🔄 Double take at Fair Haven Grade School today!
Spirit Week continued with one of our favorite traditions: Teacher-Student Swap Day! Students dressed up like their teachers, and teachers traded in their professional wear to dress like students.
From hoodies, cartoon pajama pants, and Crocs in the classrooms to button-down shirts, lanyards, and fake beards on the basketball court—everyone came ready to play the part!
Spirit Week continued with one of our favorite traditions: Teacher-Student Swap Day! Students dressed up like their teachers, and teachers traded in their professional wear to dress like students.
From hoodies, cartoon pajama pants, and Crocs in the classrooms to button-down shirts, lanyards, and fake beards on the basketball court—everyone came ready to play the part!
Storybooks came to life at Fair Haven Grade School today! 📚✨
As part of our Red Ribbon Week Spirit Days, students and staff celebrated Book Character Day—and our teachers definitely brought the magic!
Our Kindergarten and 1st-grade team brought the Hundred Acre Wood to life as Winnie the Pooh and friends, while our U Pre-K team showed up in spot-on style as Cruella de Vil and her adorable Dalmatian puppy! 🐾🍯
Thank you to our amazing educators for making learning so much fun and showing off their school spirit!
As part of our Red Ribbon Week Spirit Days, students and staff celebrated Book Character Day—and our teachers definitely brought the magic!
Our Kindergarten and 1st-grade team brought the Hundred Acre Wood to life as Winnie the Pooh and friends, while our U Pre-K team showed up in spot-on style as Cruella de Vil and her adorable Dalmatian puppy! 🐾🍯
Thank you to our amazing educators for making learning so much fun and showing off their school spirit!
📢 Join Us for the Next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council Meeting!
We invite all community members, parents, and district partners to attend our upcoming Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting! Your voice and input are essential as we discuss important initiatives shaping our schools.
📅 Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Central Office Conference Room
📋 Meeting Agenda:
Introductions
FY28 Budget
Act 170 District and School Merger / Elementary Reorganization
Set Agenda for Next Meeting
Word on the Street
We hope to see you there! Thank you for partnering with us to support our students and community.
We invite all community members, parents, and district partners to attend our upcoming Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting! Your voice and input are essential as we discuss important initiatives shaping our schools.
📅 Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Central Office Conference Room
📋 Meeting Agenda:
Introductions
FY28 Budget
Act 170 District and School Merger / Elementary Reorganization
Set Agenda for Next Meeting
Word on the Street
We hope to see you there! Thank you for partnering with us to support our students and community.
District Spotlight: Kim Alexander Named Next Principal of Fair Haven Grade School
The Slate Valley Unified Union School District is pleased to announce that Kim Alexander, currently Assistant Principal at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School, will become the next Principal of Fair Haven Grade School on July 1, 2027. She will succeed longtime Principal Deb Infurna, who will retire at the end of the school year.
To ensure a smooth transition for students, families, and staff, Ms. Alexander and Ms. Infurna are already working closely together. Throughout the remainder of the school year, Ms. Alexander will participate in school meetings, Professional Learning Communities, and staff training opportunities, allowing her to reconnect with familiar colleagues, build relationships with newer staff members, and prepare for her new role.
Ms. Alexander brings more than three decades of experience in education and deep connections to the Slate Valley community. Her career began in 1991 as an instructional assistant at Fair Haven Grade School under Principal Skip Cook. From 1992 to 2003, she taught physical education and health at several schools, including Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, West Haven, and Castleton Village School.
During her time at Orwell Village School, colleague Chris Stanton helped her develop the classroom management skills that would become an important foundation for her teaching career.
In 2003, Ms. Alexander returned to Fair Haven Grade School as its full-time physical education teacher, a position she held for 18 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she adapted her teaching to provide physical education remotely through Google Classroom before helping students safely transition back to in-person learning.
