Join us for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Annual Meeting on the FY27 School Budget 📘

🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.

For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
about 18 hours ago, Slate Valley
Hexagon-shaped graphic announcing the SVUUSD Annual Meeting, with an icon of a presenter speaking to an audience beside a safety helmet symbol. Text reads: “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.”
On Friday, February 13, Slate Valley students proudly represented our district at the Green Mountain Music District V Festival. 🎶 Students from multiple schools participated in chorus, band, and jazz, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented their schools.

Festival Participants were:

Middle School Chorus

Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley

Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell

Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink

High School Band — FHUMHS

Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott

Middle School Jazz

Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla

Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Seven middle school chorus students stand in a row against a hallway wall wearing black concert attire and holding green music folders, posing before a performance.
A large student chorus stands on risers in a school gym while a conductor faces them at a microphone stand; students wear black concert clothing and hold green folders.
Wide view of a combined student chorus on gym risers with a conductor in front and a pianist at a grand piano to the side during a concert performance.
Close-up of a section of the student chorus on risers, dressed in black and singing while reading from green music folders.
Front view of a student chorus performing in a gym as the conductor leads with raised arm and a grand piano sits nearby.
Student percussionist in black concert attire plays a mallet instrument near the gym floor while an audience watches from the bleachers behind.
Winter Carnival Spirit Week is off to a high-energy start! ❄️🎉 Each morning this week begins with a fun spirit game in the gym, and yesterday’s kickoff event had students laughing, and cheering in a balloon challenge.

Congratulations to Maddy Hayes, who took the top spot as our first Spirit Game Champion of the week! 🏆 We can’t wait to see what the rest of Spirit Week brings!
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Three high school students in a gym compete in a spirit game, moving quickly while keeping balloons near their feet as classmates watch from the bleachers.
A small group of students on the gym floor step and pivot around balloons during a Winter Carnival spirit game while spectators look on.
Two students race side by side across the gym floor, each guiding a balloon with their feet during a morning spirit challenge.
Two students laugh and maneuver around balloons at center court while other students sit in the bleachers behind them.
A student wearing a Slaters sweatshirt stands smiling on the gym floor with a balloon at her feet, celebrating after winning the spirit game.
Big hearts made a big impact at the Middle School! ❤️🐾
Through the Hearts for Paws fundraising drive, each TA collected donations for the Rutland County Humane Society—and the results were incredible. In total, students donated 156 items to support local animals in need.

A huge congratulations to Kerry Stevens’ 8th grade TA, who brought in the most donations and earned a special reward: a visit from the Caring Canines of Southern Vermont. Therapy dogs Tony and Cody stopped by to help students kick off their Monday with smiles, calm moments, and plenty of tail wags.

Thank you to Student Voice for organizing this effort and to all of our middle school students and families for their generosity and compassion for animals in our community. 🐶💙
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Group of middle school students and several adults in a classroom posing with two therapy dogs, one large collie-type dog and one small long-haired dog, during a school visit.
Two middle school students sitting in a computer lab smiling and petting two therapy dogs on leashes beside their chairs.
Close-up of three people and a large therapy dog wearing a red Caring Canines vest while students gently pet the dog and smile.
A teacher standing behind a rolling cart filled with donated pet supplies and items, including food cans, paper towels, toys, and a large carrot-shaped scratcher, collected for an animal shelter.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” dated February 13, 2026, with a Presidents Day themed banner showing a patriotic design and an illustration of George Washington. Text states that all Slate Valley schools will be in session on Monday, February 16, 2026 (Presidents Day), and it is a regular school day for students and staff.
Middle School Shenanigans... or is it?
Mr. Merrill’s middle school TA started the day with focus and positivity! 🧘 Students took a few minutes to practice yoga and tai chi together, using mindful movement and breathing to get centered and ready to learn. Building calm, balance, and self-awareness is a great way to set the tone for a successful day. 💙
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Middle school students stand beside their desks in a classroom following their teacher’s lead as they practice a tai chi or yoga pose with arms extended, beginning the day with mindful movement.
A teacher and group of middle school students stand in a circle around desks with hands together at their chests, practicing a quiet breathing or centering exercise in the classroom.
Students in a middle school classroom mirror their teacher’s wide, flowing arm movements during a tai chi or yoga warm-up activity between desks.
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Poster for Slate Valley Unified USD promoting the Lifetime Activities program. The graphic includes the district logo and text listing the towns served, with multiple photos of students participating in activities such as woodworking, hiking, ice skating, ice fishing, martial arts training, treadmill fitness, fishing, cooking, and horseback riding. A central text block explains the history and purpose of the Lifetime Activities program and notes winter and late spring sessions. The poster includes a video link and QR code, the slogan “Our School, Your Future,” and district contact information with website and social media icons.
The Slater Theater Company is at it again! Here's a sneak peek during one of their One-Act Play rehearsals.
8 days ago, Slate Valley
High school students stand at the front of a classroom holding scripts and performing a scene, with desks in the foreground and posters and a bulletin board on the wall behind them.
Group of high school students spread across the front of a classroom rehearsing a scene with printed scripts, as sunlight comes through the windows and classroom desks sit empty in the foreground.
🚨 All Slate Valley Afterschool Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled – Tuesday, February 10, 2026 🌨️

Due to the impending weather, all afterschool activities and athletics are cancelled today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This also includes Boys & Girls Club programs.

