As we wrap up the calendar year, we wish our Slate Valley community moments of peace, joy, and time well spent with those you love. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Holiday greeting graphic reading “Wishing Our Community a Bright New Year,” with a soft, warm bokeh background. Text thanks families, staff, and community members for their support of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District and notes that schools are on break from December 22, 2025 through January 2, 2026, with classes resuming January 5, 2026. An open pocket watch featuring a Vermont design rests on a light wooden surface.
What an incredible way to wrap up the first trimester as we get ready for break! 🐾 Our students officially earned all their Golden Wildcat cards, and today the whole school celebrated their hard work.

Everyone had a blast moving through our festive rotations: 🍪 Cookie decorating 🎸 Music with Mr. Martin 🎨 Creative holiday crafts & 🎬 A cozy movie session

We are so proud of our Wildcats for showing such great character. What a perfect high note to end on before our time off!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A teacher works one-on-one with a young student at a table during a classroom activity.
Students and a teacher stand around tables decorating paper plate treats during a holiday classroom activity.
Several students gather around tables decorating paper plates with frosting and toppings.
An overhead view of students decorating paper plate treats at a classroom table.
Students sit at tables watching a video on a classroom screen during a holiday activity.
A teacher plays a guitar while students sit and listen on the classroom floor.
A teacher helps a student assemble a small craft at a classroom table.
Students work on crafts at a table in a school library, with shelves of books behind them.
Students and a teacher smile while working on paper crafts at a classroom table.
Students and a teacher sit around a table cutting paper snowflakes during a craft activity.
Our Student Council proudly recognized Mrs. Slote as this month’s Stewardship Award recipient! Thank you for your dedication and positive impact on our school community. 🌟
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Mrs. Slote stands on a school stage holding a Stewardship Award certificate, surrounded by Student Council members during a school assembly.
Congratulations to our December Students of the Month for Safety!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of elementary students stand on a school stage holding green PBIS award certificates during an assembly.
An elementary student holds a green PBIS award certificate in front of a winter-themed classroom display with a snowman.
An elementary student wearing a winter hat holds a green PBIS award certificate in front of a display of student snow globe artwork.
An elementary student smiles while holding a green PBIS award certificate in front of a winter bulletin board with trees and paper snowflakes.
A young elementary student holds a green PBIS award certificate in front of a winter-themed hallway display.
An elementary student with pigtails holds a green PBIS award certificate in front of a colorful classroom art display.
An elementary student holds a green PBIS award certificate in front of a decorated holiday tree display.
An elementary student stands in a hallway holding a green PBIS award certificate with a festive holiday display in the background.
🎉⭐ PBIS Specialist Awards at Orwell Village School! ⭐🎉

During our recent PBIS Assembly, we were excited to recognize students who stood out in our specialist areas, including Art, Physical Education, Leadership, Music, and Library. We are proud of our students and grateful to our specialist teachers for helping them shine in so many different ways.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
An elementary student stands on the school stage holding a decorated guitar-shaped award while posing with a music teacher, both smiling during a PBIS assembly.
A kindergarten-aged student stands next to a teacher holding a small wrapped award during a PBIS specialist awards presentation on the school stage.
An elementary student smiles while holding a small PBIS specialist award next to a teacher wearing a green holiday-themed shirt during a school assembly.
An elementary student wearing glasses holds a gold shoe-shaped PBIS award labeled “MVP” while standing beside a teacher in a festive sweater on the school stage.
An elementary student holds a decorated guitar-shaped PBIS music award while standing next to a teacher kneeling with a microphone during the school assembly.
🎉⭐ PBIS Celebration at Orwell Village School! ⭐🎉
Students were recognized during our recent PBIS assembly for demonstrating positive choices, growth, and responsibility in their classrooms. We’re proud of our students and thankful for the staff who support and celebrate positive behavior every day.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
An elementary student stands smiling next to a staff member wearing a festive holiday sweater, holding a bright award certificate during a PBIS assembly on the school stage.
A teacher stands beside an elementary student holding a green PBIS classroom award certificate, both smiling on the school stage.
An elementary student in a colorful outfit holds a blue PBIS classroom award certificate while standing in front of a teacher on the school stage.
An elementary student holds a green PBIS classroom award certificate while standing next to a teacher wearing a red holiday sweater during a school assembly.
A teacher stands with two elementary students, each holding a blue PBIS classroom award certificate, all smiling on the school stage.
A teacher gives a thumbs-up while standing beside an elementary student holding a pink PBIS classroom award certificate, with an administrator visible at a podium in the background.
A teacher stands next to an elementary student holding a green PBIS classroom award certificate during a school assembly on the gym stage.
Celebrating Creativity at our PBiS Assembly!