In the fall of 2021, Ms. Alexander expanded her leadership responsibilities when she became Slate Valley's District Athletic Director, serving in that role until the spring of 2024. She then transitioned to her current position as Assistant Principal at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. Her experience as both a teacher and administrator across nearly every school in the district has given her a unique Kindergarten through Grade 12 perspective and a strong understanding of students' academic, social, and emotional development.
Throughout her career, Ms. Alexander has remained committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment where every student feels seen, known, and heard. She believes in meeting students where they are, providing consistent support, and building meaningful relationships, beginning with something as simple as learning every student's name.
Having previously worked alongside approximately 85 percent of Fair Haven Grade School's current staff, Ms. Alexander is excited to return to a school community she knows well. She looks forward to building on the school's strong sense of pride, teamwork, and dedication to students. As a lifelong member of the community who raised her two children in the district, she also understands the importance of maintaining strong connections between the school and the families it serves.
Ms. Alexander earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Castleton State University and completed her administrative licensure through Vermont State University–Castleton. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with her three grandchildren.
The Slate Valley community congratulates Ms. Alexander as she prepares to take on this new leadership role and looks forward to welcoming her back to Fair Haven Grade School. The district also extends its sincere appreciation to Principal Deb Infurna for her years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Fair Haven Grade School as she approaches her well-deserved retirement.
The Slate Valley Unified Union School District is pleased to announce that Kim Alexander, currently Assistant Principal at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School, will become the next Principal of Fair Haven Grade School on July 1, 2027. She will succeed longtime Principal Deb Infurna, who will retire at the end of the school year.
To ensure a smooth transition for students, families, and staff, Ms. Alexander and Ms. Infurna are already working closely together. Throughout the remainder of the school year, Ms. Alexander will participate in school meetings, Professional Learning Communities, and staff training opportunities, allowing her to reconnect with familiar colleagues, build relationships with newer staff members, and prepare for her new role.
Ms. Alexander brings more than three decades of experience in education and deep connections to the Slate Valley community. Her career began in 1991 as an instructional assistant at Fair Haven Grade School under Principal Skip Cook. From 1992 to 2003, she taught physical education and health at several schools, including Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, West Haven, and Castleton Village School.
During her time at Orwell Village School, colleague Chris Stanton helped her develop the classroom management skills that would become an important foundation for her teaching career.
In 2003, Ms. Alexander returned to Fair Haven Grade School as its full-time physical education teacher, a position she held for 18 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she adapted her teaching to provide physical education remotely through Google Classroom before helping students safely transition back to in-person learning.
In the fall of 2021, Ms. Alexander expanded her leadership responsibilities when she became Slate Valley's District Athletic Director, serving in that role until the spring of 2024. She then transitioned to her current position as Assistant Principal at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. Her experience as both a teacher and administrator across nearly every school in the district has given her a unique Kindergarten through Grade 12 perspective and a strong understanding of students' academic, social, and emotional development.
Throughout her career, Ms. Alexander has remained committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment where every student feels seen, known, and heard. She believes in meeting students where they are, providing consistent support, and building meaningful relationships, beginning with something as simple as learning every student's name.
Having previously worked alongside approximately 85 percent of Fair Haven Grade School's current staff, Ms. Alexander is excited to return to a school community she knows well. She looks forward to building on the school's strong sense of pride, teamwork, and dedication to students. As a lifelong member of the community who raised her two children in the district, she also understands the importance of maintaining strong connections between the school and the families it serves.
Ms. Alexander earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Castleton State University and completed her administrative licensure through Vermont State University–Castleton. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, and spending time with her three grandchildren.
The Slate Valley community congratulates Ms. Alexander as she prepares to take on this new leadership role and looks forward to welcoming her back to Fair Haven Grade School. The district also extends its sincere appreciation to Principal Deb Infurna for her years of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Fair Haven Grade School as she approaches her well-deserved retirement.
