First day vibes! Our Slate Valley faculty & staff officially kicked off the school year on Friday, August 22nd with Opening Day Inservice—full of laughs, hugs, summer stories, and lots of catching up. Here's some photos from a great day with great people. 💙
23 minutes ago, Slate Valley
Two men wearing lanyards sit together at a table in a gymnasium, smiling at the camera.
A young woman and an older man sit at a table in a gymnasium, smiling and talking with others seated around them.
Two women sit at a table smiling, one holding a fork with fruit and the other with colorful tumblers. A laptop with stickers is on the table in front of them.
Three women smile while sitting together at a table in a gymnasium. Two are seated with plates of food, and one stands behind them wearing a yellow shirt with the word "Mentor." The background shows blue gym wall padding with large white letters.
Five people sit together at a long table in a gymnasium during a school event. They are smiling at the camera, with laptops and tumblers in front of them. Other attendees can be seen seated at tables in the background.
Two women smile and stand side by side in a gymnasium, both wearing denim jackets over long floral dresses with Slate Valley lanyards around their necks.
Three women stand at a table looking at Slate Valley Unified School District folders and pens. One woman in a pink shirt reaches for an item, while the others observe and smile.
Four women sit at a table during a school event, smiling at the camera with plates of food, drinks, and bags in front of them. Other attendees are visible in the background.
A group of five women sit and smile at a table during a school event, with notebooks, food, and drinks in front of them, while more people gather in the background.
Man and woman gather Slate Valley materials from a table with pens, folders, and tote bags, smiling and engaged.
At Slate Valley’s Opening Day Inservice, three special awards were presented to individuals who embody the heart of our district and consistently go above and beyond their duties. 🌟

🏆 SVUUSD Executive Board Awards were given to the Orwell Village School PBIS Team and to Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins, Fair Haven Grade School’s dedicated Music Teacher.

🏅 The SVUUSD Special Service Award was presented to Carrieann Wolcott, Slate Valley’s committed Home–School Coordinator.

👏 Congratulations to all of our honorees—thank you for your passion, service, and unwavering dedication to our students and community!
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
Three women smiling and standing next to a man on their left. The woman in the middle holds an award plaque.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has their arm around her.
Three women smiling and standing together. The one in the middle holds an award plaque, while the other two women have their arms around the middle woman's back.
During our Opening Day Inservice, Slate Valley Unified Union School District proudly celebrated our Instructional Assistants of the Year. 🌟

These outstanding IAs truly represent the heart of our classrooms—offering support, encouragement, and care that help students grow and thrive every single day.

We are deeply grateful for all they do. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 👏💙

Picture are:
Taylor Coloutti - IA at Castleton Elementary School
Annie Bartholomew - IA at Fair Haven Grade School
Alicia Bouzianis - IA at Orwell Village School
Ashley Bruce - IA at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School
Colleen Howard - IA at Benson Village School
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque while the other has their arm around her.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque and both have their arms around each other.
A man and woman smile while holding a plaque award together inside a gymnasium.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque and both have their arms around each other.
Two women stand together smiling holding a plaque award in a gymnasium.
At our Opening Day Inservice, Slate Valley Unified Union School District proudly celebrated this year’s Teachers of the Year, along with two educators honored with the prestigious UVM Outstanding Teacher Awards. 🏆

👏 Congratulations to all recipients! These well-deserved honors reflect the hard work, passion, and dedication to students you demonstrate every day.

Pictured are:

UVM Outstanding Teacher and SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mr. Kyle Ruby - History Teacher at FHUHS

UVM Outstanding Teacher: Ms. Amanda Eddy - Special Education Teacher at BVS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Ms. Makayla Ackert - Kindergarten Teacher at BVS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Patty-Ann Holden - Grade 5 Teacher at OVS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mr. Parth Patel - Physical Education Teacher at FHGS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Andrea Gorruso - Grade 3 Teacher at CES
about 21 hours ago, Slate Valley
Two men stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has his arm around him.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has their arm around her.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has their arm around her.
A man and woman smile while holding a plaque award together inside a gymnasium.
A man holding a plaque stands next to a smiling woman in a gymnasium.
A woman holding a plaque stands next to a smiling man in a gymnasium.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: August 22, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7cc8c55d6a27/slate-valley-district-newsletter-august-22-2025
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter dated August 22, 2025, with the district logo at the top. Below is a colorful “Back to School” graphic with stars, a smiley face, and a backpack. The headline reads “It’s That Time!” followed by a welcome message about the start of the school year, excitement from teachers and staff, and thanks to custodians for preparing clean, safe buildings.
🎉✨ Slate Valley is officially back in action! Today marked our Opening Inservice Day with all district faculty and staff filling the high school gym.

