Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the top section of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, featuring a green and blue hexagon with the word “Vermont” inside and the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a Veterans Day banner with silhouettes of saluting service members in front of an abstract American flag, along with messages that read “Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served” and “Thank You for Protecting Us.” The first article headline reads: “Slate Valley Leaders Attend Vermont Statewide Strategic Planning Retreat,” followed by a paragraph describing district leaders attending the retreat hosted by the Vermont Agency of Education.
PE was on a roll this week! Our 2nd graders mastered scooter skills with high-energy games of tag and teamwork-focused relay races. So much fun building coordination and endurance! Great job, everyone!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A young child kneels on a small pink scooter board inside a gymnasium, looking toward the camera with a playful expression. The gym's wooden floor and light blue wall are visible in the background.
Several children ride colorful scooter boards across a gymnasium. Some are sitting or kneeling on the boards while others push themselves forward. A teacher or adult stands in the background supervising.
Four children ride small scooter boards around a gym floor. One child in the foreground is on a pink scooter board, while the others use blue and red boards. They appear to be playing a game and are spread out across the gym.
A wide view of a gymnasium shows multiple children skating on scooter boards in various directions. The gym is bright, with large windows and blue and maroon wall padding.
Children ride scooter boards around the gym while one child in the foreground holds a red scooter board and watches. Others are kneeling or sitting on boards as they move across the gym floor.
Honoring Our Veterans: Potluck Postponement

The children and staff of Orwell Village School send their deepest gratitude to all our local veterans who have bravely served our community, state, and country.

We are sorry to share that our annual tradition of hosting a Veterans Potluck Lunch must be postponed this year due to the ongoing kitchen renovation at the Town Hall. Honoring you is truly one of the highlights of our school year.

Please know that we will reschedule this important celebration once the renovation is complete. Watch for a special invitation in the months ahead! In the meantime, please join us in sending special thoughts to all our veterans this coming Tuesday (and always).
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Small chalkboard sign with the message “THANK YOU, VETERANS” written in white chalk, displayed in front of an American flag draped to the side.

🌟 Friday Focus on our Fabulous, Fantastic First Graders! 🌟

Our first-grade friends are flourishing!
They’re spelling like superstars, writing with wonder, and figuring out equations like future mathematicians.

And when it’s time to move? They’re all about ABL – Action Based Learning!
At ABL stations, our students learn and leap, solve and stretch, think and thrive—because movement makes mighty minds!

We love watching this phenomenal first-grade crew grow, explore, and shine each and every day.
Keep it up, super scholars — your future is brilliant! ✨

Watch the spotlight video at: https://youtu.be/VVfdm8F_D7E

19 days ago, Slate Valley
Collage of first graders working on activities—writing, reading, using laptops, jumping on gym markers, swinging, and playing on monkey bars—with the text “Focus Friday… Celebrating our Fantastic First Graders!” and the Slate Valley logo.
Young boy sitting at a classroom desk smiles while writing the word “yet” on a small whiteboard.
Girl wearing rainbow-colored glasses smiles at her desk with a whiteboard that has her name written on it.
Boy on the playground hangs from monkey bars with a determined expression.
Girl swings on a playground swing on a sunny day, looking toward the camera.
Girl jumps between circular floor markers during an activity in the school gym.
Two students kneel on the classroom floor and read a book together.
Girl writes the word “they” on large blue paper hanging on a classroom wall.
Student wearing headphones focuses on a laptop during classroom work; another student sits beside her.
Two students work together at a desk on a math worksheet, using a pencil and counting dice.
We are celebrating the vibrant culture of reading literacy in Ms. Laslocky's 4th grade! Every photo tells a story of student engagement, utilizing every corner of the learning space to read, discuss, and reflect.
20 days ago, Slate Valley
A teacher sits on a blue carpet reading with a small group of students in a classroom surrounded by bookshelves.
Three students sit on a blue rug reading books together in front of a classroom display labeled “Sketchbook of Impossible Things.”
A teacher and three students sit on the floor in a reading group, each holding a book, surrounded by shelves of classroom materials.
Four students sit in a hallway near a green and white wall, each reading a book quietly.
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧

In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.

This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Four people sit around a table with microphones recording a podcast in a classroom setting. The image is labeled “Educational Insights: Slate Valley Community Perspectives.” The participants appear engaged in conversation, with one person smiling and waving, and another speaking into a microphone. Framed artwork decorates the wall behind them.
Throwback Thursday: We’re heading back to 2002, when Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village School students — from kindergarten through 8th grade — took part in creating Capstone Learning Projects!

Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.

Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring a young student dressed in a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans, holding a lasso. Text reads: “This eighth grade student, from Castleton Village School, did his Capstone project on the rodeo... Can you guess who he is?” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and the bottom corner reads “2002 Capstone Learning Projects” alongside a silhouette of a cowboy roping a calf.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Elizabeth Kyhill, Class of 1999

This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.

