Yesterday was a “Mr. Canty project day,” and the first showcase was all about Adaptation Artistry—bird edition!

Our fourth graders absolutely hit a home run with this year’s creative science project. Students explored bird adaptations by designing their own imaginary bird species, complete with the special traits needed to survive in their unique environments. Using a variety of materials, they crafted birds big and small, each with its own distinct features and story.

Every student proudly presented their creation to the class, explaining the adaptations their bird developed and how those features help it thrive.

If you’d like to meet our “New Flock,” the full collection is now on display in the corridor leading to the CES gym.

A big thank-you to Mr. Canty for guiding our fourth graders through such an engaging and meaningful exploration of the natural world!
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Yesterday was a “Mr. Canty project day,” and the first showcase was all about Adaptation Artistry—bird edition! Our fourth graders absolutely hit a home run with this year’s creative science project. Students explored bird adaptations by designing their own imaginary bird species, complete with the special traits needed to survive in their unique environments. Using a variety of materials, they crafted birds big and small, each with its own distinct features and story. Every student proudly presented their creation to the class, explaining the adaptations their bird developed and how those features help it thrive. If you’d like to meet our “New Flock,” the full collection is now on display in the corridor leading to the CES gym. A big thank-you to Mr. Canty for guiding our fourth graders through such an engaging and meaningful exploration of the natural world!
Alt text (left): A student stands beside her blue bird project displayed on a desk while the teacher stands next to her holding papers. Alt text (right): A student stands beside her multicolored bird project displayed on a desk while the teacher stands next to her holding papers.
Alt text (left): A student stands with his white-and-gray owl project on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands with her rainbow-feathered bird creation on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands with his small green duck project on a desk next to the teacher.
Alt text (left): A student poses with a large pom-pom-covered bird sculpture on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands with a tall, green, long-legged bird model on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands with her blue-and-gray bottle-constructed bird on a desk next to the teacher.
Alt text (left): A student stands beside his bird-in-a-nest project on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands with her tall rainbow-feathered bird on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands with her brown bird project on a desk next to the teacher.
Alt text (left): A student stands beside his black wide-winged bird project on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands with his brown feathered bird project on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands beside his red bird-in-a-nest project on a desk next to the teacher.
Alt text (left): A student stands with her large brown-feathered bird sculpture on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands with his green-headed bird project made from recycled materials next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands with his white soap-bottle penguin-style bird next to the teacher.
Alt text (left): A student stands with her orange-and-yellow flame-themed bird project on a desk next to the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands with her blue-and-white rolled-paper bird next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands with her painted shoebox bird diorama next to the teacher.
Alt text (left): A student stands next to his small puffin-style clay bird on a desk beside the teacher. Alt text (middle): A student stands beside her brown feathered bird on tall legs next to the teacher. Alt text (right): A student stands with her birdhouse-style project featuring a blue bird next to the teacher.
🏀❄️ Winter Sports Season Is Almost Here! ❄️🤼‍♂️

The winter sports season will officially begin the week of December 1st!
A few important reminders:

✔️ All athletes must be registered on FormReLeaf
✔️ All athletes must have an up-to-date physical on file at their school

📅 Practice schedules for middle and high school teams will be posted the week of Thanksgiving.
🏀 Grades 5 & 6 basketball practices will begin the week of December 8th.

Winter Sports Offered by Slate Valley / Fair Haven Union MHS
Indoor Track
Bowling
Competition Cheer
Wrestling — Middle & High School
Middle school wrestlers will practice at FHUMHS with the high school team
Girls Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Boys Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Middle school basketball practices and home games will be held at FHGS
Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5 & 6

(Four teams anticipated)
🏀 Practices begin the week of December 8
📍 Practices and home games will take place at Castleton Elementary School

Teams:
Castleton / Orwell Girls
Castleton / Orwell Boys
Fair Haven / Benson Girls
Fair Haven / Benson Boys
1 day ago, Slate Valley
A promotional graphic for Slate Valley’s 2025 Winter Sports Tip-Off Week, starting December 1st. The top features bold blue text reading “Slate Valley 2025 Winter Sports Tip Off Week – December 1st!” Below it, red text says “Not registered yet? Go to: FormReleaf.com.” Small illustrations of wrestlers, pom-poms, running shoes, a bowling ball and pins, and a basketball appear throughout. The flyer lists winter sports offered at Slate Valley/Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Indoor Track, Bowling, Competition Cheer, Middle & High School Wrestling, Girls Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), Boys Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), and Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5–6 with practices and games at CES. It also notes Castleton/Orwell and Fair Haven/Benson team groupings. A blue banner at the bottom reads, “All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”
📚🛸 An Alientastic Adventure in the CES Library!

