The Vermont Agency of Education, in collaboration with the Vermont 250th Commission, recently invited teachers from across the state to participate in the 250th Recognition Art Exhibit. Student works of art will be displayed at the Vermont State House and other Vermont Historic Sites in 2026.

Mrs. Ray, CES 4th grade teacher, chose Wilson Bentley as a Vermont past change maker connecting his past art efforts to ongoing work today. In addition to using the “Triptych” method where the artwork was assembled in three vertical sections representing the “Past (History), Present (Connecting to today), and Future (their big idea), the students then wrote an Artist Statement which included information about the title of their work, materials used, symbols and what they represent, along with information about how Wilson Bentley was a Vermont Changemaker. This “one of a kind” project had students engaged in learning about Wilson Bentley and representing him in multiple ways.

Please enjoy the photos of their creations! We hope that some if not all of our students' artwork will be displayed in various sites around the state.
30 days ago, Slate Valley
Five elementary students stand in a hallway holding purple-backed art projects featuring snowflake-themed designs and small sketch panels beneath each design.
Five elementary students stand side by side against a wall, each holding a purple display board with multiple snowflake-style artworks and small black-and-white drawing studies.
Four elementary students pose in a hallway holding snowflake art project boards with mixed-media circular designs and small labeled sketches underneath.
Four elementary students stand shoulder to shoulder holding purple-mounted snowflake artwork panels that include painted patterns and small observational drawings.
Two elementary students stand against a wall holding purple-backed snowflake art projects showing patterned designs and small sketch tiles below each finished piece.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” dated February 13, 2026, with a Presidents Day themed banner showing a patriotic design and an illustration of George Washington. Text states that all Slate Valley schools will be in session on Monday, February 16, 2026 (Presidents Day), and it is a regular school day for students and staff.
(Batch 2) CES Cougar Awards for January celebrated the character trait of Curiosity — and these students truly shined! We’re so proud of our Cougar Award winners for asking questions, exploring new ideas, and showing a love of learning every day. Keep being curious, Cougars! 🐾
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Three people stand in a school gym in front of red wall pads with “No Climbing” signs. Two students stand with an adult staff member, and one student holds a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
A smiling student holds a Castleton Elementary School certificate while standing next to a staff member in a gym with red wall padding and gym equipment visible in the background.
A student dressed in black athletic clothing stands against red gym wall pads holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
Two students holding Castleton Elementary School certificates stand with a staff member in front of red gym wall padding; all are smiling at the camera.
A student stands in front of red gym wall pads holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement and smiling.
An adult and a student stand side by side in a gym, each holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement, smiling toward the camera.
Three people pose in a gym in front of red wall pads; one student gives a thumbs-up while another holds a certificate, standing with a staff member.
A staff member and a student stand together in front of red gym wall padding, each holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement and smiling.
(Batch 1) CES Cougar Awards for January celebrated the character trait of Curiosity — and these students truly shined! We’re so proud of our Cougar Award winners for asking questions, exploring new ideas, and showing a love of learning every day. Keep being curious, Cougars! 🐾
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
An elementary student smiles in front of a red gym wall while a teacher stands behind with a hand on the student’s shoulder.
Two elementary students stand in front of a red gym wall holding Castleton Elementary School certificates and smiling at the camera.
Three elementary students holding achievement certificates stand with a teacher in front of red gym wall padding.
Two elementary students stand side by side in a gym holding certificates of achievement and smiling.
Two elementary students hold Castleton Elementary School certificates while standing in front of red gym wall padding.
An elementary student holds a certificate next to a staff member in a school gym with red wall padding in the background.
Two elementary students stand with a staff member in the gym, holding certificates and smiling after an awards presentation.
We love a good 100th Day of School celebration — and this crew took it to the next level! 🎉👵👴
A couple of Castleton Elementary students teamed up with a staff member on Tuesday to dress like they were 100 years old, complete with cozy layers, canes, and big smiles. It was a fun and creative way to mark Day 100 and brought lots of laughs to the hallway. Growing older has never looked so spirited!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Three people at Castleton Elementary School pose in front of a school bulletin board, dressed like 100-year-olds for the 100th day of school. Two students and a teacher wear gray wigs, layered clothing, and hold canes, smiling for the photo.
🎥🐾 CES Cougar Cast Goes Live Each Morning!

