🏛️✨ 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
18 days 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.
On January 29th, FHGS enjoyed a T.I.G.E.R. Theatre Production brought to us by Plymouth State University.

In "Calm Quest" we followed Ricky on his journey through a typical school day as he embarked on a “quest for calm.” Along the way, he learns helpful tools and calming techniques from his friends, who share how they manage worry, stress, and fear. T: Talk about your worries. I: Imagine a calm space. G: Gratitude is great! E: Empower yourself.
R: Relaxation rewards.
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of elementary students and several adult presenters posing in a school gym in front of an orange-and-black backdrop, smiling for a photo; the adults wear bright shirts with large letters that spell a word together.
Larger group of young students and adult presenters gathered in a gym, smiling and posing together in front of the same orange-and-black backdrop, with some presenters giving thumbs-up.
Dozens of elementary students and several adults seated on wooden gym bleachers, watching an assembly or presentation off-camera.
Four presenters in colorful shirts and capes performing coordinated motions at the front of a school gym during a student assembly.
Close view of older elementary and middle school students seated closely together on bleachers, attentively watching a school assembly.

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.

19 days 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.
20 days 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.
FHGS Newsletter: February 2026
https://aptg.co/jgYRXx
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic showing the front of Fair Haven Grade School with the text “Fair Haven Grade School” and “February 2026,” featuring the school falcon logo on the left and the Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo on the right.
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!
20 days 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.
Last month, first graders began participating in Community Story Time at the Fair Haven Free Library. Held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, these engaging sessions include read-aloud stories, art activities, songs, and movement, giving students a fun and interactive way to build literacy skills and connect with the community.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Adult librarian reads aloud to a seated group of elementary students gathered on a carpet for story time.
Children sit on the floor listening and smiling as a librarian reads from a picture book at the front of the room.
First grade students stand in a circle with a librarian, participating in a movement and song activity.
Two young students color and draw at a table using crayons and small paper cards.
Three children work on small art cards with crayons and markers during a story time craft activity.
Students sit around a table coloring while another child raises a hand in the background.
Smiling student holds up a folded paper craft decorated with a drawn face.
Student smiles while showing a colored paper craft with a hand-drawn face design.
Reminder: Tonight - Act 73 Discussion with Local Legislators!
6:00 to 7:30 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
All are welcome!
21 days 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.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday - February Spotlight

This month we’re excited to spotlight Bethany Link, a Grade 3 teacher at Benson Village School. This is Mrs. Link’s second year at BVS. Before joining the Benson community, she taught for six years at Randolph Elementary School, working with students in grades K–2.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Link enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures together. She also loves reading a good book, cooking and baking, getting outdoors, and a little shopping when she can fit it in.

Her classroom community is guided by this shared message:
“In this classroom, we respect each other, we never give up, we are kind, we laugh a lot, we make mistakes, we have big dreams, we are family!”

