On June 12th, Castleton Elementary School was buzzing with excitement as students and staff came together for our Big Celebration! From games and laughter to smiles and sunshine, it was a day filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
📸 So many amazing moments were captured throughout the day — too many to post them all! But don’t worry — we’ve put together a video compilation so you can relive the joy and energy of the celebration.
A huge thank you to Mrs. Tugas, Mrs. Simpson, and Mrs. Winrich for capturing the spirit of the day with their incredible photos!
🎥 https://youtu.be/T97ANWfy6jE
Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 13, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/85e5cf3d8981/june-news-slate-valley-edition
Please join us in congratulating Deborah Williams, our incredible Fair Haven Union Middle and High School nurse, on her retirement! Thank you for your years of compassionate care and dedication to our students and school community. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter—you will be deeply missed!
Congratulations to Bonnie Lenihan on her retirement! We’re so thankful for the many years of hard work and dedication. We wish Bonnie all the best as she starts this new and exciting journey—you’ll be truly missed!
Please join us in congratulating Kim Prehoda on her retirement! We are grateful for her years of dedication and service. Best wishes, Kim, as you begin this exciting new chapter—you will be missed!
A Castleton Tradition Lives On! 📖🐾
Yesterday, Castleton Elementary School’s third grade class took part in a beloved local tradition—after reading The Blue Cat of Castle Town by Catherine Cate Coblentz, they visited the historic locations featured in the story.
Their literary adventure took them through downtown Castleton, where they explored:
🏠 The Higley House
⛪ The Federated Church
👞 The Cobbler Shop
🏥 The Medical Chapel
🌊 And of course, the Castleton River—where many kept a hopeful eye out for the elusive Blue Cat!
This annual tradition brings literature to life and connects our students to the rich history of their own community. Who knows? Maybe one of them really did catch a glimpse of that mysterious blue feline!
On Monday, June 9th, all current 6th graders from each of our district’s sending schools participated in Step Up Day at Fair Haven Union Middle School.
During their visit, students had the opportunity to:
✅ Meet their future teachers
✅ Practice opening lockers
✅ Learn about the classes they’ll be taking
✅ Receive their supply lists
✅ Hear about Middle School expectations
✅ Participate in fun ice breaker activities
This exciting day is just one of the many ways our district supports students in making a smooth and confident transition from primary school to middle school.
Yesterday, we celebrated a beautiful tradition at Castleton Elementary School — our 6th Grade Torch Ceremony!
We honored our amazing 6th graders as they completed their primary school journey and prepared to take their next big step to the district Middle School. In a heartfelt moment, they passed the symbolic torch to our rising 6th graders—this year’s 5th grade class—who will carry on the responsibility of being leaders and role models next year.
The ceremony concluded with a slideshow, showcasing memories of our 6th graders from infancy to the incredible individuals they are today.
To see the slideshow, go to: https://youtu.be/xGnt8lRtnHY
🎒 New "Go Back to School with Confidence" Campaign! ✨
Every child entering Kindergarten through 6th grade in the Slate Valley Unified Union School District qualifies to receive FREE back-to-school clothing to kick off the new year with confidence!
✅ How to Apply:
Complete the form by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visiting https://bit.ly/Back2SchoolwithConfidence
📅 Deadline to enter: July 15, 2025
📍 One entry per child
👕 Clothing Pickup:
🗓 Wednesday, August 20, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Questions? Contact Carrieann Wolcott at 📧 cwolcott@svuvt.org or ☎️ 802-265-0676.
Let’s start the 2025-26 school year off right! 💙📚
During Friday’s assembly, we had some technical difficulties and lost our internet connection — which meant we couldn’t share our video. But good news… here it is now! https://youtu.be/L-tQvzfWihY
Board Meeting - June 9, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qiq-sqee-qkq
Or dial: (US) +1 267-358-6351 PIN: 886 884 377#
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.
Slate Valley District Newsletter - June 6, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/873f2eef6f42/june-6-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
Yesterday, Castleton Elementary School had the exciting opportunity to welcome the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Marching Band as part of their district tour!
The talented student musicians stopped at CES to perform and showcase what’s waiting for our students should they choose to join the band program when they move up to FHUMHS. The performance gave our students a glimpse into the fun, spirit, and teamwork that come with being part of the marching band.
Thank you to the FHUMHS band members and director Ms. Sam Adams for inspiring our future musicians—we loved having you here!
Boys Summer Soccer Program
Who Can Join:
Open to boys entering 7th through 12th grade in the upcoming school year.
Schedule:
Sessions will be held three times a week: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Time: 6:00–7:45 PM
June 22 – July 31
At Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Locations:
Sundays & Thursdays: Upper field (northeast corner)
Tuesdays: Track infield
Scrimmages:
Scrimmages against other schools, primarily on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday evenings.
Cost:
The only fee is to cover referee expenses.
Questions?
Contact Tim Dayton at 785-313-5650 (call or text).
Yesterday, Miss Burke’s and Mrs. Gorruso’s second graders had an exciting adventure at ECHO in Burlington!
During their visit, students used the Engineering Design Process to brainstorm and build creative solutions for helping animals stay safe near roadways. They had a blast exploring the hands-on exhibits and interactive stations throughout the center. After all the learning and discovery, everyone enjoyed a sunny outdoor lunch together. It was a fun-filled day of curiosity, creativity, and sunshine!
Our 6th grade library students are getting hands-on with creativity and engineering!
They’re building cardboard automata (Karakuri) — traditional Japanese paper movement machines. Using simple materials, they’re designing frameworks, crafting cams to produce different motions, and bringing characters to life through animation!
It’s a fantastic blend of art, storytelling, and mechanical design.
We are taking advantage of the beautiful weather with some outside learning!
Reminder: The Community Advisory Council Meeting is tonight at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room located at FHUMHS. We hope to see you there! Here is the agenda: https://5il.co/3ggzz
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 30, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/3cbb4609f47c/may-30th-slate-valley-district-newsletter
