Thank you to everyone who joined us for last night’s Executive Board Meeting to discuss the revised FY27 Proposed Budget. We appreciate the time, thoughtful questions, and community engagement as we continue this important process together.

📅 Next Steps:

Information Meeting: March 30

🕡 6:30 PM

📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

🗳️ Budget Revote: March 31

Your voice and participation matter—thank you for being part of the conversation and staying informed.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Community members sit around tables in a school library during a meeting, listening and participating in a discussion.
Two adults sit at a table during a meeting, with one person speaking and gesturing while holding a document.
Group of community members seated in a library, listening attentively during a discussion at a school meeting.
Last Thursday afternoon marked the conclusion of Parent-Teacher Conferences, and on Friday teachers across the district spent the day collaborating and learning during Professional Development.

Staff participated in collaborative sessions led by colleagues and district coaches, exploring topics such as OpenSciEd science instruction, Artificial Intelligence in education, teaching neurodivergent learners, vocabulary development, and school safety practices. Teachers rotated through short sessions, shared strategies, and engaged in professional learning rounds designed to strengthen instruction and support students.

Professional learning is an important part of keeping our classrooms innovative, supportive, and responsive to student needs. Thank you to all of our educators who continue to grow, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to their classrooms every day.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
An educator sits across from a parent in a classroom, smiling and talking during a conference with a laptop open on the table.
A teacher presents information on a laptop to two colleagues seated at a table during a small-group professional development discussion.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
Instructional assistants sit in a circle of chairs in a gymnasium participating in a safety training discussion during professional development.
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom presenting a slide titled “Overstimulation – Tips” while educators listen and take notes during a professional development session.
A small group of teachers sit around a table discussing classroom strategies while a presentation about guiding student AI usage appears on a screen behind them.
Educators sit at tables in a school gymnasium listening to a presentation during a large-group professional development meeting.
A group of elementary teachers sit around a table with laptops, collaborating and discussing instructional planning during a professional learning session.
A teacher stands at the front of a classroom pointing to a projected slide while educators seated at tables listen and participate in a professional development workshop.
⚾🥎👟 Spring Sports Are Approaching in Slater Nation!

Spring athletics are getting ready to begin at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, and we’re excited to see our student-athletes back in action!

High School (Grades 9–12)

Baseball & Softball: Pitchers and Catchers report March 23

Regular season begins March 30

Track & Field: First practice March 30 at 3:30 PM

Middle School (Grades 7–8)

Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball will begin the week of March 30. Practice times and locations will be shared soon.

Track & Field Opportunity: Students in grades 5–8 are welcome to participate.

📄 Important Reminder: A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participating.

For questions, families can contact:

Baseball: agreenlese@svuvt.org

Softball: jhayes@svuvt.org

Track & Field: jon.oakman@svuvt.org

MS Track & Field: sarah.robles@svuvt.org
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Spring Sports” with Slate Valley logo announcing FHUMHS spring sports start dates. High school baseball and softball pitchers and catchers report March 23 with season starting March 30; track and field begins March 30 at 3:30 PM. Middle school baseball, softball, and track start the week of March 30. Reminder that athletic physicals must be on file.
REMINDER: Tonight - 6:00 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
Please join the conversation!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge: What Changed… & What is Next?” promoting a community conversation on the revised FY27 budget. Meeting is March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the FHUMHS Library. Additional meetings: March 23 School Board Meeting and March 30 Budget Revote Information Meeting, both at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room. Budget revote is Tuesday, March 31. Encourages community members to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 13, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/d3800efaec74/slate-valley-district-news-march-13-update
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 13, 2026, featuring the headline “Professional Development” above an illustration of four educators collaborating around a table with lightbulb icons symbolizing ideas and learning.
📢 Reminder for Slate Valley Families

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, followed by No School on Friday, March 13.

📅 Thursday, March 12 – Early Release Day
📅 Friday, March 13 – No School
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing an early release for Slate Valley schools on Thursday, March 12 and no school on Friday, March 13. The image shows cartoon children jumping and celebrating, with bold text reading “Early Release Thursday, March 12” and “No School Friday, March 13,” along with the Slate Valley Vermont logo.

📚 Adventure Awaits at the Library! 🎨
Our first graders in Ms. Molis’s and Mrs. Doyle's classes had a "novel" experience with a special trip to the Castleton Free Library!

It was a day filled with imagination and discovery:

📖 Storytime: A huge thank you to Mrs. Arel for sharing two wonderful stories that kept our young readers hanging on every word.

✂️ Creativity: The kids tapped into their inner artists by making some fantastic crafts.

🧸 Playtime: We topped off the visit by exploring the library’s toy collection—because a little play goes a long way in learning!

We are so lucky to have such wonderful community partners.

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
An adult sits and reads a large picture book aloud to a group of first-grade students sitting attentively on a rug in a library setting.
Two first-grade girls are seated at a round blue table, actively working on individual penguin crafts with paper, glue, and crayons.
Five cheerful young children smile and peek out from behind a colorful puppet theater, displaying their finger puppets.
Four young boys actively play with wooden trains and cars around a dedicated train table in a children’s area.
A small group of young girls gathers around a white toy play kitchen, collaborating and exploring the play set together.
🎨 Celebrating Youth Art Month in Fair Haven!

Throughout the month of March, student artwork from Slate Valley schools is on display at the Fair Haven Welcome Center as part of a regional Youth Art Month exhibition featuring talented artists from several surrounding districts.

Visitors are invited to explore the building and discover student artwork displayed throughout the space. The pieces are thoughtfully placed among the center’s maps, books, and displays—almost like a safari for art, where each turn reveals another creative work from a talented young artist.

👏 Congratulations to our Slater student artists and to all the area students whose work was selected for display. And a special thank you to the dedicated art teachers across our region who inspire creativity and help nurture these incredible talents every day.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Fair Haven Welcome Center and take the journey to find these amazing works of art! 🎨
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
The entrance of the 'FAIR HAVEN' welcome center, built with light-colored wood siding and grey slate-stone, featuring a large gabled entryway and a green state seal sign on a sunny day.
A monochrome blue acrylic painting depicting a solitary woman in a flowing dress within a wintery, bare-tree forest and several deer, with a label for 'Shira Hertzberg' below.
Two distinct student sculptures: a symmetrical blue and green origami radial design by Lexi Tursi, and a brown paper pop art piece with the text "BFDI" by Colton King.
A framed student artwork of a fish labeled 'Kess Hunter' hangs above a colorful, hand-beaded purse with the text "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" on a wooden display.
Two student art projects: a pink and white dragon egg on cotton with flowers by Jiy Rogers, and a blue and black dragon egg with green paint and LED lights by Waylon Hutchins.
Two student paper collage artworks: one depicts a mountain landscape with trees by Niyah Brown, and the other is a multi-layered, abstract vertical composition by Oak Jutz.
Two student art pieces: a mixed-media portrait of a woman with a butterfly tattoo on a polka-dot background by Nicole Hathaway, and a blue clay vessel featuring a detailed orange octopus by Olivia Hutchins.
Two student paintings, one featuring a skeleton animal figure by Brynn Otto and Irie Swinington, and the other a field of red tulips under a blue sky by Maya Volpe.
Two framed student drawings of fish displayed on a wooden shelf; the top artwork shows a Rock Bass and the bottom a Silverhorse Fish.
Two framed student drawings of fish on a wooden shelf; the top is a stylized Darter Fish and the bottom is a textured Cutlip Minnow.
⚾🥎Spring Sports Registration is Now Open!🏃‍♂️🎾

Student-athletes interested in participating in spring sports should register as soon as possible.

🖥 Register online:
Visit formreleaf.com or click the “Registration” link on the athletics page of your school’s website and select your sport.

📋 Important Reminder:
All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school in order to participate.

