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
Lights, camera, action! Big news from OVS! We’re trying something new with our weekly announcements this year! Our incredible 6th-grade students work hard throughout the week to produce and host our Monday Morning Broadcast.
Check out the link below to watch their latest episode and support our student creators!!
https://youtu.be/fRTmkq0Pf4U
Check out the link below to watch their latest episode and support our student creators!!
https://youtu.be/fRTmkq0Pf4U
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!
Reminder: Tonight (September 23rd) is the OVS Curriculum night!
Hope to see everyone there!
Hope to see everyone there!
Today's Chess Challenge!
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
Student Council is officially underway for the year, and the energy is incredible! We were thrilled to see so many excited 3rd through 6th graders show up for our first official meeting.
We spent time looking at campaign inspiration and discussing how to bring their ideas to life. Every candidate is working hard to design a poster for the halls and write a campaign speech to share with their peers. Whether they keep things bright and simple or dive deep into their ideas, we loved seeing their creative wheels turning. They are all so ready to jump in and lead.
Stay tuned, because those campaign posters and speeches will be making their debut very soon!
We spent time looking at campaign inspiration and discussing how to bring their ideas to life. Every candidate is working hard to design a poster for the halls and write a campaign speech to share with their peers. Whether they keep things bright and simple or dive deep into their ideas, we loved seeing their creative wheels turning. They are all so ready to jump in and lead.
Stay tuned, because those campaign posters and speeches will be making their debut very soon!
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
📸 Don't forget—Picture Day is TOMORROW, Tuesday, September 22!
Order online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTPGK3HR. Place your order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Cash or check payments can also be sent in with your child using the physical flyer. Let's see those big smiles tomorrow! 😁✨
Order online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTPGK3HR. Place your order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Cash or check payments can also be sent in with your child using the physical flyer. Let's see those big smiles tomorrow! 😁✨
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?
Run, Walk, and Heist some Fun! 🥈🏃♀️
Get ready for the Silver Heist 5K Walk/Run, an all-ages event supporting our local community! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 AM. Whether you're a serious runner or looking for a fun family walk, this is the event for you!
We haven't forgotten our youngest participants! For ages 4-7, there's a special Little Bandits Bolt!
This event is a collaborative fundraiser for the Orwell Village School Booster Club and the Orwell Historical Society.
👉 Learn more and sign up today:https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/Orwell/silverheist5k
Or simply scan the QR code in the image!
A huge thank you to our GOLD SPONSORS:
• Maple Broadband
• First National Bank of Orwell, VT
• Law Office of Joseph I. Andriano, PLLC
• Reliable Labor Services
Get ready for the Silver Heist 5K Walk/Run, an all-ages event supporting our local community! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 AM. Whether you're a serious runner or looking for a fun family walk, this is the event for you!
We haven't forgotten our youngest participants! For ages 4-7, there's a special Little Bandits Bolt!
This event is a collaborative fundraiser for the Orwell Village School Booster Club and the Orwell Historical Society.
👉 Learn more and sign up today:https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/Orwell/silverheist5k
Or simply scan the QR code in the image!
A huge thank you to our GOLD SPONSORS:
• Maple Broadband
• First National Bank of Orwell, VT
• Law Office of Joseph I. Andriano, PLLC
• Reliable Labor Services
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 ✏️
Protect, serve, and pass the ketchup! 👮♂️
Officer Ed took his duties to the next level today during K, 1st, and 2nd grade lunch. SRO by morning, professional sauce dispenser by noon! Our students loved having him walking around making lunch extra special.
Officer Ed took his duties to the next level today during K, 1st, and 2nd grade lunch. SRO by morning, professional sauce dispenser by noon! Our students loved having him walking around making lunch extra special.
Climbing to New Heights!
Our students are absolute rockstars on the new playground climbing wall!
After Ms. K went over all the safety rules and expectations with everyone, the wall was officially opened up for free play!! Boy, are they having fun! It has been wonderful watching our kids build strength, encourage their classmates, and challenge themselves to reach the top every single recess.
Our students are absolute rockstars on the new playground climbing wall!
After Ms. K went over all the safety rules and expectations with everyone, the wall was officially opened up for free play!! Boy, are they having fun! It has been wonderful watching our kids build strength, encourage their classmates, and challenge themselves to reach the top every single recess.
Daily Chess Challenge!
Mr. Walters has set up today's brand new chess puzzle, and our K-6 thinkers are on the case!
It is amazing to see so many of our younger students running up to the board every single day, leaning in together, and trying to spot the winning move. Whether they are just learning how the knight jumps or already hunting for checkmate, their daily excitement to solve Mr. Walters' latest puzzle is contagious!
Can you solve today's puzzle before our junior grandmasters do?
Mr. Walters has set up today's brand new chess puzzle, and our K-6 thinkers are on the case!
It is amazing to see so many of our younger students running up to the board every single day, leaning in together, and trying to spot the winning move. Whether they are just learning how the knight jumps or already hunting for checkmate, their daily excitement to solve Mr. Walters' latest puzzle is contagious!
Can you solve today's puzzle before our junior grandmasters do?