The morning was packed with energy — we welcomed new employees, celebrated award recipients, and capped it all off with a special district-wide art project (can’t wait to share more about that soon!).

In the afternoon, teams headed to their buildings for meetings and collaboration to kick off the year strong.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting year — stay tuned for more updates! 💙💚
2 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of teachers and staff sit at tables in a school gymnasium during a district-wide meeting, facing a presentation screen at the front.

Today was Slate Valley's 2025-2026 Fall Special Education Training at Castleton Elementary School.

The district's Special Education staff attended this full-day session which included updates on district initiatives, resources for special educators, Medicaid program changes, mentoring supports, and strategies to improve outcomes for all learners. Educators also explored high-leverage math practices with Glenn Patterson from the VT Agency of Education.

It was a wonderful day of learning and collaboration!

3 days ago, Slate Valley
Educators sit at tables with laptops, listening to a presenter speaking at the front of a school cafeteria.
Educators sit at tables with laptops, listening to a presenter speaking at the front of a school cafeteria.
Slate Valley Kicks Off the Year with their New Teacher Orientation!

The day began with refreshments, a warm welcome from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell, and introductions to our five schools. Presenters from the Business Office, Educators’ Association, Special Education, Mentoring, MTSS, and more provided key overviews and resources to support our new team members. Teachers also had time for tech setup, curriculum deep-dives, and connecting with mentors over lunch.

We are excited to welcome these new educators to our Slate Valley community and wish them a great start to the school year! 💙🍎

4 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of adults is seated in a school gymnasium, attending a meeting or training session. Tables are arranged in a U-shape, with papers, drinks, and white gift bags placed in front of participants. At the front of the room, a woman in a gray Slate Valley T-shirt speaks to the group while standing near a podium. A large agenda is projected onto the wall behind her, and an American flag hangs nearby. Colorful murals decorate the walls, and attendees are listening attentively.
A large group of adults sits at tables arranged in a U-shape inside a school gymnasium for a meeting or training session. A woman wearing a Slate Valley T-shirt stands at the front, speaking to the group. Attendees are listening attentively, with papers, pens, and white gift bags in front of them on the tables. Some participants are seated in folding chairs, while a few others stand in the back near colorful murals painted on the walls. A basketball hoop and stacked cafeteria tables are visible in the background, indicating a multipurpose school space.
A close-up of a young woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail, wearing a brown polka-dot top and an SVUSD lanyard. She is seated at a table with a white gift bag featuring the Slate Valley logo and a reusable water bottle in front of her. In the background, other bags and a projector are visible on a table, indicating a classroom or meeting setting.
Two women are pictured in a classroom or meeting space. One woman, standing on the left, wears a white poncho over a blue patterned dress and has a lanyard with an ID badge around her neck. She is looking to the side with her hands in her pockets. The woman on the right, seated at a table, is smiling and wearing a colorful rainbow-striped crocheted sweater. On the table in front of them are white gift bags and papers. A “Choking” safety poster is visible on the wall in the background.
A woman in a cream-colored top and lanyard hands a paper to another woman seated at a table, who is wearing glasses and a light blue shirt. Another person with long blonde hair sits beside her, facing forward. In the background, a man in a light blue shirt looks down at a paper while standing at a separate table. The room has school posters on the walls, including a large black poster with yellow eyes, and an American flag is displayed. White bags and papers are spread across the tables where participants are seated.
A group of adults sit at tables listening to a woman standing at the front of the room giving a presentation. The woman, wearing a pink polo shirt and denim shorts with a lanyard around her neck, gestures with both hands while speaking. Participants are seated with papers, pens, and bags on the tables in front of them, paying attention to the presenter. The setting appears to be a classroom or meeting room with beige walls and wooden doors in the background.
Several adults sit at tables in a classroom or meeting space, attentively facing forward during a session. They have papers, pens, water bottles, and white bags with the Slate Valley logo on the table in front of them. A woman in glasses and a ponytail is in the foreground, holding a red pen. Other participants are seated in a row, some leaning forward with hands clasped. In the background, a person wearing a Slate Valley shirt and lanyard stands and smiles near a refreshment table. Posters and signs decorate the walls.
Three adults are standing and talking in a school hallway near a table. The person on the left is wearing a gray Vermont T-shirt and lanyard, the person in the middle is holding a tablet and wearing a green shirt, and the person on the right is holding a closed laptop and wearing a light blue button-down shirt. In the background, two women are conversing near a laptop; one is wearing a colorful striped sweater. The setting includes cream-colored walls, posters, and a hallway extending behind them.
Two adults are engaged in conversation inside a school cafeteria. The person on the left, with long dark hair in a ponytail and wearing a black T-shirt, is listening attentively. The person on the right, wearing a white dress shirt, light blue tie, and khaki pants, is speaking while gesturing with his hands. He has a blue lanyard around his neck. The background shows a beige wall, door, and classroom furnishings.
Three adults are gathered around a table working collaboratively. A woman on the left is smiling while seated at a laptop. In the center, another woman is writing on a sticky note placed on her laptop, with a phone and charger on the table in front of her. A man on the right leans over to observe. The background shows additional people conversing near tables, with an American flag visible on the wall. The setting is in a school cafeteria..
Board Meeting - August 18, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Benson Village School Gymnasium
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bjs-uebx-www
Or dial: (US) +1 240-257-5095 PIN: 164 478 606#

