Get ready for fall with 30% off all FHGS hoodies and quarter zips from our school spiritwear store! Free shipping with purchases over $75. Use code FALL30 at checkout!! https://1stplace.sale/98901
2 months ago, Deb Infurna
“FHGS Fall Warm-Up Sale advertisement showing 30% off hoodies and quarter zips. Features gray quarter-zip and navy hoodie with FHGS Falcons logo. Includes promo code FALL30 and website 1stplace.sale/98901.”
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: CES Pre-K Teacher, Ms. Laura Daily

This month we’re excited to highlight Ms. Laura Daily, who is now in her third year at Slate Valley—though she’s no stranger to our district! After working here previously, Laura returned about ten years later, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education.

Before returning to Slate Valley, Laura worked in several roles across the region, including opening the preschool program at Wells Village School and serving in West Rutland School, the Bennington Rutland Supervisory Union, and the Early Childhood Education Department at Bennington College. She’s also worked with HeadStart and as a curriculum coordinator for a private preschool. Laura has been studying and working in education since the 1990s, with her true calling centered around Early Childhood Development and Learning.

When she’s not in the classroom, Laura loves spending time with her family, enjoying nature, gardening, horseback riding, yoga, and taking walks with her dog and three children.

Her favorite quote?
“It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.”

Laura dreams of one day opening her own hands-on learning program that partners closely with families and includes an equine therapy component—an inspiring vision that perfectly reflects her dedication to learning through experience.

Thank you, Ms. Daily, for your passion, creativity, and dedication—and for being such a valuable part of the Slate Valley community!
2 months ago, Slate Valley
Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday graphic featuring Laura Dailey, CES Pre-K Teacher. Text highlights her early childhood education experience, love for hands-on learning, and hobbies like gardening, yoga, horseback riding, and walking her dog. Includes her quote: 'It is what it is, and it will be what you make of it.
Board Meeting Tonight - October 6, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall).
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/sri-euji-itv
Or dial: (US) +1 484-746-4332 PIN: 841 923 393#
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.
2 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads: ‘Please Join Us Tonight.’ On the agenda: Consent Agenda, Board Terms, Coffee & Conversations, Finance Committee Report. Meeting is October 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School Gym (Town Hall). Includes Slate Valley Vermont logo.
October 3, 2025: Slate Valley District Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/fa2659ed6054/district-newsletter-october-3-2025
2 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter, Oct 3, 2025. Headline: Slate Valley Budget Season: Working Together for FY27. Includes letter inviting families and staff into the budget process, with a photo of a rainbow over trees and a Slater Nation sign.
Our 2nd grade mathematicians are working hard in small group instruction and on a post assessment. You are rocking it with grade 2 math!!!
2 months ago, Deb Infurna
Two young students sit at a classroom table, working on worksheets with school supplies spread out in front of them.
A young girl sits at a classroom desk, focused on completing a worksheet with a pencil.
A teacher sits at a round table with four young students in a classroom, engaged in a small group activity.
📢 Please join us for our next 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 going and our hopes moving forward.

All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
2 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo with text announcing next meeting on October 7, 2025, at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room at FHUMHS.
Our morning Falcon News has been up and running, streaming into every classroom each morning. During the month of September, our volunteer guest news reporters were from 5th grade. Our weather reporters, sports reporters and birthday reporters have been doing an amazing job each morning. October will bring volunteer reporters from 3rd grade to the news desk!!
2 months ago, Deb Infurna
A computer screen shows two boys and two women in front of a green screen background with illustrations of jungle animals.
A young boy and girl and two adult women are shown on a video screen. The background is a digital starfield with a silhouette of the Starship Enterprise from Star Trek.
A group of people, including two young girls and two adult women, are shown on a video screen. The background is a repeating pattern of cartoon hamburgers.
A boy wearing a grey shirt sits on a chair. He is in front of a blue screen with a digital overlay that says "FHGS WEATHER" next to an image of a falcon
A computer screen displays two students sitting at a table with two adult women. The background shows an array of colorful Play-Doh containers.
A boy with a baseball cap is shown on a video screen. The screen has an autumn-themed background with a heart cut out of a leaf and the words "Hello Fall."
A girl wearing a pink sweatshirt sits on a chair. She is in front of a blue screen with a digital overlay that says "FHGS WEATHER" next to an image of a falcon
A group of people, including two young girls and two adult women, are sitting at a table in front of a green screen with a coffee-themed background. One of the girls and one of the women are looking at the camera and smiling.
A boy wearing a navy shirt and a dark baseball cap sits on a chair. He is in front of a blue screen with a digital overlay that says "FHGS WEATHER" next to an image of a falcon

