Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: CES Pre-K Teacher, Ms. Laura Daily
This month we’re excited to highlight Ms. Laura Daily, who is now in her third year at Slate Valley—though she’s no stranger to our district! After working here previously, Laura returned about ten years later, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.
Before returning to Slate Valley, Laura worked in several roles across the region, including opening the preschool program at Wells Village School and serving in West Rutland School, the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union, and the Early Childhood Education Department at Bennington College. She’s also worked with HeadStart and as a curriculum coordinator for a private preschool. Laura has been studying and working in education since the 1990s, with her true calling centered around Early Childhood Development and Learning.
When she’s not in the classroom, Laura loves spending time with her family, enjoying nature, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, and taking walks with her dog and three children.
Her favorite quote?
“It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.”
Laura dreams of one day opening her own hands-on learning program that partners closely with families and includes an equine therapy component—an inspiring vision that perfectly reflects her dedication to learning through experience.
Thank you, Ms. Daily, for your passion, creativity, and dedication—and for being such a valuable part of the Slate Valley community!
This month we’re excited to highlight Ms. Laura Daily, who is now in her third year at Slate Valley—though she’s no stranger to our district! After working here previously, Laura returned about ten years later, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.
Before returning to Slate Valley, Laura worked in several roles across the region, including opening the preschool program at Wells Village School and serving in West Rutland School, the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union, and the Early Childhood Education Department at Bennington College. She’s also worked with HeadStart and as a curriculum coordinator for a private preschool. Laura has been studying and working in education since the 1990s, with her true calling centered around Early Childhood Development and Learning.
When she’s not in the classroom, Laura loves spending time with her family, enjoying nature, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, and taking walks with her dog and three children.
Her favorite quote?
“It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.”
Laura dreams of one day opening her own hands-on learning program that partners closely with families and includes an equine therapy component—an inspiring vision that perfectly reflects her dedication to learning through experience.
Thank you, Ms. Daily, for your passion, creativity, and dedication—and for being such a valuable part of the Slate Valley community!
Board Meeting Tonight - October 6, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall).
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/sri-euji-itv
Or dial: (US) +1 484-746-4332 PIN: 841 923 393#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall).
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/sri-euji-itv
Or dial: (US) +1 484-746-4332 PIN: 841 923 393#
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.
October 3, 2025: Slate Valley District Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/fa2659ed6054/district-newsletter-october-3-2025
https://mailchi.mp/fa2659ed6054/district-newsletter-october-3-2025
Hands-On Learning in Action! ✨📚
On October 1st, our fifth graders visited the Granger House at Vermont State University for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.
Students:
🎶 Listened to Abenaki songs and stories with Roger Longtoe of the Elnu Abenaki
⛏️ Helped dig and screen at an archaeological site
🪨 Analyzed real artifacts from the dig
🏠 Toured the historic Granger House
It was a truly wonderful experience that brought history, culture, and learning to life!
On October 1st, our fifth graders visited the Granger House at Vermont State University for an unforgettable day of exploration and discovery.
Students:
🎶 Listened to Abenaki songs and stories with Roger Longtoe of the Elnu Abenaki
⛏️ Helped dig and screen at an archaeological site
🪨 Analyzed real artifacts from the dig
🏠 Toured the historic Granger House
It was a truly wonderful experience that brought history, culture, and learning to life!
📢 Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting of the school year!
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is going and our hopes moving forward.
All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is going and our hopes moving forward.
All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 26, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/79359f4019ef/slate-valley-district-newsletter-92625
https://mailchi.mp/79359f4019ef/slate-valley-district-newsletter-92625
We’re excited to kick off the first podcast of the 2025–2026 school year! Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell sat down with Slate Valley Unified’s Board Chair, Julie Finnegan, for an insightful conversation.
In this episode, Julie shares about:
✔️ The responsibilities of the board chair position
✔️ The school board’s goals and aspirations for the year ahead
✔️ The importance of community involvement
✔️ Thoughts on Act 73 and what it could mean for our community
Tune in to hear directly from district leadership as we continue building transparency and connection with our community. 🎧
Watch or Listen to the full Podcast at https://youtu.be/zus4jJvbsb0
In this episode, Julie shares about:
✔️ The responsibilities of the board chair position
✔️ The school board’s goals and aspirations for the year ahead
✔️ The importance of community involvement
✔️ Thoughts on Act 73 and what it could mean for our community
Tune in to hear directly from district leadership as we continue building transparency and connection with our community. 🎧
Watch or Listen to the full Podcast at https://youtu.be/zus4jJvbsb0
☕️💬 Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!
Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!
Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!
Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
On Friday, September 19th, CES 4th graders celebrated International Talk Like a Pirate Day in true swashbuckling style! Pirate attire was welcome, and the halls echoed with plenty of hearty “ARRGHs” as students (and staff!) spoke like pirates.
The day was filled with pirate-themed activities, games, and of course… jokes! Mrs. Foran even shared one on the CES morning podcast:
💬 “Why do pirates take so long to learn the alphabet? They spend years at ‘C’!”
Miss Jamie also joined the fun with another classic:
💬 “What is a pirate’s favorite letter? AARGH!”
It was a day of laughter, creativity, and pirate fun that our 4th graders will surely treasure!
The day was filled with pirate-themed activities, games, and of course… jokes! Mrs. Foran even shared one on the CES morning podcast:
💬 “Why do pirates take so long to learn the alphabet? They spend years at ‘C’!”
Miss Jamie also joined the fun with another classic:
💬 “What is a pirate’s favorite letter? AARGH!”
It was a day of laughter, creativity, and pirate fun that our 4th graders will surely treasure!