Castleton Elementary launched a new Cougar Cast program this fall, bringing daily morning announcements to students in the style of a live news broadcast. Each morning, announcements are shared virtually with a real studio-style setup — and recently, student anchors have been stepping in front of the camera to help lead the show.

It’s been exciting to see students build confidence, communication skills, and presentation experience while helping keep our school community informed. Great job Cougars!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Two staff members and two elementary students sit behind a red desk in front of a green screen while a video camera on a tripod records their school news broadcast.
A classroom smartboard displays the CES Cougar Cast morning announcements broadcast while a student sits at a desk watching and working on a worksheet.
Students sit at their desks watching a live Cougar Cast announcement on a large classroom screen while working and eating snack.
The Castleton Outdoor Adventure Program (COAP) has been staying active and adventurous these past two weeks! 🧗‍♂️⛸️
Last week, students hit the ice to build balance and confidence through skating, and this week they’re taking on new heights at an indoor climbing gym. These experiences are designed to grow self-esteem, strengthen emotional regulation, and foster positive social skills through teamwork, encouragement, and challenge. Great work supporting one another and trying something new!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Student ice skating at an indoor rink with others in the background, wearing a helmet and winter gear.
Two students smiling at the camera while standing beside the boards at an indoor ice rink with skaters behind them.
Two helmeted students at the edge of the ice rink listening to an adult just off camera, with a Castleton Spartans banner behind them.
Student wearing a red helmet and winter gloves standing on the ice rink posing for a photo near the goal area.
Group of students standing outside a red building labeled “Indoor Climbing Gym” on a winter day.
Students wearing harnesses standing with an instructor beside tall indoor rock climbing walls covered with colorful holds.
Students in harnesses preparing ropes and belay equipment on the floor of an indoor climbing gym.
Student bouldering on an angled green climbing wall, reaching for holds while secured with a harness.
Close-up of a student climbing a vertical wall with many white handholds, mid-route with one foot and both hands placed.
Wide view of multiple students climbing and spotting on a green indoor bouldering wall with geometric panels.
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Poster for Slate Valley Unified USD promoting the Lifetime Activities program. The graphic includes the district logo and text listing the towns served, with multiple photos of students participating in activities such as woodworking, hiking, ice skating, ice fishing, martial arts training, treadmill fitness, fishing, cooking, and horseback riding. A central text block explains the history and purpose of the Lifetime Activities program and notes winter and late spring sessions. The poster includes a video link and QR code, the slogan “Our School, Your Future,” and district contact information with website and social media icons.
💯🎉 100 Days Smarter! 🎉💯
Ms. Burke’s third grade class celebrated the 100th day of school yesterday with creativity, counting, and lots of smiles! Students marked the milestone with fun activities and tasty 100-item snack creations — proving that learning can be both meaningful and delicious. Way to go, third graders!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Smiling third grade student wearing a “100 Days of School” crown sits at a desk with a worksheet and a snack display arranged into groups of 100 using cereal, crackers, candy, pretzels, and marshmallows.
Group of third grade students and their teacher in a classroom pose together wearing colorful “100 Days of School” crowns in front of a reading strategies bulletin board.
🚨 All Slate Valley Afterschool Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled – Tuesday, February 10, 2026 🌨️

Due to the impending weather, all afterschool activities and athletics are cancelled today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This also includes Boys & Girls Club programs.