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.
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement for a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The top left corner has green text reading “Please Join Us” around a circular design. In the center, a large title reads “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting” with the Slate Valley logo featuring “Vermont” to the right. Inside a green circular motif, the agenda is listed: Consent Agenda, Community Impact Grant Award, Act 73 (H.454) – Discussion, Board Member Resignation – Action, Finance Committee Report, and Contracts. At the bottom, text reads “August 18, 2025 – 6:30 PM” and “Benson Village School Gym.”
Grades 7 - 12 Fall Sports Kick Off
Wednesday August 20 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
Booster Club Sponsored
*Healthy Grab & Go snacks and water provided by the booster club in the cafeteria at 6pm.
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6:15
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Kick Off
Thursday August 28 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6 pm
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families.
*First Practice for 5/6 Soccer teams will be Tuesday September 2nd
*Soccer Practices will be held at 4 pm at Fair Haven Grade School
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley 2025 Fall Sports Kick Off Meetings. Title in bold blue text with sports-themed graphics including a football, pom-poms, golf bag, soccer ball, running shoe, and tennis ball. Red text reads “Not registered yet? Go to: formreleaf.com” and “Mark Your Calendars.” Grades 7–12 Fall Kick Off: Wednesday, August 20 at 6 PM at FHUMHS, sponsored by the Booster Club. Healthy grab-and-go snacks and water at 6 PM in the cafeteria, informational meeting in the gym at 6:15 PM, athletics overview followed by team info meeting with families. Grades 5 & 6 Fall Kick Off: Thursday, August 28 at 6 PM at FHUMHS, informational meeting in the gym at 6 PM, athletics overview followed by team info meeting with families. First soccer practice for grades 5/6 is Tuesday, September 2 at 4 PM at Fair Haven Grade School. Blue banner at bottom reads: “All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”
🌟 Join the Slate Valley Team! 🌟

Do you have a passion for helping students succeed? Slate Valley Unified Union School District (SVUUSD) is seeking Instructional Assistants to support students with behavioral and academic challenges in a variety of learning environments at the elementary, middle, and high school level.

As an Instructional Assistant, you’ll:
✅ Work side-by-side with teachers to support student learning
✅ Provide one-on-one or small group assistance
✅ Help create a positive and engaging classroom environment
✅ Make a real impact every single day

Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree or 48+ college credits
A caring, patient, and encouraging attitude
Strong communication and teamwork skills
A commitment to helping all students thrive

📅 Apply today and help us inspire the next generation!

