Important Update: Driver’s Education Program for 2025-2026
We’re excited to share an important update about our Driver’s Education program for the upcoming school year. Due to the recent retirement of our Driver’s Education teacher and a statewide shortage of licensed instructors, we will be transitioning to a subcontracted model with Mad River Driving School beginning this fall. While this change was born out of necessity, we’re confident it will help students move through the program more efficiently while still meeting all DMV requirements.
Here’s what you can expect:
Driving & Observation Hours (DMV Requirements):
Mad River Driving will come directly to campus to provide the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and 6 hours of observation.
Lecture Portion (Outside of School Hours):
1 in-person session (2 hours) per week at school
2 virtual sessions (2 hours each) per week
The DMV requires 30 hours of classroom instruction, which will be completed outside of regular school hours.
Course Length:
The full program will now be completed in 6 weeks, helping students earn their completion certificate faster.
Session Availability:
We plan to offer Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions so that all students scheduled for Driver’s Education this year will have the opportunity to participate (and complete their program sooner than they would have under the older system).
We are still finalizing the student schedules for each session. We will be in touch with all families soon to confirm exactly when your student will participate in the program. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we coordinate this transition.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s School Counselor:
For grades 9 and 11 - Kaycee Eastman at keastman@svuvt.org
For grades 10 and 12 - David Gale at dgale@svuvt.org
Thank you for your support as we work to provide a smooth, efficient path for your student to complete their Driver’s Education requirements.
We’re excited to share an important update about our Driver’s Education program for the upcoming school year. Due to the recent retirement of our Driver’s Education teacher and a statewide shortage of licensed instructors, we will be transitioning to a subcontracted model with Mad River Driving School beginning this fall. While this change was born out of necessity, we’re confident it will help students move through the program more efficiently while still meeting all DMV requirements.
Here’s what you can expect:
Driving & Observation Hours (DMV Requirements):
Mad River Driving will come directly to campus to provide the required 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and 6 hours of observation.
Lecture Portion (Outside of School Hours):
1 in-person session (2 hours) per week at school
2 virtual sessions (2 hours each) per week
The DMV requires 30 hours of classroom instruction, which will be completed outside of regular school hours.
Course Length:
The full program will now be completed in 6 weeks, helping students earn their completion certificate faster.
Session Availability:
We plan to offer Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions so that all students scheduled for Driver’s Education this year will have the opportunity to participate (and complete their program sooner than they would have under the older system).
We are still finalizing the student schedules for each session. We will be in touch with all families soon to confirm exactly when your student will participate in the program. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we coordinate this transition.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s School Counselor:
For grades 9 and 11 - Kaycee Eastman at keastman@svuvt.org
For grades 10 and 12 - David Gale at dgale@svuvt.org
Thank you for your support as we work to provide a smooth, efficient path for your student to complete their Driver’s Education requirements.
Board Meeting - August 18, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Benson Village School Gymnasium
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bjs-uebx-www
Or dial: (US) +1 240-257-5095 PIN: 164 478 606#
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 Benson Village School Gymnasium
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/bjs-uebx-www
Or dial: (US) +1 240-257-5095 PIN: 164 478 606#
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.
Grades 7 - 12 Fall Sports Kick Off
Wednesday August 20 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
Booster Club Sponsored
*Healthy Grab & Go snacks and water provided by the booster club in the cafeteria at 6pm.
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6:15
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Kick Off
Thursday August 28 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6 pm
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families.
*First Practice for 5/6 Soccer teams will be Tuesday September 2nd
*Soccer Practices will be held at 4 pm at Fair Haven Grade School
Wednesday August 20 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
Booster Club Sponsored
*Healthy Grab & Go snacks and water provided by the booster club in the cafeteria at 6pm.
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6:15
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Kick Off
Thursday August 28 @ 6 pm at FHUMHS
*Informational Meeting in the gym @ 6 pm
*Athletics Overview, followed by Team Info meeting with families.
*First Practice for 5/6 Soccer teams will be Tuesday September 2nd
*Soccer Practices will be held at 4 pm at Fair Haven Grade School
🌟 Join the Slate Valley Team! 🌟
Do you have a passion for helping students succeed? Slate Valley Unified Union School District (SVUUSD) is seeking Instructional Assistants to support students with behavioral and academic challenges in a variety of learning environments at the elementary, middle, and high school level.
