Snowy trails + real-world skills = an unforgettable day for our Castleton Outdoor Adventure Program (COAP) students! ❄️🥾
Students headed out on snowshoes and put their winter survival knowledge into action by building shelters and safely starting a fire. From hauling gear through the snow to working together in the woods, they practiced teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor safety skills. Hands-on learning at its best!
about 18 hours ago, Slate Valley
Group of students snowshoeing through a snowy field toward a wooded area, pulling a red sled with gear behind them.
Students in winter clothing gather in the woods around a small fire setup, with a red sled full of firewood nearby.
An adult helps students ignite a small campfire in the snow while others watch and kneel nearby.
Student in winter gear smiles while holding a stick; another person with a backpack stands behind among snow-covered trees.
Small group of students around a campfire in the woods, roasting food on sticks over the flames.
A simple lean-to style shelter made of branches and evergreen boughs built in the snow.
Student kneels in the snow adding sticks to the frame of a small branch shelter.
Three students sit inside a finished branch-and-bough shelter in the snowy woods.
Larger shelter structure built against a tree using stacked branches and evergreen boughs.
Students in winter gear walk through the snowy forest near partially built shelters and fallen branches.
Our Pre-K students had a bug-tastic time in the library this week! 🐞📚 They listened to the lively story Beetle Bop by Denise Fleming, then got up and moving with an insect-themed dance video. To finish the visit, students created their own colorful beetle puppets to take home. Lots of creativity, movement, and smiles all around!
about 19 hours ago, Slate Valley
Five Pre-K students smile and display their decorated beetle puppets on sticks while standing together in the library classroom.
A student wearing a star headband colors a beetle puppet worksheet with a red crayon at a classroom table.
Two young students sit at a library table coloring beetle worksheets with crayons and colored pencils while an adult hand reaches into a supply box.
Two Pre-K students sit side by side at a table coloring beetle puppet templates, with a green caddy of colored pencils in the foreground.
A small group of Pre-K students stand in the library holding up their finished beetle puppets made from paper and crayons.
Coding meets storytime in Mrs. Rampone’s Library class! 📚🤖
Fourth graders read the Red Clover book The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please, then put their thinking caps on to help the ogre get served — by programming their Ozobots! Using colored markers and coding paths, students designed routes and tested commands, building problem-solving and computational thinking skills along the way. Great teamwork, creativity, and debugging all around!
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
Several fourth grade students sit and kneel on the classroom floor working with papers and Ozobot coding sheets, using colored markers to draw code paths while a small robot sits on the page.
A student stands at a table guiding a small Ozobot robot along a color-coded path on a worksheet, with markers and a robot case nearby in the library classroom.
A group of students spread out on the floor in a circle, drawing colored coding lines on printed maps and programming sheets, with Ozobot cases and markers placed around them.
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
about 23 hours 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.”
Tony, a Caring Canines Therapy dog, made some special classroom visits on Monday, and our students were thrilled to read to him! 🐾📚 He stopped by Ms. Burke’s and Mrs. Gorruso’s third grade classes and Ms. Molis’s first grade class, where he listened closely to a wonderful variety of stories. From exciting adventures to silly tales and heartfelt favorites, Tony heard it all. Most importantly, he heard some truly great readers! Thank you to our students for sharing their voices and love of books — and to Tony for being such a patient and encouraging listener.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Close group of elementary students sitting around a collie therapy dog on a colorful rug, petting the dog while it looks toward the camera.
Several elementary students gathered closely around a collie therapy dog, gently petting its head and shoulders in a classroom.
Young student reading from a chapter book while petting a relaxed collie therapy dog lying beside them.
Student seated on a rug reading a large illustrated book next to a collie therapy dog in the foreground.
Classroom circle of students sitting around a smiling collie therapy dog while an adult handler reads and guides the activity.
Young student sitting cross-legged on a blue classroom rug reading a book aloud while resting a hand on a collie therapy dog lying beside them.
Student sitting on a rug reading and pointing to a page in an open book while a collie therapy dog lies next to them listening.
Student with glasses sitting cross-legged on a classroom rug pointing to panels in a graphic-style book while a collie therapy dog sits attentively nearby.
Student kneeling on a classroom rug reading from a picture book beside a collie therapy dog wearing a vest, with colorful storage drawers in the background.
Group of bundled-up elementary students and an adult sitting in a circle on a classroom rug around a collie therapy dog on a leash.
CES Grade 5 students enjoyed amazing hands-on learning at STARBASE! Students explored science and engineering concepts through interactive activities, including building and testing molecular models, using digital simulations, experimenting with energy and electricity, and preparing and launching rockets outdoors. These real-world STEM experiences help students connect classroom learning to creative problem-solving and teamwork. Way to go, Grade 5 scientists and engineers!
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Student in a classroom holding a molecular model and a tablet showing a carbon dioxide and photosynthesis diagram, with science posters and shelves in the background.
Smiling student seated in a classroom holding a molecular model while a tablet displays a sodium fluoride science graphic.
Two students standing together in a classroom holding molecular models, with two tablets on a table showing oxygen and hydrogen science visuals.
Student touching a glowing plasma globe on a table in a dim classroom while observing the electric light patterns inside the sphere.
An adult and student at a table conducting a small experiment with a clear cup and tablet, while another student holds a device nearby.
Student and adult kneeling in the snow outdoors setting up a model rocket on a launch stand under a bright blue sky.
Student and adult standing in a snowy field adjusting a model rocket vertically on a launch pad.
Adult and student in winter clothing preparing a model rocket for launch in a snowy outdoor area near a fence and solar panels.
On Friday, February 13, Slate Valley students proudly represented our district at the Green Mountain Music District V Festival. 🎶 Students from multiple schools participated in chorus, band, and jazz, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented their schools.

Festival Participants were:

Middle School Chorus

Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley

Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell

Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink

High School Band — FHUMHS

Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott

Middle School Jazz

Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla

Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Seven middle school chorus students stand in a row against a hallway wall wearing black concert attire and holding green music folders, posing before a performance.
A large student chorus stands on risers in a school gym while a conductor faces them at a microphone stand; students wear black concert clothing and hold green folders.
Wide view of a combined student chorus on gym risers with a conductor in front and a pianist at a grand piano to the side during a concert performance.
Close-up of a section of the student chorus on risers, dressed in black and singing while reading from green music folders.
Front view of a student chorus performing in a gym as the conductor leads with raised arm and a grand piano sits nearby.
Student percussionist in black concert attire plays a mallet instrument near the gym floor while an audience watches from the bleachers behind.
The Vermont Agency of Education, in collaboration with the Vermont 250th Commission, recently invited teachers from across the state to participate in the 250th Recognition Art Exhibit. Student works of art will be displayed at the Vermont State House and other Vermont Historic Sites in 2026.

Mrs. Ray, CES 4th grade teacher, chose Wilson Bentley as a Vermont past change maker connecting his past art efforts to ongoing work today. In addition to using the “Triptych” method where the artwork was assembled in three vertical sections representing the “Past (History), Present (Connecting to today), and Future (their big idea), the students then wrote an Artist Statement which included information about the title of their work, materials used, symbols and what they represent, along with information about how Wilson Bentley was a Vermont Changemaker. This “one of a kind” project had students engaged in learning about Wilson Bentley and representing him in multiple ways.

Please enjoy the photos of their creations! We hope that some if not all of our students' artwork will be displayed in various sites around the state.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Five elementary students stand in a hallway holding purple-backed art projects featuring snowflake-themed designs and small sketch panels beneath each design.
Five elementary students stand side by side against a wall, each holding a purple display board with multiple snowflake-style artworks and small black-and-white drawing studies.
Four elementary students pose in a hallway holding snowflake art project boards with mixed-media circular designs and small labeled sketches underneath.
Four elementary students stand shoulder to shoulder holding purple-mounted snowflake artwork panels that include painted patterns and small observational drawings.
Two elementary students stand against a wall holding purple-backed snowflake art projects showing patterned designs and small sketch tiles below each finished piece.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
6 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.
(Batch 2) CES Cougar Awards for January celebrated the character trait of Curiosity — and these students truly shined! We’re so proud of our Cougar Award winners for asking questions, exploring new ideas, and showing a love of learning every day. Keep being curious, Cougars! 🐾
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Three people stand in a school gym in front of red wall pads with “No Climbing” signs. Two students stand with an adult staff member, and one student holds a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
A smiling student holds a Castleton Elementary School certificate while standing next to a staff member in a gym with red wall padding and gym equipment visible in the background.
A student dressed in black athletic clothing stands against red gym wall pads holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
Two students holding Castleton Elementary School certificates stand with a staff member in front of red gym wall padding; all are smiling at the camera.
A student stands in front of red gym wall pads holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement and smiling.
An adult and a student stand side by side in a gym, each holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement, smiling toward the camera.
Three people pose in a gym in front of red wall pads; one student gives a thumbs-up while another holds a certificate, standing with a staff member.
A staff member and a student stand together in front of red gym wall padding, each holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement and smiling.
(Batch 1) CES Cougar Awards for January celebrated the character trait of Curiosity — and these students truly shined! We’re so proud of our Cougar Award winners for asking questions, exploring new ideas, and showing a love of learning every day. Keep being curious, Cougars! 🐾
6 days ago, Slate Valley
An elementary student smiles in front of a red gym wall while a teacher stands behind with a hand on the student’s shoulder.
Two elementary students stand in front of a red gym wall holding Castleton Elementary School certificates and smiling at the camera.
Three elementary students holding achievement certificates stand with a teacher in front of red gym wall padding.
Two elementary students stand side by side in a gym holding certificates of achievement and smiling.
Two elementary students hold Castleton Elementary School certificates while standing in front of red gym wall padding.
An elementary student holds a certificate next to a staff member in a school gym with red wall padding in the background.
Two elementary students stand with a staff member in the gym, holding certificates and smiling after an awards presentation.
We love a good 100th Day of School celebration — and this crew took it to the next level! 🎉👵👴
A couple of Castleton Elementary students teamed up with a staff member on Tuesday to dress like they were 100 years old, complete with cozy layers, canes, and big smiles. It was a fun and creative way to mark Day 100 and brought lots of laughs to the hallway. Growing older has never looked so spirited!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Three people at Castleton Elementary School pose in front of a school bulletin board, dressed like 100-year-olds for the 100th day of school. Two students and a teacher wear gray wigs, layered clothing, and hold canes, smiling for the photo.
🎥🐾 CES Cougar Cast Goes Live Each Morning!

