Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 19, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/4fa4cf530e17/final-slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-2025-26-school-year
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter graphic dated June 19, 2026. The top section features the title “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” with the date beneath it. The lower section shows a summer-themed design with a blue swimming pool water background, a beach ball, and oversized red sunglasses. Across the image, large text reads, “School’s Out for… Summer.” Slate Valley logos appear in opposite corners, emphasizing the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation.
Summer Farewell...
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A decorative farewell message from the Orwell Village School staff displayed on a parchment-style background with ornate borders, quill illustrations, and a stack of books. The message thanks families and the community for their support throughout the school year, reflects on the recent Moving Up Celebration and picnic, celebrates student growth, and wishes everyone a summer filled with adventure, rest, and happiness. It concludes by welcoming returning students back in the fall, inviting departing families to stay connected, and is signed, “With Love and Gratitude, The Orwell Village School Staff.” The Orwell Village School logo appears in the upper left corner.
Congratulations to our 6th Graders!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Two sixth-grade students are recognized during an awards ceremony, each shown at the podium receiving remarks and posing with an administrator while holding a certificate.
Big congratulations to the OVS 6th graders! You officially survived elementary school and are officially middle schoolers now! We are so incredibly proud of all your hard work, growth, and the amazing memories you made this year. Next stop: 7th grade! Watch out, middle school, here they come!
A special Congratulations to Brady Quesnel for receiving the Lorene Allen Award, Edie Buxton for receiving the Doreen Sweeney-Dodge Kindness Award, Hunter Jones for receiving the John B. Dunne Award and Henry Desrocher for receiving the Principal's Award of Excellence!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
An administrator speaks at a podium during a sixth-grade recognition ceremony while students sit in a row of chairs across the front of a school gymnasium.
An administrator shakes hands with a sixth-grade student holding a certificate during an awards presentation at an end-of-year ceremony.
A sixth-grade student in a white dress and denim jacket smiles while receiving a certificate and congratulations from an administrator during a school recognition ceremony.
An administrator poses with a sixth-grade student in a navy polo shirt during a certificate presentation at an end-of-year awards ceremony.
A smiling sixth-grade student wearing a signed last-day-of-school shirt poses with an administrator after receiving recognition during a school ceremony.
A staff member addresses students and families from a podium while sixth-grade students sit on stage-side chairs during a promotion and recognition ceremony in the school gymnasium.
Our awesome 4th graders wrapped up the school year with an epic Color Run! Everyone showed up wearing pristine white shirts... but they definitely didn't leave that way! Man, did they have fun covering each other in bright, colored chalk and laughing the whole way through. It was the perfect, messy, joyful celebration to send our 4th graders off into summer!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A class of elementary students and two adults stand together on a playground, smiling for a group photo while wearing white shirts before a colorful end-of-year activity.
Students and teachers stand with their backs to the camera, arms around one another on the playground, posing for a group photo before an outdoor celebration.
Students run and play on a playground covered in bright colored powder, creating colorful clouds as part of an outdoor end-of-year celebration.
Children toss and scatter colorful powder across a paved playground, leaving vibrant splashes of pink, blue, yellow, and green on the ground.
Students laugh and throw handfuls of brightly colored powder during a color run-style activity, surrounded by colorful clouds and chalk-covered pavement.
Students laugh and throw handfuls of brightly colored powder during a color run-style activity, surrounded by colorful clouds and chalk-covered pavement.
A group of students covered in colorful powder gathers around boxes of powder supplies while preparing for the next round of an outdoor color celebration.
Students and staff covered head to toe in bright colored powder stand together with their hands raised, celebrating at the conclusion of a colorful outdoor event.
Students and staff pose with their backs to the camera and hands raised, showing shirts covered in colorful powder after an end-of-year color celebration.
Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders had the absolute best time on their field trip to Bomoseen State Park! We couldn't have asked for better weather or a more beautiful backdrop for our end-of-year adventures!
Take a look at some of the fun from our day in the great outdoors!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Several elementary students stand and play in the shallow water of a lake on a sunny day, with forested shorelines and mountains visible in the distance.
Students explore the shoreline of a lake, wading in the water, digging in the sand, and splashing near the beach during a summer field trip.
Children spread out in the shallow waters of a lake, laughing and splashing while enjoying a warm day outdoors with scenic mountains in the background.
Four young students kneel at the water’s edge, digging and building with wet sand while classmates play nearby along the lakeshore.
A group of children wade through shallow lake water, smiling, splashing, and exploring together during a day at the beach.
Three students laugh and play in knee-deep lake water, smiling as they splash and interact with one another near the shoreline.
Aloha, Summer! 🌴☀️

Our awesome 3rd graders celebrated their last full day of school in style with a festive Luau!

