiling on the ice. She is wearing a bright pink fleece zip-up jacket, a black skirt over blue leggings, and a green and purple leopard-print helmet.
A young girl in a pink helmet, a colorful patterned winter jacket, and bright pink snow pants ice skates across the rink. She is captured in motion with her arms slightly out for balance. Other skaters and rink advertisements are visible in the background.
A young girl in a red hockey helmet and a light teal quilted jacket skates toward the camera with her arms outstretched for balance. She is wearing vibrant pink and black patterned leggings. Behind her, other children and an adult are skating under a large "Castleton" banner.
A group selfie of four people on the ice. From left to right: a boy in a grey hoodie and black bibs, a girl in a purple helmet, a younger girl in a pink patterned jacket and pink helmet, and a young woman in a red Bauer hockey helmet. They are all smiling closely together for the photo.
IMG_5465.jpg Two young girls in ice skates and helmets pose together on an ice rink. The girl on the left wears a blue helmet, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and black snow bibs. The girl on the right wears a purple helmet and a pink striped shirt with black snow bibs. In the background, flags and a scoreboard for "Spartan Arena" are visible.
Skating trip 2026!
24 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up of a young girl wearing a bright pink helmet, purple snow pants, and a colorful patterned jacket as she carefully balances on pink ice skates.
Two young girls skating together on an indoor rink. One wears a vibrant pink and purple helmet and pink snow pants; the other wears a black helmet and grey pants. They are holding hands for balance.
A young boy wearing an orange and blue flame-patterned helmet uses two stacked plastic milk crates as a stabilizer to help him balance while ice skating.
A young boy in a red hockey helmet and a brown and blue jacket standing on ice skates at an indoor rink. He is looking back over his shoulder toward the camera with a slight smile.
An older girl in a blue jacket and blue helmet reaches down to hold the hand of a toddler in a pink helmet and purple snowsuit who has fallen on the ice. A scoreboard in the background shows the "Castleton" rink name.
1st Grade bulletin board based on Jan Brett's story "Missy"
25 days ago, Kelley Schultz
wide shot of the top section of the bulletin board, showing the "FIRST GRADE" header and the orange title strip. It features collages by students
The left side of the board featuring three collages. A turtle has a tall stack of flowers; another turtle is carrying a smaller, compact garden; another turtle has a dragonfly hovering high above its floral shell
close-up of the left-center section. a turtle has a minimalist garden with a single dragonfly above it. another turtle features a very tall, vertical tower of green moss and blue flowers.
The center-right section. a turtle has a wide, lush garden on its back. Below it, another collage features three distinct "towers" of moss and flowers rising from the turtle's shell.
The right-most section of the board.a turtle has a massive, leaning stack of garden elements reaching toward the top of the page. another turtle has a dense, colorful cluster of flowers and butterflies.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
28 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” dated February 13, 2026, with a Presidents Day themed banner showing a patriotic design and an illustration of George Washington. Text states that all Slate Valley schools will be in session on Monday, February 16, 2026 (Presidents Day), and it is a regular school day for students and staff.
Kinder bears are beginning to learn about length and what it means to measure something. They compared lengths to their string to find something longer and shorter than it.
28 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Two young girls focus intently on their task. One girl in the foreground wears a maroon heart-patterned dress, holding a blue string against a small blue plastic cube. Behind her, another girl in a pink shirt holds up her own blue string.
An overhead shot of a young boy in a grey and navy long-sleeve shirt kneeling at a blue table. He is using a pencil to draw an object on his "Comparing Lengths" worksheet, which is clipped to a wooden clipboard. A piece of blue string lies next to him.
: A smiling boy in an orange shirt with a geometric bear design stands at a blue table. He proudly points to the "Longer Than" section of his worksheet. A piece of tan string is coiled on the table in front of him.
A close-up, over-the-shoulder view of a student stretching a tan string along the edge of a grey countertop to measure its length. A worksheet on a clipboard nearby shows a pencil placed in the "Shorter Than" category.