🔗 https://slatevalley.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5128030
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Recruitment flyer for Slate Valley Unified Union School District seeking Instructional Assistants. The headline reads, “Join the Slate Valley Team.” Subheading asks, “Do you have a passion for helping students succeed?” Text explains that the district is hiring Instructional Assistants to support students with behavioral and academic challenges at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Application link is provided (slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities) along with a QR code and the Slate Valley logo. Four photos show educators working with students in classroom settings. Background features green and blue hexagon designs.
Submitted and written by Hillery Allen:
Our very own Lisa Cacciatore has once again shown her incredible talent and generous heart — this time in a way that’s helping wild mustangs and burros in need. Lisa designed a beautiful t-shirt for a rescue organization called SkyDog with locations in Bend, Oregon and Malibu, California. Out of numerous amazing entries, her design was chosen unanimously as the winner!

As part of her prize, Lisa will be flying out to visit the sanctuary — a place that holds a very special place in her heart. Proceeds from the shirt sales are going directly to support the rescue, and Lisa’s design has already helped raise valuable funds for their work.

By day, Lisa is Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s Communications Coordinator, ensuring every important moment is captured and shared. By every other minute of the day, she’s an animal lover through and through. At home, she’s surrounded by her four dogs, a variety of wild animals roaming her property, and any creature lucky enough to cross her path.

Lisa’s winning shirt is not just visually striking — it’s full of heart and meaning. Have you noticed the hidden detail? Look closely, and you might spot a horse in the clouds.

Please join us in congratulating Lisa — not only for her artistic talent and dedication to animals, but also for the care, creativity, and heart she pours into everything she does for our district.
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled "Slate Valley 2025 Summer Happenings" featuring two women smiling and wearing t-shirts with a colorful SkyDog animal rescue design. On the left, text reads: "Slate Valley’s own Lisa Cacciatore, our district’s communications coordinator, won a national t-shirt design contest for the animal rescue organization SkyDog." On the right, text notes that her design was chosen unanimously from many entries, is raising funds for the rescue, and includes a prize trip to visit the sanctuary she loves. A yellow sun with the Vermont logo is in the top right corner. Caption identifies Lisa Cacciatore and Hillery Allen, Slate Valley’s Special Education/Medicaid Clerk.
Updated Fall Sports Schedule: Changes include the addition of a preseason golf practice schedule, and an update for cross country. https://bit.ly/SVFall25Sports
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for Slate Valley Unified School District announcing “UPDATED Fall Sports Practice Schedules.” Features the Slate Valley logo at the top, sports-themed images including a football, soccer balls, running shoes, field hockey stick with ball, and blue pom-poms. A QR code and short link (https://bit.ly/SVFALL25SPORTS) are provided for accessing the schedules. Background is light green with bold brown and red text.
Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Lead the Way at Castleton's Adventure Camp

Eight dedicated Slate Valley faculty and staff members spent part of their summer serving as counselors for six weeks of Adventure Camp—bringing fun, learning, and exploration to many students during vacation!

Recently, the campers got an extra thrill when Captain Aquatics stopped by for a special visit. Students had the chance to see, touch, and learn about these incredible creatures up close, maybe too close for some involved.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A colorful graphic titled “Slate Valley 2025 Summer Happenings” with a large sun illustration and the Vermont state logo. Text reads, “Slate Valley Faculty & Staff lead the way this summer at Castleton’s Adventure Camp!” Names listed: Lisa Thayer, Jordan Perry, Monica Savage, Jesse Bashaw, Connor Fisher, Emily Beaulieu, Jacqueline Gauthier, and Becky Lanfear. The collage includes four photos: top left shows campers and counselors gathered at a picnic table doing crafts outdoors; top right shows eight smiling faculty and staff members posing together indoors; bottom left shows a counselor and child smiling with a snake draped around their shoulders; bottom right shows two women smiling and holding a snake together inside a gym.
Fall Sports Practice Schedules: https://bit.ly/SVPractices
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic for Slate Valley fall sports practice schedules. The image includes icons of a football, soccer balls, field hockey stick, pom-pom, running shoes, and a ball. The Slate Valley logo is at the top center. Text reads: "FALL SPORTS PRACTICE SCHEDULES https://bit.ly/svpractices" with a QR code displayed below.
Slate Valley School District Newsletter: August 1, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/ee59e5062d88/svuusd-summer-highlights
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated August 1, 2025. At the top is the Slate Valley logo with the tagline "A Unified Focus on Learning." Below is a colorful banner image with sunflowers and the word "August" written in large, yellow script. The section title reads “Welcome Back… Soon!”
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Slate Valley Unified School District Back to School Open House & Meet & Greet Events! ✏️🍎📚

