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.
🚨 IMPORTANT SOCCER GAME UPDATE 🚨
Calling all fans of varsity girls' soccer! Please be aware that there has been a TIME CHANGE for tonight's game.
⚽ Varsity Girls' Soccer vs. Stratton Mountain
📅 Tonight
🕒 NEW Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM
Good luck lady Slaters!
Calling all fans of varsity girls' soccer! Please be aware that there has been a TIME CHANGE for tonight's game.
⚽ Varsity Girls' Soccer vs. Stratton Mountain
📅 Tonight
🕒 NEW Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM
Good luck lady Slaters!
🍁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!
Submitted by Band Director Samantha Adams: This past weekend at a double header soccer game, our band leadership team led by Courtney Mingo had a successful fundraiser selling grilled cheese and soup! Thanks to all who helped bring us one step closer to our Orlando Music Festival!
Fishing Club is officially underway! 🎣 Dominick landed the first catch of the 2026-27 season last week, kicking off what promises to be a banner year on the water. Congratulations, Dominick! 🐟
FHUMHS students will be practicing a full relocation drill this week. This drill is an opportunity for students to learn where the off-campus relocation area is, as well as an opportunity for the school to practice how we reunite students with their families in the event of a relocation. Please feel free to reach out to the school if you would like to learn more about our safety procedures.
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!
🌟 An Unforgettable Day with Brandon Lee White at FHUMHS! 🌟
Our students, faculty, and staff had an incredible day filled with energy, laughter, and powerful life lessons with youth motivational speaker Brandon Lee White!
The morning assembly kicked off with uplifting messages and plenty of movement—including a high-energy dance through the decades with our students, and a hilarious, surprise Salsa dance featuring our brave faculty and staff upfront! 💃🕺
Brandon challenged our school community to own their Marks, Monsters, and Mosts—embracing who they are, tackling their obstacles, and reaching for their full potential. To wrap up the morning, student volunteers from each grade stepped up to the mic to publicly thank a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on their life. ❤️
Following the assembly, Brandon spent the rest of the day leading intimate, interactive workshops with various student groups across the school.
Thank you, Brandon, for inspiring our Slaters today!
👉 To learn more about Brandon’s message, visit brandonleewhite.com.
Our students, faculty, and staff had an incredible day filled with energy, laughter, and powerful life lessons with youth motivational speaker Brandon Lee White!
The morning assembly kicked off with uplifting messages and plenty of movement—including a high-energy dance through the decades with our students, and a hilarious, surprise Salsa dance featuring our brave faculty and staff upfront! 💃🕺
Brandon challenged our school community to own their Marks, Monsters, and Mosts—embracing who they are, tackling their obstacles, and reaching for their full potential. To wrap up the morning, student volunteers from each grade stepped up to the mic to publicly thank a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on their life. ❤️
Following the assembly, Brandon spent the rest of the day leading intimate, interactive workshops with various student groups across the school.
Thank you, Brandon, for inspiring our Slaters today!
👉 To learn more about Brandon’s message, visit brandonleewhite.com.
VIRTUAL MEETING REMINDER
Our upcoming virtual Elementary Reorganization meeting will take place at 7:00 PM this Thursday, October 1st (not 6:30 PM as previously advertised)! 🕒💻
Your perspective matters! Join us online for our Third Public Meeting to share your thoughts, ask questions, and help guide the future of Slate Valley schools.
📅 When: Thursday, October 1st | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💻 Format: Virtual Meeting
🔗 Join Link: https://bit.ly/SVUElementaryReorg
ℹ️ Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
We look forward to seeing you online and hearing your valuable insights!
Our upcoming virtual Elementary Reorganization meeting will take place at 7:00 PM this Thursday, October 1st (not 6:30 PM as previously advertised)! 🕒💻
Your perspective matters! Join us online for our Third Public Meeting to share your thoughts, ask questions, and help guide the future of Slate Valley schools.
📅 When: Thursday, October 1st | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
💻 Format: Virtual Meeting
🔗 Join Link: https://bit.ly/SVUElementaryReorg
ℹ️ Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
We look forward to seeing you online and hearing your valuable insights!
To the Slate Valley Community,
I am writing to provide another update regarding the ongoing cybersecurity incident that began on September 3, 2026.
Since the incident was first identified, the District has been working closely with cybersecurity professionals, legal counsel, our insurance carrier, and appropriate law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident, secure and restore our systems, and determine the nature and scope of any information that may have been affected. That work remains ongoing.