SURVEY REOPENED! 🏫✨ Share Your Voice on Elementary Reorganization
Did you miss the chance to fill out our survey the first time around? We’ve reopened the Slate Valley Elementary School Reorganization Survey from now through Thursday, October 29th!
We want to hear from as many parents, families, and community members as possible to help guide our district's decisions.
👉 Click here to complete the survey: https://ik12.surveysparrow.com/s/slate-valley-community-survey/tt-QiF9U
⏰ Deadline: Thursday, October 29th
Did you miss the chance to fill out our survey the first time around? We’ve reopened the Slate Valley Elementary School Reorganization Survey from now through Thursday, October 29th!
We want to hear from as many parents, families, and community members as possible to help guide our district's decisions.
👉 Click here to complete the survey: https://ik12.surveysparrow.com/s/slate-valley-community-survey/tt-QiF9U
⏰ Deadline: Thursday, October 29th
Board Meeting - October 19, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in 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/zti-ijhg-znw
Or dial: (US) +1 317-961-0434 PIN: 674 207 357#
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. in 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/zti-ijhg-znw
Or dial: (US) +1 317-961-0434 PIN: 674 207 357#
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.
📢 Mark Your Calendars & Start Collecting Items! 🚑🛒
Upcoming Community Event: Join Slate Valley Unified School District and the Fair Haven Rescue Squad for our annual "Stuff an Ambulance" drive! We are coming together to support Slate Valley Cares, and we need your help to fill an ambulance to the brim!
🗓️ Dates & Locations:
Friday, November 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Fair Haven Shaw's
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Fair Haven Shaw's
📦 Accepted Items:
Non-perishable foods, household supplies, health and beauty products, pet supplies, gift cards, cash, or checks!
Every donation makes a difference for families right here in our community. Let’s pack that ambulance!
❤️📞 Questions? Contact Carrieann Wolcott at 802-265-0676.
Upcoming Community Event: Join Slate Valley Unified School District and the Fair Haven Rescue Squad for our annual "Stuff an Ambulance" drive! We are coming together to support Slate Valley Cares, and we need your help to fill an ambulance to the brim!
🗓️ Dates & Locations:
Friday, November 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Fair Haven Shaw's
Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Fair Haven Shaw's
📦 Accepted Items:
Non-perishable foods, household supplies, health and beauty products, pet supplies, gift cards, cash, or checks!
Every donation makes a difference for families right here in our community. Let’s pack that ambulance!
❤️📞 Questions? Contact Carrieann Wolcott at 802-265-0676.
Notice of Upcoming Meeting!
🗓️ The Act 170 Merger Committee Meeting – Group 2 will take place next week on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
This is a hybrid meeting, offering options to participate either in person or virtually:
📍 In Person: Barstow Memorial School, Chittenden, VT
💻 Virtually: Access the Zoom link and view full meeting details on the agenda at https://aptg.co/7j4Pp8
We encourage community members to tune in and stay informed!
🗓️ The Act 170 Merger Committee Meeting – Group 2 will take place next week on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
This is a hybrid meeting, offering options to participate either in person or virtually:
📍 In Person: Barstow Memorial School, Chittenden, VT
💻 Virtually: Access the Zoom link and view full meeting details on the agenda at https://aptg.co/7j4Pp8
We encourage community members to tune in and stay informed!
Please Join Us! 🤝 The Southwest Vermont CESA (Cooperative Educational Service Areas) is hosting a meeting on Friday, October 16, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
This hybrid event offers options to attend virtually or in person. The in-person gathering will be held at Mill River Union High School, located at 2321 Middle Road, North Clarendon, VT.
The agenda, which includes the Zoom link to join the meeting virtually, can be found at https://aptg.co/0lBVmQ.
For more information, please visit our website at www.slatevalleyunified.org.
We look forward to seeing you there, either virtually or in person!
This hybrid event offers options to attend virtually or in person. The in-person gathering will be held at Mill River Union High School, located at 2321 Middle Road, North Clarendon, VT.
