🎉 Spot the Theme! 🎉
At CES, Ms. Brayton keeps things fun and spirited by choosing surprise dress-up themes for faculty and staff throughout the year! She secretly shares each theme ahead of time, and the challenge for students is twofold:
1️⃣ Notice that staff are dressed in a similar way
2️⃣ Guess the theme!

Today’s theme? 🦃 Thanksgiving!
From turkey hats to festive fall colors, our staff went all-in to bring some holiday cheer to CES.

This marks the third surprise theme for the past few school days—previous themes included Twins Day and a fun nod to Hunting Season. We love seeing our students’ reactions and how quickly they catch on!

Huge thanks to Ms. Brayton and our amazing staff for keeping the fun spirit alive!
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of nine CES staff members pose together indoors, all dressed to match a Thanksgiving theme. Some wear turkey hats, fall colors, or shirts with turkey graphics. One staff member is dressed in a large handmade turkey costume with colorful feathers. The group stands smiling in front of a light-colored brick wall and red bench seating.
Thank you, Slate Valley community!

Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!

Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations

All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.

We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒

Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A bold community flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance – Thank You!” The top features a close-up of an ambulance with its blue emergency lights on and the word “AMBULANCE” in red letters across the front. Below, a large “Thank You!” message appears in white text. The center of the flyer shows the back of an ambulance filled with assorted donated food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and cooking oil. On the left is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo, and on the right is a star-of-life EMS symbol. A white box lists total contributions: “Cash Donations = $1744.05” and “Food Donations = 1,451.15 pounds.” The bottom text reads, “Sponsored by Slate Valley Unified USD & Fair Haven Rescue Squad – All to benefit Slate Valley Cares.”
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Slate Valley!🦃
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A festive Thanksgiving-themed graphic featuring cartoon characters dressed as a Pilgrim boy on the left and a Pilgrim girl on the right. At the top is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo. Colorful fall leaves and banner decorations frame the image. The text reads: “Thanksgiving Break. School will be closed November 26–28. Wishing all of our Slate Valley families a restful and joyful holiday! School resumes Monday, December 1!” The bottom of the graphic is decorated with sunflowers and autumn foliage.
🎉 Congratulations to Tina Rampone! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Tina Rampone, Librarian at Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, for being named the Rosen Publishing Northern New England School Librarian of the Month for November 2025!

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding school librarians across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine who go above and beyond in supporting literacy, creativity, and student engagement. Tina exemplifies all of these qualities through her warm, inclusive library environments and her innovative blend of literacy and STEAM learning — from recycled cardboard engineering to 3D pens, circuits, and hands-on problem solving.

✨ About the Award:
Rosen Publishing Group is known for producing engaging print and digital books aligned to school curricula, as well as high-quality databases and interactive e-books. As part of this generous award, Tina will receive:

📚 A curated set of Rosen print titles for both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries
💻 One year of access to Rosen’s PowerKnowledge Science database, praised by the National Science Teachers’ Association as:
“Useful and kid-friendly… Provides the bridge between textbook, inquiry, and technology.”

This award not only honors Tina’s exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment to students — it directly enriches both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries and expands learning opportunities for all.

Please join us in giving Tina a huge Slater Nation congratulations!
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A portrait of a woman with short curly gray hair and red-framed glasses, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a floral top with orange and yellow flowers and small drop earrings, posed in front of a gray studio background.
Slater Nation Pre-season Practice Schedule for Winter Sports 2025-26

Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.

Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Pre-Season Practice Schedules” with the Slate Valley logo at the top. Includes illustrated sports icons such as a basketball, pom-poms, wrestling figures, running shoes, and bowling pins. Lists practice times for Indoor Track, Wrestling, Cheer, and Bowling, with dates from December 1–12. A QR code is shown in the bottom left corner for weekly schedules.
Graphic titled “FHU High School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Includes a two-week practice schedule grid for girls’ and boys’ varsity and JV basketball, with dates from November 30 to December 13. A basketball icon labeled “High School” appears in the bottom right corner, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the bottom left.
Graphic titled “FHU Middle School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Features a practice schedule grid for 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball from November 30 to December 13. Notes that practices and home games are at Fair Haven Grade School. A basketball icon labeled “Middle School” appears in the lower left, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the lower right.
⚽ Interested in Becoming a Soccer Referee?
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!

📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254

🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346

This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.

To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.

👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.

Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer for the “2026 Vermont First Time Soccer Referee Clinic.” The top features bold text with “Soccer Referee Clinic” in large white and yellow letters on a dark gray background. Below, the date “February 28, 2026” appears in a red box. On the right side is a cartoon referee blowing a whistle and holding up a red card. On the left is a large illustrated soccer ball with yellow motion streaks. Event details list the time (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) and location (Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT). A yellow arrow points to a QR code labeled “Scan Me!” The bottom includes a link for registration.
Board Meeting - November 24, 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 & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#

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.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic flyer announces the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features green and blue text with circular decorative elements. It reads: “Please Join Us TONIGHT,” “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting,” and lists the agenda items: “Consent Agenda, Cognia Results Presentation, Building & Grounds Committee Report.” The Slate Valley logo is displayed on the right. At the bottom, it states: “November 24, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
Slate Valley Distict Newsletter: November 21, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 21, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, followed by a colorful ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ banner with cartoon turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, and fall decorations. Below is a decorative fall-themed border surrounding the heading ‘A Message of Gratitude from the Superintendent,’ with accompanying text expressing appreciation to the Slate Valley community.
Art Club has been busy—and creative! 🎨✨
Mrs. Parrott and Mrs. Simpson love hosting Art Club for our 4th–6th grade students throughout the year, and this group has truly wowed them with their imagination, focus, and excitement.

During recent sessions, students created keychains, earrings, charms, and magnets with melted Perler beads—always a top favorite! They also learned how to fold thin strips of paper into tiny puffy stars and experimented with coloring and assembling a nine-sided decorative box design.

We can’t wait to see what they make next!
7 days ago, Slate Valley
collage of 4 images: Image 1 (Top-left collage square) A boy sitting at a classroom table proudly holds up a large Perler bead keychain shaped like a smiling face. Bright colors and activity materials fill the background. Image 2 (Top-right collage square) A student holds up two small Perler bead creations—a pumpkin charm and a long, thin bead design—while smiling at the camera. Image 3 (Bottom-left collage square) A girl wearing glasses and a cream sweater leans over a tray of colorful Perler beads, carefully arranging beads onto a clear pegboard. Image 4 (Bottom-right collage square) A student smiles while arranging red and green Perler beads on a clear pegboard, with a tray of brightly colored beads in front of her.
Collage of 4 images: Image 5 (Left of second collage) A student wearing a colorful headscarf uses tweezers to place orange and black beads onto a square pegboard. Image 6 (Top-right of second collage) A student in a red shirt works intently on a Perler bead project, leaning close to her pegboard. Image 7 (Bottom-left of second collage) A young student focuses on arranging small beads into a circular pattern on a clear pegboard. Image 8 (Bottom-right of second collage) Two students sit together; one draws lines on a piece of paper for the nine-sided paper box project while the other holds a pink marker and watches.
Collage of 3 Images: A student smiles while folding a thin strip of paper into a puffy star, with a cluster of brightly colored paper stars on the table. Image 10 (Top-right of third collage) A pair of completed Perler bead characters with green eyes and brown bodies sit on a wooden desk, finished as keychains. Image 11 (Bottom-right of third collage) A student grins while holding up a Perler bead word charm that spells “hope.”
Collage of 3 images: Image 12 (Top-left of fourth collage) Three students sit at a table, each focusing on arranging colorful beads onto their pegboards using small cups for sorting. Image 13 (Center of fourth collage) Hands work on folding thin paper strips while another student colors the geometric template for the nine-sided paper box. Image 14 (Top-right of fourth collage) A smiling student stands at a classroom table with a small finished Perler bead square placed in front of him.
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!
9 days 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
9 days 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!
13 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
14 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
14 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!
14 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
15 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! ⚡
15 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
17 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
18 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
18 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.”