After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.

When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”

While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.

Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”

Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”

Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.

Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
“Where Are They Now Wednesday” graphic featuring Elizabeth Kyhill, Fair Haven Union High School Class of 1999. The text highlights that she earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Anselm College and an M.S. in Nursing Leadership & Management from Walden University. She serves as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center, volunteers as a nurse and board member for local healthcare organizations, and values family, community, and service. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and a professional photo of Elizabeth Kyhill is on the right.
Trivia Tuesday: 💡Did You Know?
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?” featuring text about Vermont’s Act 73. It explains that the School District Redistricting Task Force is responsible for reshaping how the state’s schools are organized and will present up to three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025. The image includes a green outline of Vermont with “Act 73” written inside and the Slate Valley Vermont logo in the bottom right corner.
At the PBIS assembly, our specialists presented their awards — and Mrs. Holden was recognized with the Stewardship Award! 🌟Congratulations to all!
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling student wearing a black hat and western-style outfit holds a colorful art palette award, standing in front of an adult wearing a green shirt and green tutu, who is smiling and standing behind them during a school assembly.
Three students stand on stage with their music teacher during an assembly. The teacher holds a guitar, and the students each hold instruments—a flute, saxophone, and trumpet. They are dressed in a mix of school attire and costumes.
Two students stand with a music teacher holding a small decorated ukulele labeled “Class of the Month.” One student wears a silver costume dress with red pom-poms, while the other is dressed casually in jeans and a jacket.
Two students stand with a teacher wearing a green tutu, smiling and holding a large golden shoe trophy as part of a school award ceremony.
Two students stand beside a teacher wearing a green shirt and tutu. One student wears a white wig and shirt, while the other wears a yellow Pikachu hoodie and holds a gold brick prop. All three are smiling during a school event.
A group of students and teachers dressed in various costumes—such as a wizard, scarecrow, police officer, and pilot—stand on stage together during a school assembly, smiling and holding awards or props.
Hello Slate Valley Families,

We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.

If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!

📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068

🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/

No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Informational graphic with the Slate Valley logo that reads: “No family should face challenges alone…” followed by text encouraging households to find community food resources through the Vermont Foodbank. It includes a QR code and the link “https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/.” The image shows a person in a green coat receiving food from volunteers and illustrations of canned goods.
Our Kindergarteners had an amazing time celebrating Book Character Day! With the help of sub Nina and some fantastic 6th Graders, they painted pumpkins and enjoyed a day full of fun activities.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Two kindergarten students paint small pumpkins at a table covered with orange paper.
Two children in plastic aprons paint pumpkins bright blue during a classroom art activity.
Two students carefully paint pumpkins red and blue while seated at a craft table.
One student dressed as a police officer and another in red paint pumpkins during the activity.
A girl paints a red-and-blue pumpkin while her classmate adjusts his apron beside her.
Two students share paintbrushes and laugh while decorating pumpkins with bright colors.
Two children focused on painting pumpkins green and yellow during Book Character Day.
Friday was Book Character Day at OVS!
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Teacher wearing a pink shirt with cartoon eyes stands with her class dressed in Halloween costumes including a witch, skeleton, robot, and bumblebee in a colorful classroom.
Kindergarten teacher stands in front of a rug leading a group of students in costumes during a Halloween-themed lesson; children sit attentively facing the board.
Elementary class poses in Halloween costumes including a pink axolotl, Sonic, Grinch, skeleton, and red cape; teacher smiles beside them in a festive classroom.
Students and teachers dressed in various costumes, including Minions, superheroes, and police officers, smile for a group photo in a colorful classroom decorated with student art.
Teacher dressed as a Minion with goggles smiles beside a student wearing a bright pink wig at a classroom table during Halloween activities.
Middle school students pose in Halloween costumes including Darth Vader, a starfish, and animal onesies in front of a whiteboard reading “Happy Halloween.”
Students parade down a school hallway in costumes including a ghost mask, inflatable corgi, and witch, with a teacher smiling at the side.
Student dressed as a glittery witch walks down the hallway with classmates in animal and dinosaur costumes behind her.
Student wearing a Jack Skellington costume poses dramatically in a school hallway as a teacher dressed as a Minion watches from the background.
Group of students and teachers in colorful Halloween costumes—including a dinosaur, witch, fairy, and sumo wrestler—parade outside in front of a brick school building.
Congratulations to our October Students of the Month! 🎉

These outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating exceptional responsibility. We’re so proud of their hard work and positive example! They are: K- Talus H., Grade 1- Ethan A., Grade 2- Sophia H., Grade 3- Chandler P., Grade 4- Sophia D., Grade 5- Kiera W., and Grade 6- Evelyn M.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Student with short light brown hair wearing a black Puma hoodie, smiling in front of a green wall.
Student with short brown hair wearing a white and black patterned fleece jacket, smiling in front of a green wall.
Student with curly blonde hair wearing a black shirt, holding a dark blue paper in front of a green wall.
Student with light brown hair in a ponytail wearing a pink hoodie with white heart patterns, smiling in front of a green wall.
Student with light brown hair wearing a black zip-up jacket and dangly earrings, smiling in front of a green wall.
Student with long wavy blonde hair wearing a burnt orange sweater, smiling in front of a green wall.
Student with straight light brown hair wearing a red ribbed shirt with a collar and buttons, smiling in front of a green wall.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday featuring Ellenor Cox-Hansen

This week, we’re excited to introduce Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School! Ellenor joined Slate Valley in July 2025 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous work in SVSU (Bennington) and BRSU (Manchester).

Outside of school, Ellenor enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading, finding joy and creativity in each of these hobbies. Her favorite quote, by Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects her compassionate and mindful approach to both life and education:
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”

We’re so happy to have Ellenor as part of Slate Valley and the Fair Haven Grade School team—her dedication, warmth, and wisdom are already making a wonderful impact!
24 days ago, Slate Valley
“Meet Monday” Slate Valley Faculty & Staff graphic introducing Ellenor Cox-Hansen, Director of Special Education at Fair Haven Grade School. The image features a portrait of Ellenor, a smiling woman with short curly gray hair, glasses, and a patterned top. The text highlights her experience in SVSU and BRSU, her hobbies of cooking, gardening, and reading, and includes her favorite quote from Thich Nhat Hanh: “Waking up this morning, I smile… I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the lower right corner.
Board Meeting - TONIGHT - November 3, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xwq-bbuo-ytt
Or dial: (US) +1 321-765-3491 PIN: 771 020 254

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.
24 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.” The agenda includes: Consent Agenda, Act 73 Discussion, Vermont School Board Association, District Quality Standards Evaluation, and Finance Committee Report. The meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Fair Haven Grade School – Library. The design features green and blue accents with a circular agenda graphic and the Vermont logo.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 31, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated October 31, 2025. The header features the Slate Valley logo and the phrase “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below is a collage of district school buildings with the text “We Are Slate Valley.” The article headline reads: “Slate Valley Building & Grounds – Investing in Safe, Functional, and Future-Ready Schools.” The text describes how the district is maintaining and improving school facilities to ensure a safe and engaging environment, with updates from Director of Operations Chris Cole. A small photo on the right shows new side steps and walkway replacement at Fair Haven Grade School.
Submitted by third grade teacher Ms. Slote:
Our students had a blast celebrating Reading Week — cozying up with their favorite books and flashlights for some “lights out” reading time 🔦💡.

They also put their math skills to the test with a multiplication cube train activity — learning that repeated addition is just multiplication in disguise!
26 days ago, Slate Valley
A student in gray pajamas reads by flashlight on the floor.
A student reads a book by flashlight while sitting against a large stuffed animal on the classroom floor.
A student in light pajamas reads a comic-style book by flashlight on the classroom rug while another student reads in the background.
A student in a camouflage shirt reads a book with a flashlight next to a plush toy of Shadow the Hedgehog.
A student in pink pajamas and a fleece jacket reads by flashlight while sitting on a bean bag chair.
A student lies on a cushion on the classroom rug reading a book, wearing pajamas with animal patterns.
A student in a red and white hoodie lies on the floor reading a book illuminated by a flashlight.
A student in patterned pajamas reads a Roald Dahl book by flashlight while sitting at a desk with classroom supplies.
A group of students stands in a classroom behind long number lines made of paper and colorful blocks arranged on a rug.
Close-up of several number lines labeled with multiples, arranged on the classroom floor with students’ feet visible around them.
Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting !

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM (Notice the slightly later start)
Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room

This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, get FY27 Budget and Act 73 updates and hear how the school year is going.

All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council. The center features the Slate Valley Unified School District logo surrounded by abstract figures in blue and green forming a circle. Text below reads: “Next Meeting: November 4, 2025 – 6:00 PM. Central Office Conference Room – Located in FHUHS.”
❄️🏀 Winter Sports Registration Is Now Open! 🏒❄️

It’s time to register for Slate Valley’s Winter Sports season! Our athletic programs are organized into three levels:

Grades 5–6 Sports

Middle School Sports (Grades 7–8)

High School Sports (Grades 9–12)

Be sure your child is registered on FormReLeaf for their chosen sport (use the link below) and has an up-to-date sports physical on file at their school.

https://formreleaf.com/
28 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer with a red, blue, and beige color scheme that reads: “Time to register for winter sports! Go to: formreleaf.com. Visit the link above or click on the ‘Registration’ link on the athletics webpage and choose your sport of choice. All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”