Trivia Tuesday – Do You Know?
When and where was the first Vermont Town Meeting held?

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments!

🗳️ Today is Town Meeting Day! Don’t forget to exercise your right to vote. Polls are open at the following locations and times:

• Benson: 10 am – 7 pm, Benson Community Hall
• Castleton: 8 am – 7 pm, Castleton Fire Station
• Fair Haven: 10 am – 7 pm, American Legion Post #49
• Hubbardton: 10 am – 7 pm, Hubbardton Town Hall
• Orwell: 10 am – 7 pm, Orwell Town Hall
• West Haven: 10 am – 7 pm, West Haven Town Hall

Every vote matters!

📖 Find the trivia answer here:
https://outside.vermont.gov/dept/sos/Elections_Division/election_info_resources/town_meeting_local_elections/citizens_guide_vermont_town_meeting_2008.pdf
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Do You Know? Trivia Tuesday” with the Vermont logo and the question, “When and where was the first Vermont Town Meeting held?” Below is a photo of a historic white church surrounded by autumn trees.
Slate Valley FY27 Budget: Fiscal Responsibility in Action
As you consider the FY27 budget, here are a few key highlights:
✅ Spending per pupil remains below the state average — $11,565 in Slate Valley compared to $13,947 statewide.
✅ The proposed budget represents a 2.8% increase, just slightly above the current rate of inflation.
✅ Staffing has been reduced by over 45 positions in the past eight years, including 3 administrators, demonstrating long-term cost control.
📊 Learn more about the FY27 budget at https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic reading “Tuesday, March 3rd — Please Vote” with Slate Valley and school logos. Polling places and hours listed: Benson 10 am–7 pm at Benson Community Hall; Castleton 8 am–7 pm at Castleton Fire Station; Fair Haven 10 am–7 pm at American Legion Post #49; Hubbardton 10 am–7 pm at Hubbardton Town Hall; Orwell 10 am–7 pm at Orwell Town Hall; West Haven 10 am–7 pm at West Haven Town Hall. Text reads “Our School, Your Future.”
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday — March Spotlight

This month, we’re excited to feature Alicia Bouzianis, a valued member of the Slate Valley team!

Alicia has been part of Slate Valley for eight years. Prior to her current role, she worked with the ABBY Group through Slate Valley, continuing her commitment to supporting students in our schools.

Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time outdoors — especially taking long walks and hikes through the woods. She also loves long car rides filled with country music (and isn’t afraid to sing along like she’s headed for the big stage!). Most of all, she enjoys being around kids and making meaningful connections.

A quote that inspires her is:
“Saddle your dreams before you ride them.” — a wise man told me

Beyond the school day, Alicia dedicates significant time to the Boys & Girls Club, working after school and throughout the summer. She shares that seeing the kids’ faces and creating fun experiences with them truly makes her heart full.

Alicia says she truly loves being part of Slate Valley, and we’re grateful for the care, energy, and positivity she brings to our students each day.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Monday – Slate Valley Faculty & Staff” featuring a portrait of Alicia Bouzianis, OVS Instructional Assistant. The design includes bullet points noting she has worked at Slate Valley for 8 years, previously worked with the ABBY Group through Slate Valley, enjoys long walks and hikes in the woods, likes country music and long car rides, is passionate about working with kids, and is active with the Boys & Girls Club after school and in the summer. Favorite quote: “Saddle your dreams before you ride them.” The Slate Valley logo appears in the corner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 27, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/dbb66208584e/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-30-13836170
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter graphic dated February 27, 2026, promoting Town Meeting Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The design features illustrated hands holding ballots around a green ballot box labeled “Vote!” and the phrase “Our School, Your Future.”
Please join us for Coffee and Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy!

Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome to join Senator Ruth Hardy for a casual breakfast conversation.

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library

Come hear updates from the current legislative session and learn more about Act 73, with time for questions and discussion. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share perspectives, and connect with your local senator.

Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.