As part of this incident, the District received a ransom/extortion demand. At its meeting last night, the Slate Valley School Board considered the matter and took formal action to decline payment. The Board approved the following motion:
“I move that the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board decline to authorize payment of any ransom or extortion demand arising from the District’s current cybersecurity incident and authorize the Superintendent, in consultation with the District's legal counsel, cybersecurity professionals, insurance carrier, and appropriate law enforcement agencies, to continue all necessary response, recovery, investigation, notification, and remediation activities related to the incident.”
With this action, our focus remains on the continued response to and recovery from the September 3rd incident. This includes restoring and securing District systems, continuing the forensic investigation, determining the nature and scope of any affected data, completing any required notifications, and taking appropriate steps to strengthen our systems going forward.
We recognize that the length and complexity of this incident have created challenges and questions for our staff, families, and community. Cybersecurity investigations take time, and there are limits on what we can responsibly share while the investigation remains active. We remain committed to communicating accurate information when it becomes available, and when sharing it, we will not compromise the investigation, the security of our systems, or our recovery efforts.
Throughout this process, our schools have continued their most important work, educating and supporting our students. I want to thank our staff for their patience, flexibility, and professionalism as they have continued to serve students while adapting to the disruptions caused by this incident. I also want to thank our families and community for their continued patience and understanding.
We will continue to provide updates as meaningful developments arise.
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent of Schools
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
I am writing to provide another update regarding the ongoing cybersecurity incident that began on September 3, 2026.
Since the incident was first identified, the District has been working closely with cybersecurity professionals, legal counsel, our insurance carrier, and appropriate law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident, secure and restore our systems, and determine the nature and scope of any information that may have been affected. That work remains ongoing.
As part of this incident, the District received a ransom/extortion demand. At its meeting last night, the Slate Valley School Board considered the matter and took formal action to decline payment. The Board approved the following motion:
“I move that the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board decline to authorize payment of any ransom or extortion demand arising from the District’s current cybersecurity incident and authorize the Superintendent, in consultation with the District's legal counsel, cybersecurity professionals, insurance carrier, and appropriate law enforcement agencies, to continue all necessary response, recovery, investigation, notification, and remediation activities related to the incident.”
With this action, our focus remains on the continued response to and recovery from the September 3rd incident. This includes restoring and securing District systems, continuing the forensic investigation, determining the nature and scope of any affected data, completing any required notifications, and taking appropriate steps to strengthen our systems going forward.
We recognize that the length and complexity of this incident have created challenges and questions for our staff, families, and community. Cybersecurity investigations take time, and there are limits on what we can responsibly share while the investigation remains active. We remain committed to communicating accurate information when it becomes available, and when sharing it, we will not compromise the investigation, the security of our systems, or our recovery efforts.
Throughout this process, our schools have continued their most important work, educating and supporting our students. I want to thank our staff for their patience, flexibility, and professionalism as they have continued to serve students while adapting to the disruptions caused by this incident. I also want to thank our families and community for their continued patience and understanding.
We will continue to provide updates as meaningful developments arise.
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent of Schools
Slate Valley Unified Union School District
🎵 A huge round of applause for our talented student musicians! 🎵
This past Friday, 9 of our dedicated students represented us at the 2026 Castleton Honors Festival, standing out among musicians from 14 other schools across New York and Vermont.
They spent the entire day rehearsing with Dr. Joshua Thompson, mastering challenging pieces before putting on an absolutely excellent concert that evening. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
If you see any of these musicians, please congratulate them on a job well done: Ellie Merkel, Abby Young, Libby Rockwell, Avery Audet, Moses Casey-Martin, Andrew Mingo, Henry Young, James Scarpulla, Grady Reinke.
This past Friday, 9 of our dedicated students represented us at the 2026 Castleton Honors Festival, standing out among musicians from 14 other schools across New York and Vermont.
They spent the entire day rehearsing with Dr. Joshua Thompson, mastering challenging pieces before putting on an absolutely excellent concert that evening. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication!
If you see any of these musicians, please congratulate them on a job well done: Ellie Merkel, Abby Young, Libby Rockwell, Avery Audet, Moses Casey-Martin, Andrew Mingo, Henry Young, James Scarpulla, Grady Reinke.
TONIGHT: Board Meeting - September 28, 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/xoc-zrqe-nxc
Or dial: (US) +1 347-363-0354 PIN: 109 715 008#
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/xoc-zrqe-nxc
Or dial: (US) +1 347-363-0354 PIN: 109 715 008#
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.
Calling all K-8 student-athletes! Our High School Slater Field Hockey Program is expanding, and we want to introduce you to the sport we love. We're hosting a Youth Clinic for students K-8 on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
Get basic instruction on the fundamentals from our amazing coaching staff and players in a fun, positive, and supportive environment! To register your child, please email craig.pettis@svuvt.org. The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 30th, at 4:00 PM.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn the basics of field hockey!