In K–2 library classes, Mrs. Rampone shared the Red Clover book We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang—a humorous story where aliens crash-land on Earth and rely on helpful humans to fix their “car” so they can return to “Europe.”

Inspired by the book, students programmed their very own Alien Bee Bots, sending them on an out-of-this-world adventure across the library! 🚀💫

Learning, laughter, storytelling, and coding—all in one alientastic experience!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Two children sit on the floor with a grid of monster pictures, one child smiling toward the camera while the other moves a small paper alien spaceship on the cards.
Two girls sit on the floor working together on a grid of colorful monster images, moving a small paper alien spaceship across the cards.
Two young children sit on the floor looking at a grid of colorful monster cards while an adult hand points to a small paper alien spaceship on the grid.
Two young girls sit on the floor laughing and playing with a grid of monster cards, placing a paper alien spaceship on one of the images.
A November District Drive Through Slate Valley
It was a spontaneous drive to visit all Slate Valley schools—no special events, just everyday learning on full display. From music and art to math, reading, and a lively P.E. kickball game, students were engaged everywhere I went. Lunchtime smiles, hallway hellos, and even a few photo poses made the day even better.
Fun fact: the only screens seen all day were in the digital arts class—proof that hands-on learning is thriving in Slate Valley!
📽️ Check out the video recap here: https://youtube.com/shorts/g09yDudmgi8?feature=share
6 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling elementary student sits at a desk writing in a notebook with a pencil. He is wearing a red hoodie and looking up at the camera. A large red play button icon is overlaid in the center, indicating a video preview. A small illustrated car graphic appears at the bottom right corner, and the video duration “2:25” is shown in the lower corner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
6 days ago, Slate Valley
A newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated November 14, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, a green and blue hexagon emblem with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below it is an illustrated banner showing a white car with the Slate Valley logo driving through a colorful neighborhood with houses, trees, and clouds. The section title “A November District Drive” appears underneath.
Another great visit from our Caring Canines friends!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Two students happily cuddle and pet a golden therapy dog on a blue mat and red beanbag chairs in the school library. One child lies next to the dog while another reaches over to pet its head. Bookshelves and a display case with toys are visible behind them.
An adult staff member kneels on the floor of the school library, smiling as he pets a golden therapy dog wearing a blue vest and fall-themed bandana. Bookshelves, tables, and a staff member working on a laptop are visible in the background.
A young student sits on a blue mat in a school library, gently petting a golden therapy dog wearing a blue vest and patterned bandana. A book lies in front of the dog. Other students and another therapy dog are visible in the background among bookshelves and beanbag chairs.
🎙️ Educational Insights: Community Perspectives — Part 2

In this continuation of our Educational Insights podcast series, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara continue discussion with active community members Bob Crowley of Castleton and Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven.

In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into important topics such as school-to-community communication, how Vermont’s education system is funded, and the fiscal challenges surrounding the upcoming FY27 budget. The group also discusses the value and impact of Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council, highlighting how community voices help guide district priorities and build understanding around education in our region.

Tune in to hear genuine perspectives, thoughtful discussion, and shared ideas about how Slate Valley can continue strengthening its partnership with the community. https://youtu.be/e5JYVkgrUNQ
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Title slide for Slate Valley’s podcast, showing the Slate Valley logo in the center with animated soundwave graphics on a black background. Text reads “Episode #18” at the top and “Part 2” at the bottom.
Submitted by 5th grade teacher Ms. Perry:

These four curious students took it upon themselves to research and present a mini-lesson to their classmates on static electricity! Their curiosity was sparked (literally!) when they noticed someone’s hair standing up from static while sitting on the rug.

