Board Meeting Tonight- September 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#

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
Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting announcement for September 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Castleton Elementary School cafeteria. Agenda includes consent agenda, Act 73 discussion, and committee reports from Finance, Building & Grounds, and Executive Committee.
We’re excited to kick off the first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2025–2026 school year with Mrs. Becky Lanfear! Mrs. Lanfear has been part of the Slate Valley family for an incredible 26 years at Castleton Elementary School, where she has taught Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grade—inspiring countless students along the way.

Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.

One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!

We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday graphic featuring Becky Lanfear, CES third grade teacher. Text highlights her 26 years at Castleton Elementary, previous work in early childhood education, hobbies like board games and baking, and her favorite Benjamin Franklin quote. Includes appreciation for her dedication and connection to the Slate Valley community.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 5, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated September 5, 2025, with Slate Valley logo and banner reading ‘Hello September.
🎶 Slate Valley Teachers Take the Stage! 🎶

Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.

📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students

Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Poster for New York–Vermont Wind Orchestra concert at VTSU Castleton, Casella Theater, September 6 at 2 PM. Features works by Bernstein, Day, Fernandez, Jacobo, Llinas, Nishimura, and Yagisawa.
📢 Reminder: Please join us tonight for the first Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting of the school year!

🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room

This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is starting and our hopes moving forward.

We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting announcement for September 2, 2025 at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School.
📢 Reminder: There will be no school this Monday in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with text reading ‘No School Monday in Observance of Labor Day.’ Illustrations of various workers, including a farmer, doctor, soldier, teacher, and others, appear below. Slate Valley logo at the bottom.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: August 29, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a3352b4ace47/slate-valley-back-to-school-newsletter
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
First page of Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter, dated August 29, 2025. Banner shows the Slate Valley logo with the title 'The Halls Are Active Again—Welcome Back, Slate Valley!' Below is a photo of a smiling child resting their chin on their hands. The text highlights the start of the 2025–2026 school year, with teacher prep, student activities, and excitement for a new year.
First Day Freeze Frames 📸
See the full video at https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19xeZ8KHb8/
Welcome Back to All Slate Valley Students!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot showing young students posing for a photo with their teacher behind them peering through decorative blue streamers.
🌟📚 It was an exciting first day at Fair Haven Grade School! Our students are off to a bright start—finding their classrooms, meeting teachers, and beginning a new year of learning and discovery. 💙🍎
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Two smiling boys wearing name tags stand together in a classroom hallway.
Teacher stands at the front of the classroom while students sit at desks listening attentively.
Young students line up inside a classroom as their teacher gives directions.
Teacher leads a morning circle; students sit on a rug decorated with a sun, raising hands to participate.
Student in a pink hoodie raises her hand during classroom instruction.
Students gather around a round table with colorful pencil pouches while a teacher assists in the background.
Student colors a paper strip that says “Meeting you was the highlight of my day!” with a yellow highlighter.
Students sit in a circle on the gym floor while a teacher gives instructions in the center.
Classroom with desks decorated with worksheets and smiley face balloons; teacher addresses students.
Teacher reads from a paper while students sit on a colorful rug, listening attentively.
We’re excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year and invite you to our first Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting on:

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 | 5:45 PM
Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School

The agenda link is below. We’ll review council goals for the year, share key district updates, and set priorities together. Your insights help us strengthen family, school, and community partnerships—thank you in advance for your time and perspective.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Agenda link: https://5il.co/3opgw
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting announcement for September 2, 2025, at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
Fair Haven Grade School’s Open House was a huge success! ✨
Our halls were full of smiling faces as students and families explored classrooms, connected with teachers, and shared their excitement for the year ahead. 🎒📚