Please plan for students to go home at regular dismissal time. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a snowy background and the Slate Valley logo that reads: “Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Canceled. This includes Boys & Girls Club Programs.”
ATTENTION: Tonight’s School Board meeting has been moved to the Orwell Village School library.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School, with the location updated from Town Hall Gym to Library. Agenda items listed include Consent Agenda, Board Reorganization, and Finance Committee Report, with district and Vermont-style logos displayed.
Board Meeting - February 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School – Town Hall/Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fxz-sazi-cds
Or dial: (US) +1 567-234-0136 PIN: 731 443 207#

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.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting with text “Please Join Us Tonight,” agenda highlights (consent agenda, board reorganization, finance committee report), scheduled for February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School Town Hall/Gym, with district logo and people icons in a circle.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for February 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/1a88fa7ae27d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-262026
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Header graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated February 6, 2026, showing a cartoon groundhog popping out of a snowy burrow with the sun behind it, flanked by two worried-looking cartoon children, with school branding elements in the corners.
🌟 Friday Focus: Celebrating Our School Board 🌟

Happy Friday, Slate Valley! This month’s Friday Focus is dedicated to a very special group of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. February is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the members of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board.

Our board members are more than just policy-makers; they are dedicated volunteers, parents, and neighbors who invest countless hours to ensure every student in our community has the tools they need to succeed. From navigating complex budgets to championing innovative programs, their leadership keeps our district moving forward.

To our Board Members: Thank you for your time, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. We appreciate everything you do!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
A social media graphic for "Friday Focus." The top section is teal with the text "Friday Focus" and a script overlay "February is School Board Appreciation Month." Below this is a photograph of ten people, the Slate Valley Unified Union School Board, seated around a long table with laptops and papers. Below the photo, the text reads, "We extend heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed members of the Slate Valley Unified Union School Board for their dedication and service to our community's students." To the right is a circular green and white logo for "SLATE VALLEY VERMONT - A UNIFIED FOCUS ON LEARNING" with stylized mountains and a figure. In the bottom left corner, in a script font, are the words "Thank You!"
CES February Newsletter: PDF version at https://aptg.co/qQyxFl
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Castleton Elementary School (CES) February 2026 newsletter graphic with calendar and principal message. Left column lists key dates including PBIS Assembly Feb 6 at 2 PM, SVUUSD Board Meeting Feb 9 at 6:30 PM in Orwell, CSO Bingo Night Feb 12 at 5:30 PM, Annual Informational Meeting Feb 19 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS band room, Early Release Feb 20, and February Break Feb 23–27. Main text includes a welcome letter to CES families about winter events, testing, and PBIS assembly schedule changes.
Castleton Elementary School February 2026 newsletter highlights graphic with four sections: SVUUSD Annual Informational Meeting Feb 19 at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS band room; Character Trait of the Month is encouragement; PBIS assembly time changes for March–May; and CSO Bingo Night Feb 12 from 5:30–7:00 PM with refreshments and prizes. Reminder included to copy the school office email on attendance and dismissal changes.
🏛️✨ Throwback Thursday — Going Back to 2016! ✨🏛️

This week we’re heading back 10 years to 2016 to celebrate an impressive student achievement from Castleton Village School. Students in Ms. White’s 7th–8th grade JUMP enrichment group — a cross-grade period where middle schoolers collaborated on special projects — competed in the 3D Vermont Olympiad, a statewide, project-based learning competition combining local history, research, design, and engineering.

As part of the Olympiad, students researched historic buildings in their town, studied their historical significance, created multimedia reports, and constructed detailed, to-scale 3D models for judging and presentation.

That year, CVS students formed two teams. One group focused on the Federated Church of Castleton, while the other researched the Castleton Medical College Chapel. Both teams performed phenomenally at the state competition, showcasing outstanding research, craftsmanship, and presentation skills. The Medical College Chapel team earned first place statewide — an incredible accomplishment.

Experiences like the 3D Vermont Olympiad highlighted how hands-on, place-based learning helps students connect history, creativity, and problem-solving.

👀 Throwback bonus question: Do you recognize one of our district’s current second grade teachers in this group?

