⚡️Congratulations to Shelby Phillips!⚡️
Shelby is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉
She’s won 5 Sol de Luna Yoga Studio classes ($60 value) — what an awesome prize! 🧘♀️✨
Way to go, Shelby! Keep an eye out for our next raffle winner announcement — 24 more prize announcements are on the way! 💙
Shelby is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉
She’s won 5 Sol de Luna Yoga Studio classes ($60 value) — what an awesome prize! 🧘♀️✨
Way to go, Shelby! Keep an eye out for our next raffle winner announcement — 24 more prize announcements are on the way! 💙
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧
In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.
This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0
🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.
This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0
🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
Throwback Thursday: We’re heading back to 2002, when Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village School students — from kindergarten through 8th grade — took part in creating Capstone Learning Projects!
Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.
Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.
Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
🎉 Congratulations to Tom DeMatties! 🎉
Tom is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 5th! 🏆
He’s taking home a $25 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, generously donated by A+ Child Care LLC. ☕🍩
Way to go, Tom! Keep an eye out for more winners throughout the month! 💙⚡
Tom is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 5th! 🏆
He’s taking home a $25 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, generously donated by A+ Child Care LLC. ☕🍩
Way to go, Tom! Keep an eye out for more winners throughout the month! 💙⚡
Over the next week, FHUMHS will conduct an Options-Based Safety Drill. This drill helps students and staff practice how to respond safely and effectively in the event of an emergency at school. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Elizabeth Kyhill, Class of 1999
This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.
After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.
When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”
While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.
Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”
Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”
Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.
Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.
After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.
When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”
While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.
Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”
Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”
Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.
Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
🎉 Congratulations to Emily O’Rourke! 🎉
Emily is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 4th! ⚡
She’s taking home:
💳 $25 Gift Card for Durfee’s
💳 $50 Gift Card for The Wheel Inn
Way to go, Emily and thank you for supporting FHUMS! 👏
Keep an eye out for our next raffle drawing — more winners coming soon! 🎟️✨
Emily is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 4th! ⚡
She’s taking home:
💳 $25 Gift Card for Durfee’s
💳 $50 Gift Card for The Wheel Inn
Way to go, Emily and thank you for supporting FHUMS! 👏
Keep an eye out for our next raffle drawing — more winners coming soon! 🎟️✨
Trivia Tuesday: 💡Did You Know?
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
Hello Slate Valley Families,
We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.
If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!
📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068
🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/
No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.
If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!
📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068
🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/
No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
Congratulations to our Slater Football team on their quarterfinal win over U-32 this past weekend! The Slaters are moving on to the Division II Semifinal and will travel to take on #1 seed Hartford this Friday, November 7th at 7:00 PM.
🎟️ Admission (VPA Rates):
$10 per adult | $5 for students & senior citizens
Purchase tickets online here: https://gofan.co/event/5241042?schoolId=VT15089
📺 Livestream:
Hartford anticipates the game will be available on the NFHS Network — we’ll share details once confirmed.
🚫 Reminder: No pets or artificial noisemakers are permitted.
Let’s show our Slater Pride and cheer on the team as they fight for a spot in the D2 Championship! 💙🏈🔥
🎟️ Admission (VPA Rates):
$10 per adult | $5 for students & senior citizens
Purchase tickets online here: https://gofan.co/event/5241042?schoolId=VT15089
📺 Livestream:
Hartford anticipates the game will be available on the NFHS Network — we’ll share details once confirmed.
🚫 Reminder: No pets or artificial noisemakers are permitted.
Let’s show our Slater Pride and cheer on the team as they fight for a spot in the D2 Championship! 💙🏈🔥
🎉 Spirit Week Results Are In! 🎉
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s Spirit Week, sponsored by Student Voice! The energy, creativity, and school spirit were incredible — and it was a very close race between several TAs!
🏆 1st Place: Stevens TA — 89 points
🥈 2nd Place: Chang/Gram TA — 87 points
🥉 3rd Place (tie): Alexander TA & Van Der Kern TA — 74 points
The Stevens TA took home the top spot (and the door decorating contest win!) thanks to their outstanding participation and creativity. Their prize? 🍩 Donuts and 🧃 juice during TA!
Great job to everyone who showed their Slater spirit — and congrats again to our winners! 💙
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s Spirit Week, sponsored by Student Voice! The energy, creativity, and school spirit were incredible — and it was a very close race between several TAs!
🏆 1st Place: Stevens TA — 89 points
🥈 2nd Place: Chang/Gram TA — 87 points
🥉 3rd Place (tie): Alexander TA & Van Der Kern TA — 74 points
The Stevens TA took home the top spot (and the door decorating contest win!) thanks to their outstanding participation and creativity. Their prize? 🍩 Donuts and 🧃 juice during TA!
Great job to everyone who showed their Slater spirit — and congrats again to our winners! 💙
🎶 Support the Slater Music Program! 🎭
The FHU Music Department has two great ways for you to show your Slater spirit and support the upcoming band trip!
