District Newsletter: January 30, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/82c6c6cc4bc0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-30-2026
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter header dated January 30, 2026, featuring the district logo above a winter scene of people ice fishing on a frozen lake with mountains in the background.
The halls turned into a stadium today for Sports Jersey Day! From the NFL to the NBA, and even some local favorites, it was amazing to see so many of you repping your teams.
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of middle school students in a classroom smiling while holding a classmate horizontally, with a teacher standing behind them near a whiteboard.
Teacher and student smiling in a classroom, both wearing sports jerseys, with shelves of games and supplies in the background.
Two adults posing together indoors, wearing a Yankees baseball jersey and a Rangers hockey jersey.
Teacher kneeling behind two young students wearing sports shirts, all smiling on a classroom rug.
Two elementary students standing side by side in front of shelves filled with math manipulatives and classroom supplies.
Two students standing in front of a classroom smartboard, wearing sports-themed shirts, with classmates visible in the background.
Student in a Red Sox jersey standing in front of a classroom display showing a to-do list and lesson materials.
Group of students and two teachers in a classroom wearing sports jerseys, with one student playfully posing on the floor in front.
Our January OVS Specials Awards were given out today at our Assembly with Kindergarten receiving the PE award, 5th Grade receiving the Art award, 1st grade receiving the Leadership award, 6th Grade receiving the music award, and 2nd receving the Library award! Congratulations everyone!
17 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of elementary students stand in a line on a school stage with a teacher, smiling after a recognition event, with band students and instruments in the background.
A student in a green jersey holds a decorated art palette while standing between a staff member and another student in a sports jersey, posing in a school gym.
A young student stands beside a staff member while holding a small award, with a rack of colorful basketballs and gym windows behind them.
A student holds a small ukulele next to a smiling teacher giving a thumbs-up, with band equipment visible on the stage behind them.
A student holding a gold-wrapped prize stands beside a teacher, both smiling during a school recognition event in the gym.
A huge congratulations to Mrs. Laslocky on receiving the OVS Stewardship Award!
The student speech at our assembly: "This person keeps encouraging their students. They are kind and always empathetic. They are even cooler because they've lived around the world. As you may have guessed, this month's stewardship award goes to Miss Laslocky!"
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Adult and five elementary students stand side by side on a gym floor in front of a stage, smiling for a group photo, with music stands and instruments visible in the background.
Today’s PBIS Assembly was all about celebrating success in every form. We recognized OVS students not just for grades, but for kindness, grit, leadership, and creativity. So proud of these kiddos for excelling in so many different ways. You make our school shine!
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Student and teacher stand together in a gym, smiling as the student holds an orange recognition certificate; other students sit on a stage behind them.
Adult and student pose side by side indoors, both smiling; the student holds a printed certificate while the adult gives a thumbs-up.
Two students and an adult stand together on a gym floor, smiling; one student holds a bright yellow certificate while the other holds a green paper.
Student and adult stand close together in a gym, smiling; the student holds a green recognition certificate.
Student and adult smile for the camera; the student holds a pink certificate while the adult holds a folder.
Student and adult pose together in a gym with a stage in the background; the student holds a green certificate and smiles.
Student and adult stand side by side, smiling; the student holds a yellow certificate while music stands and other students are visible behind them.
Our January Students of the Month!! Congratulations everyone on your creativity and hard work!
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Student with long hair wearing a pink hoodie stands in front of a school stage while other students with band instruments sit in the background.
Smiling student in a blue fleece holds a certificate in front of a stage where classmates and music stands are visible behind them.
Student wearing a black graphic T-shirt stands facing the camera in a school gym or auditorium with seated students in the background.
Young student in a green and black winter jacket stands on a gym floor with a school band seated on a stage behind them.
Young student in a green and black winter jacket stands on a gym floor with a school band seated on a stage behind them.
Join Us for our next Community Advisory Council Meeting — Monday, February 2!

We hope you’ll join us for the next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Library at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.

We’ll be welcoming our local legislators for an important conversation and updates on Act 73. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share your perspective as we work together to support our schools and community.

🗓 Monday, February 2, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 FHUMHS Library

Come be part of the conversation — we’d love to see you there!
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo and text announcing the next meeting on February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library, featuring an Act 73 discussion with local legislators.
A group of community members sit around tables in a school library, listening to a man speaking at the front, with bookshelves lining the walls behind them.
OVS Newsletter: January 2026
PDF version at https://aptg.co/hKdvXn
19 days ago, Slate Valley
“Orwell Village School January 2026 newsletter featuring photos of OVS students skiing at Pico Mountain, a welcome message, and upcoming events including ski days, a half day on February 20, and February break dates.”
Orwell Village School newsletter page highlighting classroom activities, including first graders reading with flashlights, third graders learning about pollination, fifth graders reading with preschool buddies, and an announcement about Chess Club.
Mrs. Broughton and Mr. Madore definitely hit all the right notes. 🎵 From dancing the day away to unleashing the power of the Boomwhackers (you know those are a hit!), the rhythm was unstoppable. Whether it was playing in a band or getting some one-on-one coaching, our students didn't miss a beat. Keep on rocking, everyone!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Elementary students sit in rows playing flutes and trumpets during a music class while a teacher conducts from the front of the room.
A music teacher conducts a seated student band, including flutes, clarinets, and brass instruments, inside a well-stocked music classroom.
Students play flutes while watching their teacher conduct, with music stands and sheet music visible in the foreground.
Young students sit in chairs holding colorful rhythm tubes as a teacher demonstrates a percussion activity in a music room.
Elementary students hold rhythm tubes upright while following instructions during a group music lesson.
A group of young children sit cross-legged on the floor listening to a teacher holding a ukulele in a music classroom.
Children hold hands and move in a circle during a movement activity in music class, guided by two adults.
Students walk and dance in a circle during a music and movement activity in a classroom filled with instruments.
Two students practice trombone facing each other at music stands while a teacher observes in the background.
Board Meeting Tonight- January 26, 2026
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/zjf-fize-oet
Or dial: (US) +1 413-779-5205 PIN: 549 283 171#