We’re ready to kick off the school year in the morning—together we’ll make it a year of growth, learning, and fun! 🌟
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Teacher bends down to greet two young boys in a classroom while families stand nearby.
Teacher leans over a desk, smiling while talking with two young students.
Teacher in a blue dress speaks with a young student and her family in a decorated classroom.
Teacher in a striped shirt sits at a table, smiling while talking with a young boy in a red shirt.
Families and children gather in a busy classroom filled with books, toys, and activity areas.
Teacher in a black dress chats with a group of students and parents in a classroom lined with books.
Teacher in a turquoise shirt talks with a student wearing a cap in a school hallway.
Group of five staff members stand smiling together in front of a “Welcome Amazing Things” sign.
📢 Join us tonight for the 2025–2026 Annual Title I Meeting!
We’re excited to welcome parents and families to learn more about Title I Schoolwide Programs and how they help address barriers to academic success. 💙

📍 Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS)
🕓 4:00 PM – meet.google.com/yim-skxt-frq

📍 Castleton Elementary School (CES)
🕔 5:00 PM – meet.google.com/afe-fpah-mzj
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Slide for the 2025–2026 Annual Title I Meeting welcoming parents and families, with staff names and roles listed, plus the Vermont logo.
Say hello to the amazing new faculty and staff joining Fair Haven Grade School!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Portrait of Ellenor Cox-Hansen with text: Welcome, Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education, Fair Haven Grade School.
Portrait of Jordyn Bessette with text: Welcome, Jordyn Bessette, Special Education Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School.
Portrait of Austin Bruno with text: Welcome, Austin Bruno, Grade 2 Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School.
Portrait of Jaime Crane with text: Welcome, Jaime Crane, Special Education Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School.
Portrait of Olivia Johnson with text: Welcome, Olivia Johnson, Special Education Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School.
Portrait of Courtney St. Clair with text: Welcome, Courtney St. Clair, Social Emotional Interventionist, Fair Haven Grade School.
🎶✨ “We Ready!” ✨🎶
Slate Valley faculty & staff are pumped to welcome back our amazing students this week! #WeAreSlateValley #BackToSchool #WeReady
See our video at: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CdPHhQrHx/
or
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNwfSiVYvDY/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Group of Slate Valley faculty and staff smiling in a hallway, holding colorful painted canvases with the letters "R" and "A" as part of a back-to-school celebration.
🎨✨ On Friday, during Inservice, every Slate Valley faculty and staff member came together for a powerful group art project.

Each table received a canvas—some with hidden letters—tasked with one simple rule: cover it completely with color. Every Slate Valley member added at least one brushstroke, symbolizing our shared commitment. The letters were revealed and brought together to spell out the phrase:

“We Are Slate Valley.” 💫

In every splatter of paint, every dab of color, and every stroke of life, our faculty and staff captured a shared truth: no matter the distractions or challenges beyond our control, we will continue to show up fully for the students who show up for us every day.

This art piece is more than just decoration—it’s our collective promise. The completed canvases will be displayed throughout Slate Valley school buildings as a reminder of the strength, unity, and dedication of our Slate Valley family. 💙
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Group of people painting letters on canvases together at a table.
Two women smiling while painting on a paper plate with bright colors.
Group of women painting designs on a canvas at a shared table.
Two women painting a colorful canvas with others around the table.
Group working together on a shared painting, adding colors with brushes.
Two women painting a vibrant canvas with brushes at a table.
Woman smiling and painting with others at a colorful group art activity.
Woman focused on painting colorful designs on a canvas.
Woman peeling tape from a painted canvas while others watch.
Group lined up in the gym holding painted canvases that spell “We are Slate Valley.”
First day vibes! Our Slate Valley faculty & staff officially kicked off the school year on Friday, August 22nd with Opening Day Inservice—full of laughs, hugs, summer stories, and lots of catching up. Here's some photos from a great day with great people. 💙
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Two men wearing lanyards sit together at a table in a gymnasium, smiling at the camera.
A young woman and an older man sit at a table in a gymnasium, smiling and talking with others seated around them.
Two women sit at a table smiling, one holding a fork with fruit and the other with colorful tumblers. A laptop with stickers is on the table in front of them.
Three women smile while sitting together at a table in a gymnasium. Two are seated with plates of food, and one stands behind them wearing a yellow shirt with the word "Mentor." The background shows blue gym wall padding with large white letters.
Five people sit together at a long table in a gymnasium during a school event. They are smiling at the camera, with laptops and tumblers in front of them. Other attendees can be seen seated at tables in the background.
Two women smile and stand side by side in a gymnasium, both wearing denim jackets over long floral dresses with Slate Valley lanyards around their necks.
Three women stand at a table looking at Slate Valley Unified School District folders and pens. One woman in a pink shirt reaches for an item, while the others observe and smile.
Four women sit at a table during a school event, smiling at the camera with plates of food, drinks, and bags in front of them. Other attendees are visible in the background.
A group of five women sit and smile at a table during a school event, with notebooks, food, and drinks in front of them, while more people gather in the background.
Man and woman gather Slate Valley materials from a table with pens, folders, and tote bags, smiling and engaged.
At Slate Valley’s Opening Day Inservice, three special awards were presented to individuals who embody the heart of our district and consistently go above and beyond their duties. 🌟