Here are some more pictures of our wonderful students being recognized at our Falcon Gathering for their work demonstrating our SOAR (Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, Respect) values!!!! Congratulations FHGS students, keep SOARing!!

3 months ago, Deb Infurna
Three students holding certificates stand with art teacher, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students holding bus award certificates stand with a teacher, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two health class students holding certificates stand with a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Three students holding certificates stand with the librarian, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Three students holding certificates stand with the music teacher, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Three students holding certificates stand with the physical education teacher, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
This morning we held our first Falcon Gathering of the 2025-2026 school year, where we celebrated students who have excelled in demonstrating our core values (Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, Respect) for the month of September. Congratulations to all of the students recognized today!! We are so proud of you all!!!
3 months ago, Deb Infurna
Two students gr 1 holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students gr 4 holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students gr 5 holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students gr. 6 holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students kindergarteners holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students grade 2 holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Two students gr. 3 holding certificates stand with two teachers, a falcon mascot, and a large SOAR sign in a school gymnasium.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 26, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/79359f4019ef/slate-valley-district-newsletter-92625
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley newsletter, Sept 26, 2025: Happy Autumn and message on strong, unified school districts.
Yesterday we had a successful bus safety evacuation drill!

Our students did a wonderful job practicing this important safety procedure. A special thank you goes to our older students and leaders who helped guide and support our younger riders during the drill — a true example of teamwork and caring for one another.

And of course, a big thank you to our dedicated bus drivers for keeping safety at the forefront and guiding our students through the process.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Children exit the back of a yellow school bus during a safety drill, guided by an adult with curly gray hair and a police officer standing nearby.
Young students climb out of the back of a school bus, assisted by two older students, one wearing a pink floral dress.
Children step down from a school bus rear exit while two older students hold their hands for safety.
Students practice exiting a school bus during a drill, with adults and a police officer helping them down.
Children leave the bus one by one, guided by adults standing behind and beside the vehicle.
A police officer and an adult assist a small child stepping out of a school bus during a drill.
A child wearing a blue hoodie is helped off the back of a bus by two adults, one in a coral jumpsuit.
A child in a yellow sweatshirt is helped off the school bus by two adults as classmates wait inside.
We’re excited to kick off the first podcast of the 2025–2026 school year! Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell sat down with Slate Valley Unified’s Board Chair, Julie Finnegan, for an insightful conversation.

In this episode, Julie shares about:
✔️ The responsibilities of the board chair position
✔️ The school board’s goals and aspirations for the year ahead
✔️ The importance of community involvement
✔️ Thoughts on Act 73 and what it could mean for our community

Tune in to hear directly from district leadership as we continue building transparency and connection with our community. 🎧
Watch or Listen to the full Podcast at https://youtu.be/zus4jJvbsb0
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Two women sit across from each other in conversation, both smiling. One wears a white blazer and the other a purple patterned blouse with glasses. They are seated at a table with microphones and a headset in front of them, with a colorful abstract painting and a whiteboard in the background.

Our FHGS spirit wear sale has been extended to September 30th. Visit: 1stplace.sale/98901 to place your order now. All proceeds earned support our school store, which is operated by our students. Thank you for your school spirit and support.