We hope to see you there!
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer inviting the community to “Coffee & Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy.” Event is Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Orwell Free Library from 9:00–10:00 AM. Graphic shows a steaming coffee mug and a muffin with the Slate Valley logo. Text notes the event is offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Free Library.
We Are Slate Valley highlights the heart of our district—our students. In this video, Slate Valley students chose words they believe best describe who we are as a district, sharing their voices and perspectives. Together, their reflections celebrate the opportunities, growth, and strong sense of belonging that define Slate Valley. From classrooms to activities, see how our schools support every learner and help students discover who they are and who they can become. See the video at: https://youtu.be/jGoplAjolPU
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Smiling elementary-age student wearing glasses and a pink shirt stands in front of a decorative tree display with paper snowflakes. A banner along the bottom shows Slate Valley school logos including BVS, CES, FHGS, OVS, FHU High School, and FHU Middle School.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 20, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/7cc4725364fd/slate-valley-district-newsletter
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter graphic dated February 20, 2026, featuring cartoon children celebrating in front of the words “February Break.” Text reads: All Slate Valley schools will be closed for February Break from Monday the 23rd through Friday the 27th. Classes will resume on Monday, March 2, 2026.
OVS Students of the Month celebrated at our February PBIS Assembly!
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Young student in a bright green shirt smiles while holding a green folder and a white “Student of the Month February 2026” envelope in front of the school band area.
Elementary student holds a green certificate folder with a white “Student of the Month February 2026” envelope, standing in front of seated band students.
Smiling student wearing a gray patterned Columbia fleece stands in the gym holding a green folder and Student of the Month envelope.
Student in a dark gray Adidas hoodie and gold cross necklace smiles while holding a green folder during a school recognition event.
Student wearing a navy shirt with a dinosaur graphic smiles at the camera while holding a green folder at the front of the gym.
Student in a black “Explore Now” T-shirt smiles while holding a green folder and Student of the Month envelope.
Student in a gray Adidas zip-up jacket smiles while holding a certificate folder in the school gym during the recognition ceremony.
OVS February PBIS Assembly, Classroom awards! Congratulations to everyone!
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Young student stands beside an adult holding a microphone in the school gym, proudly displaying a green award certificate.
Smiling student stands with a staff member in the gym, holding a green certificate recognizing growth in reading.
Student and teacher pose together in the gym, holding a blue award certificate while the student also holds a microphone.
Student stands next to a staff member in the gym, holding a bright pink certificate during a school recognition moment.
Student and adult pose together in the gym while holding a green certificate, celebrating the student’s achievement.
OVS February Newsletter: See the PDF version at https://aptg.co/sshfXT
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Orwell Village School February 2026 newsletter cover featuring green decorative vines and the Slate Valley logo. The page highlights winter activities including K–6 students sledding outdoors, with photos of smiling children riding sleds down a snowy hill. Text also lists upcoming events such as the last ski day, parent conferences, teacher in-service, and fifth grade trips to Starbase.
Second page of the Orwell Village School February 2026 newsletter featuring multiple student activities. Photos show sixth graders participating in hands-on body system activities, kindergarten students working on self-portrait art projects, and a student performing with the Green Mountain Music Festival jazz band. The page also promotes a March Madness Chess Tournament for grades 2–6 and includes the school’s Facebook information.
Hot off the press! New Student Publication of the Howler! - See the #7 Issue : AI Edition at: https://aptg.co/rZJlQm
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Cover of “The Howler,” Issue #7 of the OVS Howler student publication. The black header features the title in large white text. The main image shows a futuristic, glowing robotic wolf made of circuits and wires. A speech bubble reads, “Tech. Nol. Ogy. Is. Sue.” Below are three feature boxes: “Technology!” with binary code imagery and text about student-written AI content; “Food Around The World” with a plate of pasta and text about exploring global foods; and “AI debate” with an image of a dog and cat and text describing a friendly human vs. AI showdown.
Yesterday, our 6th graders spent the day on the ice! From reeling in their first catches to soaking up the sun and enjoying some laughs with friends, it was a day for the books. Beyond the fishing, we had some top-tier peer entertainment to keep the energy high. Who knew 6th grade had this much talent and patience!!!
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of students and adults walk in a line across a snowy frozen lake, carrying buckets and gear under a bright blue winter sky.
Student in a winter jacket and gray knit hat carries an orange bucket filled with ice fishing tools while standing on the frozen lake.
Adult instructor demonstrates ice fishing equipment to a group of bundled-up students gathered on the snowy ice with mountains in the background.
Smiling student in a blue and green winter jacket kneels beside an ice hole holding an ice fishing scoop on a sunny day.
Student in a blue jacket and winter hat kneels on the ice using a metal tool to check an ice fishing hole.
Four students in winter gear kneel together around an ice hole, smiling toward the camera on the frozen lake.
Student wearing a gray knit hat and winter bibs examines an ice fishing tip-up while an adult hand points to the line.
Close-up of a small yellow perch being held by hand above the snow-covered ice.
Group of students lie on their backs on the frozen lake, relaxing and looking up at the sky on a sunny winter day.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our OVS Folk Dance! It was incredible to see our students, families, and neighbors coming together to celebrate music and movement. A special shoutout to our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Broughton, and our talented student teacher, Mr. Madore, for organizing such a joyful event. Thank you for teaching us that life is better when you’re dancing!
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Large group of students, staff, and families holding hands in a wide circle while dancing together in a school gymnasium.
Two adults in a school gym smile and give each other a high five during a community dance event while others participate in the background.
Young student and older student hold hands and practice dance steps together on the gym floor as other participants dance behind them.
Adult and elementary student face each other and hold hands while dancing in a crowded school gym during a family event.
Older student leads a younger child in a dance line in the gym while other children and adults watch and wait their turn.
Wide view of a busy school gym filled with families and students dancing together in lines and small groups.
Students and adults form small dance groups in the gym, clapping and moving to the music during a lively school community event.
🏀📚 Third graders at Orwell Village School took a powerful journey through history in library class! After reading the Red Clover book Wat Kept Playing by Emily Inouye Huey, students learned about Wat Misaka’s perseverance as a Japanese-American basketball player during WWII—a time marked by prejudice and uncertainty in the United States.

