Reminder of Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
Trivia Tuesday: Do You Know 3rd Grade Math? In Vermont, all students in grades 3 through 9 take the Cognia assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, while students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are also assessed in science. These tests are administered each spring, and although they are untimed, students must complete them within the designated testing window.
Assessment results are not available until the fall, after the new school year begins. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about our students' performance on these assessments.
To better understand what our students experience during testing, we invite you to try a few questions from the 3rd grade math Cognia practice test. Keep in mind that students complete these tests on their Chromebooks, which means they must navigate the math tools, scroll and move around a small screen, and once they submit an answer, they cannot go back to change it.
Want to explore more practice tests? Visit: https://vermont.onlinehelp.cognia.org/practice-test/
Thank you to all Slate Valley faculty and staff - You are truly the heart and soul of our district!
MEET Faculty & Staff MONDAY:
This month, we’re excited to feature Jared Danyow!
Jared is currently in his fifth year working in the Slate Valley Unified Union School District, all at Fair HavenGrade School (FHGS), and has spent ten years in public education overall.
Before joining Slate Valley, Jaredworked in several Vermont schools, including in the Rutland Northeast and Mount Abraham Unified School Districts, serving as a teacher, behavior interventionist, and paraeducator.
Starting next school year, Jared will be stepping into a new role as the principal of Castleton ElementarySchool!
Outside of school, Jared enjoys a wide variety of activities. He loves listening to music and attending concerts, running and competing in races, playing golf, hiking, reading good books, traveling to new places, and trying new foods. He also enjoys spending time with his golden retriever, Magnolia, and his orange cat, Winston.
We wish Jared all the best next year in his new Principal position!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of May 2, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4b6708e10e6e/slate-valley-newsletter-may-2nd
🌼 🌷A heartfelt thank you to retired doctor Pete Diercksen, who generously donates his time and care to keep the flower beds at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Castleton Elementary School, and many other local spots beautiful and thriving. Your dedication and kindness brighten our community in more ways than one! 🌷🌸
🏁 The tradition continues! Last night, CES 6th Graders raced in their annual Pinewood Derby. Huge thanks to Mr. DeMatties and his family for hosting another fantastic event!
🎉 Congratulations to our winners:
🥇 First Place: Akeelah
🥈 Second Place: Autumn
🥉 Third Place: River
🏆 Best Design: William
🎨 Most Creative: Avery
Today, our Kindergarten students enjoyed a special visit to the Rutland Free Library. During their trip, they listened to stories, explored the many sections of the library, and even ventured into the basement for a bit of local history. There, they discovered that the building once served as a courthouse—and had the unique experience of seeing the old jail cells that still remain, an unexpected highlight of the day!
As part of an ongoing exploration of nature in our home state, 4th grade students recently completed an in-depth study of Vermont's reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on their conservation status. Each student selected a specific reptile or amphibian to investigate, researching its habitat, diet, physical characteristics, environmental importance, and any interesting facts they wanted to share.
To incorporate elements of literature, students also composed either an acrostic or haiku poem related to their chosen species. They then showcased their findings through creative displays, including posters and models, and practiced their public speaking skills by presenting their work to classmates.
These “Mr. Canty projects” have been a favorite among students all year long! You can view the finished projects on display in the hallway leading to 4th grade.
Through the Community Canopy Program, Castleton Elementary School families are eligible for 2 free trees! See Flyer for details...
Interested? All proceeds benefit the Slate Valley Back to School Clothing Program!
2025 Summer Food Service Program.
To find more locations visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
A message from student athletes, please watch...
This video was produced by Mount Mansfield Media and sponsored by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA), it captures the perspectives of Vermont high school athletes on adult behavior at sporting events. Through their eyes, viewers are reminded of the importance of civility, encouragement, and respect — and the need to move away from criticism, hostility, and vulgar outbursts. Follow the link to see the video:
https://youtu.be/a-KMN9Fuqcs
Board Meeting - April 28, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/skk-usdv-zte
Or dial: (US) +1 240-360-1164 PIN: 178 647 577#
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.
Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 18, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/04a780490ff8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-april-18
That's a wrap! Slate Valley UUSD wishes all of our amazing students, staff, and faculty a fun, relaxing, and well-deserved April break! Enjoy the time off, and here's to hoping for many sunny days!
See the Reel at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DImQc0wRdYJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
In Library class, our 6th grade students are wrapping up their 3D pen primary source artifact projects! Using creativity and careful design, students selected a variety of patterns—ranging from the Eiffel Tower and airplanes to animals and houses—to bring their ideas to life. This hands-on activity is part of our unit on primary and secondary sources, where we've been exploring the differences between the two and understanding their value as tools for learning about the past.
CES Kindergarten and First Grade had a blast at the Castleton Free Library this morning! Librarian Mrs. Arel read a fun story about bats in the library, then students crafted their own bat, read books, and enjoyed playtime. Thank you for such a magical visit!