The agenda, which includes the Zoom link to join the meeting virtually, can be found at https://aptg.co/0lBVmQ.
For more information, please visit our website at www.slatevalleyunified.org.
We look forward to seeing you there, either virtually or in person!
![A promotional graphic advertising a Southwest Vermont CESA meeting[cite: 55]. A large yellow tag at the upper-left, overlaid on a map pattern outline of the state of Vermont, reads "PLEASE JOIN US" in bold blue capital letters[cite: 55]. Text to the right features a colorful logo of a tree made of stylized human figures above the text: "SOUTHWEST VERMONT CESA" (Cooperative Educational Service Areas) and "MEETING"[cite: 55]. Key details below read: "FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026", "8:00 AM"[cite: 55]. Location information is provided as: "MILL RIVER UNION HIGH SCHOOL", "2321 MIDDLE ROAD", "NORTH CLARENDON, VERMONT"[cite: 55]. The final text line at the bottom reads: "ATTEND VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON"[cite: 55]. The graphic is framed by stylized plus-sign/star decorative elements and wavy lines](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/slate_valley_unified_school_district_ar/live_feed_image/image/30970404/large_SCHOOL_BOARD__3_.jpg)
🍂 Friday Focus: Fall Foliage District Drive 🚗💨
There is nothing quite like autumn in Slate Valley! Take a scenic ride with us for this week’s Friday Focus as we travel across our beautiful district, taking in the peak fall colors stretching from Orwell down through Benson and Castleton, and finishing up right here in Fair Haven.
Along the way, catch snapshots of our students enjoying the crisp fall weather outdoors across each of our schools. We are so proud of our students, staff, and the stunning community we call home.
Grab your coffee, press play, and enjoy the view! Have a wonderful weekend, Slate Valley! 🍁✨
Click here: https://youtube.com/shorts/GC_yC-37ixc?feature=share
There is nothing quite like autumn in Slate Valley! Take a scenic ride with us for this week’s Friday Focus as we travel across our beautiful district, taking in the peak fall colors stretching from Orwell down through Benson and Castleton, and finishing up right here in Fair Haven.
Along the way, catch snapshots of our students enjoying the crisp fall weather outdoors across each of our schools. We are so proud of our students, staff, and the stunning community we call home.
Grab your coffee, press play, and enjoy the view! Have a wonderful weekend, Slate Valley! 🍁✨
Click here: https://youtube.com/shorts/GC_yC-37ixc?feature=share
Reminder: Have You Shared Your Feedback Yet? ⏳
Slate Valley parents and community members—don't miss your chance to help shape the future of our district! As part of our Elementary School Reorganization Study, your input is essential in guiding decisions that best serve our students.
How to participate:
💻 Online: Complete the survey at https://bit.ly/SVElementaryReorgSurvey
📄 Paper: Pick up a physical copy at any local Slate Valley school office during regular hours.
⏰ Upcoming Deadlines:
Online Surveys: Submit by Sunday, October 11th at 11:00 PM.
Paper Copies: Return to any school office by 8:00 AM on Monday, October 12th. Thank you for partnering with us to support our schools and children!
Slate Valley parents and community members—don't miss your chance to help shape the future of our district! As part of our Elementary School Reorganization Study, your input is essential in guiding decisions that best serve our students.
How to participate:
💻 Online: Complete the survey at https://bit.ly/SVElementaryReorgSurvey
📄 Paper: Pick up a physical copy at any local Slate Valley school office during regular hours.
⏰ Upcoming Deadlines:
Online Surveys: Submit by Sunday, October 11th at 11:00 PM.
Paper Copies: Return to any school office by 8:00 AM on Monday, October 12th. Thank you for partnering with us to support our schools and children!
