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!
about 9 hours ago, Slate Valley
Five students standing outdoors together on a sunny day in front of a catering setup on a lawn. Three of the students are wearing purple disposable gloves and giving thumbs-up signs to the camera.
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! 🐟
about 10 hours ago, Slate Valley
A young boy wearing a SpongeBob t-shirt smiles while holding a fishing pole next to an adult man with glasses and a beard. The man holds up a small sunfish caught on a line along the bank of a wooded pond.
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.
about 16 hours ago, Ben Worthing
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!
about 19 hours ago, Slate Valley
A "Meet Monday" graphic featuring Abby Wald, FHUMHS Student Support Coordinator.   Header: "Meet Monday: Slate Valley Faculty & Staff"   Photo: Headshot of Abby Wald wearing glasses and smiling.   Details:Current Roles: Student Support Coordinator (FHUMHS) & District Mentor Coach   Years at Slate Valley: 19th school year with the district!   Experience: ELA Teacher, Proficiency-Based Learning Coach, & Fulbright Scholar in South Korea   Fun Fact: Backyard "chicken tender" who loves cozy mysteries & world travel   Favorite Quote: "You must do the things you think you cannot do." — Eleanor Roosevelt   Footer: Slate Valley logo with text reading "Abby Wald, FHUMHS Student Support Coordinator."
🌟 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.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Speaker Brandon Lee White leading Fair Haven faculty and staff members in a Salsa dance on the gymnasium floor.
Students gathered on stage during an assembly in the gymnasium while a projection screen above reads "DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES".
Youth speaker Brandon Lee White holding a microphone and gesturing dynamically while addressing a crowd in the school gym bleachers.
Speaker Brandon Lee White gesturing while interacting with a student on stage wearing an FHU Football shirt.
A student in plaid pants speaking into a microphone on the gym floor as fellow students watch from the bleachers.
A female student wearing a scarf and galaxy leggings speaking into a microphone with Brandon Lee White standing nearby.
A student standing alone on the basketball court speaking into a microphone with classmates listening in the background.
Two students sharing a warm hug on folding chairs during the school presentation.
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!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer announcing the third public meeting for the Slate Valley Elementary Reorganization Study.  Header: "Join Us in Shaping the Future of Our Schools!" featuring the Slate Valley Elementary Reorganization logo.  Introductory Text: Explains that community input is essential to building a strong, equitable future for the district and invites all families, staff, and community members to participate.  Event Details: Stamped with a red "#3" and an "ATTEND VIRTUALLY" banner.  Date: Thursday, October 1st  Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (indicated with a pointed arrow)  Format: Virtual – Join by going to https://bit.ly/SVUElementaryReorg  Meeting Note: Third Public Meeting!  Call to Action: "Weigh in on our future! Your input, questions, and insights are essential to guiding our path forward. Join us and let your voice be heard!"  Footer URL: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
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
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic alert flyer titled "Cybersecurity Incident - New Update - Please Read." Features the Slate Valley logo, a lock symbol, and a red notification bell icon.
🎵 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.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
A group photo of nine student musicians, dressed in black performance attire, standing on the steps of Woodruff Hall. They are smiling at the camera. Woodruff Hall, a brick building with white columns and large wooden doors, is in the background.
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.
8 days ago, Slate Valley
An infographic flyer for a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting, taking place tonight, September 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.  The flyer features the text "Please Join Us TONIGHT" in an arch over a central circular diagram. This diagram shows eight green, stylized, circle-shaped figures in a ring, connected by lines to a central grey circle, which lists the agenda topics for the meeting:  Consent Agenda  FHUHS School Counseling Presentation  District Merger (Act 170) Update  Elementary Reorganization Update  CESA Update  Superintendent Evaluation – Executive Committee  Committee Reports  a) Building & Grounds  b) Policy  To the right of the diagram, the text reads: Slate Valley Unified Union School District, Board Meeting. A green geometric logo with the word VERMONT is visible below this text. The date and location of the meeting are clearly marked at the bottom of the flyer. The overall design uses a clean white background with a dark teal border.