As an Instructional Assistant, you’ll:
✅ Work side-by-side with teachers to support student learning
✅ Provide one-on-one or small group assistance
✅ Help create a positive and engaging classroom environment
✅ Make a real impact every single day
Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree or 48+ college credits
A caring, patient, and encouraging attitude
Strong communication and teamwork skills
A commitment to helping all students thrive
📅 Apply today and help us inspire the next generation!
🔗 https://slatevalley.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5128030
Do you have a passion for helping students succeed? Slate Valley Unified Union School District (SVUUSD) is seeking Instructional Assistants to support students with behavioral and academic challenges in a variety of learning environments at the elementary, middle, and high school level.
As an Instructional Assistant, you’ll:
✅ Work side-by-side with teachers to support student learning
✅ Provide one-on-one or small group assistance
✅ Help create a positive and engaging classroom environment
✅ Make a real impact every single day
Qualifications:
Associate’s Degree or 48+ college credits
A caring, patient, and encouraging attitude
Strong communication and teamwork skills
A commitment to helping all students thrive
📅 Apply today and help us inspire the next generation!
🔗 https://slatevalley.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5128030
Final Update: Here is the revised high school cross country schedule, reflecting changes from the version posted yesterday. Apologies for any confusion!
Submitted and written by Hillery Allen:
Our very own Lisa Cacciatore has once again shown her incredible talent and generous heart — this time in a way that’s helping wild mustangs and burros in need. Lisa designed a beautiful t-shirt for a rescue organization called SkyDog with locations in Bend, Oregon and Malibu, California. Out of numerous amazing entries, her design was chosen unanimously as the winner!
As part of her prize, Lisa will be flying out to visit the sanctuary — a place that holds a very special place in her heart. Proceeds from the shirt sales are going directly to support the rescue, and Lisa’s design has already helped raise valuable funds for their work.
By day, Lisa is Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s Communications Coordinator, ensuring every important moment is captured and shared. By every other minute of the day, she’s an animal lover through and through. At home, she’s surrounded by her four dogs, a variety of wild animals roaming her property, and any creature lucky enough to cross her path.
Lisa’s winning shirt is not just visually striking — it’s full of heart and meaning. Have you noticed the hidden detail? Look closely, and you might spot a horse in the clouds.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa — not only for her artistic talent and dedication to animals, but also for the care, creativity, and heart she pours into everything she does for our district.
Our very own Lisa Cacciatore has once again shown her incredible talent and generous heart — this time in a way that’s helping wild mustangs and burros in need. Lisa designed a beautiful t-shirt for a rescue organization called SkyDog with locations in Bend, Oregon and Malibu, California. Out of numerous amazing entries, her design was chosen unanimously as the winner!
As part of her prize, Lisa will be flying out to visit the sanctuary — a place that holds a very special place in her heart. Proceeds from the shirt sales are going directly to support the rescue, and Lisa’s design has already helped raise valuable funds for their work.
By day, Lisa is Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s Communications Coordinator, ensuring every important moment is captured and shared. By every other minute of the day, she’s an animal lover through and through. At home, she’s surrounded by her four dogs, a variety of wild animals roaming her property, and any creature lucky enough to cross her path.
Lisa’s winning shirt is not just visually striking — it’s full of heart and meaning. Have you noticed the hidden detail? Look closely, and you might spot a horse in the clouds.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa — not only for her artistic talent and dedication to animals, but also for the care, creativity, and heart she pours into everything she does for our district.
Updated Fall Sports Schedule: Changes include the addition of a preseason golf practice schedule, and an update for cross country. https://bit.ly/SVFall25Sports
Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Lead the Way at Castleton's Adventure Camp
Eight dedicated Slate Valley faculty and staff members spent part of their summer serving as counselors for six weeks of Adventure Camp—bringing fun, learning, and exploration to many students during vacation!
Recently, the campers got an extra thrill when Captain Aquatics stopped by for a special visit. Students had the chance to see, touch, and learn about these incredible creatures up close, maybe too close for some involved.