Inspired by Wat’s determination and love of the game, students put their creativity to work by designing their own basketball hoop games. What a meaningful way to connect history, literacy, and hands-on learning!
21 days ago, Slate Valley
A young student in a classroom holds a small handmade basketball hoop game while standing near a table with laptops and a printer in the background.
A student in a classroom holds up a small handmade basketball hoop game toward the camera, demonstrating the project after the class reading activity.
From OVS Librarian, Mrs. Tina Rampone: "I would like to thank the OVS booster club for their donation of new rugs for our school library! This makes our reading space cozy and welcoming."
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful reading rug with illustrated bookshelves and the words “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” displayed in a school library corner surrounded by wooden bookshelves filled with children’s books.
Five elementary students sit and lie on a colorful reading rug in the library, looking at books and drawings while surrounded by bookshelves.
OVS walked on water yesterday. There’s nothing quite like the silence of a frozen lake and the anticipation of that first flag popping up. Our 4th graders traded their desks for buckets yesterday to learn the ropes of ice fishing. Watching their faces light up at the first sign of a nibble was better than any trophy catch.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students walks across a snowy frozen lake carrying gear toward an ice fishing site under a bright winter sky.
Students in winter gear gather on the ice as an instructor demonstrates ice fishing equipment next to sleds and supply bins.
Ice fishing supplies—including buckets, rods, and sleds—sit on the frozen lake while students listen to instruction in the background.
A group of bundled students kneels around an ice hole while an instructor shows them how to use ice fishing tools.
A student kneels on the ice and drills into a hole while classmates and adults stand nearby on the frozen lake.
An instructor holds up an ice fishing tip-up while students in colorful winter clothing gather around to watch.
An adult kneels beside a student on the ice, helping them measure or check equipment at a fishing hole.
A student in winter gear kneels beside an ice hole using a skimmer to clear slush from the water.
A smiling student sitting on the ice holds up a fishing rod next to a freshly caught fish on the snow.
An adult helps a student operate an ice auger to drill a hole in the frozen lake during an outdoor learning activity.
🚨 Tonight — SVUUSD Annual Meeting 🚨

Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.

🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM

Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj

📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#

We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic badge with icon of a presenter pointing to a board in front of an audience. Text reads “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.” Teal border with gray background and light green and blue icons.
More than just a drawing. 📝✨

Did you know that when a kindergartner draws a self-portrait, they’re doing so much more than "coloring"? They are practicing observational thinking, honing fine motor skills, and building a sense of self-awareness.

Our OVS artists have been hard at work capturing their unique features and bright personalities! From the tilt of a smile to the perfect shade of "OVS Blue," these masterpieces show the growing confidence of our youngest learners. We are so proud of the focus and heart they put into every stroke!
22 days ago, Slate Valley
A student in a purple shirt studies their reflection in a mirror while coloring a self-portrait with crayons at a blue table.
Elementary students sit at colorful tables in a classroom, using small tabletop mirrors to draw self-portraits with markers and crayons.
A child smiles at their reflection in a small mirror while sketching a face on paper at a wooden table.
A group of young students at a yellow table color self-portrait worksheets while looking into upright mirrors.
A student concentrates on drawing a face worksheet while looking into a small mirror on a desk, with crayons and supplies nearby.
Several children compare their drawings to their reflections in mirrors while working together on self-portrait art at a shared table.
A child draws a detailed self-portrait while smiling at their reflection in a tabletop mirror; classmates work in the background.
Three students lean in and smile while checking their reflections in mirrors and adding features to their portrait drawings.
Wide classroom view of multiple students seated at different tables, each using a mirror to create self-portrait drawings with art supplies.
Join us for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Annual Meeting on the FY27 School Budget 📘

🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room

Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.

For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Hexagon-shaped graphic announcing the SVUUSD Annual Meeting, with an icon of a presenter speaking to an audience beside a safety helmet symbol. Text reads: “SVUUSD Annual Meeting — Thursday, February 19, 2026 — FHUMHS Band Room — 6:30 PM.”
On Friday, February 13, Slate Valley students proudly represented our district at the Green Mountain Music District V Festival. 🎶 Students from multiple schools participated in chorus, band, and jazz, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented their schools.

Festival Participants were:

Middle School Chorus

Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley

Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell

Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink

High School Band — FHUMHS

Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott

Middle School Jazz

Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla

Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Seven middle school chorus students stand in a row against a hallway wall wearing black concert attire and holding green music folders, posing before a performance.
A large student chorus stands on risers in a school gym while a conductor faces them at a microphone stand; students wear black concert clothing and hold green folders.
Wide view of a combined student chorus on gym risers with a conductor in front and a pianist at a grand piano to the side during a concert performance.
Close-up of a section of the student chorus on risers, dressed in black and singing while reading from green music folders.
Front view of a student chorus performing in a gym as the conductor leads with raised arm and a grand piano sits nearby.
Student percussionist in black concert attire plays a mallet instrument near the gym floor while an audience watches from the bleachers behind.