. Paper Copy Instructions: "Pick up a paper copy at any Slate Valley school office (Orwell Village, Benson Village, Castleton Elementary, Fair Haven Grade School, or FHUMHS). Please return completed surveys to any office by 8:00 AM, Monday, October 12th." Footer: District website link: [https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization](https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization)](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/slate_valley_unified_school_district_ar/live_feed_image/image/30780828/large_SV_ElemReorgSurvey.jpg)
Attention Slate Valley Community! 🎒🍎
Do you have, or know someone, with a child turning 5 by September 1, 2027? That means they’ll be ready for kindergarten, and you can sign them up anytime!
Rolling registration is now open for students entering: 🏫 Orwell Village School 🏫 Benson Village School 🏫 Castleton Elementary School 🏫 Fair Haven Grade School
Why register early? Registering ahead of time helps our district plan effectively, determine accurate class sizes, and ensure we have the right number of teachers ready to welcome this incoming class!
How to register:
1️⃣ Visit our website: www.slatevalleyunified.org
2️⃣ Open the Menu, go to the "Students and Families" section, and click on "K-12 Registration Link"
3️⃣ Or simply click directly here: https://aptg.co/Rz15nR
Please help us spread the word by sharing with parents, guardians, or neighbors in the community!
🎭 Exciting news from the FHGS Drama Club! 🎭
Members were thrilled to learn their roles for the upcoming Winter Drama production, The Legend of the Blue Sapphire: A Search Through Time!
Mark your calendars and come see these talented students take the stage:
🗓️ Date: January 21st, 2027
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria
Written by The Sheridan Playwrights, this time-traveling adventure is one you won't want to miss! ✨
Members were thrilled to learn their roles for the upcoming Winter Drama production, The Legend of the Blue Sapphire: A Search Through Time!
Mark your calendars and come see these talented students take the stage:
🗓️ Date: January 21st, 2027
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria
Written by The Sheridan Playwrights, this time-traveling adventure is one you won't want to miss! ✨
Throwback Thursday: 💙Taking it back 20 years!🏈
Check out this throwback spread from the 2006 yearbook, packed with "Spirit Week" and "Slaterbration" memories! From "Dani showing Slater spirit" and "Sam Cummings ready to play," to the fans in the stands, team huddles, and creative signs, the Class of 2006 brought incredible energy to the field and the hallways!
As Fair Haven Union High School gets ready to kick off Slaterbration next week, we’re celebrating our alumni who set the bar high! ⚡To the Class of '06: Happy 20th Reunion year! Tag a classmate you spot in these photos and drop your favorite Slaterbration memory in the comments below! 👇
Check out this throwback spread from the 2006 yearbook, packed with "Spirit Week" and "Slaterbration" memories! From "Dani showing Slater spirit" and "Sam Cummings ready to play," to the fans in the stands, team huddles, and creative signs, the Class of 2006 brought incredible energy to the field and the hallways!
As Fair Haven Union High School gets ready to kick off Slaterbration next week, we’re celebrating our alumni who set the bar high! ⚡To the Class of '06: Happy 20th Reunion year! Tag a classmate you spot in these photos and drop your favorite Slaterbration memory in the comments below! 👇
Slate Valley Alumni Feature: Where Are They Now?
For this October’s Fair Haven Union Alumni Feature, the spotlight is on Taylor Goodrich, a member of the FHU Class of 2015 who has remained deeply connected to the local community. Staying close to home, Taylor has embraced local entrepreneurship as the co-owner of Woof Pack, a dog daycare, boarding, and training facility in Fair Haven. With a passion for animals and a dedication to the town, Taylor works continuously toward the ultimate goal of building the company into the best possible place for local pups to be.
Taylor’s path to business ownership was shaped in part by the impactful years spent at Slate Valley. Reflecting on high school, Taylor identifies Mrs. Doran as the most influential teacher from those formative years, sharing that she never gave up on her students and always pushed them to do better. That foundation of perseverance aligns closely with Taylor’s favorite quote by tennis legend Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege. Increased pressure, when viewed as a privilege, can propel individuals toward self-improvement rather than hindering their progress.” For Taylor, viewing daily responsibilities and challenges through this lens serves as a constant motivation for continuous self-improvement.
Behind Taylor’s drive and success is a strong personal foundation, particularly the support of fiancé Shelby. Taylor expresses profound gratitude to Shelby for growing alongside the journey and standing steadfast through every version of life so far, noting that so much of who Taylor is today has been shaped by Shelby's love, patience, and support.
Taylor shared some wonderful advice for the current Slate Valley student body. Reminding students that everyone only gets one shot at life, Taylor encourages them to chase the things that make them happy, stay true to themselves, and treat others with kindness. Taylor also urges students to express love to family and friends whenever possible, take chances, make plenty of mistakes, learn from those experiences, remain unafraid to be different, and always remember that what other people think does not matter.
Slate Valley is grateful to Taylor for sharing these thoughtful insights and inspiring reflections with fellow alumni and current students alike. Congratulations to Taylor on all that has been achieved so far, along with best wishes for the continued growth and success of Woof Pack!
For this October’s Fair Haven Union Alumni Feature, the spotlight is on Taylor Goodrich, a member of the FHU Class of 2015 who has remained deeply connected to the local community. Staying close to home, Taylor has embraced local entrepreneurship as the co-owner of Woof Pack, a dog daycare, boarding, and training facility in Fair Haven. With a passion for animals and a dedication to the town, Taylor works continuously toward the ultimate goal of building the company into the best possible place for local pups to be.
Taylor’s path to business ownership was shaped in part by the impactful years spent at Slate Valley. Reflecting on high school, Taylor identifies Mrs. Doran as the most influential teacher from those formative years, sharing that she never gave up on her students and always pushed them to do better. That foundation of perseverance aligns closely with Taylor’s favorite quote by tennis legend Billie Jean King: “Pressure is a privilege. Increased pressure, when viewed as a privilege, can propel individuals toward self-improvement rather than hindering their progress.” For Taylor, viewing daily responsibilities and challenges through this lens serves as a constant motivation for continuous self-improvement.
Behind Taylor’s drive and success is a strong personal foundation, particularly the support of fiancé Shelby. Taylor expresses profound gratitude to Shelby for growing alongside the journey and standing steadfast through every version of life so far, noting that so much of who Taylor is today has been shaped by Shelby's love, patience, and support.
Taylor shared some wonderful advice for the current Slate Valley student body. Reminding students that everyone only gets one shot at life, Taylor encourages them to chase the things that make them happy, stay true to themselves, and treat others with kindness. Taylor also urges students to express love to family and friends whenever possible, take chances, make plenty of mistakes, learn from those experiences, remain unafraid to be different, and always remember that what other people think does not matter.
Slate Valley is grateful to Taylor for sharing these thoughtful insights and inspiring reflections with fellow alumni and current students alike. Congratulations to Taylor on all that has been achieved so far, along with best wishes for the continued growth and success of Woof Pack!
Your Voice Matters! Help Shape the Future of Our Elementary Schools 🏫✨
Slate Valley parents and community members: We need your input! As we evaluate options for our Elementary School Reorganization, your feedback is crucial in guiding decisions that best serve our students and community.
👉 Take the online survey here: https://ik12.surveysparrow.com/s/Slate-Valley-Community-Survey/tt-QiF9U
Prefer paper? You can pick up a physical copy of the survey at your local school office during regular hours.
⏰ Deadlines:
Online Surveys: Submit by Sunday, October 11th at 11:00 PM.
Paper Copies: Return to your local school office by 8:00 AM on Monday morning, October 12th.
Thank you for partnering with us to support our schools and children! Please share this post to help us reach every corner of our community.
Slate Valley parents and community members: We need your input! As we evaluate options for our Elementary School Reorganization, your feedback is crucial in guiding decisions that best serve our students and community.
