
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


Reminder: The last student day for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District will be Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This date accounts for the snow days we had to make up during the school year. Please note: June 17th will also be an early release day.


Third grade library students recently read Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty—a fun and inspiring story about a young boy with a big passion for building. Iggy loves creating replicas of famous structures, but when a new teacher discourages his creativity, he’s crushed. However, during a class picnic, when a bridge unexpectedly collapses, it’s Iggy’s talent that saves the day! Inspired by the story, students put their own engineering skills to the test by designing and building imaginative structures using straws, Brain Flakes, and Stackin’ Sticks.
Meanwhile, fifth grade library students are diving into hands-on STEM challenges. Their current task: design three different styles of paper airplanes. Each model had a unique purpose—one for distance, one for acrobatics, and one that featured a creative, out-of-the-box design. Through trial, error, and lots of flying fun, students explored principles of aerodynamics and engineering in action.

Over the past few weeks, sixth graders from Ms. Desantis's class have been observing and caring for Painted Lady caterpillars as they transformed into chrysalises—and finally into beautiful butterflies. Yesterday marked a special moment: release day!

Although this special day took place a week ago, we continue to hold close in our hearts all those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. What follows is a look back at a meaningful and memorable day in 4th grade on Thursday, May 22, 2024.
Last Thursday was a truly special occasion for our 4th grade students—a day filled with learning, remembrance, and gratitude. We were honored to welcome several guests who helped us reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice.
Mrs. Phyllis Blanchard, a retired CES 4th grade teacher and president of the Castleton American Legion Post 50 Ladies Auxiliary, joined us to share some exciting news. She came to celebrate the winners of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Annual Americanism Essay Contest and the Poppy Poster Contest. Students across grades 2–12 were invited to participate, and our 4th graders proudly represented the Slate Valley District.
We’re thrilled to congratulate Jameson Bennick from Mrs. Lucci’s class, who won the Essay Contest, and William (Kash) DeFelice from Mrs. Ray’s class, who won the Poppy Poster Contest. Both of their entries were selected to move forward to state and national levels for further recognition—an incredible honor and a testament to their thoughtfulness and hard work.
After the awards were presented, Mrs. Blanchard read America’s White Table by Margaret Theis Raven, a touching story that introduces a quiet but powerful tradition honoring service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action.
We were also joined by Mrs. Lobdell, another beloved retired 4th grade teacher and auxiliary member, who shared The Poppy Lady by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh. This inspiring book tells the story of Moina Belle Michael and how her simple act of remembrance—wearing a red poppy—grew into a national symbol of honor for our veterans.
These stories and the thoughtful conversations that followed added a deeper meaning to our Memorial Day Assembly, which took place the next morning.
To close out this special day, Mrs. Sheila Demgard, also a member of the Auxiliary, gifted each student with their very own Poppy Seed Planting Kit, containing seeds for Flanders Field poppies. It was a simple but beautiful gesture that brought the message of remembrance home in a tangible way.
We are so grateful to these kind and generous women for spending the day with us. Their continued commitment—not only to our veterans and military families, but also to the students of Slate Valley—is a gift we will always treasure. Their visit left a lasting impression on our hearts, and we thank them sincerely for helping us understand the true meaning of service, remembrance, and hope.

Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 23, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/379ab7e1eb23/may-23-2025-slate-valley-news


This morning, all 6th graders had a special visit from the Slate Valley Middle School team as part of our ongoing efforts to support students through their transition to middle school.
The Middle School Principal, Ms. Paquette, School Counselor, Mrs. Ezzo, and two teachers, Mr. Clark and Mr. Merrill, traveled to each elementary school to meet with the 6th grade classes. They introduced themselves, shared what life in middle school is like, and answered lots of thoughtful questions from students.
Each student received a brochure featuring photos and descriptions of all middle school faculty and staff—helping our future middle schoolers get to know the faces and roles of the team that will support them next year.
This visit is just one of the many ways Slate Valley works to make the move to middle school exciting, informed, and welcoming for our students.



This morning, in a heartfelt Memorial Day Ceremony, Castleton Elementary School gathered as a community to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.
We were privileged to welcome the Crippens Fellows Post 50 Color Guard as our honored guests. The event was beautifully hosted by our students, who showed great respect and pride throughout the program.
Everyone played a special role in the ceremony. Together, students sang "Tribute to the Armed Services," with each grade contributing a verse. Sergeant Glenn Wilcox of the Vermont Army National Guard shared powerful words on the history and significance of Memorial Day, reminding us why we pause to remember.
Grades 4 and 5 delivered a moving recitation of the poem In Flanders Fields, and the ceremony concluded with the solemn playing of Taps by our talented student musicians.
It was a meaningful morning of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. Thank you to all who attended and participated. 🇺🇸❤️











Lace Up for a Cause! 🏃♀️👟
Join us for a fun and meaningful 5K Walk/Run to support the Slate Valley "Back to School" Clothing Program! Whether you walk, jog, or run, every step you take helps provide local students with the clothing they need to start the school year with confidence and style.
No matter your pace, you're making a difference. So grab a friend, bring your energy, and let’s go the distance—for our kids, our community, and a great cause.
You don’t have to be fast—you just have to show up. Sign up today and help us make a difference, one step at a time!


Slate Valley is proud to honor seven incredible women whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact on our school district. From guiding entire schools to supporting individual students, each has played a vital role in shaping our learning community. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to principal Kim Prehoda and assistant principal Bonnie Lenihan, whose leadership and vision have inspired both staff and students; Lynn LaClair, our proficiency- based learning coach, who championed innovation and personalized growth; Deb Williams, our school nurse whose compassion ensured health and safety every day; and our three instructional assistants, Veronica Lambert, Helen Reed and Mary Lou Williams, whose tireless support uplifted classrooms with care and commitment. Their legacies will live on in the lives they’ve touched, and we thank them for their years of unwavering service.


Last week, the 6th grade earned some extra recess time, and the boys challenged Mr. DeMatties to a fun game of basketball.