Please plan for students to go home at regular dismissal time. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a snowy background and the Slate Valley logo that reads: “Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Canceled. This includes Boys & Girls Club Programs.”
Szabo Breaks Slaters Wrestling All-Time Wins Record

Slater Nation is proud to recognize junior wrestler Anthony Szabo for breaking the school’s all-time record for career victories over the weekend at the Plymouth Invitational in Plymouth, NH. With his first victory of the day, Anthony broke Dylan Lee’s record of 146 wins from 2020.
Congratulations to Anthony and his family on the amazing achievement, and we are excited to see this number climb throughout the remainder of your high school career. Well done Ant! Keep racking up the W’s!
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Student wrestler in a navy Fair Haven singlet stands against a cinderblock wall, smiling and holding up one finger with his right hand while holding his wrestling headgear in his left.
ATTENTION: Tonight’s School Board meeting has been moved to the Orwell Village School library.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School, with the location updated from Town Hall Gym to Library. Agenda items listed include Consent Agenda, Board Reorganization, and Finance Committee Report, with district and Vermont-style logos displayed.
Board Meeting - February 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School – Town Hall/Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fxz-sazi-cds
Or dial: (US) +1 567-234-0136 PIN: 731 443 207#

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.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting with text “Please Join Us Tonight,” agenda highlights (consent agenda, board reorganization, finance committee report), scheduled for February 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Orwell Village School Town Hall/Gym, with district logo and people icons in a circle.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for February 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/1a88fa7ae27d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-262026
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Header graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated February 6, 2026, showing a cartoon groundhog popping out of a snowy burrow with the sun behind it, flanked by two worried-looking cartoon children, with school branding elements in the corners.
💍 Help Us Find a Lost Ring — Please Share 💍

A diamond ring was lost on Tuesday night, February 3 in the hallway outside the gym at Fair Haven Union High School. The ring is extremely sentimental to its owner.

Description:
• Small round diamond
• Six-prong setting
• Yellow gold band

If you happen to find it, please return it to the FHUHS Main Office.

Please help spread the word by sharing this post. Let’s get this special ring back on the finger it has adorned for so long. 🙏
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic of a large gold ring with a diamond and bold text reading “Lost Diamond Ring.” Details state: small round diamond, six-prong setting, yellow gold band, believed dropped in the hallway by the FHUHS gym Tuesday night, February 3rd. Side text says “If found, please return” and “Bring to the FHUHS Main Office,” with “Extremely sentimental!” emphasized at the bottom.
🌟 Friday Focus: Celebrating Our School Board 🌟

Happy Friday, Slate Valley! This month’s Friday Focus is dedicated to a very special group of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. February is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the members of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board.

Our board members are more than just policy-makers; they are dedicated volunteers, parents, and neighbors who invest countless hours to ensure every student in our community has the tools they need to succeed. From navigating complex budgets to championing innovative programs, their leadership keeps our district moving forward.

To our Board Members: Thank you for your time, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. We appreciate everything you do!
13 days ago, Slate Valley
A social media graphic for "Friday Focus." The top section is teal with the text "Friday Focus" and a script overlay "February is School Board Appreciation Month." Below this is a photograph of ten people, the Slate Valley Unified Union School Board, seated around a long table with laptops and papers. Below the photo, the text reads, "We extend heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed members of the Slate Valley Unified Union School Board for their dedication and service to our community's students." To the right is a circular green and white logo for "SLATE VALLEY VERMONT - A UNIFIED FOCUS ON LEARNING" with stylized mountains and a figure. In the bottom left corner, in a script font, are the words "Thank You!"
🏛️✨ Throwback Thursday — Going Back to 2016! ✨🏛️

This week we’re heading back 10 years to 2016 to celebrate an impressive student achievement from Castleton Village School. Students in Ms. White’s 7th–8th grade JUMP enrichment group — a cross-grade period where middle schoolers collaborated on special projects — competed in the 3D Vermont Olympiad, a statewide, project-based learning competition combining local history, research, design, and engineering.

As part of the Olympiad, students researched historic buildings in their town, studied their historical significance, created multimedia reports, and constructed detailed, to-scale 3D models for judging and presentation.