The halls at Orwell Village School were bursting with creativity and holiday cheer thanks to our Door Decorating Contest! Classrooms went all out, transforming their doors into festive works of art—full of imagination, teamwork, and seasonal spirit.

We were excited to recognize students and staff with awards celebrating creativity, collaboration, detail, and overall atmosphere. Congratulations to all of our winners, and a big thank you to every classroom that participated. Your hard work helped make our school feel extra warm and welcoming this season!

👏 Way to go, OVS! 👏
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A staff member stands on a school stage holding a first-place award certificate while standing beside an administrator wearing a festive holiday sweater and holding a microphone. Right: Three staff members pose smiling in front of a gingerbread-themed classroom door decorated with candy details, gingerbread figures, and icing trim.
Left: A staff member holds a second-place award certificate while standing next to an administrator on a school stage, both smiling for the photo. right: A staff member stands beside a Snoopy-themed winter classroom door decorated with stars, snow, and a doghouse display.
Left: An administrator presents a synergy award certificate to an elementary student standing together on a school stage. Right: An elementary student holds an award certificate while posing with a teacher in front of a winter-themed classroom door decorated with snowflakes and forest animals.
Left: An administrator presents a technicolor award certificate to a first-grade student on a school stage. right: A first-grade student holds an award certificate while standing next to a teacher in front of a classroom door covered in student artwork and winter decorations.
Left An administrator poses with three kindergarten students, one holding an award certificate, all smiling on a school stage. Right: A teacher and a kindergarten student hold an award certificate while standing in front of a classroom door decorated with snowmen and the words “It’s Raining Snowmen.”
Left: An administrator presents an atmosphere award certificate to a second-grade student wearing a festive holiday outfit on a school stage. Right: A second-grade student holds an award certificate next to a teacher in front of a classroom door decorated with a snowman and the phrase “Chillin’ With My Snowmies.”
Left: A teacher gives a thumbs-up while standing next to a fifth-grade student holding a storytelling award certificate in front of a cozy winter-themed display. Right: An administrator and a staff member dressed in festive attire pose together in front of a winter-themed door featuring a snowman and string lights.
Left Two sixth-grade students hold a master architect award certificate while standing next to a teacher in front of a holiday-decorated classroom door. Right: A third-grade student holds a detail dynamo award certificate while standing next to a teacher in front of a snow globe-themed classroom door display.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for December 19, 2025:
https://mailchi.mp/fdd31f394700/slate-valley-district-newsletter-dec-19th-edition
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified School District newsletter cover dated December 19, 2025, featuring a winter-themed design with a smiling cartoon snowman holding a sign about December break, falling snow, evergreen trees, and the Slate Valley Vermont logo with the headline “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter.”

Friendly reminder - our December break begins next week!

8 days ago, Slate Valley
Holiday announcement graphic featuring a smiling snowman wearing a red hat and green scarf next to a parchment-style sign. The sign displays the Slate Valley logo and text announcing that Slate Valley Schools will be on December break from December 22, 2025 through January 2, 2026, with a return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026, and wishing students, families, and staff a safe and restful break.
OVS December Newsletter: See the PDF version at https://aptg.co/65X7RG
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Orwell Village School December 2025 Newsletter. The page features the OVS name and logo, a winter-themed introduction paragraph celebrating Trimester 1 and school spirit, and a large photo collage of decorated classroom doors from the schoolwide door decorating contest. A headline reads “OVS Hallways Transformed During Our OVS Door Decorating Contest!!” with a short article describing creativity and collaboration. An “Upcoming Events” section lists Winter Break (12/22/25–1/2/26), First Friday & First Ski Day (1/9/26), Martin Luther King Day—No School (1/19/26), and a half day of school (1/30/26).
Screenshot of a page from the Orwell Village School December 2025 Newsletter. The page highlights student activities with photos and text sections. A section titled “Embracing the Cold: Winter Outdoor Fun!” shows students playing in the snow and describes outdoor winter play and reminders to wear warm clothing. Another section, “A Trip around the World in Second Grade!” features a classroom photo and explains students learning about global holiday traditions. A third section, “Science You Can Snack On!” includes a photo of homemade rock candy and describes a fourth-grade science lesson on minerals and crystal formation. The bottom of the page announces the opening of a new cafeteria after winter break and invites families to find Orwell Village School on Facebook.
The results are in... almost! 🚪✨ Our staff and students have outdone themselves, and the doors are officially complete.

