
✨ Middle School Open House Success! ✨
Thank you to all the families who joined us last night—your support means so much! 💙
📊 Attendance was fantastic:
✔️ 92% of 7th grade families
✔️ 68% of 8th grade families
We’re so excited to welcome our students back:
7th graders only – Tomorrow, August 27
7th & 8th graders – Thursday, August 28
It’s going to be an amazing year!
Thank you to all the families who joined us last night—your support means so much! 💙
📊 Attendance was fantastic:
✔️ 92% of 7th grade families
✔️ 68% of 8th grade families
We’re so excited to welcome our students back:
7th graders only – Tomorrow, August 27
7th & 8th graders – Thursday, August 28
It’s going to be an amazing year!



Please join us in welcoming our new faculty and staff to Slater Nation!







🎶✨ “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==
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==


🎨✨ 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. 💙
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. 💙











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. 💙











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!
🏆 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!




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
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






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
👏 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







Slate Valley District Newsletter: August 22, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7cc8c55d6a27/slate-valley-district-newsletter-august-22-2025
https://mailchi.mp/7cc8c55d6a27/slate-valley-district-newsletter-august-22-2025


🎉✨ Slate Valley is officially back in action! Today marked our Opening Inservice Day with all district faculty and staff filling the high school gym.
The morning was packed with energy — we welcomed new employees, celebrated award recipients, and capped it all off with a special district-wide art project (can’t wait to share more about that soon!).
In the afternoon, teams headed to their buildings for meetings and collaboration to kick off the year strong.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting year — stay tuned for more updates! 💙💚
The morning was packed with energy — we welcomed new employees, celebrated award recipients, and capped it all off with a special district-wide art project (can’t wait to share more about that soon!).
In the afternoon, teams headed to their buildings for meetings and collaboration to kick off the year strong.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting year — stay tuned for more updates! 💙💚


Today was Slate Valley's 2025-2026 Fall Special Education Training at Castleton Elementary School.
The district's Special Education staff attended this full-day session which included updates on district initiatives, resources for special educators, Medicaid program changes, mentoring supports, and strategies to improve outcomes for all learners. Educators also explored high-leverage math practices with Glenn Patterson from the VT Agency of Education.
It was a wonderful day of learning and collaboration!



🎒✨ FHUMS Open House! ✨🎒
📅 Monday, August 25th
🕠 5:30–6:30 PM
➡️ Pick up supply lists, forms, and 2025–26 schedules
➡️ Find your locker & tour the middle school
➡️ Meet your teachers & visit classrooms
💡 Middle school only — high school Open House will be in September!
We can’t wait to see you there! 💙
📅 Monday, August 25th
🕠 5:30–6:30 PM
➡️ Pick up supply lists, forms, and 2025–26 schedules
➡️ Find your locker & tour the middle school
➡️ Meet your teachers & visit classrooms
💡 Middle school only — high school Open House will be in September!
We can’t wait to see you there! 💙


Slate Valley Kicks Off the Year with their New Teacher Orientation!
The day began with refreshments, a warm welcome from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell, and introductions to our five schools. Presenters from the Business Office, Educators’ Association, Special Education, Mentoring, MTSS, and more provided key overviews and resources to support our new team members. Teachers also had time for tech setup, curriculum deep-dives, and connecting with mentors over lunch.
We are excited to welcome these new educators to our Slate Valley community and wish them a great start to the school year! 💙🍎
The day began with refreshments, a warm welcome from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell, and introductions to our five schools. Presenters from the Business Office, Educators’ Association, Special Education, Mentoring, MTSS, and more provided key overviews and resources to support our new team members. Teachers also had time for tech setup, curriculum deep-dives, and connecting with mentors over lunch.
We are excited to welcome these new educators to our Slate Valley community and wish them a great start to the school year! 💙🍎











Important Update: Driver’s Education Program for 2025-2026
We’re excited to share an important update about our Driver’s Education program for the upcoming school year. Due to the recent retirement of our Driver’s Education teacher and a statewide shortage of licensed instructors, we will be transitioning to a subcontracted model with Mad River Driving School beginning this fall. While this change was born out of necessity, we’re confident it will help students move through the program more efficiently while still meeting all DMV requirements.
Here’s what you can expect:
Driving & Observation Hours (DMV Requirements):
Mad River Driving will come directly to campus to provide the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and 6 hours of observation.
Lecture Portion (Outside of School Hours):
1 in-person session (2 hours) per week at school
2 virtual sessions (2 hours each) per week
The DMV requires 30 hours of classroom instruction, which will be completed outside of regular school hours.
Course Length:
The full program will now be completed in 6 weeks, helping students earn their completion certificate faster.
Session Availability:
We plan to offer Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions so that all students scheduled for Driver’s Education this year will have the opportunity to participate (and complete their program sooner than they would have under the older system).
We are still finalizing the student schedules for each session. We will be in touch with all families soon to confirm exactly when your student will participate in the program. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we coordinate this transition.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s School Counselor:
For grades 9 and 11 - Kaycee Eastman at keastman@svuvt.org
For grades 10 and 12 - David Gale at dgale@svuvt.org
Thank you for your support as we work to provide a smooth, efficient path for your student to complete their Driver’s Education requirements.
We’re excited to share an important update about our Driver’s Education program for the upcoming school year. Due to the recent retirement of our Driver’s Education teacher and a statewide shortage of licensed instructors, we will be transitioning to a subcontracted model with Mad River Driving School beginning this fall. While this change was born out of necessity, we’re confident it will help students move through the program more efficiently while still meeting all DMV requirements.
Here’s what you can expect:
Driving & Observation Hours (DMV Requirements):
Mad River Driving will come directly to campus to provide the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and 6 hours of observation.
Lecture Portion (Outside of School Hours):
1 in-person session (2 hours) per week at school
2 virtual sessions (2 hours each) per week
The DMV requires 30 hours of classroom instruction, which will be completed outside of regular school hours.
Course Length:
The full program will now be completed in 6 weeks, helping students earn their completion certificate faster.
Session Availability:
We plan to offer Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions so that all students scheduled for Driver’s Education this year will have the opportunity to participate (and complete their program sooner than they would have under the older system).
We are still finalizing the student schedules for each session. We will be in touch with all families soon to confirm exactly when your student will participate in the program. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we coordinate this transition.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s School Counselor:
For grades 9 and 11 - Kaycee Eastman at keastman@svuvt.org
For grades 10 and 12 - David Gale at dgale@svuvt.org
Thank you for your support as we work to provide a smooth, efficient path for your student to complete their Driver’s Education requirements.