There were bright leis, tropical vibes, and so many smiles as they celebrated all of their hard work this year. It was the perfect way to wrap up 3rd grade and hula our way into summer break!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of elementary students pose outside in colorful Hawaiian-themed outfits, leis, grass skirts, and novelty sunglasses during a festive end-of-year celebration.
Students wearing tropical leis, bright costumes, and fun sunglasses strike playful poses and smile for a group photo on the school lawn.
Several students wearing colorful leis and novelty sunglasses crowd around the camera, laughing, making silly faces, and showing off their festive accessories.
Five students dressed in Hawaiian-themed attire and colorful leis gather together outdoors, smiling and posing for a photo during a school celebration.
Two students stand side by side on the grass wearing colorful leis and summer-themed clothing, smiling for a photo outside the school building.
Photo Batch 2: What a huge success Field Day was!

Talk about an epic end-of-year celebration! Our students had a blast diving down the slip 'n slide, tackling the massive 20-foot waterslide, racing through the giant inflatable obstacle course, taking aim at the dunk tank , and playing every yard game imaginable.

Of course, no Field Day is complete without some sweet treats—our kids fueled up on cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn! It was truly a fun-filled day with something for everyone.

A HUGE shout-out to Stewart's Shops! Thank you so much for donating the hot dogs and ice cream that made our celebration extra special. We are so incredibly grateful for your amazing community support!

Check out some of the smiles and splashes from our favorite day of the year!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A student exits a large tropical-themed inflatable water slide during a school field day while a staff member stands nearby supervising. Other activities are visible in the background on a sunny day.
Students gather around a colorful inflatable obstacle course, waiting their turn to climb, crawl, and slide during outdoor field day festivities.
A staff member throws a ball at a dunk tank target while a student sits above the tank waiting to see if the throw will send them into the water. Photo 4
Three students sit and laugh in a large foam-filled area as bubbles surround them during a summer field day celebration.
A student holds a large blue cotton candy while standing outside on a sunny day during school field day activities.
A student smiles at a flavored ice station while a staff member prepares a colorful frozen treat under a canopy tent.
A staff member and student sit on the grass playing a giant outdoor Connect Four game during a school field day.
Two students play with oversized Tetris-style blocks on the grass, stacking colorful pieces during an outdoor field day activity.
Students gather around a small inflatable pool filled with floating toys and rings, reaching into the water during a carnival-style field day game.
A staff member leads two students across the field during an outdoor activity, pointing toward the next station while carrying supplies and towels.
Photo Batch 1: What a huge success Field Day was!

Talk about an epic end-of-year celebration! Our students had a blast diving down the slip 'n slide, tackling the massive 20-foot waterslide, racing through the giant inflatable obstacle course, taking aim at the dunk tank , and playing every yard game imaginable.

Of course, no Field Day is complete without some sweet treats—our kids fueled up on cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn! It was truly a fun-filled day with something for everyone.

A HUGE shout-out to Stewart's Shops! Thank you so much for donating the hot dogs and ice cream that made our celebration extra special. We are so incredibly grateful for your amazing community support!

Check out some of the smiles and splashes from our favorite day of the year!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A cotton candy machine sits under a canopy tent during a school field day. Two adults stand nearby helping run the station while inflatable attractions can be seen in the background.
A student prepares to throw a ball at a dunk tank target during a school field day. A staff member sits above the tank while classmates watch nearby.
A student takes aim at a dunk tank target while a staff member stands nearby supervising the activity on a sunny day outside the school.
Students run and slide down a large homemade slip-and-slide spread across a grassy hill while water sprays overhead on a sunny day.
Three students ride together down a giant slip-and-slide, smiling and laughing as they glide across the wet surface.
Three young students slide through splashing water on a slip-and-slide, laughing as they race down the hill during an outdoor field day.
Students line up to take turns on a colorful inflatable obstacle course during a school field day while staff members supervise nearby.
Students play a giant outdoor game of Guess Who? on the grass during a school field day. Several children stand around the oversized game board waiting for their turns.
Students work together to build structures with oversized colorful foam blocks on the grass during outdoor field day activities.
Students play cornhole on a grassy field near the playground while a staff member watches. Multiple cornhole boards are set up for friendly competition during field day.
☀️ Sun, sand, and 6th-grade smiles!