Spring sports are just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to get involved and represent the Slaters this season!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the headline “Time to Register for Spring Sports!” directing students to register at formreleaf.com or through the registration link on the athletics webpage and choose their sport. The graphic also reminds athletes that an updated sports physical must be on file at the school. Blue arrows and bold text highlight the registration information.

📣 Slate Valley Budget Challenge: What Changed & What’s Next?

Community members are invited to join us for an open conversation about the revised FY27 school budget.

📅 Monday, March 16
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
🗣️This meeting will be held in person only, with no virtual option available.

This Executive Committee meeting will include an open forum with community members to discuss revisions to the FY27 budget and answer questions ahead of the upcoming revote.

Upcoming Meetings
• March 23 – School Board Meeting – 6:30 PM
• March 30 – Budget Revote Information Meeting – 6:30 PM

🗳 Budget Revote: Tuesday, March 31

Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge – What Changed & What is Next?” inviting community members to a conversation about the revised FY27 budget on March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Library. The flyer encourages community participation to ask questions and stay informed. Additional meetings listed include March 23 (School Board Meeting – approve warning) and March 30 (Budget Revote Information Meeting), with the budget revote scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.
Board Meeting - March 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/stt-quca-xys
Or dial: (US) +1 551-444-6618 PIN: 289 694 801#
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 inviting the public to attend a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads: “Please Join Us Tonight.” Agenda items listed include Board Reorganization, Consent Agenda, Retirement, and Elevator Bids. The meeting will be held March 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Grade School Library. The Slate Valley Vermont logo appears on the right side.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/36c096fa758c/slate-valley-district-newsletter
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 6, 2026, featuring the word “March” with seasonal imagery: a lion standing in a snowy winter scene on the left and a lamb in a spring landscape with flowers on the right, along with the Slate Valley logo and the phrase “Our School, Your Future.”
February PBiS Award Recipients: Batch 2
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Student holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate stands beside a staff member in the school gym in front of red wall mats.
Student holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate stands with a staff member wearing a red shirt in the gym.
Three elementary students stand together in the gym holding Castleton Elementary School certificates of achievement.
Young student holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate stands beside a staff member in the gym.
Student wearing a paper crown reading “I do not like green eggs and ham” stands in front of red gym mats.
Two elementary students walk in the gym holding Castleton Elementary School certificates of achievement.
Student holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate stands beside a staff member wearing a mask in the gym.
Student holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate stands beside a staff member dressed in a red costume in the gym.
Group of young students stand in a line in the gym holding large letters that spell “COUGARS.”
Elementary students wearing themed paper hats hold large letters spelling “COUGARS” during a school assembly in the gym.
February PBiS Award Recipients: Batch 1
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Two elementary students stand in a school gym holding Castleton Elementary School certificates of achievement beside a staff member.
A teacher and elementary student stand together in a gym while the student holds a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
A young student wearing a paper crown stands with a staff member while holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
Four elementary students wearing animal-themed paper headbands stand with a teacher in a gym, each holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
Two students wearing fox-themed paper headbands stand with a teacher in a gym while holding Castleton Elementary School certificates of achievement.
Three students wearing animal-themed paper headbands stand with a teacher and display Castleton Elementary School certificates of achievement.
A staff member dressed in a colorful costume stands beside a student holding a Castleton Elementary School certificate of achievement.
Four older elementary students stand with a teacher in a gym holding papers after a school recognition activity.
CES students enjoyed celebrating our February PBIS Award recipients at this morning’s assembly. As an added bonus, classrooms also celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss by dressing up by grade level as characters from one of his books. Students had a great time showing off their costumes while classmates tried to guess which book each grade was representing!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Kindergarten students stand with their teachers dressed as Dr. Seuss characters in a classroom while holding illustrated worksheets from a Dr. Seuss–themed activity.
Students stand in a line in a school gym holding papers while staff members dressed as characters from The Cat in the Hat stand nearby during a Dr. Seuss–themed school assembly.
Elementary students stand on a gym floor wearing Cat in the Hat–style paper masks and hats while participating in a Dr. Seuss–themed activity during a school assembly.
A school staff member holds a microphone for two students wearing paper headbands as they speak during a Dr. Seuss–themed assembly in the gym while other students stand nearby waiting their turn.
Students and staff dressed in bright orange costumes and holding colorful pom-poms participate in a lively performance during a Dr. Seuss–themed assembly while younger students watch from the gym floor.
A large group of students wearing colorful glasses stands in a line across the gym during a school assembly while other students sit on the floor watching.
Students and staff dressed in bright orange costumes and holding colorful pom-poms participate in a lively performance during a Dr. Seuss–themed assembly while younger students watch from the gym floor.
Students stand in a line on the gym floor wearing paper headbands while classmates sit nearby watching during a school assembly activity.

