Slate Valley Summer Happenings
Family, fun, and Vermont adventures made this summer one to remember for Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Allison Irons!
In early July, Ms. Irons hosted a family reunion in Stowe, welcoming nearly 60 relatives from across the country. The weekend was packed with memorable experiences, including visits to the Ben & Jerry's Factory, tours of the Von Trapp Family Lodge, and taking in the colorful sights of the Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival.
The best part of the reunion, however, was simply being together. From sharing family stories and testing everyone's knowledge with trivia to enjoying a sing-along with cake, the weekend was filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer with us, Ms. Irons!
Family, fun, and Vermont adventures made this summer one to remember for Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Allison Irons!
In early July, Ms. Irons hosted a family reunion in Stowe, welcoming nearly 60 relatives from across the country. The weekend was packed with memorable experiences, including visits to the Ben & Jerry's Factory, tours of the Von Trapp Family Lodge, and taking in the colorful sights of the Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival.
The best part of the reunion, however, was simply being together. From sharing family stories and testing everyone's knowledge with trivia to enjoying a sing-along with cake, the weekend was filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer with us, Ms. Irons!
FHUHS July Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/a4j2pq
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🚗📚🐈
Some summer adventures are all about the destination—and for Ms. Monica Alvarez, it was a journey of nearly 1,900 miles to begin an exciting new chapter with Slate Valley!
This summer, Ms. Alvarez, the new school librarian for Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, packed up her car, her U-Haul, and her cats and made the long drive from Texas to Vermont to join the Slate Valley family.
Starting a new job is a big adventure, but moving across the country makes it even more memorable. We are thrilled that Ms. Alvarez chose Slate Valley as her new home and can't wait for our CES and OVS students to get to know her this school year.
Welcome to Vermont, Ms. Alvarez—we're so glad you're here, and we hope your cross-country journey was just the beginning of many wonderful adventures in Slate Valley!
Some summer adventures are all about the destination—and for Ms. Monica Alvarez, it was a journey of nearly 1,900 miles to begin an exciting new chapter with Slate Valley!
This summer, Ms. Alvarez, the new school librarian for Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, packed up her car, her U-Haul, and her cats and made the long drive from Texas to Vermont to join the Slate Valley family.
Starting a new job is a big adventure, but moving across the country makes it even more memorable. We are thrilled that Ms. Alvarez chose Slate Valley as her new home and can't wait for our CES and OVS students to get to know her this school year.
Welcome to Vermont, Ms. Alvarez—we're so glad you're here, and we hope your cross-country journey was just the beginning of many wonderful adventures in Slate Valley!
*REMINDER: EVERY TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH AUGUST 18*
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🌊🏖️
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach! Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant Ms. Madison Belden recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Wells Beach, Maine with her twin sister and friends.
The trip was the perfect opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and make lasting summer memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer adventure with us, Ms. Belden! We hope your beach getaway was filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of time to recharge before another great school year.
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach! Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant Ms. Madison Belden recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Wells Beach, Maine with her twin sister and friends.
The trip was the perfect opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and make lasting summer memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer adventure with us, Ms. Belden! We hope your beach getaway was filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of time to recharge before another great school year.
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🇺🇸🎉⛳
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🏔️🛳️❄️
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🎷🎣🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
☀️ Summer Happenings Kickoff! ☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
*REMINDER: EVERY TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH AUGUST 18*
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 19, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/4fa4cf530e17/final-slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-2025-26-school-year
Submitted by Jeremy VanDerKern: “What’s even the point of going to school the last week?”
Well, in Mr. VanDerKern’s middle school Design classes…students reflected on the year, helped organize the lab, put finishing touches on projects, and participated in a final design challenge.
Some students tried to make a “flinker” which is an object that neither floats nor sinks.
Others students tried to retrieve a key that was dropped down a sewer in an “escape room” challenge.
