
Today, members of our District School Safety Team gathered at the Central Office to review and update all safety assessments and procedures.


Ms. Edmonds, Ms. DeSantis, and Ms. Perry from Castleton Elementary School had the incredible opportunity to attend the national Get Your Teach On conference in Dallas, Texas last week. During the conference, they explored a variety of specialized tracks, including Special Education, Grades 3–6 Math and Science, and Grades 3–6 ELA.
Some of the engaging topics they explored included: Grand Slam Vocabulary Strategies for every classroom, Progression of the Number Line: We Can Skip It, Creating Actionable Data Tracking Systems in the classroom... and much more!
It was an inspiring and energizing experience, and they are excited to bring back a wealth of new tools, strategies, and resources to share with students and staff this fall!
Some of the engaging topics they explored included: Grand Slam Vocabulary Strategies for every classroom, Progression of the Number Line: We Can Skip It, Creating Actionable Data Tracking Systems in the classroom... and much more!
It was an inspiring and energizing experience, and they are excited to bring back a wealth of new tools, strategies, and resources to share with students and staff this fall!


Thank you, Abby Wald, for kicking off our Slate Valley 2025 Summer Happenings!


Message from Athletic Director, Eric Ramey:
Here are the start dates for 2025 fall sports. Practice times and locations will be posted later, as well as communicated through regular communication between the coaches and athletes throughout summer workouts and events.
Just to remind you, all student-athletes must have a Physical Exam on file with the school.
Physicals are valid for two years.
High School Football
>First Day-Monday August 11
High School Golf
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Field Hockey
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cross Country
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cheer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
Middle School Cross Country (Grades 5-8)
>First Day-August 27
Middle School Girls & Boys Soccer (Grades 7&8)
>First Day-August 28
5/6 Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-September 2nd and/or September 3rd
Here are the start dates for 2025 fall sports. Practice times and locations will be posted later, as well as communicated through regular communication between the coaches and athletes throughout summer workouts and events.
Just to remind you, all student-athletes must have a Physical Exam on file with the school.
Physicals are valid for two years.
High School Football
>First Day-Monday August 11
High School Golf
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Field Hockey
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cross Country
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cheer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
Middle School Cross Country (Grades 5-8)
>First Day-August 27
Middle School Girls & Boys Soccer (Grades 7&8)
>First Day-August 28
5/6 Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-September 2nd and/or September 3rd


☀️🍦🍉🪁🎣⛵⛱️🕶️🌻


Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 18, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/94fc1ee125d0/june-18th-slate-valley-district-newsletter


🎉💙 Celebrating Our Castleton Elementary Farewell Crew 💙🎉
Yesterday, we gathered as a school community to honor and celebrate some truly special members of our Castleton Elementary family—our incredible faculty and staff who are retiring or setting off on exciting new adventures. 🌟
With heartfelt tributes, laughter, and maybe a few happy tears, we thanked them for the passion, dedication, and love they’ve poured into our school. Whether heading into retirement or taking on a new journey, they leave behind a legacy of learning, kindness, and inspiration that will continue to shape our halls for years to come. 🍎✨
-Thank you to Mrs. Tugas for the wonderful photos-











What a Way to Wrap Up the Year at Castleton Elementary! 🎉🫧🎊
The last day of school was nothing short of magica! Students made unforgettable entrances—some arriving by horseback, others cruising in by boat—turning the morning into a scene straight out of a storybook. 🚤🐎
As the day ended, the smiles were unstoppable. Students and staff celebrated the start of summer with a joyful sendoff full of bubbles, confetti, and pure excitement. ✨🫧
Have a wonderful summer, everyone!
(Thank you to Mrs. Tugas for the fantastic photos!)











Please join us in celebrating Lynn LaClair, one of our incredible District Proficiency-Based Learning Coaches, on her retirement! Lynn’s dedication to student-centered learning and her unwavering support for educators has made a lasting impact across our district. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter—you will be truly missed!


Today we honor the retirement of a truly valued Slate Valley Instructional Assistant, Ms. Helen Reed. Helen, your dedication to student success has been inspiring. Wishing you joy, relaxation, and all the best in the years to come!


After years of helping students learn and grow, our incredible Instructional Assistant, Veronica Lambert, is retiring! Veronica, thank you for all the care and guidance you’ve given the Slate Valley community. Enjoy the adventure ahead!


2025 Summer Food Service Program. To find more locations visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder


We’re celebrating the retirement of one of our dedicated Instructional Assistants, Mary Lou Williams! Mary Lou, your kindness, patience, and commitment to our schools has made a difference every single day. Enjoy the next chapter!


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!