Our 6th graders traded their notebooks for beach towels and headed to Crystal Beach for the day! Boy, did they have fun! From splashing in the water to fishing to soaking up the sunshine and making memories with friends, it was the absolute perfect way to wrap up an amazing school year.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Students play a game of sand volleyball on an outdoor court near a lake. A volleyball is in the air above the net while players prepare for the next hit under a cloudy summer sky.
Four students play a barefoot game of basketball on an outdoor court near a playground and lakeside recreation area. One student dribbles the ball while others defend and watch the play.
Students play a game of baseball on a grassy field beside a lake. One student runs toward home plate while another prepares to field the ball near a swing set in the background.
A smiling student proudly holds up a freshly caught sunfish while standing outdoors near a lakeside fishing area. A tackle box and fishing gear are visible nearby.
Students gather on blankets and lawn chairs for a picnic lunch beside a lake. Some students eat while others stand near a grill and canopy tent during an outdoor recreation day.
Students splash and play together in a designated swimming area of a lake. Floating lane markers and wooded shoreline are visible in the background.
Students play a game with a beach ball while standing in waist-deep water at a lakeside swimming area. The ball is suspended in the air above the group.
Two students fish from the end of a red dock extending into a lake. The students stand quietly with fishing rods while surrounded by calm water and distant wooded hills.
Boston, you were amazing! Our OVS 5th and 6th graders officially took over the city, and what an unforgettable adventure it was! We kicked off our epic trip at the New England Aquarium, where our brave students got hands-on and touched live stingrays! Afterward, we splashed into history on the famous Boston Duck Tours! We loved "quacking" our way through the streets and right into the Charles River. Huge thanks to our amazing chaperones and students for making this trip such a blast! Check out some highlights from our day below.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students and chaperones pose for a photo outside the New England Aquarium in Boston. The aquarium's distinctive glass architecture and waterfront setting are visible behind them.
Students stand in front of a large aquarium viewing window, watching marine animals in a rocky exhibit while aquarium staff prepare a presentation in the background.
Five rockhopper penguins stand on rocky terrain inside an aquarium habitat. The penguins display their distinctive yellow crest feathers and orange beaks.
A giant Pacific octopus stretches its tentacles across an aquarium exhibit filled with sea stars, sea anemones, and rocky underwater habitat.
Students gather around a touch tank exhibit, carefully reaching toward marine animals while observing stingrays and other sea life in a shallow aquarium habitat.
Students and an adult chaperone lean over a touch tank exhibit, observing marine animals in a coastal-themed aquarium display featuring mangrove roots and a tropical shoreline backdrop.
Two students stand smiling on a city sidewalk while listening to a street musician play a saxophone. Trees, brick pavement, and city buildings are visible in the background.
🌻🎉 Congratulations to Diane Roberts on her retirement! 🎉🌻

After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.

Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.

Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Retirement recognition graphic honoring Diane Roberts. The graphic features a portrait of Diane inside a circular frame surrounded by sunflower and greenery illustrations on a light yellow and green background. Text reads: “Happy Retirement,” “Valued by Slate Valley Unified Union School District since 2023,” and “Best Wishes to Diane Roberts.” Additional text identifies her as a “Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Instructional Assistant” and thanks her for “3 Years of Dedicated Service.” Decorative sunflowers, leaves, and a small bee accent the design, with a Vermont-themed logo displayed in the upper left corner.
Please join us in congratulating Kelley Schultz on her retirement from Slate Valley Unified Union School District!

For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.

Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!

💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Retirement recognition graphic featuring a portrait of Kelley Schultz. The graphic reads: “Happy Retirement. Valued by Slate Valley Unified Union School District since 2023. Best Wishes to Kelley Schultz, Benson Village School Administrative Assistant. Thank you for 3 years of dedicated service!” The design has a soft lavender background with lilac and violet flowers surrounding the photo and text, along with the Vermont logo in the upper left corner.
Also Tomorrow!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the Orwell Village School K–5 Parent Coffee Hour. The flyer invites all K–5 parents to attend after the Move-Up Ceremony. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Parents are invited to gather in the school cafeteria for coffee, refreshments, and conversation while waiting for the community barbecue to begin. The flyer encourages parents to meet other families and learn about the coming school year. During the coffee hour, K–5 students will visit their new classrooms, meet next year’s teachers, and participate in their Move-Up visits. The flyer features the Orwell Village School logo, decorative book and compass graphics, and icons representing coffee, conversation, and a barbecue. A banner at the bottom reads: “Join us for conversation and welcome the next chapter!”
Due to tomorrow's wet and stormy forecast, our annual picnic is moving indoors to the Town Hall!