🏆 SVUUSD Executive Board Awards were given to the Orwell Village School PBIS Team and to Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins, Fair Haven Grade School’s dedicated Music Teacher.

🏅 The SVUUSD Special Service Award was presented to Carrieann Wolcott, Slate Valley’s committed Home–School Coordinator.

👏 Congratulations to all of our honorees—thank you for your passion, service, and unwavering dedication to our students and community!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Three women smiling and standing next to a man on their left. The woman in the middle holds an award plaque.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has their arm around her.
Three women smiling and standing together. The one in the middle holds an award plaque, while the other two women have their arms around the middle woman's back.
During our Opening Day Inservice, Slate Valley Unified Union School District proudly celebrated our Instructional Assistants of the Year. 🌟

These outstanding IAs truly represent the heart of our classrooms—offering support, encouragement, and care that help students grow and thrive every single day.

We are deeply grateful for all they do. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 👏💙

Picture are:
Taylor Coloutti - IA at Castleton Elementary School
Annie Bartholomew - IA at Fair Haven Grade School
Alicia Bouzianis - IA at Orwell Village School
Ashley Bruce - IA at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School
Colleen Howard - IA at Benson Village School
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque while the other has their arm around her.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque and both have their arms around each other.
A man and woman smile while holding a plaque award together inside a gymnasium.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque and both have their arms around each other.
Two women stand together smiling holding a plaque award in a gymnasium.
At our Opening Day Inservice, Slate Valley Unified Union School District proudly celebrated this year’s Teachers of the Year, along with two educators honored with the prestigious UVM Outstanding Teacher Awards. 🏆

👏 Congratulations to all recipients! These well-deserved honors reflect the hard work, passion, and dedication to students you demonstrate every day.

Pictured are:

UVM Outstanding Teacher and SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mr. Kyle Ruby - History Teacher at FHUHS

UVM Outstanding Teacher: Ms. Amanda Eddy - Special Education Teacher at BVS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Ms. Makayla Ackert - Kindergarten Teacher at BVS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Patty-Ann Holden - Grade 5 Teacher at OVS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mr. Parth Patel - Physical Education Teacher at FHGS

SVUUSD Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Andrea Gorruso - Grade 3 Teacher at CES
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Two men stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has his arm around him.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has their arm around her.
Two women stand together smiling; one holds a plaque award while the other has their arm around her.
A man and woman smile while holding a plaque award together inside a gymnasium.
A man holding a plaque stands next to a smiling woman in a gymnasium.
A woman holding a plaque stands next to a smiling man in a gymnasium.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: August 22, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7cc8c55d6a27/slate-valley-district-newsletter-august-22-2025
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter dated August 22, 2025, with the district logo at the top. Below is a colorful “Back to School” graphic with stars, a smiley face, and a backpack. The headline reads “It’s That Time!” followed by a welcome message about the start of the school year, excitement from teachers and staff, and thanks to custodians for preparing clean, safe buildings.