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?
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!
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!
✏️ 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 ✏️
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 ✏️
🚌 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/
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/
📣 Join us in shaping the future of Slate Valley’s elementary schools!
As we begin our Elementary School Reorganization Study, input from families, staff, and community members will be essential. Please join us at an upcoming engagement session to share your perspective, ask questions, and help guide our district’s direction:
📍 Monday, September 21 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Benson Village School — In person only
📍 Tuesday, September 22 | 8:00–9:00 PM
Castleton Elementary School — In person only
💻 Thursday, October 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Virtual — Link provided closer to the date
We are also seeking community representatives—especially residents of Benson and Castleton—to serve on the Steering Committee. Members will help gather feedback and analyze options throughout the process.
Interested or have questions? Contact Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell at bfarrell@svuvt.org.
Learn more and follow updates:
www.slatevalleyunified.org/page/elementary-reorganization
As we begin our Elementary School Reorganization Study, input from families, staff, and community members will be essential. Please join us at an upcoming engagement session to share your perspective, ask questions, and help guide our district’s direction:
📍 Monday, September 21 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Benson Village School — In person only
📍 Tuesday, September 22 | 8:00–9:00 PM
Castleton Elementary School — In person only
💻 Thursday, October 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Virtual — Link provided closer to the date
We are also seeking community representatives—especially residents of Benson and Castleton—to serve on the Steering Committee. Members will help gather feedback and analyze options throughout the process.
Interested or have questions? Contact Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell at bfarrell@svuvt.org.
Learn more and follow updates:
www.slatevalleyunified.org/page/elementary-reorganization
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: Mr. Tom DeMatties
Our first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2026-27 year takes us to Castleton Elementary School, where we are pleased to feature sixth-grade teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties!
Mr. DeMatties brings many years of experience—and a genuine enthusiasm for working with students—to his classroom. He taught for approximately 19 years at the former Castleton Village School before transitioning to Castleton Elementary School. Earlier in his career, he taught at Champlain Valley Christian School, where he also served as principal. His teaching journey began at Poultney Elementary School and also included five years at the former North Country Christian Academy in Williston.
Through all those years and experiences, one thing has remained constant: Mr. DeMatties truly enjoys teaching.
While the work can certainly leave him tired by the end of the day, each morning brings new energy. He especially enjoys heading outside to greet his sixth graders as they arrive at school, knowing that every day will bring something new.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. DeMatties is rarely sitting still! A fan of winter, he enjoys ice skating, shoveling snow, riding skip-jacks, and just about everything the season has to offer. He also enjoys building and working with his hands. Over the years, he has helped build several houses, a tiny house, and even an apartment for his daughter.
Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday because of its simplicity and the opportunity to appreciate family, faith, and life. Giving back is also important to him. Mr. DeMatties has participated in disaster relief work through Samaritan’s Purse—work that he describes as difficult and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.
More recently, another family tradition has taken root. Mr. DeMatties and his extended family have been making maple syrup together in a newly built sugar house on his father’s property. Each March, the maple trees are waiting, while throughout the rest of the year, plenty of time is spent gathering firewood.
Whether he is teaching sixth graders, lending a hand to others, building something new, or spending time outdoors with his family, Mr. DeMatties lives by a simple philosophy:
“Be good and do good, give it a try.”
Thank you, Mr. DeMatties, for sharing a little more about yourself and for all you bring to the students and community at Castleton Elementary School!
Our first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2026-27 year takes us to Castleton Elementary School, where we are pleased to feature sixth-grade teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties!
Mr. DeMatties brings many years of experience—and a genuine enthusiasm for working with students—to his classroom. He taught for approximately 19 years at the former Castleton Village School before transitioning to Castleton Elementary School. Earlier in his career, he taught at Champlain Valley Christian School, where he also served as principal. His teaching journey began at Poultney Elementary School and also included five years at the former North Country Christian Academy in Williston.
Through all those years and experiences, one thing has remained constant: Mr. DeMatties truly enjoys teaching.
While the work can certainly leave him tired by the end of the day, each morning brings new energy. He especially enjoys heading outside to greet his sixth graders as they arrive at school, knowing that every day will bring something new.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. DeMatties is rarely sitting still! A fan of winter, he enjoys ice skating, shoveling snow, riding skip-jacks, and just about everything the season has to offer. He also enjoys building and working with his hands. Over the years, he has helped build several houses, a tiny house, and even an apartment for his daughter.
Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday because of its simplicity and the opportunity to appreciate family, faith, and life. Giving back is also important to him. Mr. DeMatties has participated in disaster relief work through Samaritan’s Purse—work that he describes as difficult and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.
More recently, another family tradition has taken root. Mr. DeMatties and his extended family have been making maple syrup together in a newly built sugar house on his father’s property. Each March, the maple trees are waiting, while throughout the rest of the year, plenty of time is spent gathering firewood.
Whether he is teaching sixth graders, lending a hand to others, building something new, or spending time outdoors with his family, Mr. DeMatties lives by a simple philosophy:
“Be good and do good, give it a try.”
Thank you, Mr. DeMatties, for sharing a little more about yourself and for all you bring to the students and community at Castleton Elementary School!
Board Meeting - September 14, 2026 -
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wgp-jpnj-fhh
Or dial: (US) +1 573-518-7206 PIN: 441 811 264#
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 Benson Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wgp-jpnj-fhh
Or dial: (US) +1 573-518-7206 PIN: 441 811 264#
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.
District Newsletter: September 11, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/79e04bb012a6/september-11-district-newsletter-13837281
https://mailchi.mp/79e04bb012a6/september-11-district-newsletter-13837281
🏈 TONIGHT: Slater Football LIVE on NSN! 🎙️
Can’t make it to LaPlaca Field for tonight’s game under the lights? You can still catch all the action live!
Please note: Tonight’s game will NOT be on our regular YouTube livestream. Instead, the Slaters vs. Bellows Falls matchup will be streamed live on NSN Sports!
And there’s another reason to tune in—Jack and Dennis will make their broadcast debut, calling the action for the Slaters on NSN! 🎤🏈
🕢 Kickoff: 7:30 PM
📺 Watch live on NSN Sports: https://www.nsnsports.net/sponsors/lovell-farms/?bfplayvid=4413043
Come cheer on the Slaters at LaPlaca Field or join Jack and Dennis from home!
Go Slaters!
Can’t make it to LaPlaca Field for tonight’s game under the lights? You can still catch all the action live!
Please note: Tonight’s game will NOT be on our regular YouTube livestream. Instead, the Slaters vs. Bellows Falls matchup will be streamed live on NSN Sports!
And there’s another reason to tune in—Jack and Dennis will make their broadcast debut, calling the action for the Slaters on NSN! 🎤🏈
🕢 Kickoff: 7:30 PM
📺 Watch live on NSN Sports: https://www.nsnsports.net/sponsors/lovell-farms/?bfplayvid=4413043
Come cheer on the Slaters at LaPlaca Field or join Jack and Dennis from home!
Go Slaters!