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!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the Slater Field Hockey Youth Clinic on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM.  Top Image: High school field hockey players and a goalie in action near the net during a game.  Header & Event Details: "Slater Field Hockey Youth Clinic — Saturday October 3, 2026 10:00 AM"  Program Info: Announces basic instruction on dribbling, passing, shooting, and game play provided by coaching staff and players for future FHUHS student-athletes.  Eligibility & Registration: Open to students in grades K–8. Register by emailing craig.pettis@svuvt.org by the deadline of Wednesday, September 30th at 4:00 PM.  Bottom Image: A young field hockey player dribbling the ball down the field while defending against an opponent.
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!
13 days ago, Slate Valley
A flyer for the Fair Haven Union High School Open House on September 24, 2026. The evening includes cider and donuts at 5:30 pm, an introduction at 5:45 pm, and a modified class schedule from 6:00-7:00 pm. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be in November. The school's logo features a slater with a hammer and text "FHU SLATERS." The flyer also includes a photo of the school building, a stonework welcome sign, and contact information.
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
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer announcing the second public meeting for the Slate Valley Elementary Reorganization Study.  Header: "Join Us in Shaping the Future of Our Schools!" featuring the Slate Valley Elementary Reorganization logo.  Introductory Text: "As we launch our Elementary School Reorganization Study, community input is essential to building a strong, equitable future for our district. We warmly invite all families, staff and community members to participate in our engagement sessions."  Event Details: Stamped with a red "#2" and a "TONIGHT" banner.  Date: Tuesday, September 22nd  Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM  Location: Castleton Elementary (Second Public Meeting!)  Format: In Person Only  Call to Action: "Weigh in on our future! Your input, questions, and insights are essential to guiding our path forward. Join us and let your voice be heard!"  URL: 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.
14 days ago, Ben Worthing
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
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer announcing the first public meeting for the Slate Valley Elementary Reorganization Study.  Header: "Join Us in Shaping the Future of Our Schools!" featuring the Slate Valley Elementary Reorganization logo.  Introductory Text: "As we launch our Elementary School Reorganization Study, community input is essential to building a strong, equitable future for our district. We warmly invite all families, staff and community members to participate in our engagement sessions."  Event Details: Marked with a red stamp that says "TONIGHT."  Date: Monday, September 21st  Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM  Location: Benson Village School (First Public Meeting!)  Format: In Person Only  Call to Action: "Weigh in on our future! Your input, questions, and insights are essential to guiding our path forward. Join us and let your voice be heard!"  URL: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
District Newsletter: September 18, 2026
Click Link: https://canva.link/9xy4c4tpc1y148g
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified Union School District newsletter banner dated September 18, 2026, featuring logos for district schools including Castleton Elementary, Fair Haven Grade School, Fair Haven Union Middle School, Fair Haven Union High School, Orwell Village School, and Benson Village School.
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!
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Friday Focus graphic honoring Slate Valley’s technology team following the recent cybersecurity incident. Five illustrated superheroes wearing capes are labeled Brandon, Ed, Walter, Jesse and Chris in front of the Slate Valley logo. Text reads, “When Slate Valley faced a recent cybersecurity incident…our technology team didn’t flinch!” The background features circuit lines and lock icons in teal, green and white.
📚 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?
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring vintage textbook covers, including decorated brown paper bag covers, colorful store-bought covers, and a stretchy cloth book cover. Text asks, “Remember when one of the first back-to-school tasks wasn’t logging into a Chromebook—it was covering your textbooks? Did you do this? If yes, how did YOU cover your textbooks?” The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, with “Vintage Book Covers” at the bottom.
Where Are They Now Wednesday:
Keenan Donaldson, Class of 2023

