Slate Valley Summer Happenings
Family, fun, and Vermont adventures made this summer one to remember for Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Allison Irons!
In early July, Ms. Irons hosted a family reunion in Stowe, welcoming nearly 60 relatives from across the country. The weekend was packed with memorable experiences, including visits to the Ben & Jerry's Factory, tours of the Von Trapp Family Lodge, and taking in the colorful sights of the Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival.
The best part of the reunion, however, was simply being together. From sharing family stories and testing everyone's knowledge with trivia to enjoying a sing-along with cake, the weekend was filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer with us, Ms. Irons!
Family, fun, and Vermont adventures made this summer one to remember for Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Allison Irons!
In early July, Ms. Irons hosted a family reunion in Stowe, welcoming nearly 60 relatives from across the country. The weekend was packed with memorable experiences, including visits to the Ben & Jerry's Factory, tours of the Von Trapp Family Lodge, and taking in the colorful sights of the Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival.
The best part of the reunion, however, was simply being together. From sharing family stories and testing everyone's knowledge with trivia to enjoying a sing-along with cake, the weekend was filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer with us, Ms. Irons!
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🚗📚🐈
Some summer adventures are all about the destination—and for Ms. Monica Alvarez, it was a journey of nearly 1,900 miles to begin an exciting new chapter with Slate Valley!
This summer, Ms. Alvarez, the new school librarian for Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, packed up her car, her U-Haul, and her cats and made the long drive from Texas to Vermont to join the Slate Valley family.
Starting a new job is a big adventure, but moving across the country makes it even more memorable. We are thrilled that Ms. Alvarez chose Slate Valley as her new home and can't wait for our CES and OVS students to get to know her this school year.
Welcome to Vermont, Ms. Alvarez—we're so glad you're here, and we hope your cross-country journey was just the beginning of many wonderful adventures in Slate Valley!
Some summer adventures are all about the destination—and for Ms. Monica Alvarez, it was a journey of nearly 1,900 miles to begin an exciting new chapter with Slate Valley!
This summer, Ms. Alvarez, the new school librarian for Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, packed up her car, her U-Haul, and her cats and made the long drive from Texas to Vermont to join the Slate Valley family.
Starting a new job is a big adventure, but moving across the country makes it even more memorable. We are thrilled that Ms. Alvarez chose Slate Valley as her new home and can't wait for our CES and OVS students to get to know her this school year.
Welcome to Vermont, Ms. Alvarez—we're so glad you're here, and we hope your cross-country journey was just the beginning of many wonderful adventures in Slate Valley!
*REMINDER: EVERY TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH AUGUST 18*
🥪☀️ 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.
📅 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! 💚
🥪☀️ 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.
📅 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! 💚
Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🌊🏖️
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach! Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant Ms. Madison Belden recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Wells Beach, Maine with her twin sister and friends.
The trip was the perfect opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and make lasting summer memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer adventure with us, Ms. Belden! We hope your beach getaway was filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of time to recharge before another great school year.
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach! Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant Ms. Madison Belden recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Wells Beach, Maine with her twin sister and friends.
The trip was the perfect opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and make lasting summer memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer adventure with us, Ms. Belden! We hope your beach getaway was filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of time to recharge before another great school year.
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🇺🇸🎉⛳
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🏔️🛳️❄️
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🎷🎣🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
⚽ Grades 5/6 Soccer Registration is Now Open! ⚽
Calling all future soccer stars! Registration for Slate Valley Grades 5/6 Soccer is now open through the Arbiter Registration platform.
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
📅 Fall Informational Meeting
Thursday, August 27
6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Gym
📋 A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participation.
🏃 Planning to run cross country instead? Students in grades 5/6 interested in cross country should register under the Middle School Grades 5–8 Cross Country section.
Don't wait—register today and get ready for a great fall season! ⚽💙💚
Calling all future soccer stars! Registration for Slate Valley Grades 5/6 Soccer is now open through the Arbiter Registration platform.
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
📅 Fall Informational Meeting
Thursday, August 27
6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Gym
📋 A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participation.
🏃 Planning to run cross country instead? Students in grades 5/6 interested in cross country should register under the Middle School Grades 5–8 Cross Country section.
Don't wait—register today and get ready for a great fall season! ⚽💙💚
☀️ Summer Happenings Kickoff! ☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
*REMINDER: EVERY TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH AUGUST 18*
🥪☀️ 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! 💚
🥪☀️ 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! 💚
🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 19, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/4fa4cf530e17/final-slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-2025-26-school-year
Summer Farewell...
Congratulations to our 6th Graders!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Take a look at some of the fun from our day in the great outdoors!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