Eight dedicated Slate Valley faculty and staff members spent part of their summer serving as counselors for six weeks of Adventure Camp—bringing fun, learning, and exploration to many students during vacation!
Recently, the campers got an extra thrill when Captain Aquatics stopped by for a special visit. Students had the chance to see, touch, and learn about these incredible creatures up close, maybe too close for some involved.
Slate Valley School District Newsletter: August 1, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/ee59e5062d88/svuusd-summer-highlights
https://mailchi.mp/ee59e5062d88/svuusd-summer-highlights
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Slate Valley Unified School District Back to School Open House & Meet & Greet Events! ✏️🍎📚
Join us to meet teachers, tour the school, and get ready for the new academic year. We can't wait to see you there!
Here's the schedule of events:
August 25th
Benson Village School: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Fair Haven Union Middle School: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
August 26th
Castleton Elementary School: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Fair Haven Grade School: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
September 10th
Orwell Village School: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
September 25th
Fair Haven Union High School: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
See you soon! 🎒
Join us to meet teachers, tour the school, and get ready for the new academic year. We can't wait to see you there!
Here's the schedule of events:
August 25th
Benson Village School: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Fair Haven Union Middle School: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
August 26th
Castleton Elementary School: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Fair Haven Grade School: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
September 10th
Orwell Village School: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
September 25th
Fair Haven Union High School: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
See you soon! 🎒
Make a Difference in Your Community!
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking community-minded individuals to help shape the future of education! We’re anticipating a vacant board seat representing Fair Haven and are also looking for three West Haven residents to fill open seats on the District School Board.
Serving on the school board is a meaningful way to support our students, staff, and schools. Your voice matters!
Interested? Submit a letter of interest to:
Slate Valley School Board
c/o Superintendent of Schools
33 Mechanic Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743
or email: bfarrell@svuvt.org
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking community-minded individuals to help shape the future of education! We’re anticipating a vacant board seat representing Fair Haven and are also looking for three West Haven residents to fill open seats on the District School Board.
Serving on the school board is a meaningful way to support our students, staff, and schools. Your voice matters!
Interested? Submit a letter of interest to:
Slate Valley School Board
c/o Superintendent of Schools
33 Mechanic Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743
or email: bfarrell@svuvt.org
🚨 WE'RE HIRING! 🚨
Join the Slate Valley team and make a difference in the lives of students! ✨
📌 Some Current Openings:
• Special Education Teacher (Grades K–6)
• Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (Grades 9–12)
• Driver’s Education Teacher
👉 Explore opportunities & apply today:
🔗 www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
Join the Slate Valley team and make a difference in the lives of students! ✨
📌 Some Current Openings:
• Special Education Teacher (Grades K–6)
• Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (Grades 9–12)
• Driver’s Education Teacher
👉 Explore opportunities & apply today:
🔗 www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
Last week's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.)
Watch the video at: https://youtu.be/zv4pejzrz4M
Introduction taken from the 2025 SVUUSD GAP booklet:
Sixteen students from our school signed up to participate in this year's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.) which took place at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. We looked at both the natural and human history of the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin. Each morning we began with a team meeting where we discussed the day's plan and important background information pertinent for students to know before we arrived to ensure all students were prepared for our fieldwork. At each location we explored, observed, posed questions, recorded findings and tried to improve the overall health of the environment. Our group spent three days kayaking and two days hiking within the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin, and everyday we collected trash from each area. After our adventures, we returned to our school campus where we conducted research about the organisms and abiotic elements we observed and documented our findings in this book. The funding for this project comes from the Vermont Community Foundation and the South Lake Champlain Fund.
Watch the video at: https://youtu.be/zv4pejzrz4M
Introduction taken from the 2025 SVUUSD GAP booklet:
Sixteen students from our school signed up to participate in this year's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.) which took place at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. We looked at both the natural and human history of the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin. Each morning we began with a team meeting where we discussed the day's plan and important background information pertinent for students to know before we arrived to ensure all students were prepared for our fieldwork. At each location we explored, observed, posed questions, recorded findings and tried to improve the overall health of the environment. Our group spent three days kayaking and two days hiking within the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin, and everyday we collected trash from each area. After our adventures, we returned to our school campus where we conducted research about the organisms and abiotic elements we observed and documented our findings in this book. The funding for this project comes from the Vermont Community Foundation and the South Lake Champlain Fund.