Board Meeting - September 22, 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/asz-bujx-ixw
Or dial: (US) +1 218-301-2538 PIN: 630 332 195#
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.
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/asz-bujx-ixw
Or dial: (US) +1 218-301-2538 PIN: 630 332 195#
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: September 19, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4bee6898ba67/slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-september-19-2025
https://mailchi.mp/4bee6898ba67/slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-september-19-2025
Mark your calendars! Our first Coffee and Conversation event is this Friday morning, September 19, at 10 AM at the Castleton Free Library.
This is your opportunity to meet with school board members and administration in a relaxed environment to discuss the start of the school year. We’ll be there to talk about any questions or concerns you may have, both local and state. Everyone is welcome—we hope to see you there!
This is your opportunity to meet with school board members and administration in a relaxed environment to discuss the start of the school year. We’ll be there to talk about any questions or concerns you may have, both local and state. Everyone is welcome—we hope to see you there!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of September 12, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
Focus Friday: Slate Valley is celebrating our newest full-time students — our kindergarteners!
As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”
The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten
We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”
The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten
We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
☕✨ Coffee & Conversation is back! ✨☕
Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!
📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM
Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!
📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM
Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
📢 Reminder! Join the Castleton Community-School Organization (CSO) for their first meeting of the school year tonight from 6–7 PM in the CES Library. Come get involved and help support our students!
Throwback Thursday!
Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!
This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.
Thankfully, times have changed!
Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!
This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.
Thankfully, times have changed!
Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
Remembering September 11
Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
Where Are They Now?: Fair Haven Union High School Alumna Kylie Eagan
Fair Haven Union High School graduate Kylie Eagan, Class of 2015, has built an impressive career in the field of audiology while staying close to her Vermont roots.
After graduation, Kylie attended the University of Vermont from 2015 through the fall semester of 2018, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics. While studying, she discovered her passion for audiology, choosing that career path over speech-language pathology after realizing she preferred working with patients in the audiology field. Determined to reach her goal, Kylie took the GRE and applied to graduate school, ultimately attending Syracuse University. She spent three years there before completing her externship year at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In May 2023, she proudly graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).
Today, Kylie is back in Vermont, working at the University of Vermont Health Center–Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. For the past two years, she has dedicated her days to testing patients of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. She loves her work and plans to remain in this role for the foreseeable future.
Kylie credits some of her high school teachers with shaping her path to success. She recalls that Ms. Christensen, her math teacher, pushed her to persevere in a subject that never came easily to her. Through patience and encouragement, Ms. Christensen helped Kylie succeed in AP Calculus, earning her three college math credits before she even left high school. Kylie also remembers Mr. Ruby, who taught her the importance of outlining and organizing large amounts of information—a skill that proved invaluable during her demanding graduate studies.
While at FHUHS, Kylie was also a dedicated athlete, playing basketball all four years. That drive and determination carried through to her academic and professional life. She describes herself as someone who has always been determined, though not always patient. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie says she has learned that the best things in life often require both hard work and time. “Even if something does not come quickly or on the timeline you expect it, keep plugging away little by little,” she advises—wisdom she still reminds herself of often.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kylie is building a life rooted in family and community. She and her fiancé recently bought land on her family’s farm in Castleton, where they plan to build a home in the coming year. They share their lives with a two-year-old black lab named Ivy and are excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, this October.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s Slate Valley students, Kylie encourages them to remember that it is okay to take a different path. She recalls the challenges of graduate school, when many of her peers were already starting careers, buying homes, and raising families. Though she sometimes felt “behind,” she stayed the course. Now, with a doctorate and a career she loves, Kylie is grateful she trusted her own journey.
Fair Haven Union High School graduate Kylie Eagan, Class of 2015, has built an impressive career in the field of audiology while staying close to her Vermont roots.
After graduation, Kylie attended the University of Vermont from 2015 through the fall semester of 2018, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics. While studying, she discovered her passion for audiology, choosing that career path over speech-language pathology after realizing she preferred working with patients in the audiology field. Determined to reach her goal, Kylie took the GRE and applied to graduate school, ultimately attending Syracuse University. She spent three years there before completing her externship year at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In May 2023, she proudly graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).
Today, Kylie is back in Vermont, working at the University of Vermont Health Center–Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. For the past two years, she has dedicated her days to testing patients of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. She loves her work and plans to remain in this role for the foreseeable future.
Kylie credits some of her high school teachers with shaping her path to success. She recalls that Ms. Christensen, her math teacher, pushed her to persevere in a subject that never came easily to her. Through patience and encouragement, Ms. Christensen helped Kylie succeed in AP Calculus, earning her three college math credits before she even left high school. Kylie also remembers Mr. Ruby, who taught her the importance of outlining and organizing large amounts of information—a skill that proved invaluable during her demanding graduate studies.
While at FHUHS, Kylie was also a dedicated athlete, playing basketball all four years. That drive and determination carried through to her academic and professional life. She describes herself as someone who has always been determined, though not always patient. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie says she has learned that the best things in life often require both hard work and time. “Even if something does not come quickly or on the timeline you expect it, keep plugging away little by little,” she advises—wisdom she still reminds herself of often.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kylie is building a life rooted in family and community. She and her fiancé recently bought land on her family’s farm in Castleton, where they plan to build a home in the coming year. They share their lives with a two-year-old black lab named Ivy and are excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, this October.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s Slate Valley students, Kylie encourages them to remember that it is okay to take a different path. She recalls the challenges of graduate school, when many of her peers were already starting careers, buying homes, and raising families. Though she sometimes felt “behind,” she stayed the course. Now, with a doctorate and a career she loves, Kylie is grateful she trusted her own journey.