Board Meeting - August 18, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Benson Village School Gymnasium
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bjs-uebx-www
Or dial: (US) +1 240-257-5095 PIN: 164 478 606#
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. at the Benson Village School Gymnasium
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bjs-uebx-www
Or dial: (US) +1 240-257-5095 PIN: 164 478 606#
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.


Grades 7 - 12 Fall Sports Kick Off
Wednesday August 20 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
Booster Club Sponsored
*Healthy Grab & Go snacks and water provided by the booster club in the cafeteria at 6pm.
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6:15
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Kick Off
Thursday August 28 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6 pm
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families.
*First Practice for 5/6 Soccer teams will be Tuesday September 2nd
*Soccer Practices will be held at 4 pm at Fair Haven Grade School
Wednesday August 20 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
Booster Club Sponsored
*Healthy Grab & Go snacks and water provided by the booster club in the cafeteria at 6pm.
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6:15
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Kick Off
Thursday August 28 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6 pm
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families.
*First Practice for 5/6 Soccer teams will be Tuesday September 2nd
*Soccer Practices will be held at 4 pm at Fair Haven Grade School


🌟 Join the Slate Valley Team! 🌟
Do you have a passion for helping students succeed? Slate Valley Unified Union School District (SVUUSD) is seeking Instructional Assistants to support students with behavioral and academic challenges in a variety of learning environments at the elementary, middle, and high school level.
As an Instructional Assistant, you’ll:
✅ Work side-by-side with teachers to support student learning
✅ Provide one-on-one or small group assistance
✅ Help create a positive and engaging classroom environment
✅ Make a real impact every single day
Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree or 48+ college credits
A caring, patient, and encouraging attitude
Strong communication and teamwork skills
A commitment to helping all students thrive
📅 Apply today and help us inspire the next generation!
🔗 https://slatevalley.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5128030
Do you have a passion for helping students succeed? Slate Valley Unified Union School District (SVUUSD) is seeking Instructional Assistants to support students with behavioral and academic challenges in a variety of learning environments at the elementary, middle, and high school level.
As an Instructional Assistant, you’ll:
✅ Work side-by-side with teachers to support student learning
✅ Provide one-on-one or small group assistance
✅ Help create a positive and engaging classroom environment
✅ Make a real impact every single day
Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree or 48+ college credits
A caring, patient, and encouraging attitude
Strong communication and teamwork skills
A commitment to helping all students thrive
📅 Apply today and help us inspire the next generation!
🔗 https://slatevalley.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5128030


Final Update: Here is the revised high school cross country schedule, reflecting changes from the version posted yesterday. Apologies for any confusion!


Submitted and written by Hillery Allen:
Our very own Lisa Cacciatore has once again shown her incredible talent and generous heart — this time in a way that’s helping wild mustangs and burros in need. Lisa designed a beautiful t-shirt for a rescue organization called SkyDog with locations in Bend, Oregon and Malibu, California. Out of numerous amazing entries, her design was chosen unanimously as the winner!
As part of her prize, Lisa will be flying out to visit the sanctuary — a place that holds a very special place in her heart. Proceeds from the shirt sales are going directly to support the rescue, and Lisa’s design has already helped raise valuable funds for their work.
By day, Lisa is Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s Communications Coordinator, ensuring every important moment is captured and shared. By every other minute of the day, she’s an animal lover through and through. At home, she’s surrounded by her four dogs, a variety of wild animals roaming her property, and any creature lucky enough to cross her path.
Lisa’s winning shirt is not just visually striking — it’s full of heart and meaning. Have you noticed the hidden detail? Look closely, and you might spot a horse in the clouds.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa — not only for her artistic talent and dedication to animals, but also for the care, creativity, and heart she pours into everything she does for our district.
Our very own Lisa Cacciatore has once again shown her incredible talent and generous heart — this time in a way that’s helping wild mustangs and burros in need. Lisa designed a beautiful t-shirt for a rescue organization called SkyDog with locations in Bend, Oregon and Malibu, California. Out of numerous amazing entries, her design was chosen unanimously as the winner!
As part of her prize, Lisa will be flying out to visit the sanctuary — a place that holds a very special place in her heart. Proceeds from the shirt sales are going directly to support the rescue, and Lisa’s design has already helped raise valuable funds for their work.
By day, Lisa is Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s Communications Coordinator, ensuring every important moment is captured and shared. By every other minute of the day, she’s an animal lover through and through. At home, she’s surrounded by her four dogs, a variety of wild animals roaming her property, and any creature lucky enough to cross her path.
Lisa’s winning shirt is not just visually striking — it’s full of heart and meaning. Have you noticed the hidden detail? Look closely, and you might spot a horse in the clouds.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa — not only for her artistic talent and dedication to animals, but also for the care, creativity, and heart she pours into everything she does for our district.