Students are casting their votes today for the 'Best Staff Door,' and we can’t wait to announce the winners at our PBIS Assembly! If you missed them, don’t worry—we’re keeping these masterpieces up through our First Friday back from break so everyone can experience the creativity.

Which one do you think will take home the prize? 🏆
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Photo 1: Classroom door decorated with a “Christmas Vacation” theme, featuring a character falling through snow above a lit fireplace. Photo 2: Classroom door decorated as a handmade Christmas tree with garland, ribbon, ornaments, and student photos.
Photo 3: Classroom door wrapped like a large gift with elf-patterned paper and a green ribbon. Photo 4: Classroom door decorated as a gingerbread house with candy details, gingerbread figures, and lollipop decorations.
Photo 5: Classroom door wrapped like a present with elf-themed paper and a green ribbon and snowflake accent. Photo 6: Classroom door transformed into a holiday fireplace scene with stockings, garland, and a glowing paper fire.
Photo 7: Classroom door with gingerbread characters on a red plaid background, decorated with snowflakes and bows. Photo 8: Classroom door decorated with a large snowman wearing a top hat and scarf against a snowy blue background.
Photo 9: Classroom door designed as Lucy’s “Free Advice” booth from Peanuts, with holiday trim and a 5¢ sign. Photo 10: Classroom door showing Snoopy lying on his doghouse under a starry night sky decorated with holiday lights.
Photo 11: Classroom door collage featuring student artwork, snowflakes, a Christmas tree, and winter-themed drawings. Photo 12: Classroom door with dark blue background reading “It’s Raining Snowmen,” decorated with falling snowman pieces.
Photo 13: Classroom door designed as The Polar Express train front with tickets and lettering. Photo 14: Classroom door displaying student-made snow globe artwork arranged in rows on a blue background.
Photo 15: Classroom door decorated with a layered green paper Christmas tree topped with a star and gift boxes at the base. Photo 16: Classroom door featuring a winter forest scene with paper snowflakes, trees, animals, and a snowman.
Photo 17: Classroom door reading “Chillin’ With My Snowmies,” decorated with snowmen, snowflakes, and sledding scenes. Photo 18: Classroom door reading “Let’s Take a Selfie,” featuring a large elf cutout with a face cutout for photos.
✨ Finding Our Calm ✨
Today in 1st Grade, we brought the A Little Spot of Emotion books to life! 📚 After learning about our "Emotion Spots," we made these mesmerizing Calm Down Bottles.

Whenever our feelings get a little too "shaken up," we watch the glitter settle to help our minds feel calm and clear. 🧘‍♂️🌈

Which Spot are you feeling today? 🟡🟢🔵🔴
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Student leans over a table observing a clear plastic bottle filled with layered red and yellow liquid during a classroom experiment.
Students and a teacher work together at a table, carefully pouring liquid into plastic bottles as part of a hands-on science activity.
Student wearing glasses smiles while holding up a clear plastic bottle filled with red liquid and colorful materials inside.
Student adds small materials into a clear plastic bottle on a classroom table, focused on a science experiment with liquids and solids.
💐 Celebrating Terri Demasi 💐

After nearly 25 years of dedicated service, we extend our deepest gratitude to Terri Demasi as she prepares for retirement. From being the welcoming voice and friendly face in the Fair Haven Grade School front office to her incredible leadership with Applefest and years of guiding students through Sewing Club, Terri’s professionalism, generosity, and calm presence have touched every corner of our school community.