A quote that inspires her personally is:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Mrs. Link began the school year on maternity leave after welcoming a baby boy, Thomas Calvin Link, named in honor of both of his grandfathers. We’re so glad to have her back at Benson Village School and deeply appreciate the warmth, care, and positive energy she brings to her students each day.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Monday – Slate Valley Faculty & Staff” featuring BVS Grade 3 teacher Bethany Link, with a family photo and text highlights about her experience, hobbies, classroom motto, and welcome of a new baby boy.
More pics from our Falcon Gathering on Friday, celebrating our student rock-stars! 🌟 These students have been doing an amazing job demonstrating our SOAR values every day, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and leadership.
We wrapped up our gathering with a presentation from the American Heart Association. We are officially kicking off our annual Kids Heart Challenge! Stay tuned for more information on how our Falcons can help save lives while keeping their own hearts healthy and strong. 💪✨
22 days ago, Deb Infurna
A mascot in a blue and white falcon costume stands next to a large "SOAR" cutout. Three students and a man wearing a baseball cap and a white sweatshirt pose for a photo on a gymnasium floor.
A school mascot and a female faculty member stand with three elementary-aged students. The students are holding certificates and small blue ribbons while posing in front of a blue wall featuring "Sight Words.
A mascot in an falcon costume, a woman in a pink shirt, and two children pose together. The boy in a red hoodie and the girl in a red patterned sweater are holding award papers in a school gym.
A group photo featuring the falcon mascot, a female teacher in a purple shirt, and three students. One student wears a grey sweatshirt with the number "77" on it; they are all holding award certificates.
A woman in a navy quilted vest stands with the falcon mascot and three students. The students are proudly holding up their award papers and blue ribbons for the camera.
The falcon mascot poses with three young girls in a gymnasium. One girl holds a large "SOAR" certificate featuring school bus illustrations, while the others hold smaller award papers.
A man in a red zip-up jacket and grey athletic pants stands at a microphone in the center of a gymnasium. He appears to be speaking to an audience during a school assembly or event.
We had another fantastic Falcon Gathering! Huge congratulations to our January standouts who consistently lived out our SOAR values—Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, and Respect—throughout the month. We are so proud of your dedication to your learning community. Keep SOARing, FHGS! 🦅✨
22 days ago, Deb Infurna
In a school gymnasium, an adult woman, a blue-and-white falcon mascot, and two young girls stand in a line on a wooden basketball court. The woman on the left wears a pink sweater and dark pants. The falcon mascot stands in the center with its wings slightly spread. To the right, two young girls stand side-by-side holding white papers. The background features a light blue wall with a small rock-climbing section and a wooden door with the words "Stay positive, WORK HARD, Make it happen."
In a school gymnasium, an adult woman and a young girl stand next to a large cardboard cutout that reads "Fair Haven Grade School SOAR". To their left stands a blue-and-white falcon mascot with a white feathered chest. The girl wears a purple t-shirt, teal leggings, and headphones around her neck, while the woman wears a navy blue sweatshirt and jeans. The background features a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and a blue wall with educational posters.
In a gymnasium, an adult woman in a white "HAPPY" sweatshirt and jeans poses playfully next to a blue-and-white falcon mascot. The woman is holding a white piece of paper and is positioned between the mascot and a large white-and-blue "SOAR" cutout. Behind them is a blue wall featuring a climbing section with colorful grips and a wooden door with motivational text.
An adult woman and a young girl stand together in a gymnasium next to a "Fair Haven Grade School SOAR" falcon cutout. To their left, a blue-and-white falcon mascot stands with its wings slightly spread. Both the woman and the girl are holding white papers. The background features a basketball hoop, instructional posters, and a climbing wall.
Two women in matching denim overalls and white long-sleeved shirts stand on either side of a blue-and-white falcon mascot and two children. The children, a girl in a purple shirt and a boy in a pink shirt, stand in front of a "SOAR" falcon cutout holding papers. The group is positioned on a wooden gymnasium floor.
Two women stand on the outer edges of a group featuring a blue-and-white falcon mascot and two children. The children stand in front of a large "SOAR" falcon cutout, with the girl on the left holding a document. The group is positioned on a polished wooden gymnasium floor.
A group of five poses for a photo: two adult women, two children, and a blue-and-white falcon mascot. A young boy in a striped hoodie and a girl in a grey sweatsuit with cherry patterns stand in the center holding white papers. They are flanked by the mascot on the left and a woman in a striped cream sweater on the right.
Two women stand on the far sides of a group featuring a blue-and-white falcon mascot and two older children. The children, a girl in a black long-sleeved shirt and a boy in a teal hoodie, stand in front of the "SOAR" eagle cutout holding white papers. The woman on the left wears a grey t-shirt that says "Early Middle Crew".
District Newsletter: January 30, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/82c6c6cc4bc0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-30-2026
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter header dated January 30, 2026, featuring the district logo above a winter scene of people ice fishing on a frozen lake with mountains in the background.
Join Us for our next Community Advisory Council Meeting — Monday, February 2!

We hope you’ll join us for the next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Library at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.

We’ll be welcoming our local legislators for an important conversation and updates on Act 73. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share your perspective as we work together to support our schools and community.