Get basic instruction on the fundamentals from our amazing coaching staff and players in a fun, positive, and supportive environment! To register your child, please email craig.pettis@svuvt.org. The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 30th, at 4:00 PM.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn the basics of field hockey!
Join us for our FHUHS Open House this Thursday, September 24! Experience your child's daily routine, meet their teachers, and enjoy cider and donuts. We can't wait to see you there!
Couldn't make it to last night's meeting? Here's a second chance to make your voice heard! 🗣️✨
Join us TONIGHT, Tuesday, September 22nd, for our second public meeting on the Elementary School Reorganization Study. Whether you are a parent, staff member, or community resident, your thoughts and questions are crucial to building a strong, equitable future for our district. Come share your insights and help shape what comes next!
📅 When: Tonight, September 22nd | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Castleton Elementary (In Person Only)
🔗 Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
Join us TONIGHT, Tuesday, September 22nd, for our second public meeting on the Elementary School Reorganization Study. Whether you are a parent, staff member, or community resident, your thoughts and questions are crucial to building a strong, equitable future for our district. Come share your insights and help shape what comes next!
📅 When: Tonight, September 22nd | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Castleton Elementary (In Person Only)
🔗 Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
Over the next week, FHUMHS students will be practicing their first Options-Based drill. If you would like to learn more about our safety protocols, please feel free to contact the school at (802)265-4966.
Your voice matters! Join us TONIGHT, Monday, September 21st, for our first public meeting on the Elementary School Reorganization Study.
Whether you're a family member, staff, or community member, your insights are essential to building a strong, equitable future for Slate Valley schools. Come ask questions, share your thoughts, and help guide our path forward!
📅 When: Tonight, September 21st | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Benson Village School (In Person Only)
🔗 Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
Whether you're a family member, staff, or community member, your insights are essential to building a strong, equitable future for Slate Valley schools. Come ask questions, share your thoughts, and help guide our path forward!
📅 When: Tonight, September 21st | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Benson Village School (In Person Only)
🔗 Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
Friday Focus: Our Technology Team Superheroes!
When Slate Valley faced a recent cybersecurity incident, our technology team didn’t flinch. Chris, Walter, Jesse, Brandon, and Ed worked around the clock—remaining calm, focused and determined—to secure our network and safely restore critical systems.
Thanks to their expertise and tireless efforts, internet service and staff email are returning across the district. All services continue to be carefully evaluated and restored.
This week’s Friday Focus is a heartfelt tribute to our technology superheroes. If you see a member of our tech team, please take a moment to thank them for everything they do for Slate Valley!
When Slate Valley faced a recent cybersecurity incident, our technology team didn’t flinch. Chris, Walter, Jesse, Brandon, and Ed worked around the clock—remaining calm, focused and determined—to secure our network and safely restore critical systems.
Thanks to their expertise and tireless efforts, internet service and staff email are returning across the district. All services continue to be carefully evaluated and restored.
This week’s Friday Focus is a heartfelt tribute to our technology superheroes. If you see a member of our tech team, please take a moment to thank them for everything they do for Slate Valley!
📚 Throwback Thursday: Did You Cover Your Textbooks? 📚
Remember when one of the first back-to-school tasks wasn’t logging into a Chromebook — it was covering your textbooks? ✏️📖
Those books had to last year after year, passing from one class of students to the next, so protecting them was serious business!
Now we want to know… how did YOU cover yours? 👇
🛍️ Did you master the art of turning a brown paper grocery bag into the perfect book cover — then decorate it with doodles, names, and notes throughout the year?
🎨 Did you buy the fancy, colorful covers at the store?
📚 Were you one to use the stretchy cloth book covers?
And who remembers opening a textbook and immediately checking the names written inside the front cover to see who had it before you? Sometimes those books had quite a history!
So, what kind of book cover was part of YOUR school days?
Remember when one of the first back-to-school tasks wasn’t logging into a Chromebook — it was covering your textbooks? ✏️📖
Those books had to last year after year, passing from one class of students to the next, so protecting them was serious business!
Now we want to know… how did YOU cover yours? 👇
🛍️ Did you master the art of turning a brown paper grocery bag into the perfect book cover — then decorate it with doodles, names, and notes throughout the year?
🎨 Did you buy the fancy, colorful covers at the store?
📚 Were you one to use the stretchy cloth book covers?
And who remembers opening a textbook and immediately checking the names written inside the front cover to see who had it before you? Sometimes those books had quite a history!
So, what kind of book cover was part of YOUR school days?