Friday Focus – March Spotlight: Work Based Learning at FHUHS

This month’s Friday Focus highlights the Work Based Learning (WBL) Program at Fair Haven Union High School, led by Ms. Eliza LeBrun. The program connects classroom learning with real-world experience by placing students in local businesses and organizations while they continue their academic studies.

Two students currently gaining valuable experience through the program are senior Kaidyn Runnells and junior Katie Bouzianis, both working with the Town of Fair Haven.

Kaidyn begins his day at 6:00 a.m. with Fair Haven Public Works, where he has become a paid member of the team. From plowing sidewalks to maintaining equipment, he is building hands-on skills and learning the responsibility that comes with serving the community.

Katie is exploring a future in law enforcement, spending her afternoons at the Fair Haven Police Department after completing her morning classes. She assists with administrative tasks, documentation, and court preparation while also gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a police department.

Recently, Town Manager Joseph Gunter even placed an impromptu call to Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell to share how impressed the town has been with both students and the program—recognizing their work ethic and the positive impact they are making.

A big thank you to the Town of Fair Haven and our community partners who help make opportunities like this possible.

Local businesses interested in mentoring a student through Work Based Learning are encouraged to reach out to Principal Ben Worthing (bworthing@svuvt.org) or Ms. Eliza LeBrun (elebrun@svuvt.org) at 802-265-4966.

Through the leadership of Ms. LeBrun and the support of community partners, students like Kaidyn and Katie are not only learning about careers—they are stepping into them.

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting Fair Haven Union High School’s Work Based Learning Program. The design features photos of senior Kaidyn Runnells operating a snowplow for the Fair Haven Public Works Department and junior Katie Bouzianis working at a desk inside the Fair Haven Police Department. Text reads “Focus Friday – FHU Senior Kaidyn Runnells & FHU Junior Katie Bouzianis” and “WBL – Work Based Learning Program,” along with the Slate Valley Unified School District logo.
Senior Kaidyn Runnells smiles while seated in the cab of a municipal snowplow, wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket and baseball cap as part of his Work Based Learning placement with the Fair Haven Public Works Department.
Fair Haven Union High School senior Kaidyn Runnells sits inside a bright orange sidewalk snowplow vehicle at the Fair Haven Public Works Department yard on a winter day. Snow and municipal vehicles are visible in the background near a brick building.
Junior Katie Bouzianis sits at a desk in an office at the Fair Haven Police Department, smiling toward the camera while working at a computer. Office shelves, paperwork, and a bulletin board are visible behind her.
View through a glass window labeled “Police Dept.” showing the front office area of the Fair Haven Police Department. Junior Katie Bouzianis is visible behind the service counter working at a computer, with informational flyers and office materials displayed nearby.
Today, Friday, March 6, 2026, all Slate Valley schools are on a 2 hour delay due to the weather.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
snowy graphic with the words “2 Hour Delay! Friday, March 6th” written in green and blue
CES March Newsletter: See PDF version at https://aptg.co/hh2dCZ
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Castleton Elementary School (CES) Newsletter graphic for March 2026. The graphic includes a photo of the school behind the title “CES Newsletter – March 2026.” A calendar lists key dates including: March 6 PBIS Assembly at 8:30 AM and Trimester 2 grades close; March 9 SVUUSD School Board Meeting at Fair Haven Grade School at 6:30 PM; March 12 early release for parent-teacher conferences and CSO meeting at 6 PM; March 13 no school for in-service; March 16 parent-teacher conferences; April 1 Pre-K screenings at CES; and April 9 Kindergarten registration and screenings at CES. A message to CES families explains the end of the second marking period, upcoming report cards on March 12, parent-teacher conferences, and upcoming Pre-K and Kindergarten screening and registration dates. The message is signed by Jared Danyow and Wendy Foran.
Castleton Elementary School March 2026 newsletter highlights graphic with four sections. The first section announces parent-teacher conferences beginning March 12 and continuing through the week of March 16, with families asked to contact classroom teachers to schedule. The second section highlights the character trait of the month: resilience, defined as adaptability, problem-solving, and persistence. The third section lists PBIS assembly time updates: March 6 at 8:30 AM, April 3 at 8:30 AM, and May 1 at 2:00 PM. The fourth section invites families to join the Castleton Community-School Organization (CSO), which meets monthly on the second Thursday at 6 PM in the CES library classroom, with contact email csocastleton@gmail.com . A reminder asks families to include cesoffice@svuvt.org on emails related to attendance and dismissal changes.
♟️ Castleton Elementary Hosts Chess Exhibition with Orwell Village School