🎺 1️⃣ The Online Slater Music Store is OPEN!
Grab your music-themed gear and show your support — all proceeds help fund the band’s trip!
🛍️ Shop here: https://fhmusic.itemorder.com/shop/home/
🍝 2️⃣ Dinner Theater — Friday, November 14th
Join us for a spaghetti dinner (5:00–6:45 PM) followed by the Slater Theater’s performance of “Murder Ahoy” at 7:00 PM!
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per person or $30 for a group of four
All proceeds benefit the FHU Band Trip!
Come for the food, stay for the show, and help our talented student musicians reach their goal! 💙🎶
The FHU Music Department has two great ways for you to show your Slater spirit and support the upcoming band trip!
🎺 1️⃣ The Online Slater Music Store is OPEN!
Grab your music-themed gear and show your support — all proceeds help fund the band’s trip!
🛍️ Shop here: https://fhmusic.itemorder.com/shop/home/
🍝 2️⃣ Dinner Theater — Friday, November 14th
Join us for a spaghetti dinner (5:00–6:45 PM) followed by the Slater Theater’s performance of “Murder Ahoy” at 7:00 PM!
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per person or $30 for a group of four
All proceeds benefit the FHU Band Trip!
Come for the food, stay for the show, and help our talented student musicians reach their goal! 💙🎶
🎉 Congratulations, Beth Molinero! 🎉
Beth is the third winner in our Middle School Gift Card Raffle for the month of November! 🏆
She’s taking home a $40 gift card to Avanti Hair Salon 💇♀️💅 — enjoy a little pampering, Beth, you’ve earned it!
Keep up the excitement, everyone — more raffles and prizes are coming soon! 🎟️✨
Beth is the third winner in our Middle School Gift Card Raffle for the month of November! 🏆
She’s taking home a $40 gift card to Avanti Hair Salon 💇♀️💅 — enjoy a little pampering, Beth, you’ve earned it!
Keep up the excitement, everyone — more raffles and prizes are coming soon! 🎟️✨
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday featuring Ellenor Cox-Hansen
This week, we’re excited to introduce Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School! Ellenor joined Slate Valley in July 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in SVSU (Bennington) and BRSU (Manchester).
Outside of school, Ellenor enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading, finding joy and creativity in each of these hobbies. Her favorite quote, by Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects her compassionate and mindful approach to both life and education:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
We’re so happy to have Ellenor as part of Slate Valley and the Fair Haven Grade School team—her dedication, warmth, and wisdom are already making a wonderful impact!
This week, we’re excited to introduce Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School! Ellenor joined Slate Valley in July 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in SVSU (Bennington) and BRSU (Manchester).
Outside of school, Ellenor enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading, finding joy and creativity in each of these hobbies. Her favorite quote, by Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects her compassionate and mindful approach to both life and education:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
We’re so happy to have Ellenor as part of Slate Valley and the Fair Haven Grade School team—her dedication, warmth, and wisdom are already making a wonderful impact!
Board Meeting - TONIGHT - November 3, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xwq-bbuo-ytt
Or dial: (US) +1 321-765-3491 PIN: 771 020 254
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. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xwq-bbuo-ytt
Or dial: (US) +1 321-765-3491 PIN: 771 020 254
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.
🎉 Congratulations to Samuel St. Peter, our second Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November! 🎉
Samuel has won a $40 Gift Card to The Home Depot 🙌
Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s raffle — there are still 28 more chances to win! Stay tuned for our next winner to be announced! 💙✨
Samuel has won a $40 Gift Card to The Home Depot 🙌
Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s raffle — there are still 28 more chances to win! Stay tuned for our next winner to be announced! 💙✨
🎉 Congratulations to our first Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November! 🎉
We’re excited to announce that Brenda Dunlap has won a $25 gift card to C-Rock Nutrition 🥤 plus a sleek new tumbler to enjoy those delicious drinks on the go — a $50 value all together! 🙌
Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s raffle — and don’t worry, there are still 29 more chances to win! Stay tuned for our next winner to be announced! 💙✨
We’re excited to announce that Brenda Dunlap has won a $25 gift card to C-Rock Nutrition 🥤 plus a sleek new tumbler to enjoy those delicious drinks on the go — a $50 value all together! 🙌
Thank you to everyone who participated in this month’s raffle — and don’t worry, there are still 29 more chances to win! Stay tuned for our next winner to be announced! 💙✨
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 31, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter
INFORMATION CONCERNING TOMORROW'S FOOTBALL GAME:
Fair Haven @ U 32 Football Game Information
There will NOT be a charge for admission to the game.
The game will be live video-streamed on the NFHS network.
Please remind fans, NO DOGS are allowed on campus. Leave them home.
Instead of our normal concession stand, there will be a food truck to support the event. Their menu is attached.
Menu
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eecemTsj8RJZhUUa05rBc5XUKPa_vegB/view?usp=sharing