👉 Take the online survey here: https://ik12.surveysparrow.com/s/Slate-Valley-Community-Survey/tt-QiF9U
Prefer paper? You can pick up a physical copy of the survey at your local school office during regular hours.
⏰ Deadlines:
Online Surveys: Submit by Sunday, October 11th at 11:00 PM.
Paper Copies: Return to your local school office by 8:00 AM on Monday morning, October 12th.
Thank you for partnering with us to support our schools and children! Please share this post to help us reach every corner of our community.
🍁Trivia Tuesday: Vermont's World-Famous Fall Foliage 🍁
Do You Know Why Vermont Has Such Vibrant Fall Foliage Compared to Other Regions in the World?
⬇️ Scroll down to see why... ⬇️
It isn't just scenic luck—Vermont sits at the exact geographical and biological intersection needed to create the most vivid autumn display on Earth! While many forests across Europe and Asia simply fade into uniform shades of yellow or brown, Vermont bursts into a fiery mosaic of reds, purples, oranges, and golds thanks to a rare "perfect storm" of three key factors:
1. The Sugar Maple Superpower 🍁
Over 75% of Vermont is covered in forest, and its dominant tree is the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). As green chlorophyll breaks down in autumn, it unmasks hidden yellow and orange pigments (carotenoids). But sugar maples go a step further: they actively manufacture anthocyanins—brilliant red and purple pigments produced when late-season sunlight reacts with sugars trapped inside the leaf.
2. The Golden Weather "Recipe" ☀️🌡️
Vermont’s autumn microclimate creates the precise conditions required to maximize color intensity:
Bright, sunny fall days fuel high sugar production in the leaves.
Crisp, cool nights (just above freezing) signal the leaf stems to seal off, trapping those sugars inside and accelerating the chemical reaction that turns leaves vivid crimson.
3. Unmatched Forest Diversity 🌲
Unlike regions dominated by a single tree species, Vermont’s forests are a rich blend of northern hardwoods. Sugar and Red Maples (scarlet and fiery orange), Paper Birch and Aspen (golden yellow), and Red Oak (deep copper) grow side-by-side against a backdrop of dark evergreen pines and spruces, creating an incredible high-contrast canopy across the Green Mountains.
In Short:
While the rest of the world gets standard yellows, Vermont’s high concentration of sugar maples combined with sunny days and chilling nights triggers a unique chemical explosion of deep red anthocyanins—turning the entire state into a living tapestry!
Do You Know Why Vermont Has Such Vibrant Fall Foliage Compared to Other Regions in the World?
⬇️ Scroll down to see why... ⬇️
It isn't just scenic luck—Vermont sits at the exact geographical and biological intersection needed to create the most vivid autumn display on Earth! While many forests across Europe and Asia simply fade into uniform shades of yellow or brown, Vermont bursts into a fiery mosaic of reds, purples, oranges, and golds thanks to a rare "perfect storm" of three key factors:
1. The Sugar Maple Superpower 🍁
Over 75% of Vermont is covered in forest, and its dominant tree is the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). As green chlorophyll breaks down in autumn, it unmasks hidden yellow and orange pigments (carotenoids). But sugar maples go a step further: they actively manufacture anthocyanins—brilliant red and purple pigments produced when late-season sunlight reacts with sugars trapped inside the leaf.
2. The Golden Weather "Recipe" ☀️🌡️
Vermont’s autumn microclimate creates the precise conditions required to maximize color intensity:
Bright, sunny fall days fuel high sugar production in the leaves.
Crisp, cool nights (just above freezing) signal the leaf stems to seal off, trapping those sugars inside and accelerating the chemical reaction that turns leaves vivid crimson.
3. Unmatched Forest Diversity 🌲
Unlike regions dominated by a single tree species, Vermont’s forests are a rich blend of northern hardwoods. Sugar and Red Maples (scarlet and fiery orange), Paper Birch and Aspen (golden yellow), and Red Oak (deep copper) grow side-by-side against a backdrop of dark evergreen pines and spruces, creating an incredible high-contrast canopy across the Green Mountains.