Join us to meet teachers, tour the school, and get ready for the new academic year. We can't wait to see you there!

Here's the schedule of events:

August 25th
Benson Village School: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Fair Haven Union Middle School: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

August 26th
Castleton Elementary School: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Fair Haven Grade School: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

September 10th
Orwell Village School: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

September 25th
Fair Haven Union High School: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

See you soon! 🎒
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A back-to-school flyer for Slate Valley Unified School District. The headline "Welcome Back to School Open House - Meet & Greet Events" is written in a playful font. The flyer lists a schedule of events with school names, dates, and times. The events are: August 25th at Benson Village School from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM and Fair Haven Union Middle School from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM; August 26th at Castleton Elementary School from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM and Fair Haven Grade School from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM; September 10th at Orwell Village School from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM; and September 25th at Fair Haven Union High School from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The flyer's background is green and decorated with school-related illustrations, including a pencil, a beaker, an apple, a magnifying glass, a globe, and a stack of books. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo is in the top right corner.
Make a Difference in Your Community!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking community-minded individuals to help shape the future of education! We’re anticipating a vacant board seat representing Fair Haven and are also looking for three West Haven residents to fill open seats on the District School Board.

Serving on the school board is a meaningful way to support our students, staff, and schools. Your voice matters!

Interested? Submit a letter of interest to:
Slate Valley School Board
c/o Superintendent of Schools
33 Mechanic Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743
or email: bfarrell@svuvt.org
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the headline “Seeking School Board Members” featuring the Slate Valley logo and arrows pointing toward the center. The text explains that the Slate Valley Unified Union School District is looking to fill one anticipated board seat for Fair Haven and three open seats for West Haven. It emphasizes the importance of serving on the board and provides contact information for submitting a letter of interest. The bottom banner reads “Make a Difference in Your Community!” in bold blue and white text on a green background.
🚨 WE'RE HIRING! 🚨
Join the Slate Valley team and make a difference in the lives of students! ✨

📌 Some Current Openings:
• Special Education Teacher (Grades K–6)
• Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (Grades 9–12)
• Driver’s Education Teacher

👉 Explore opportunities & apply today:
🔗 www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic image announcing job openings in the Slate Valley Unified School District. Bold text reads “We Are Hiring – Join Our Team.” A green button says “Browse Jobs & Apply” with a web address below it: www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities. Listed current openings include: Special Education Teacher (K–6), Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (Grades 9–12), and Driver’s Education Teacher. The image features arrows and a name badge with the Slate Valley and Vermont logos. The overall color scheme is green, blue, and white.
Last week's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.)
Watch the video at: https://youtu.be/zv4pejzrz4M

Introduction taken from the 2025 SVUUSD GAP booklet:
Sixteen students from our school signed up to participate in this year's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.) which took place at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. We looked at both the natural and human history of the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin. Each morning we began with a team meeting where we discussed the day's plan and important background information pertinent for students to know before we arrived to ensure all students were prepared for our fieldwork. At each location we explored, observed, posed questions, recorded findings and tried to improve the overall health of the environment. Our group spent three days kayaking and two days hiking within the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin, and everyday we collected trash from each area. After our adventures, we returned to our school campus where we conducted research about the organisms and abiotic elements we observed and documented our findings in this book. The funding for this project comes from the Vermont Community Foundation and the South Lake Champlain Fund.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Photo of the Great Adventure Project founder, Mr. Christopher Stanton