Thank you, Terri, for the countless hours, care, and heart you’ve given. You will be truly missed, and we wish you all the best in this well-deserved next chapter!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Retirement celebration graphic honoring Terri DeMasi, Fair Haven Grade School administrative assistant, with her portrait, flowers, and text thanking her for 24 years of dedicated service in Slate Valley.
🎄🚪 Our door decorating competition is well underway at OVS, and the creativity is already shining! Stay tuned next week as we reveal all of our fabulous doors—plus a special shoutout to our SROs for joining the fun on the elf door! 🎅✨
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Decorated classroom door with a pink background featuring a large paper elf cutout with a face hole for selfies. The text reads “Let’s Take a Selfie,” with a small penguin graphic and festive holiday decorations.
❄️ Snow much fun! ❄️
Our students make the most of winter weather—digging tunnels, building snow forts, and sharing lots of laughter.
11 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of elementary students sit and lie on a snowy mound outdoors, smiling and laughing together during recess near a school building.
A student crawls through a snow tunnel, smiling at the camera, with parked vehicles and a snowy lot behind them.
A larger group of students gather around a snow tunnel, smiling and posing proudly after building it together in the snow.
Three young students sit in the snow in a parking area, bundled in winter coats and hats, smiling at the camera with trucks and a school building behind them.
A student in a pink winter coat kneels beside a snowbank, carving into the snow with gloved hands and smiling up at the camera.
Four students in winter gear crouch and lie around a snow tunnel they are building, with parked cars in the background.
Board Meeting - December 15, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 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/yij-wmxa-hpe
Or dial: (US) +1 218-288-2598 PIN: 302 314 435#

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.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The text reads: ‘Please Join Us TONIGHT. Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.’ A circular design in the center lists the agenda items: ‘Consent Agenda, Literacy and Math Instruction PreK–6 Presentation, Committee Reports – Finance.’ The Slate Valley logo appears on the right. At the bottom, it states: ‘December 15, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.’ The background is white with green and teal design elements.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: December 12, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/1ca25391063e/slate-valley-district-newsletter-december-12-2025
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated December 12, 2025. The top of the page features the Slate Valley logo with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a winter-themed banner with three smiling snowmen wearing colorful hats and scarves, standing in a snowy forest scene. Further down is a section header on a tablet-shaped graphic titled “An Update on Cell Phone & Communication Policies in Slate Valley,” accompanied by social media reaction icons such as hearts, thumbs-up, and speech bubbles along the sides.
Elks Hoop Shoot: December 21, 2025
14 days ago, Slate Valley
A flyer for the “Elks Hoop Shoot,” sponsored by the Rutland Elks Lodge #345. The top left shows an illustration of a basketball going through a hoop, and the top right features the Elks Lodge emblem with an elk head and clock. The flyer announces that there is no charge to enter the contest, which is open to boys and girls ages 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13, based on age as of April 1, 2026. The event takes place Sunday, December 21, 2025. Registration is at 1:00 p.m. at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, 33 Mechanic St., Fair Haven, VT. For questions or more information, the flyer lists the Rutland Elks Lodge phone number 802-773-6266.
Due to the inclement weather, all after-school activities are cancelled for today, Wednesday, December 10th. This includes athletics, clubs, and any other school-sponsored events along with Boys and Girls Club.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a sparkly snow background and the Slate Valley logo at the top. Large text reads: ‘Wednesday, December 10th. All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled.’
Today was one for the books! Our 5th Grade Super Readers rocked their visit with the preschoolers, making reading time extra exciting!

The giggles were contagious as stories came to life. It’s never too early (or too late!) to enjoy a great book, and seeing these friendships bloom over a shared story is priceless.
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Older student sitting on a rug reading a picture book to a younger child.
Older student on a rug reading to two younger children who sit beside her.
Two older students at a table helping two younger children with blocks and art materials.
Older student sitting on a rug reading a book to two young children leaning in.
Older student sitting on the floor reading a large picture book with a younger child.
Older student sitting on cushions reading to a younger child beside a bin of toys.
Older student kneeling on a rug reading to a younger child who watches the book.
Older student kneeling and reading to a younger child standing beside her.
Older student helping a younger child with a red paper craft at a table.
Student drawing on red construction paper while sitting on a rug with art supplies nearby.