3 months ago, Deb Infurna
“Back-to-school sale flyer for FHGS. Large text announces sale extended to September 30 with 25% off and free shipping. Image shows a smiling woman and girl wearing Falcons logo T-shirts. Website and ordering details listed at the bottom.”
Rainy days call for indoor recess fun, and our kindergartners are loving every minute of it. Much-needed rain, much-needed smiles!
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Young girl with brown hair in a ponytail smiles while sitting at a table, wearing a black dress with colorful designs. She playfully holds a green magnetic block to her ear like an earring.
Young boy with blond hair stands at a desk, smiling proudly beside a colorful marble run toy he has built.
Group of five young boys sit together on a classroom carpet, building and playing with LEGO bricks.
Young boy with short brown hair sits at a round table, working on a colorful board game or activity mat with small pieces.
Two young girls in a classroom crouch on the floor, stretching long connecting sticks across the carpet while building.
☕️💬 Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!

Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.

Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!

When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!

Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley’s “Coffee & Conversation” on Sept. 26, 2025, 9:00–10:30 AM at Orwell Free Library, inviting the community to join board members and administrators for coffee and discussion on the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the school year.
🍎✨ Applefest Success! ✨🍎

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing community for coming out to support this year’s 35th Applefest! Because of you, we raised an incredible $4,377.84!

These funds will go directly into our student activities account, shared with the dedicated staff members who volunteered their time to make Applefest possible. Staff who pitched in will be able to use these funds for special projects, classroom materials, activities, and events that bring extra joy and opportunities to their students.

We’re so grateful for the community’s support—it truly takes a village, and Applefest showed once again what an incredible one we have.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Two boys smile while selling popcorn; one wears an apron and orange cap, the other holds a tray filled with bags of popcorn.
A woman sits above water in a dunk tank, wearing a pink shirt and shorts, waiting for participants to throw a ball at the target.
A woman in a red sweater with white hearts stands behind a table of baked goods wrapped for sale at an outdoor event.
A crowd gathers at a booth where two young women run a spinning prize wheel game on a sunny day.
A man and woman grill hot dogs and sausages at a large barbecue grill during an outdoor community festival.
A young child throws a foam axe at a large inflatable target labeled “Battle Axe” while an adult kneels nearby for guidance.
A man and woman stand behind a table covered with pillowcases painted with apple prints, sold as student artwork at a fair.
A woman sits at a decorated table doing face painting for three children as another adult looks on at an outdoor festival.
Two women smile at an outdoor booth with baskets of colorful toys labeled stress balls, sensory stickers, fidget rings, and stretchy llamas.
Board Meeting - September 22, 2025

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/asz-bujx-ixw
Or dial: (US) +1 218-301-2538 PIN: 630 332 195#
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.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on September 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room. Agenda includes consent agenda, guidance team presentation, Act 73 (H.454) discussion, and committee reports on building & grounds and policy.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 19, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4bee6898ba67/slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-september-19-2025
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter cover dated September 19, 2025, featuring the Slate Valley logo, illustrations of apples, and headline announcing that Fair Haven graduate Emmet MacKay’s nomination earned Mr. Nathan Morris the Yale Educator Award.
There's only one week left to order your FHGS spirit wear during the Back-to-School Sale! Everything is 25% off sitewide through September 23rd! Shop Now!
3 months ago, Deb Infurna
Back-to-school spirit wear sale advertisement for FHGS showing a woman and boy wearing Falcons shirts, with text promoting 25% off and free shipping on orders over $75.
Kindergarteners are exploring letters, numbers, and shapes—having fun with playdough math, cutting shapes, and practicing writing.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
A young girl sits at a table using green Play-Doh on a counting mat.
A young boy works with Play-Doh and a counting mat while seated at a classroom table.
A student uses a marker to trace letters on a worksheet displayed on a bulletin board.
A young boy in a yellow shirt cuts out shapes from paper with scissors at a classroom table.