Summer EBT Benefits!
Vermont has issued Summer EBT benefits starting on June 2nd.
Most children who are eligible received the $120 benefit automatically. Benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online where EBT cards are accepted.
The Vermont Department for Children and Families sends you a letter if your family receives the benefit automatically. If you already have an EBT card, the benefits will be added to that card. If you need a replacement card, you can call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7). If you think you qualify, but you did not receive a letter by July 7th, please visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ to submit a short application.
Summer EBT benefits do not affect your immigration status.
In addition to Summer EBT, children 18 and under can receive free meals at Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s open site, Fair Haven Grade School, June 23-August 15, Breakfast 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Meals must be eaten on site. All children are invited to get summer meals, even if you do not qualify for Summer EBT. Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder to find sites near you.
New this summer, families with EBT cards can visit Vermont State Parks for free! Just show your EBT card at the park entrance and you and your household can enter for free. Visit https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot to learn more.
Vermont has issued Summer EBT benefits starting on June 2nd.
Most children who are eligible received the $120 benefit automatically. Benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online where EBT cards are accepted.
The Vermont Department for Children and Families sends you a letter if your family receives the benefit automatically. If you already have an EBT card, the benefits will be added to that card. If you need a replacement card, you can call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7). If you think you qualify, but you did not receive a letter by July 7th, please visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ to submit a short application.
Summer EBT benefits do not affect your immigration status.
In addition to Summer EBT, children 18 and under can receive free meals at Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s open site, Fair Haven Grade School, June 23-August 15, Breakfast 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Meals must be eaten on site. All children are invited to get summer meals, even if you do not qualify for Summer EBT. Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder to find sites near you.
New this summer, families with EBT cards can visit Vermont State Parks for free! Just show your EBT card at the park entrance and you and your household can enter for free. Visit https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot to learn more.
Today, members of our District School Safety Team gathered at the Central Office to review and update all safety assessments and procedures.
This week marked the kickoff of FHUMHS’s Great Adventure Project (GAP)!
Fourteen students, joined by four dedicated staff members, embarked on an exciting week of outdoor exploration. Over the course of the week, the group will spend three days kayaking on local lakes and two days hiking nearby mountains.
The adventure began with a paddle across scenic Glen Lake, followed by a hike up Hanley Mountain on day two. Along the way, students took an active role in environmental stewardship by collecting trash and identifying local flora and fauna.
Back at school each afternoon, students dove deeper—researching the species they encountered and recording their observations through detailed journal entries and illustrations.
It’s been an inspiring and impactful start to the week, blending adventure, learning, and community care!
Fourteen students, joined by four dedicated staff members, embarked on an exciting week of outdoor exploration. Over the course of the week, the group will spend three days kayaking on local lakes and two days hiking nearby mountains.
The adventure began with a paddle across scenic Glen Lake, followed by a hike up Hanley Mountain on day two. Along the way, students took an active role in environmental stewardship by collecting trash and identifying local flora and fauna.
Back at school each afternoon, students dove deeper—researching the species they encountered and recording their observations through detailed journal entries and illustrations.
It’s been an inspiring and impactful start to the week, blending adventure, learning, and community care!
Ms. Edmonds, Ms. DeSantis, and Ms. Perry from Castleton Elementary School had the incredible opportunity to attend the national Get Your Teach On conference in Dallas, Texas last week. During the conference, they explored a variety of specialized tracks, including Special Education, Grades 3–6 Math and Science, and Grades 3–6 ELA.
Some of the engaging topics they explored included: Grand Slam Vocabulary Strategies for every classroom, Progression of the Number Line: We Can Skip It, Creating Actionable Data Tracking Systems in the classroom... and much more!
It was an inspiring and energizing experience, and they are excited to bring back a wealth of new tools, strategies, and resources to share with students and staff this fall!
Some of the engaging topics they explored included: Grand Slam Vocabulary Strategies for every classroom, Progression of the Number Line: We Can Skip It, Creating Actionable Data Tracking Systems in the classroom... and much more!
It was an inspiring and energizing experience, and they are excited to bring back a wealth of new tools, strategies, and resources to share with students and staff this fall!