Castleton Elementary launched a new Cougar Cast program this fall, bringing daily morning announcements to students in the style of a live news broadcast. Each morning, announcements are shared virtually with a real studio-style setup — and recently, student anchors have been stepping in front of the camera to help lead the show.

It’s been exciting to see students build confidence, communication skills, and presentation experience while helping keep our school community informed. Great job Cougars!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Two staff members and two elementary students sit behind a red desk in front of a green screen while a video camera on a tripod records their school news broadcast.
A classroom smartboard displays the CES Cougar Cast morning announcements broadcast while a student sits at a desk watching and working on a worksheet.
Students sit at their desks watching a live Cougar Cast announcement on a large classroom screen while working and eating snack.
The Castleton Outdoor Adventure Program (COAP) has been staying active and adventurous these past two weeks! 🧗‍♂️⛸️
Last week, students hit the ice to build balance and confidence through skating, and this week they’re taking on new heights at an indoor climbing gym. These experiences are designed to grow self-esteem, strengthen emotional regulation, and foster positive social skills through teamwork, encouragement, and challenge. Great work supporting one another and trying something new!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Student ice skating at an indoor rink with others in the background, wearing a helmet and winter gear.
Two students smiling at the camera while standing beside the boards at an indoor ice rink with skaters behind them.
Two helmeted students at the edge of the ice rink listening to an adult just off camera, with a Castleton Spartans banner behind them.
Student wearing a red helmet and winter gloves standing on the ice rink posing for a photo near the goal area.
Group of students standing outside a red building labeled “Indoor Climbing Gym” on a winter day.
Students wearing harnesses standing with an instructor beside tall indoor rock climbing walls covered with colorful holds.
Students in harnesses preparing ropes and belay equipment on the floor of an indoor climbing gym.
Student bouldering on an angled green climbing wall, reaching for holds while secured with a harness.
Close-up of a student climbing a vertical wall with many white handholds, mid-route with one foot and both hands placed.
Wide view of multiple students climbing and spotting on a green indoor bouldering wall with geometric panels.
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
8 days 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.
💯🎉 100 Days Smarter! 🎉💯
Ms. Burke’s third grade class celebrated the 100th day of school yesterday with creativity, counting, and lots of smiles! Students marked the milestone with fun activities and tasty 100-item snack creations — proving that learning can be both meaningful and delicious. Way to go, third graders!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Smiling third grade student wearing a “100 Days of School” crown sits at a desk with a worksheet and a snack display arranged into groups of 100 using cereal, crackers, candy, pretzels, and marshmallows.
Group of third grade students and their teacher in a classroom pose together wearing colorful “100 Days of School” crowns in front of a reading strategies bulletin board.
🚨 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.
9 days 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.”
ATTENTION: Tonight’s School Board meeting has been moved to the Orwell Village School library.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School, with the location updated from Town Hall Gym to Library. Agenda items listed include Consent Agenda, Board Reorganization, and Finance Committee Report, with district and Vermont-style logos displayed.
Board Meeting - February 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School – Town Hall/Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fxz-sazi-cds
Or dial: (US) +1 567-234-0136 PIN: 731 443 207#

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.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting with text “Please Join Us Tonight,” agenda highlights (consent agenda, board reorganization, finance committee report), scheduled for February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School Town Hall/Gym, with district logo and people icons in a circle.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for February 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/1a88fa7ae27d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-262026
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Header graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated February 6, 2026, showing a cartoon groundhog popping out of a snowy burrow with the sun behind it, flanked by two worried-looking cartoon children, with school branding elements in the corners.