A girl with blonde hair in two French braids and a purple dress stands on a blue alphabet rug. She is leaning over to measure the side of a red sensory table with her string while holding a clipboard and pencil in her other hand. IMG_5430.jpg: A young boy in a teal "Transformers" shirt stands in a classroom kitchen area. He is holding a pencil in one hand and carefully manipulating a piece of tan string with the other, appearing to compare the two lengths.
A young boy in a teal "Transformers" shirt stands in a classroom kitchen area. He is holding a pencil in one hand and carefully manipulating a piece of tan string with the other, appearing to compare the two lengths.
4th, 5th & 6th Grade students wrote about the Olympics
28 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Bulletin Board Overview Context: A blue bulletin board features a large banner at the top with the Olympic rings and the text "GOING FOR GOLD IN 4-5-6!" Layout: Below the banner are several hand-colored paper cutouts shaped like curling stones. Each stone is divided into two sections: "My Strength" and "My Goal." Details: One stone by a student lists a strength in "ELA" and a goal to "get better at math." Next to it is a printed essay and a small photograph of a person competing in barrel racing on a horse.
Bulletin Board Overview Context: A blue bulletin board features a large banner at the top with the Olympic rings and the text "GOING FOR GOLD IN 4-5-6!" Layout: Below the banner are several hand-colored paper cutouts shaped like curling stones. Each stone is divided into two sections: "My Strength" and "My Goal." Details: One stone by a student named Paytyn lists a strength in "ELA" and a goal to "get better at math." Next to it is a printed essay and a small photograph of a person competing in barrel racing on a horse
Project Curling Stone: A pink and purple colored curling stone for a student . Strength: "good at organizing, cleaning." Goal: "get a skill in ELA to write better, slower, but nice at the same time." Essay: A typed response to the prompt "Would you want to be an Olympics Athlete? A student writes that she would not want to be one because the training would take away time from family and friends. However, she notes that if she had to choose, she would pick ice skating so she could do "cool and sometimes scary tricks."
Project Curling Stone: A blue and green colored curling stone for a student named Lauren. Strength: "going to try to get stronger." Goal: "try to ice skate better." Essay: A typed response from Lauren Scott. Unlike Mackenzie, Lauren would want to be an Olympic athlete because it would be "a lot of fun." She expresses interest in being on a track team or doing barrel racing because she loves horses and wants to "explore the world" and make new friends.
Gemini said This photo features a hand-colored paper cutout of a curling stone from a student project, pinned to a blue background. The stone is colored with purple and light blue crayons, and the name "Hannah" is written in purple marker at the bottom. The cutout is divided into two sections: My Strength: "I am... amazing at reading, writing and math. I Love my famale [family]." My Goal: "Read 50 books over the Summer and and improve am lis [on his] Spelling."
A school project titled "My Curling Stone" by a student named Ava. The Worksheet: A paper cutout shaped like a curling stone. In the "My Strength" section, Ava wrote: "I am a good artist and a good character maker/storymaker." In the "My Goal" section, she wrote: "I am aiming to publish my first book!" The Essay: Below the stone is a typed paper where Ava explains why she would not want to be an Olympic athlete, citing long practice hours and the risk of injury. She notes that if she had to choose, she would pick luge or volleyball. The Graphics: At the bottom, there is a printed image of the Olympic rings with the anime character Hatsune Miku standing in the center.
school project about Olympic dreams by a student named John. The Essay: A typed paragraph where John expresses his desire to be an Olympic skier. He mentions his love for downhill and freestyle skiing and suggests the Olympics be held in Vermont at Killington or Pico because he knows those trails well. The Graphics: A photo of a professional alpine skier in a race is pinned next to the essay. The Worksheet: Below the essay is a "My Curling Stone" cutout. In the "My Strength" section, John wrote: "A good skier." In the "My Goal" section, he wrote: "Be able to go down a bubble black [diamond]."
