Last week, we celebrated the creativity and talent of our K–6 students at our Evening of the Arts on Wednesday, May 8th. The event was a wonderful showcase of student expression through both visual art and musical performances.
Families and community members enjoyed walking through the hallways of colorful student art and listening to beautiful live music and singing performed by all. It was a night filled with inspiration, pride, and a true appreciation for the arts.
A special thank you to art teacher, Mrs. Parrott and music teacher, Ms. Tugas, and to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a memorable success!
Board Meeting - May 12, 2025
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
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/asv-ffux-gux
Or dial: (US) +1 443-679-3222 PIN: 164 803 879#
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: May 10, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7194963147c0/may-10-district-newsletter
Friday Focus: Faculty and Staff Appreciation
The Slate Valley Unified Union's Central Office team and School Board celebrated Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week by visiting each school with a coffee and pastry cart, going room to room to personally serve and thank our incredible educators and staff. It was a small gesture to show our immense gratitude for all they do every day to support, inspire, and care for our students. Thank you for your unwavering dedication—you are truly appreciated!
Throwback Thursday: In celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we’re taking a moment to look back to 2005 and honor the incredible educators and staff who shaped lives at Fair Haven Union High School 20 years ago—we're thankful to all, present and past, for your lasting impact and dedication!
Submitted by CSO:
We're celebrating our amazing educators this week! If you'd like to contribute by bringing in food or treats, please use the sign-up link below.
Each class was assigned a specific day, but if you missed yours, you're still welcome to bring something in—there's still time! We have just tomorrow and Friday left.
Thank you for your support and generosity!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uiXYwISPfK_IwS0XK1iTa240YoHocV4QTWcOz4LSl7I/edit?usp=sharing
Where Are They Now Wednesday? Spotlight on Emily Stockwell
This year marks the 20th reunion of the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2005, and Emily Stockwell’s journey since graduation has been nothing short of inspiring — a testament to passion, creativity, and community spirit.
After graduating from FHUHS, Emily attended Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, where she earned an Associate Degree in Floral Design and Interior Plantscape. She honed her craft working with several florists in Pennsylvania before returning to her Vermont roots. Back home, she joined the teams at Hawley Florist and Everyday Flowers, ultimately purchasing Everyday Flowers — a business she now proudly owns and operates in Poultney, Vermont.
Emily’s connection to her alma mater has remained strong. For the past four years, she has generously volunteered her time and supplies to work with some Fair Haven Union High School students, helping them create stunning floral bouquets. Through this initiative, Emily not only shares her expertise but also inspires a new generation to explore their own creative talents.
While at FHUHS, Emily played soccer her freshman year but found a more natural path getting involved with 4-H, where she focused on dairy farming. She credits her high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Tracy Gallipo, as a pivotal influence, who encouraged her to stay focused on her dreams.
Emily’s dedication and artistry have not gone unnoticed: she has been named “Number 1 Florist” for three consecutive years by The Lake Region FreePress. Beyond her flourishing business, she remains deeply connected to her passions for farming, gardening, and animal care — looking after a lively group of dogs, cats, goats, and donkeys. A proud supporter of our nation’s veterans, Emily embodies a spirit of service, gratitude, and community pride.
When asked what advice she would offer current Slate Valley students, Emily shared this heartfelt message:
"Don't give up on your dreams. It might take time, but if you keep working toward them, someday they will come true."
Congratulations, Emily! Your success, generosity, and spirit are a true inspiration to Slater Nation.
Reminder of Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
Trivia Tuesday: Do You Know 3rd Grade Math? In Vermont, all students in grades 3 through 9 take the Cognia assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, while students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are also assessed in science. These tests are administered each spring, and although they are untimed, students must complete them within the designated testing window.
Assessment results are not available until the fall, after the new school year begins. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about our students' performance on these assessments.
To better understand what our students experience during testing, we invite you to try a few questions from the 3rd grade math Cognia practice test. Keep in mind that students complete these tests on their Chromebooks, which means they must navigate the math tools, scroll and move around a small screen, and once they submit an answer, they cannot go back to change it.
Want to explore more practice tests? Visit: https://vermont.onlinehelp.cognia.org/practice-test/
Thank you to all Slate Valley faculty and staff - You are truly the heart and soul of our district!
MEET Faculty & Staff MONDAY:
This month, we’re excited to feature Jared Danyow!
Jared is currently in his fifth year working in the Slate Valley Unified Union School District, all at Fair HavenGrade School (FHGS), and has spent ten years in public education overall.
Before joining Slate Valley, Jaredworked in several Vermont schools, including in the Rutland Northeast and Mount Abraham Unified School Districts, serving as a teacher, behavior interventionist, and paraeducator.
Starting next school year, Jared will be stepping into a new role as the principal of Castleton ElementarySchool!
Outside of school, Jared enjoys a wide variety of activities. He loves listening to music and attending concerts, running and competing in races, playing golf, hiking, reading good books, traveling to new places, and trying new foods. He also enjoys spending time with his golden retriever, Magnolia, and his orange cat, Winston.
We wish Jared all the best next year in his new Principal position!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of May 2, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4b6708e10e6e/slate-valley-newsletter-may-2nd
🌼 🌷A heartfelt thank you to retired doctor Pete Diercksen, who generously donates his time and care to keep the flower beds at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Castleton Elementary School, and many other local spots beautiful and thriving. Your dedication and kindness brighten our community in more ways than one! 🌷🌸
🏁 The tradition continues! Last night, CES 6th Graders raced in their annual Pinewood Derby. Huge thanks to Mr. DeMatties and his family for hosting another fantastic event!
🎉 Congratulations to our winners:
🥇 First Place: Akeelah
🥈 Second Place: Autumn
🥉 Third Place: River
🏆 Best Design: William
🎨 Most Creative: Avery
Today, our Kindergarten students enjoyed a special visit to the Rutland Free Library. During their trip, they listened to stories, explored the many sections of the library, and even ventured into the basement for a bit of local history. There, they discovered that the building once served as a courthouse—and had the unique experience of seeing the old jail cells that still remain, an unexpected highlight of the day!
As part of an ongoing exploration of nature in our home state, 4th grade students recently completed an in-depth study of Vermont's reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on their conservation status. Each student selected a specific reptile or amphibian to investigate, researching its habitat, diet, physical characteristics, environmental importance, and any interesting facts they wanted to share.
To incorporate elements of literature, students also composed either an acrostic or haiku poem related to their chosen species. They then showcased their findings through creative displays, including posters and models, and practiced their public speaking skills by presenting their work to classmates.
These “Mr. Canty projects” have been a favorite among students all year long! You can view the finished projects on display in the hallway leading to 4th grade.
Through the Community Canopy Program, Castleton Elementary School families are eligible for 2 free trees! See Flyer for details...
Interested? All proceeds benefit the Slate Valley Back to School Clothing Program!
2025 Summer Food Service Program.
To find more locations visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