In Short:
While the rest of the world gets standard yellows, Vermont’s high concentration of sugar maples combined with sunny days and chilling nights triggers a unique chemical explosion of deep red anthocyanins—turning the entire state into a living tapestry!
Meet Monday: Faculty & Staff Spotlight 🍎✨
For our October Meet Monday spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Abby Wald!
Abby has been an integral part of the Slate Valley community since 2008, making this her 19th school year with our district. She currently serves in two key leadership roles: Student Support Coordinator at Fair Haven Union Middle High School, now in her second year in the position, and a District Mentor Coach, a role she has held for five years.
Abby’s dedicated career in education spans a rich and varied background both within and outside the district. Before stepping into her current roles, she spent a decade as a 6–8 ELA Teacher at Fair Haven Grade School from 2008 to 2018, followed by seven years as Slate Valley's District-Wide Proficiency Based Learning Coach from 2018 through 2025. Her teaching career began as a middle and high school English teacher at West Rutland School from 1998 to 2008, which was preceded by a foundational year teaching English in South Korea on a prestigious Fulbright Grant.
Outside of school, Abby leads an active and engaging life filled with favorite pastimes. As a dedicated "chicken tender," she raises laying hens and loves spending time in the yard watching "chicken TV." When she isn't outdoors, she is usually immersed in a cozy mystery series—she is currently on the 25th book of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mysteries, has completed all 29 books in The Cat Who... series, and has read over a dozen titles in the Savannah Secrets series. Abby also loves exploring the world with her husband and kids, having visited or lived in a wide array of destinations including South Korea, India, Nepal, Thailand, England, Ireland, France, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, and Canada.
When asked for her favorite quote, she cited Eleanor Roosevelt and said, "You must do the things you think you cannot do." Abby finds this quote especially meaningful in her daily work as she supports students through the challenging and rewarding process of learning.
Abby concluded her interview by expressing, "This is an amazing district to work in, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Thank you, Abby, for your incredible dedication and years of service to our students, staff, and community!
For our October Meet Monday spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Abby Wald!
Abby has been an integral part of the Slate Valley community since 2008, making this her 19th school year with our district. She currently serves in two key leadership roles: Student Support Coordinator at Fair Haven Union Middle High School, now in her second year in the position, and a District Mentor Coach, a role she has held for five years.
Abby’s dedicated career in education spans a rich and varied background both within and outside the district. Before stepping into her current roles, she spent a decade as a 6–8 ELA Teacher at Fair Haven Grade School from 2008 to 2018, followed by seven years as Slate Valley's District-Wide Proficiency Based Learning Coach from 2018 through 2025. Her teaching career began as a middle and high school English teacher at West Rutland School from 1998 to 2008, which was preceded by a foundational year teaching English in South Korea on a prestigious Fulbright Grant.
Outside of school, Abby leads an active and engaging life filled with favorite pastimes. As a dedicated "chicken tender," she raises laying hens and loves spending time in the yard watching "chicken TV." When she isn't outdoors, she is usually immersed in a cozy mystery series—she is currently on the 25th book of Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swensen Mysteries, has completed all 29 books in The Cat Who... series, and has read over a dozen titles in the Savannah Secrets series. Abby also loves exploring the world with her husband and kids, having visited or lived in a wide array of destinations including South Korea, India, Nepal, Thailand, England, Ireland, France, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, and Canada.
When asked for her favorite quote, she cited Eleanor Roosevelt and said, "You must do the things you think you cannot do." Abby finds this quote especially meaningful in her daily work as she supports students through the challenging and rewarding process of learning.
Abby concluded her interview by expressing, "This is an amazing district to work in, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Thank you, Abby, for your incredible dedication and years of service to our students, staff, and community!
This morning we held our first Falcon Gathering Soar Awards assembly of the school year. Congratulations to all of our recipients! (Photo Batch 2)