3rd Graders sprinkling kindness around!
28 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Classroom Bulletin Board Display A wide shot of a bright yellow classroom bulletin board bordered with a colorful rainbow pattern. The board is filled with various "Sprinkle Kindness" donut crafts made by students. Each project is unique, using different colors of frosting and construction paper backgrounds. Next to each project is a small cartoon lightbulb wearing sunglasses, labeled with a student's name,
A Colorful Kindness Donut A close-up of a student's "Sprinkle Kindness" project. The donut has white frosting with several colorful paper sprinkles glued to it, containing words like "Be Kind," "Be Safe," "Be Good," and "Love." Pink paper hearts are scattered around the donut on a red background. The writing on the worksheet above reads: "I will be safe and kind. I will be good and happy. I will be joyful."
"Sprinkle Kindness" Project A child’s craft project on red construction paper featuring a hand-drawn donut with pink frosting and a brown base. Three small paper "sprinkles" are glued on, with "be caring," "be kind," and "be good" written in pencil. Below the donut, a worksheet titled "Sprinkle Kindness" shows a child’s handwriting in pencil and red marker that reads: "I am going to be caring and kind. I will be good.
A close-up of a student project on a brown background. The donut features bright blue and pink frosting with small paper sprinkles. The writing on the "Sprinkle Kindness" sheet below the donut is written in large, clear print: "I will sprinkle kindness by being kind and helpfull to my frians.
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Poster for Slate Valley Unified USD promoting the Lifetime Activities program. The graphic includes the district logo and text listing the towns served, with multiple photos of students participating in activities such as woodworking, hiking, ice skating, ice fishing, martial arts training, treadmill fitness, fishing, cooking, and horseback riding. A central text block explains the history and purpose of the Lifetime Activities program and notes winter and late spring sessions. The poster includes a video link and QR code, the slogan “Our School, Your Future,” and district contact information with website and social media icons.
🚨 All Slate Valley Afterschool Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled – Tuesday, February 10, 2026 🌨️

Due to the impending weather, all afterschool activities and athletics are cancelled today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This also includes Boys & Girls Club programs.

Please plan for students to go home at regular dismissal time. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a snowy background and the Slate Valley logo that reads: “Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Canceled. This includes Boys & Girls Club Programs.”
4th Grade students worked on animal tracking!
about 1 month ago, Kelley Schultz
A student’s animal research worksheet about a bison. The "Winter Status" is listed as "awake all winter" and "highly adapted to winter." The "Track Pattern" is described as "heart shaped or oval shape," with a hand-drawn pattern of small cloven hoof prints. The "Print" section shows a blue and brown painted stamp of a bison’s cloven hoof. Under "Three Facts," a child’s handwriting reads: "they are the biggest animal in North America." Large blue hoof stamps are visible on the paper behind the worksheet.
Coyote are highly proficient opportunistic hunters throughout the night, and 3) Coyotes rarely attack humans. The worksheet is pinned to a board with a star-patterned border.
Coyote Worksheet Alt Text: A student’s research worksheet about a coyote. The "Winter Status" is listed as "Active" and the "Track Pattern" is "Walker," with a hand-drawn line of small circles representing paw prints. The "Print" section features a green painted paw print stamp. The "Three Facts" section lists: 1) They can run up to 40 MPH, 2) Coyote are highly proficient opportunistic hunters throughout the night, and 3) Coyotes rarely attack humans. The worksheet is pinned to a board with a star-patterned border. Image 3: White-tailed Deer Worksheet Alt Text: A student’s research worksheet for a white-tailed deer. The "Winter Status" is "active" and the "Track Pattern" is "walker," showing a staggered hand-drawn pattern of hoof prints. The "Print" section has a black painted stamp of a sharp, cloven deer hoof. The "Three Facts" section notes that they are "incredible athletes," can "sprint up to 30 mph," "leap 8-foot-high fences," and "swim long distances." Several black hoof stamps are printed on the larger paper surrounding the worksheet.