See a video recap of the Olympiad at: https://youtu.be/8lwxrfgUJSI
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic celebrating Castleton Village School’s 2016 3D Vermont State Champions, showing photos of 7th and 8th grade students and advisors at the 3D VT Olympiad with their display table and two detailed scale building models, plus Slate Valley logo and text noting the competition and year.

Where Are They Now Wednesday: Derek Eagan, Class of 2018

This month’s Where Are They Now Wednesday spotlight features Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Derek Eagan, Class of 2018, who has turned his early interest in public safety into a meaningful and fast-paced career in emergency services.

While in High School, Derek pursued training through the Stafford Technical Center Public Safety/Criminal Justice program, building the skills that would launch him into the field. Today, he works full time at Community Health Brandon as a Medical Assistant and also serves per diem with Wallingford Rescue Squad, Brandon Area Rescue Squad, and Regional Ambulance Service. His work keeps him actively engaged in caring for and supporting people across the region when they need it most.

While at FHUHS, Derek was a member of the FHUHS Cadets, an experience that helped shape his career direction and commitment to service. He credits several educators with having a lasting influence on his success, including Mrs. Margret Hayward, Mrs. Sheila Nicholes, and Scott Alkinburgh, whose support and guidance helped him along the way.

Outside of his professional life, Derek stays busy with a wide range of interests. During the summer months, he spends time at Pond Hill Ranch and also enjoys fishing, hiking, and just being outdoors. He values time with family and friends—especially his high school best friend, Adam—and is excited to now be a first-time uncle. He has also developed a passion for photography and recently launched his own business, Derek Eagan Photography.

A quote that continues to motivate him is, “Getting back up is the only back up plan you need,” by Bailey Zimmerman.

His advice to today’s Slate Valley students is simple but heartfelt: Don’t rush your four years. Make friends, and take part in the clubs and sports that interest you.

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now Wednesday” from Slate Valley featuring FHUHS Class of 2018 alumnus Derek Eagan. Text highlights that he studied Public Safety/Criminal Justice at Stafford Technical Center, works full time in the Rutland Regional Medical Center Emergency Department, serves per diem with local rescue squads, is a former FHUHS Cadet, owns Derek Eagan Photography, and recently became an uncle. The photo shows an adult man standing in front of an ambulance in uniform.
Last night, Senator David Weeks, Representative William Canfield, and Representative Zachary Harvey joined community members at a Community Advisory Council meeting at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School for a forum focused on Act 73.

We appreciate our legislators taking the time to meet with the community, answer questions, and provide thoughtful, detailed explanations about Act 73 and its potential direction and impact on education in Vermont. Their openness and engagement helped make the discussion informative and productive for all who attended.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Three local legislators speak at a table during a community forum, with a display screen behind them reading “Legislator Perspectives on Act 73” and listing guiding questions.
Community members and local legislators sit around tables in a school library classroom during a public discussion meeting, with a presentation on a screen about Act 73 and participants taking notes.
Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know? 📊

All information about Slate Valley’s Proposed FY27 Budget is available in one convenient place on our website. Community members can review the full set of resources, including:

• Proposed FY27 Budget Presentation
• 2025–2026 Annual Report
• Warning for the Annual Meeting
• FY27 Tax Rate Estimates
• Annual Meeting details — February 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

View everything here:
👉 https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget

🗳️ Don’t forget: Please vote on Town Meeting Day — March 3, 2026 by Australian ballot, or vote early using an absentee ballot.

Stay informed and take part in the process!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified School District “Trivia Tuesday” graphic that reads “Did You Know?” and explains that all proposed FY27 budget information — including presentations, reports, and supporting documents — is available on one dedicated website page. Includes images of the FY27 Proposed Budget and 2025–2026 Annual Report covers, a student group photo, a QR code, and the link: slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget.
Reminder: Tonight - Act 73 Discussion with Local Legislators!
6:00 to 7:30 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
All are welcome!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo and text announcing the next meeting on February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library, featuring an Act 73 discussion with local legislators.