Yesterday, Castleton Elementary School students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a special Chess Exhibition organized by teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties. Students from Castleton Elementary and Orwell Village School gathered in the cafeteria to test their skills, challenge new opponents, and even play against adult volunteers in friendly but competitive matches.

Throughout the afternoon, the room was filled with concentration, strategy, and sportsmanship as students carefully planned their moves and learned new tactics. Some games ended with thoughtful checkmates, while others sparked lively conversations about strategy and how to improve for the next round.

Events like this help students build critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills, while also providing a fun opportunity to connect with peers from another school. It was wonderful to see so many students engaged, encouraging one another, and enjoying the challenge of the game.

A big thank you to Mr. DeMatties and the volunteers who helped organize and run the event, and to our friends from Orwell Village School for joining us for a great afternoon of chess! ♟️
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Two students shake hands across a chessboard after finishing a game while other students play chess at tables in the Castleton Elementary cafeteria.
An adult volunteer and a student sit across from each other playing chess at a cafeteria table while other students compete in games behind them.
A student carefully moves a white chess piece while concentrating on the board during a chess match at a school chess exhibition.
Two students lean over a chessboard in deep concentration while playing a match at a cafeteria table surrounded by other students and snacks.
An adult volunteer and a student play chess at a cafeteria table while other students play games in the background during a school chess event.
Two students face each other across a chessboard studying the position before making their next move during a chess tournament-style event.
Several students sit at cafeteria tables playing chess matches while an adult volunteer smiles and observes a game.
Several students sit at cafeteria tables playing chess matches while an adult volunteer smiles and observes a game.
Wide view of the school cafeteria filled with students playing chess games at multiple tables during a chess exhibition event.
Two students study a chessboard closely while playing a match during a busy chess exhibition in the school cafeteria.
Reminder: Coffee & Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy Tomorrow Morning ☕

Community members are invited to join Senator Ruth Hardy tomorrow for a casual Coffee and Conversation gathering.

Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome.

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library

Senator Hardy will share updates from the current legislative session and discuss Act 73, with time for questions and conversation with community members.

This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your perspectives, and connect with your local senator.

Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.

We hope to see you tomorrow morning!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Flyer inviting the community to “Coffee & Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy.” Event is Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Orwell Free Library from 9:00–10:00 AM. Graphic shows a steaming coffee mug and a muffin with the Slate Valley logo. Text notes the event is offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Free Library.
Portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a blazer and red blouse, posed in front of a blue background featuring the Vermont state seal and gold stars.