They not only shared what they learned but also gave a hands-on demonstration and encouraged their classmates to try it for themselves. Here are a few of the fun facts they discovered:
• Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge caused by an imbalance of positive and negative charges.
• Wool is a great source of static electricity.
• Static electricity is used in devices like printers and copiers.
• The three types of static electricity are contact, friction, and induction.

Ms. Perry shared, “I thought this was so cool and just had to share!” What an awesome example of curiosity and student-led learning in action! ⚡
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Four boys stand in front of a whiteboard displaying their “Static Electricity” project poster, smiling for the camera.
A smiling student holds a pillow over their head as their hair stands straight up from static electricity.
A large classroom poster titled “Static Electricity,” handwritten and decorated with colorful letters. The poster includes student-written explanations about static electricity, drawings showing how charges move, and small illustrations depicting examples such as rubbing materials together and charge buildup. Four student names are written in the bottom right corner.
Four students in a classroom conduct a static electricity experiment, holding a pillow above a girl’s head to make her hair stand up.
Several students gather around a desk while one student sits, and another holds a pillow above his head during a static electricity activity.
🇺🇸 “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent. Today, we honor those who have served and those who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and sacrifice.”

To all veterans—students, staff, families, community members, and alumni—thank you.
Your service protects our freedoms, and your dedication inspires us each day.

We are grateful. We remember. We honor. 🇺🇸

#VeteransDay #WeAreSlateValley#ThankYouVeterans
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic honoring Veterans Day. The background features a slightly faded American flag. Large white text reads, “THANK YOU, VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE.” To the right, a small box shows “11 NOV.” Silhouettes of military figures appear at the bottom—one saluting and two soldiers helping each other. Additional text reads: “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.”
October PBiS Assembly - Award Recipients
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Two students holding certificates stand with an adult in front of a red gym mat.
two students holding a certificate stand next to two adults in front of a red gym mat.
Two students stand with a teacher in front of a mural wall; no certificates visible.
Two students stand between two adults in front of a red gym mat; both students hold certificates.
Student poses with a certificate next to an adult in front of a red gym mat and Student holding a certificate stands with an adult in front of a red gym mat.
Two students holding certificates stand with an adult in front of a red gym mat and Two students stand with an adult in front of a mural wall; one student holds a certificate.
Student holding a certificate stands with an adult in front of a red gym mat. and Two students and an adult standing together; both students hold certificates in front of a red gym mat.
Two students standing with an adult in front of a red gym mat; one student holds a certificate.
Two students standing with an adult in front of a red gym mat; both students hold certificates and Student holding a certificate stands next to an adult in front of a red gym mat.
Young students standing in front of a red gym mat holding a certificate and smiling.
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes at Castleton Elementary School 🇺🇸

On Friday, November 7th, Castleton Elementary School held its traditional Veterans Day assembly—a cherished annual event that brings our school community together to honor the brave men and women who have served our country.

As always, the most meaningful moment of the assembly was the Veterans slideshow, thoughtfully created each year by music teacher Mrs. Jessica Tugas. The slideshow featured photos of past and present veterans who are connected to our students and staff—fathers, mothers, grandparents, siblings, and other loved ones who have served with courage.

Thank you to our Veterans and active service members.
We are grateful for your service—and honored to celebrate you. 🇺🇸❤️
See the full video at: https://youtu.be/9p_Y-xAph24
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Title slide with a background image of the American flag. Gold text in the center reads: “Castleton Elementary School — Veterans We Know.” Below it, smaller gold text reads: “A slideshow featuring veterans from our CES community.”
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the top section of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, featuring a green and blue hexagon with the word “Vermont” inside and the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a Veterans Day banner with silhouettes of saluting service members in front of an abstract American flag, along with messages that read “Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served” and “Thank You for Protecting Us.” The first article headline reads: “Slate Valley Leaders Attend Vermont Statewide Strategic Planning Retreat,” followed by a paragraph describing district leaders attending the retreat hosted by the Vermont Agency of Education.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, our Castleton Elementary School delegation represented us beautifully at the GMMDV Middle School auditions. It was a long evening, but our students carried themselves with grace, patience, and professionalism from start to finish.
We are so proud of each of you for showing talent, resilience, and true CES spirit! 🎶
13 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students dressed in formal concert attire stand together in a school hallway, smiling and holding their music sheets. An American flag hangs on the tiled wall behind them.