🗓 Monday, February 2, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 FHUMHS Library

Come be part of the conversation — we’d love to see you there!
24 days 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.
A group of community members sit around tables in a school library, listening to a man speaking at the front, with bookshelves lining the walls behind them.
Ms. O’Dell’s 3rd grade class has been busy learning all about fractions on a number line and what better way to grab attention than with food! Students had a blast building and exploring fractions using Twizzlers and pretzels, turning math into a hands-on (and delicious) experience. Learning was fun, engaging, and definitely memorable!
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Elementary student smiles while labeling fractions on a number line made with a red licorice string and pretzel sticks.
Student wearing glasses writes fraction labels on a pretzel-and-licorice number line during a hands-on math activity.
Student holds a marker and looks down at a fraction number line built from pretzels and licorice on a desk.
Student smiles and points to herself while sitting at a desk with a pretzel-and-licorice fraction number line.
Student smiles at the camera while holding a marker beside a fraction number line made from pretzels and licorice.
Student sits at a desk labeling fractions on a number line created with pretzel sticks and licorice.
Student smiles while leaning toward a desk displaying a fraction number line made with pretzels and licorice.
Student smiles while leaning toward a desk displaying a fraction number line made with pretzels and licorice.
Student stands behind a desk, smiling, with a completed pretzel-and-licorice fraction number line in front of her.
🏀✨ Nothing but net, Ayla! Huge congratulations to one of our second graders, who became the Elks Hoop Shoot State Champion for the 8–9 age group! We’re so proud of her hard work, focus, and championship shots—way to shine, Ayla! 🏆👏
27 days ago, Slate Valley
Smiling second-grade student Ayla Roberts sits at a table holding a gold trophy from the Elks Hoop Shoot contest. The trophy reads “Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest State Champion, Ages 8–9, 2025–2026,” and features a basketball figure on top.
Board Meeting Tonight- January 26, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School band room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zjf-fize-oet
Or dial: (US) +1 413-779-5205 PIN: 549 283 171#

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.
28 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads “Please Join Us Tonight” and “Board Meeting.” The agenda includes consent agenda; warning for FY27 school budget; tax rate discussion; committee reports for building and grounds, policy, and executive committee. Meeting details list January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM, held at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School in the Band Room. The graphic features a circular table with stylized people icons and a Vermont logo.
Good Afternoon,

All Slate Valley Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the weather conditions. Stay safe and have a great day!

Best,

Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing “No School Snow Day!” with snowflakes on a snowy background. Text reads “Monday, January 26th,” alongside the Slate Valley Unified School District logo.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for January 23, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/df08e8fadaac/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-16-13835994
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter header dated January 23, 2026, featuring an illustration of five bundled-up people shivering in winter coats beneath hanging icicles, suggesting cold winter weather.
FHU Band Bottle Drive - Help our Slaters get to Orlando, FL!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing FHU Band bottle drive throughout January 2026, with bottle drop-off at Liberty Street Redemption in Fair Haven; proceeds support the band’s trip to the Orlando Heritage Music Festival in Florida.
After our Falcon News each morning, classes begin their day with a morning meeting. During morning meeting, students greet one another, discuss the events of the day, talk about the weather, calendar, and more. What a great way to start our day, circling up and talking with one another!!!!
about 1 month ago, Deb Infurna
Elementary students sit on a colorful rug in a reading corner while a teacher listens to a child standing and speaking during morning meeting, with bookshelves and hanging lanterns in the background.
Students sit in a circle on a classroom rug facing their teacher during morning meeting, with bookshelves and butterfly wall murals in the background.
Teacher and young students sit in a circle on a classroom rug during a group discussion, surrounded by alphabet charts, books, and learning materials.
An elementary school classroom scene where a young girl stands at a white easel, leading a lesson for a group of seven children seated on a rug. An adult teacher sits nearby in a chair, observing. The background features educational posters including a "Number Corner," a calendar, and a number line. I
An elementary school classroom scene shows a group of about twelve children and one adult teacher sitting in a large circle on the floor. They are gathered on colorful rugs, including a large map rug of the United States. The room is brightly lit by natural light and features several inspirational wall displays
A classroom setting showing a teacher and seven young children standing in a row in front of a large digital display. The screen shows an image of two penguins, and several students appear to be using hand gestures. The room includes a "NUMBER CORNER" display, an alphabet line, and student desks with blue chair pockets