For Fair Haven Union alumnus Keenan Donaldson, finding the right career path started before he even
graduated. A member of the Class of 2023, Keenan took advantage of career and technical education and a
co-op opportunity that helped turn an interest in the trades into a career he enjoys today.

While attending FHU, Keenan enrolled at Stafford Technical Center, where he studied plumbing and electrical.
Through Stafford’s co-op program, he began working every other day with Long Trail Electrical Contractors.
That hands-on experience proved to be an important first step toward his future.

After graduation, Keenan continued working with Long Trail Electrical Contractors and began an electrical
apprenticeship program through Vermont State University Castleton. He has now completed three years of
electrical classes and is beginning his fourth and final year as he works toward earning his journeyman’s
license.

Once he completes his classes, Keenan expects to be eligible to become a journeyman next year. From there,
after two additional years of work experience, his goal is to take the exam to earn his master electrician’s
license.

Looking back on his school years, Keenan remembers two educators who made a particularly meaningful
impact on him.
“First would be Mike Bruce, my homeroom teacher,” Keenan shared. “Just a nice guy. Always good to talk to.”
He also credits Chris Tooley, his plumbing and electrical instructor at Stafford, as someone who helped shape
his experience and career path.

Outside the classroom, Keenan was involved in baseball and bowling at FHU. When part of the Slater's
bowling program, he helped earn two state titles—with his dad also serving as a bowling coach.

Today, Keenan’s hands-on interests extend well beyond his workday. He enjoys ice fishing with his friend
Caleb and spending time helping his parents. In fact, he is currently putting his handyman and carpenter skills
to good use by helping his parents build a house. With the exception of the concrete foundation, the family has
been tackling the work themselves rather than contracting it out.

A favorite quote from his dad seems especially fitting for the career Keenan has chosen:
“If you love the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Keenan says that, for the most part, the saying rings true. Like anyone, he has days when work feels like work,
but he knows the effort is worthwhile and is happy with the career he has chosen.

When asked what advice he would give to today’s Slater students, Keenan offered a simple reminder that
comes from his own experiences:
“Take the time to do things you love. Otherwise, you may miss out.”

From Stafford’s classrooms and a high school co-op placement to an apprenticeship and a career with Long
Trail Electrical Contractors, Keenan’s journey is a great example of how opportunities during high school can
help students discover a path that is right for them.

We are proud to see Keenan continuing to learn, build his skills, and work toward his goals—and we look
forward to seeing where his career takes him next!
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Where Are They Now Wednesday graphic featuring FHUHS Class of 2023 graduate Keenan Donaldson standing beside a work vehicle. Highlights include his plumbing and electrical studies at Stafford Technical Center, co-op experience and current employment with Long Trail Electrical Contractors, pursuit of his journeyman’s and master electrician’s licenses, influential teachers Mike Bruce and Chris Tooley, and two state titles with the Slaters bowling team. His favorite quote is, “If you love the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
✏️ Trivia Tuesday: Back-to-School Edition

As Slate Valley students begin a new school year with freshly sharpened pencils, did you know that Castleton once had its own pencil mill?

In the 1800s, slate pencils used by students for writing on slate tablets were manufactured right here in Castleton!

Question: At its peak, approximately how many slate pencils could the mill produce in a single day?

The slate pencil mill was established along Sucker Brook in 1843, and its pencils were eventually shipped around the world. Today, Pencil Mill Road, named for the mill, along with a historical marker at the intersection of Pencil Mill Road and North Road preserve this unique piece of Castleton—and school—history.

For more information, visit: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=97291

Answer: 100,000 ✏️
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Trivia Tuesday graphic featuring the Slate Valley logo and a question about Castleton’s slate pencil-making history. Text asks: “In the 1800s, slate pencils used by students for writing on slate tablets were manufactured right here in Castleton. At its peak, approximately how many slate pencils could the mill produce in a single day?” Images include antique slate pencils, a student slate tablet, and a historic image labeled “American Slate Pencil Works, Castleton, Vt.”
🚌 Now Hiring School Bus Drivers! 🚌

Bet-Cha Transit is seeking school bus drivers to help safely transport students while making a difference in our local communities.

Pay: $29.50–$31.50 per hour

Benefits include:

✅ Paid training
✅ Family-friendly schedule
✅ Child ride-along program
✅ Extra earning opportunities through charters, field trips, athletic events and shuttles

If you are looking for rewarding, part-time work that supports local students and families, learn more and apply today:

🔗 https://ridesta.com/careers/
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Bet-Cha Transit recruitment graphic featuring a yellow school bus traveling through a Vermont landscape. Text reads: “Now Hiring School Bus Drivers. $29.50–$31.50 per hour.” Benefits include paid training, a family-friendly schedule, a child ride-along program and extra earning opportunities through charters, field trips, athletics, events and shuttles. The graphic concludes, “Make a difference in your community! Apply today.”