That year, CVS students formed two teams. One group focused on the Federated Church of Castleton, while the other researched the Castleton Medical College Chapel. Both teams performed phenomenally at the state competition, showcasing outstanding research, craftsmanship, and presentation skills. The Medical College Chapel team earned first place statewide — an incredible accomplishment.

Experiences like the 3D Vermont Olympiad highlighted how hands-on, place-based learning helps students connect history, creativity, and problem-solving.

👀 Throwback bonus question: Do you recognize one of our district’s current second grade teachers in this group?

See a video recap of the Olympiad at: https://youtu.be/8lwxrfgUJSI
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic celebrating Castleton Village School’s 2016 3D Vermont State Champions, showing photos of 7th and 8th grade students and advisors at the 3D VT Olympiad with their display table and two detailed scale building models, plus Slate Valley logo and text noting the competition and year.

Where Are They Now Wednesday: Derek Eagan, Class of 2018

This month’s Where Are They Now Wednesday spotlight features Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Derek Eagan, Class of 2018, who has turned his early interest in public safety into a meaningful and fast-paced career in emergency services.

While in High School, Derek pursued training through the Stafford Technical Center Public Safety/Criminal Justice program, building the skills that would launch him into the field. Today, he works full time at Community Health Brandon as a Medical Assistant and also serves per diem with Wallingford Rescue Squad, Brandon Area Rescue Squad, and Regional Ambulance Service. His work keeps him actively engaged in caring for and supporting people across the region when they need it most.

While at FHUHS, Derek was a member of the FHUHS Cadets, an experience that helped shape his career direction and commitment to service. He credits several educators with having a lasting influence on his success, including Mrs. Margret Hayward, Mrs. Sheila Nicholes, and Scott Alkinburgh, whose support and guidance helped him along the way.

Outside of his professional life, Derek stays busy with a wide range of interests. During the summer months, he spends time at Pond Hill Ranch and also enjoys fishing, hiking, and just being outdoors. He values time with family and friends—especially his high school best friend, Adam—and is excited to now be a first-time uncle. He has also developed a passion for photography and recently launched his own business, Derek Eagan Photography.

A quote that continues to motivate him is, “Getting back up is the only back up plan you need,” by Bailey Zimmerman.

His advice to today’s Slate Valley students is simple but heartfelt: Don’t rush your four years. Make friends, and take part in the clubs and sports that interest you.

15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now Wednesday” from Slate Valley featuring FHUHS Class of 2018 alumnus Derek Eagan. Text highlights that he studied Public Safety/Criminal Justice at Stafford Technical Center, works full time in the Rutland Regional Medical Center Emergency Department, serves per diem with local rescue squads, is a former FHUHS Cadet, owns Derek Eagan Photography, and recently became an uncle. The photo shows an adult man standing in front of an ambulance in uniform.
Last night, Senator David Weeks, Representative William Canfield, and Representative Zachary Harvey joined community members at a Community Advisory Council meeting at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School for a forum focused on Act 73.

We appreciate our legislators taking the time to meet with the community, answer questions, and provide thoughtful, detailed explanations about Act 73 and its potential direction and impact on education in Vermont. Their openness and engagement helped make the discussion informative and productive for all who attended.
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Three local legislators speak at a table during a community forum, with a display screen behind them reading “Legislator Perspectives on Act 73” and listing guiding questions.
Community members and local legislators sit around tables in a school library classroom during a public discussion meeting, with a presentation on a screen about Act 73 and participants taking notes.
Belden Adds his Name to Another Banner!

Congratulations to Slater sophomore Cole Belden on becoming the 24th wrestler in Slater history to reach the 100 win mark! On Saturday, January 31st at the Mount Greylock Invitational, Cole ran the table to win the 138lb weight class championship, and to cap off the weekend, he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Congratulations to Cole and his family on this special achievement.

15 days ago, Slate Valley
Smiling high school student standing in a gym hallway holding a tall red-column trophy labeled “Mountie Invite Most Outstanding Wrestler 2026,” wearing a varsity jacket and backpack.
Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know? 📊

All information about Slate Valley’s Proposed FY27 Budget is available in one convenient place on our website. Community members can review the full set of resources, including:

• Proposed FY27 Budget Presentation
• 2025–2026 Annual Report
• Warning for the Annual Meeting
• FY27 Tax Rate Estimates
• Annual Meeting details — February 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

View everything here:
👉 https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget

🗳️ Don’t forget: Please vote on Town Meeting Day — March 3, 2026 by Australian ballot, or vote early using an absentee ballot.

Stay informed and take part in the process!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified School District “Trivia Tuesday” graphic that reads “Did You Know?” and explains that all proposed FY27 budget information — including presentations, reports, and supporting documents — is available on one dedicated website page. Includes images of the FY27 Proposed Budget and 2025–2026 Annual Report covers, a student group photo, a QR code, and the link: slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget.