Board Meeting - May 12, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School - Town Hall
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/asv-ffux-gux
Or dial: (US) +1 443-679-3222 PIN: 164 803 879#
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.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 10, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7194963147c0/may-10-district-newsletter
Friday Focus: Faculty and Staff Appreciation
The Slate Valley Unified Union's Central Office team and School Board celebrated Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week by visiting each school with a coffee and pastry cart, going room to room to personally serve and thank our incredible educators and staff. It was a small gesture to show our immense gratitude for all they do every day to support, inspire, and care for our students. Thank you for your unwavering dedication—you are truly appreciated!
Throwback Thursday: In celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we’re taking a moment to look back to 2005 and honor the incredible educators and staff who shaped lives at Fair Haven Union High School 20 years ago—we're thankful to all, present and past, for your lasting impact and dedication!
Where Are They Now Wednesday? Spotlight on Emily Stockwell
This year marks the 20th reunion of the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2005, and Emily Stockwell’s journey since graduation has been nothing short of inspiring — a testament to passion, creativity, and community spirit.
After graduating from FHUHS, Emily attended Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, where she earned an Associate Degree in Floral Design and Interior Plantscape. She honed her craft working with several florists in Pennsylvania before returning to her Vermont roots. Back home, she joined the teams at Hawley Florist and Everyday Flowers, ultimately purchasing Everyday Flowers — a business she now proudly owns and operates in Poultney, Vermont.
Emily’s connection to her alma mater has remained strong. For the past four years, she has generously volunteered her time and supplies to work with some Fair Haven Union High School students, helping them create stunning floral bouquets. Through this initiative, Emily not only shares her expertise but also inspires a new generation to explore their own creative talents.
While at FHUHS, Emily played soccer her freshman year but found a more natural path getting involved with 4-H, where she focused on dairy farming. She credits her high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Tracy Gallipo, as a pivotal influence, who encouraged her to stay focused on her dreams.
Emily’s dedication and artistry have not gone unnoticed: she has been named “Number 1 Florist” for three consecutive years by The Lake Region FreePress. Beyond her flourishing business, she remains deeply connected to her passions for farming, gardening, and animal care — looking after a lively group of dogs, cats, goats, and donkeys. A proud supporter of our nation’s veterans, Emily embodies a spirit of service, gratitude, and community pride.
When asked what advice she would offer current Slate Valley students, Emily shared this heartfelt message:
"Don't give up on your dreams. It might take time, but if you keep working toward them, someday they will come true."
Congratulations, Emily! Your success, generosity, and spirit are a true inspiration to Slater Nation.
Reminder of Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
Trivia Tuesday: Do You Know 3rd Grade Math? In Vermont, all students in grades 3 through 9 take the Cognia assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, while students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are also assessed in science. These tests are administered each spring, and although they are untimed, students must complete them within the designated testing window.
Assessment results are not available until the fall, after the new school year begins. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about our students' performance on these assessments.
To better understand what our students experience during testing, we invite you to try a few questions from the 3rd grade math Cognia practice test. Keep in mind that students complete these tests on their Chromebooks, which means they must navigate the math tools, scroll and move around a small screen, and once they submit an answer, they cannot go back to change it.
Want to explore more practice tests? Visit: https://vermont.onlinehelp.cognia.org/practice-test/
Thank you to all Slate Valley faculty and staff - You are truly the heart and soul of our district!
MEET Faculty & Staff MONDAY:
This month, we’re excited to feature Jared Danyow!
Jared is currently in his fifth year working in the Slate Valley Unified Union School District, all at Fair HavenGrade School (FHGS), and has spent ten years in public education overall.
Before joining Slate Valley, Jaredworked in several Vermont schools, including in the Rutland Northeast and Mount Abraham Unified School Districts, serving as a teacher, behavior interventionist, and paraeducator.
Starting next school year, Jared will be stepping into a new role as the principal of Castleton ElementarySchool!
Outside of school, Jared enjoys a wide variety of activities. He loves listening to music and attending concerts, running and competing in races, playing golf, hiking, reading good books, traveling to new places, and trying new foods. He also enjoys spending time with his golden retriever, Magnolia, and his orange cat, Winston.
We wish Jared all the best next year in his new Principal position!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of May 2, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4b6708e10e6e/slate-valley-newsletter-may-2nd
Interested? All proceeds benefit the Slate Valley Back to School Clothing Program!
2025 Summer Food Service Program.
To find more locations visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
A message from student athletes, please watch...
This video was produced by Mount Mansfield Media and sponsored by the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA), it captures the perspectives of Vermont high school athletes on adult behavior at sporting events. Through their eyes, viewers are reminded of the importance of civility, encouragement, and respect — and the need to move away from criticism, hostility, and vulgar outbursts. Follow the link to see the video:
https://youtu.be/a-KMN9Fuqcs
Board Meeting - April 28, 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 and High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/skk-usdv-zte
Or dial: (US) +1 240-360-1164 PIN: 178 647 577#
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.
Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 18, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/04a780490ff8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-april-18
That's a wrap! Slate Valley UUSD wishes all of our amazing students, staff, and faculty a fun, relaxing, and well-deserved April break! Enjoy the time off, and here's to hoping for many sunny days!
See the Reel at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DImQc0wRdYJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Another Successful Potty Time!
We had an amazing turnout for our second Potty Time event — 5 wonderful families joined us, including some with three generations present!
There were 7 littles soaking up the fun, with 6 incredible high school volunteers helping to keep them entertained.
Huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this event possible — from our volunteers to our families, and everyone behind the scenes. We couldn't do it without you!
On behalf of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our communities for their support in passing (824 yes, 631 no) the school budget on the second vote. Your engagement, advocacy, and belief in the importance of public education make a profound difference in the lives of our students, staff, and families.
We recognize that arriving at a successful outcome required thoughtful dialogue and collaboration, and we deeply appreciate the time and effort so many of you contributed throughout this process. Your vote allows us to move forward with the resources necessary to provide a high-quality, student-centered education while remaining committed to continuous improvement and fiscal responsibility.
As we continue to navigate a time of significant uncertainty in public education—both at the state and federal levels—your partnership remains more important than ever. We are committed to maintaining transparency, fostering open communication, and working together to ensure Slate Valley remains a place where all students can thrive.
Thank you for investing in the future of our schools and for standing with us as we face these challenges together.
Sincerely,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
TONIGHT: Please join us (Monday, April 14, 2025) for the Budget ReVote Information Meeting, 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room. Attend in person or virtually.
https://meet.google.com/aek-pdby-ndv