The location has changed, but the fun hasn't. We look forward to celebrating together out of the rain, see you all tomorrow!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the Orwell Village School K–6 Move-Up Celebration. The event takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Orwell Village School gym. The flyer invites families and community members to celebrate students’ journeys and welcome them to the next chapter. Following the K–6 Move-Up Ceremony, a reception featuring cake and a slideshow for sixth graders will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the library. A community picnic follows at 10:30 a.m., with lunch times staggered by grade level: Kindergarten–Grade 2 at 10:30 a.m., Grades 3–4 at 10:40 a.m., and Grades 5–6 at 10:50 a.m. Dismissal is at 11:30 a.m. The flyer includes the Orwell Village School logo, decorative academic-themed graphics, and the message: “Join us in recognizing our students’ achievements and welcoming the next chapter!”
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪

Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!

Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches

📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18

Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian

Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Slate Valley Free Summer Meal Box Program Pickup. The flyer states that free multi-day meal boxes containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches are available for children 18 and under. Pickup takes place in the Fair Haven Grade School parking lot every Tuesday during the summer from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., beginning June 30 and ending August 18. Eligibility requirements include that the child is 18 or younger, is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program, and that the person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian. The graphic features the Slate Valley logo and a green border decorated with food-themed icons.
🌸🎉 Congratulations, Joann Higgins, on Your Retirement! 🎉🌸

Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.

As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.

The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.

Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.

Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Retirement recognition graphic honoring Joann Higgins. The graphic features a portrait of Joann framed by gold geometric shapes and floral decorations on a soft pink background. Text reads: “Happy Retirement,” “Valued by Slate Valley Unified Union School District since 2021,” and “Best Wishes to Joann Higgins.” Additional text identifies her as a “Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant” and thanks her for “5 Years of Dedicated Service.” Pink roses, flowers, greenery, and a watercolor-style rose illustration decorate the graphic, with a Vermont-themed logo displayed in the upper left corner.
🔧🎉 Congratulations, Tony Greene, on Your Retirement! 🎉🔧

After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.

As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.

Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.

Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!

Congratulations, Tony!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Retirement recognition graphic honoring Tony Greene. The graphic features a portrait of Tony inside a green and blue hexagonal frame on a light blue background. Text reads: “Happy Retirement,” “Valued by Slate Valley Unified Union School District since 2010,” and “Best Wishes to Tony Greene.” Additional text identifies him as a “Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Maintenance Technician” and thanks him for “10 Years of Dedicated Service.” Decorative maintenance-themed illustrations, including a toolbox with tools, hammer, wrench, nails, and tape measure, surround the portrait. A Vermont-themed logo appears in the upper left corner.
🏛️ FREE Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders! 🏛️
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!

Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.

With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).

🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations

📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site

🎟️ How It Works

✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission

No registration required!

🌐 Learn More

For site information, hours, and directions, visit:

HistoricSites.Vermont.gov

❓Questions?

Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer titled “Free Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders.” It explains that Vermont 4th graders who have finished the school year can visit all Vermont state-owned historic sites with one adult for free during the 2026 season, ending in October. It lists steps for using the pass: print the 4th Grade Pass Letter, bring it to a participating historic site, and show it to site staff for free admission. No registration is required. Sites listed include Bennington Battle Monument, Chimney Point, Hubbardton Battlefield, Mount Independence, President Calvin Coolidge, and President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Sites. More information is available at HistoricSites.Vermont.gov, with a QR code and contact information for Joshua Bell at 802-505-8592 or Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov. The flyer uses green, blue, and gold accents with a “VT History Pass” badge and the message, “Make history part of your summer adventure!”
From FHUMHS Band Director, Ms. Samantha Adams: Marching Band sign ups for grades 7-12 are OPEN. If you are an incoming 7th grader or above, you are invited to join! Scan the QR code or click the link to sign up! Sign ups close at the end of the day July 1st, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Samantha Adams at sadams@svuvt.org

https://forms.gle/a8HQgJoAS94FM8kt9
7 days ago, Slate Valley
nformational flyer promoting the Fair Haven Union (FHU) Marching Band for students entering grades 7–12. The flyer explains that marching band members meet during the summer and after school in the fall and spring to learn pep tunes and perform at football games, parades, and other events. A section titled “Why should I join?” highlights benefits including playing popular songs such as We Will Rock You, Narco, and Star Wars, making new friends, and developing teamwork, communication, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills. A “How do I join?” section instructs students to scan a QR code and complete a registration form before July 1, 2026. Contact information for Mrs. Adams (sadams@svuvt.org) is provided for questions. The flyer also lists important summer dates: July 1: Sign-ups close July 14, 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Practice July 21, 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Practice July 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Practice August 10–14, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Band Camp A final section titled “What is band camp?” explains that students learn music, marching techniques, and the football game performance show during an intensive week of practice. It compares band camp to a sports training camp and emphasizes opportunities to meet bandmates and make friends. The flyer features decorative music notes, sparkles, a marching band silhouette, and a QR code on a light gray background.