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.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads “Please Join Us Tonight” and “Board Meeting.” The agenda includes consent agenda; warning for FY27 school budget; tax rate discussion; committee reports for building and grounds, policy, and executive committee. Meeting details list January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM, held at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School in the Band Room. The graphic features a circular table with stylized people icons and a Vermont logo.
Good Afternoon,

All Slate Valley Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the weather conditions. Stay safe and have a great day!

Best,

Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing “No School Snow Day!” with snowflakes on a snowy background. Text reads “Monday, January 26th,” alongside the Slate Valley Unified School District logo.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for January 23, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/df08e8fadaac/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-16-13835994
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter header dated January 23, 2026, featuring an illustration of five bundled-up people shivering in winter coats beneath hanging icicles, suggesting cold winter weather.
FHU Band Bottle Drive - Help our Slaters get to Orlando, FL!
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing FHU Band bottle drive throughout January 2026, with bottle drop-off at Liberty Street Redemption in Fair Haven; proceeds support the band’s trip to the Orlando Heritage Music Festival in Florida.
📰 A Howling Good First Edition!

We’re excited to celebrate the first edition of The Howler—a student-led and student-created newspaper at Orwell Village School!
From concept to creation, students took the lead, showcasing creativity, collaboration, and curiosity. We can’t wait to see where The Howler goes next!
Enjoy the read at https://aptg.co/3Y85c2
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the title “The Howler” at the top. Below, an image shows a wolf howling at a full moon in a dark, nighttime sky. A magnifying glass graphic appears near the moon, and a detective-style hat is illustrated on the wolf’s head, suggesting investigation and journalism. The image represents a student newspaper theme.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: January 16, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/409168fc586b/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-16-13835966
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District newsletter dated January 16, 2026. The image features a winter illustration with snow-covered trees, mountains, falling snow, and a skier on a snowy hillside, along with the district logo and the text “Our Schools, Your Future.”
NEEDED: Community members interested in serving as Slate Valley School Board Representatives!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking residents who want to make a meaningful impact on our schools and students. Open seats are available in West Haven (3 seats), Hubbardton (1 seat), and Orwell (1 seat). There are also seats in Benson, Fair Haven, and Castleton, where current members are running unopposed.

Serving on the school board is a great way to represent your community, support student success, and help shape the future of Slate Valley schools. Board members receive an annual stipend, and no prior experience is required—just a commitment to serve.
If you’re interested in running, please visit your town office to obtain a petition and learn more about the process and requirements.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing “School Board Members Needed” for Slate Valley Unified Union School District, with open seats in West Haven, Hubbardton, and Orwell. Text encourages serving the community, supporting students, and participating in school decisions; notes no experience required and to visit the town office for details. Includes the Slate Valley Vermont logo and a photo of adults seated around a table in discussion.
No School – Monday, January 19, 2026

Slate Valley Unified Union School District schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This day honors Dr. King’s legacy of service, equity, and justice, and invites us all to reflect on the values of compassion, courage, and community.

We wish our students, families, and staff a meaningful day of remembrance. ❤️🤍💙
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic shows the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial statue against a blue sky. Text reads, “No School Monday, January 19, 2026, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” with a Vermont school district logo at the bottom.
📖🔦📚Flashlight Reading in First Grade!📖🔦📚
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Young student lies on the classroom floor reading a picture book by flashlight, with a bin of books nearby.
Two students sit on the floor under desks reading books with flashlights during a classroom activity.
Student wearing headphones sits in a cozy reading chair, reading a picture book by flashlight.
Student with glasses sits under a table reading a book by flashlight, while another student reads nearby.
Student sits on the floor reading a book by flashlight, focused on the page beneath classroom desks.
Student sits at a table reading a comic-style book by flashlight in a classroom.
Student sits under a table reading a book by flashlight, illuminating the page on the floor.
Student kneels on the floor reading a picture book by flashlight under classroom tables.
Wide view of classroom showing multiple students reading books by flashlight under tables and around a colorful rug.
Student kneels on the floor under a table, smiling while reading a book illuminated by a flashlight.
Board Meeting - January 12, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/epv-sidz-zry
Or dial: (US) +1 406-905-1177 PIN: 663 913 503#

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.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on January 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Castleton Elementary School cafeteria. Agenda items include the consent agenda, Act 73 discussion, open board seats discussion, and committee finance reports. Includes district logo and “Please Join Us Tonight” text.
WANTED: Community members interested in serving as Slate Valley School Board Representatives!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking residents who want to make a meaningful impact on our schools and students. Open seats are available in West Haven (3 seats), Hubbardton (1 seat), and Orwell (1 seat). There are also seats in Benson, Fair Haven, and Castleton, where current members are running unopposed.

Serving on the school board is a great way to represent your community, support student success, and help shape the future of Slate Valley schools. Board members receive an annual stipend, and no prior experience is required—just a commitment to serve.

If you’re interested in running, please visit your town office to obtain a petition and learn more about the process and requirements.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Alt text: A green graphic reading “Wanted: Slate Valley School Board Representatives,” showing three person icons with the Slate Valley logo and text noting open seats in West Haven, Hubbardton, and Orwell, and a $1,200 reward.