🌟 Friday Focus on our Fabulous, Fantastic First Graders! 🌟

Our first-grade friends are flourishing!
They’re spelling like superstars, writing with wonder, and figuring out equations like future mathematicians.

And when it’s time to move? They’re all about ABL – Action Based Learning!
At ABL stations, our students learn and leap, solve and stretch, think and thrive—because movement makes mighty minds!

We love watching this phenomenal first-grade crew grow, explore, and shine each and every day.
Keep it up, super scholars — your future is brilliant! ✨

Watch the spotlight video at: https://youtu.be/VVfdm8F_D7E

13 days ago, Slate Valley
Collage of first graders working on activities—writing, reading, using laptops, jumping on gym markers, swinging, and playing on monkey bars—with the text “Focus Friday… Celebrating our Fantastic First Graders!” and the Slate Valley logo.
Young boy sitting at a classroom desk smiles while writing the word “yet” on a small whiteboard.
Girl wearing rainbow-colored glasses smiles at her desk with a whiteboard that has her name written on it.
Boy on the playground hangs from monkey bars with a determined expression.
Girl swings on a playground swing on a sunny day, looking toward the camera.
Girl jumps between circular floor markers during an activity in the school gym.
Two students kneel on the classroom floor and read a book together.
Girl writes the word “they” on large blue paper hanging on a classroom wall.
Student wearing headphones focuses on a laptop during classroom work; another student sits beside her.
Two students work together at a desk on a math worksheet, using a pencil and counting dice.
CES November Newsletter: https://aptg.co/vY0vrc
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Castleton Elementary School November 2025 newsletter. The left side lists key November dates including PBIS Assembly, Veterans Day Assembly, Early Release and Conferences, CSO Meeting and Movie Night, Picture Retakes, and Thanksgiving Break. The main section contains a message from the principals reflecting on October’s Book Character Parade, Spirit Week, and assessments, and expressing gratitude for community support. Signed by Jared Danyow and Wendy Foran.
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧

In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.

This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Four people sit around a table with microphones recording a podcast in a classroom setting. The image is labeled “Educational Insights: Slate Valley Community Perspectives.” The participants appear engaged in conversation, with one person smiling and waving, and another speaking into a microphone. Framed artwork decorates the wall behind them.
Throwback Thursday: We’re heading back to 2002, when Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village School students — from kindergarten through 8th grade — took part in creating Capstone Learning Projects!

Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.

Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring a young student dressed in a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans, holding a lasso. Text reads: “This eighth grade student, from Castleton Village School, did his Capstone project on the rodeo... Can you guess who he is?” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and the bottom corner reads “2002 Capstone Learning Projects” alongside a silhouette of a cowboy roping a calf.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Elizabeth Kyhill, Class of 1999

This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.

After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.

When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”

While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.

Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”

Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”

Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.

Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
“Where Are They Now Wednesday” graphic featuring Elizabeth Kyhill, Fair Haven Union High School Class of 1999. The text highlights that she earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Anselm College and an M.S. in Nursing Leadership & Management from Walden University. She serves as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center, volunteers as a nurse and board member for local healthcare organizations, and values family, community, and service. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and a professional photo of Elizabeth Kyhill is on the right.
Trivia Tuesday: 💡Did You Know?
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?” featuring text about Vermont’s Act 73. It explains that the School District Redistricting Task Force is responsible for reshaping how the state’s schools are organized and will present up to three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025. The image includes a green outline of Vermont with “Act 73” written inside and the Slate Valley Vermont logo in the bottom right corner.
Hello Slate Valley Families,

We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.

If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!

📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068

🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/

No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Informational graphic with the Slate Valley logo that reads: “No family should face challenges alone…” followed by text encouraging households to find community food resources through the Vermont Foodbank. It includes a QR code and the link “https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/.” The image shows a person in a green coat receiving food from volunteers and illustrations of canned goods.