Well, in Mr. VanDerKern’s middle school Design classes…students reflected on the year, helped organize the lab, put finishing touches on projects, and participated in a final design challenge.
Some students tried to make a “flinker” which is an object that neither floats nor sinks.
Others students tried to retrieve a key that was dropped down a sewer in an “escape room” challenge.
🌻🎉 Congratulations to Diane Roberts on her retirement! 🎉🌻
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
Please join us in congratulating Kelley Schultz on her retirement from Slate Valley Unified Union School District!
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
🎸⚡ From "Why do I need STEM?" to building her own electric guitar!
Earlier this year, this student wasn't interested in participating in Design class and was convinced STEM didn't matter because she had no plans of becoming an engineer. Then something unexpected happened—her electric guitar broke.
Using the Vermont Young Inventors guidebook as the foundation for an independent study, she set out to learn the design process, problem-solving skills, and craftsmanship needed to create a solution. This week, she completed an incredible project: building her very own electric guitar from the ground up!
This project is a great reminder that STEM isn't just about becoming an engineer—it's about creativity, innovation, perseverance, and using knowledge to solve real-world problems. We couldn't be more impressed with her dedication and accomplishment.
Earlier this year, this student wasn't interested in participating in Design class and was convinced STEM didn't matter because she had no plans of becoming an engineer. Then something unexpected happened—her electric guitar broke.
Using the Vermont Young Inventors guidebook as the foundation for an independent study, she set out to learn the design process, problem-solving skills, and craftsmanship needed to create a solution. This week, she completed an incredible project: building her very own electric guitar from the ground up!
This project is a great reminder that STEM isn't just about becoming an engineer—it's about creativity, innovation, perseverance, and using knowledge to solve real-world problems. We couldn't be more impressed with her dedication and accomplishment.
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🌸🎉 Congratulations, Joann Higgins, on Your Retirement! 🎉🌸
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
🎉Congratulations, Fair Haven Union Middle School Class of 2026! 🎉
Last evening, families, friends, and staff gathered under the tent at Fair Haven Union Middle School to celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and memories of the eighth-grade class as they prepare for their next chapter.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from Middle School Principal Jen Paquette, who reflected on the many achievements and experiences that have shaped this remarkable group of students. One of the most meaningful traditions of the night followed, as each TA teacher shared personalized sentiments about every student, highlighting the unique qualities, accomplishments, and contributions that have made this class special.
The celebration concluded with a student-created slideshow that offered a heartfelt look at each member of the class. Every student designed a slide featuring a baby photo and a current photo, along with a favorite quote and a personal goal for the future, giving families and friends a glimpse into both how far they have come and where they hope to go next.
The evening wrapped up with remarks from High School Principal Ben Worthing, who officially welcomed the rising ninth graders to Fair Haven Union High School and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Congratulations to the Fair Haven Union Middle School Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing the incredible things you will achieve in the years ahead. 💙🤍
Last evening, families, friends, and staff gathered under the tent at Fair Haven Union Middle School to celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and memories of the eighth-grade class as they prepare for their next chapter.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from Middle School Principal Jen Paquette, who reflected on the many achievements and experiences that have shaped this remarkable group of students. One of the most meaningful traditions of the night followed, as each TA teacher shared personalized sentiments about every student, highlighting the unique qualities, accomplishments, and contributions that have made this class special.
The celebration concluded with a student-created slideshow that offered a heartfelt look at each member of the class. Every student designed a slide featuring a baby photo and a current photo, along with a favorite quote and a personal goal for the future, giving families and friends a glimpse into both how far they have come and where they hope to go next.
The evening wrapped up with remarks from High School Principal Ben Worthing, who officially welcomed the rising ninth graders to Fair Haven Union High School and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
Congratulations to the Fair Haven Union Middle School Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing the incredible things you will achieve in the years ahead. 💙🤍
🔧🎉 Congratulations, Tony Greene, on Your Retirement! 🎉🔧
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
