Your voice matters! Join us TONIGHT, Monday, September 21st, for our first public meeting on the Elementary School Reorganization Study.
Whether you're a family member, staff, or community member, your insights are essential to building a strong, equitable future for Slate Valley schools. Come ask questions, share your thoughts, and help guide our path forward!
📅 When: Tonight, September 21st | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Benson Village School (In Person Only)
🔗 Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
Whether you're a family member, staff, or community member, your insights are essential to building a strong, equitable future for Slate Valley schools. Come ask questions, share your thoughts, and help guide our path forward!
📅 When: Tonight, September 21st | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Benson Village School (In Person Only)
🔗 Learn More: https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/elementary-reorganization
📸 Don't forget—Picture Day is TOMORROW, Tuesday, September 22!
Order online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTPGK3HR. Place your order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Cash or check payments can also be sent in with your child using the physical flyer. Let's see those big smiles tomorrow! 😁✨
Order online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTPGK3HR. Place your order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Cash or check payments can also be sent in with your child using the physical flyer. Let's see those big smiles tomorrow! 😁✨
Friday Focus: Our Technology Team Superheroes!
When Slate Valley faced a recent cybersecurity incident, our technology team didn’t flinch. Chris, Walter, Jesse, Brandon, and Ed worked around the clock—remaining calm, focused and determined—to secure our network and safely restore critical systems.
Thanks to their expertise and tireless efforts, internet service and staff email are returning across the district. All services continue to be carefully evaluated and restored.
This week’s Friday Focus is a heartfelt tribute to our technology superheroes. If you see a member of our tech team, please take a moment to thank them for everything they do for Slate Valley!
When Slate Valley faced a recent cybersecurity incident, our technology team didn’t flinch. Chris, Walter, Jesse, Brandon, and Ed worked around the clock—remaining calm, focused and determined—to secure our network and safely restore critical systems.
Thanks to their expertise and tireless efforts, internet service and staff email are returning across the district. All services continue to be carefully evaluated and restored.
This week’s Friday Focus is a heartfelt tribute to our technology superheroes. If you see a member of our tech team, please take a moment to thank them for everything they do for Slate Valley!
📚 Throwback Thursday: Did You Cover Your Textbooks? 📚
Remember when one of the first back-to-school tasks wasn’t logging into a Chromebook — it was covering your textbooks? ✏️📖
Those books had to last year after year, passing from one class of students to the next, so protecting them was serious business!
Now we want to know… how did YOU cover yours? 👇
🛍️ Did you master the art of turning a brown paper grocery bag into the perfect book cover — then decorate it with doodles, names, and notes throughout the year?
🎨 Did you buy the fancy, colorful covers at the store?
📚 Were you one to use the stretchy cloth book covers?
And who remembers opening a textbook and immediately checking the names written inside the front cover to see who had it before you? Sometimes those books had quite a history!
So, what kind of book cover was part of YOUR school days?
Remember when one of the first back-to-school tasks wasn’t logging into a Chromebook — it was covering your textbooks? ✏️📖
Those books had to last year after year, passing from one class of students to the next, so protecting them was serious business!
Now we want to know… how did YOU cover yours? 👇
🛍️ Did you master the art of turning a brown paper grocery bag into the perfect book cover — then decorate it with doodles, names, and notes throughout the year?
🎨 Did you buy the fancy, colorful covers at the store?
📚 Were you one to use the stretchy cloth book covers?
And who remembers opening a textbook and immediately checking the names written inside the front cover to see who had it before you? Sometimes those books had quite a history!
So, what kind of book cover was part of YOUR school days?
Run, Walk, and Heist some Fun! 🥈🏃♀️
Get ready for the Silver Heist 5K Walk/Run, an all-ages event supporting our local community! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 AM. Whether you're a serious runner or looking for a fun family walk, this is the event for you!
We haven't forgotten our youngest participants! For ages 4-7, there's a special Little Bandits Bolt!
This event is a collaborative fundraiser for the Orwell Village School Booster Club and the Orwell Historical Society.
👉 Learn more and sign up today:https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/Orwell/silverheist5k
Or simply scan the QR code in the image!
A huge thank you to our GOLD SPONSORS:
• Maple Broadband
• First National Bank of Orwell, VT
• Law Office of Joseph I. Andriano, PLLC
• Reliable Labor Services
Get ready for the Silver Heist 5K Walk/Run, an all-ages event supporting our local community! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 AM. Whether you're a serious runner or looking for a fun family walk, this is the event for you!
We haven't forgotten our youngest participants! For ages 4-7, there's a special Little Bandits Bolt!
This event is a collaborative fundraiser for the Orwell Village School Booster Club and the Orwell Historical Society.
👉 Learn more and sign up today:https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/Orwell/silverheist5k
Or simply scan the QR code in the image!
A huge thank you to our GOLD SPONSORS:
• Maple Broadband
• First National Bank of Orwell, VT
• Law Office of Joseph I. Andriano, PLLC
• Reliable Labor Services
Where Are They Now Wednesday:
Keenan Donaldson, Class of 2023
For Fair Haven Union alumnus Keenan Donaldson, finding the right career path started before he even
graduated. A member of the Class of 2023, Keenan took advantage of career and technical education and a
co-op opportunity that helped turn an interest in the trades into a career he enjoys today.
While attending FHU, Keenan enrolled at Stafford Technical Center, where he studied plumbing and electrical.
Through Stafford’s co-op program, he began working every other day with Long Trail Electrical Contractors.
That hands-on experience proved to be an important first step toward his future.
After graduation, Keenan continued working with Long Trail Electrical Contractors and began an electrical
apprenticeship program through Vermont State University Castleton. He has now completed three years of
electrical classes and is beginning his fourth and final year as he works toward earning his journeyman’s
license.
Once he completes his classes, Keenan expects to be eligible to become a journeyman next year. From there,
after two additional years of work experience, his goal is to take the exam to earn his master electrician’s
license.
Looking back on his school years, Keenan remembers two educators who made a particularly meaningful
impact on him.
“First would be Mike Bruce, my homeroom teacher,” Keenan shared. “Just a nice guy. Always good to talk to.”
He also credits Chris Tooley, his plumbing and electrical instructor at Stafford, as someone who helped shape
his experience and career path.
Outside the classroom, Keenan was involved in baseball and bowling at FHU. When part of the Slater's
bowling program, he helped earn two state titles—with his dad also serving as a bowling coach.
Today, Keenan’s hands-on interests extend well beyond his workday. He enjoys ice fishing with his friend
Caleb and spending time helping his parents. In fact, he is currently putting his handyman and carpenter skills
to good use by helping his parents build a house. With the exception of the concrete foundation, the family has
been tackling the work themselves rather than contracting it out.
A favorite quote from his dad seems especially fitting for the career Keenan has chosen:
“If you love the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Keenan says that, for the most part, the saying rings true. Like anyone, he has days when work feels like work,
but he knows the effort is worthwhile and is happy with the career he has chosen.
When asked what advice he would give to today’s Slater students, Keenan offered a simple reminder that
comes from his own experiences:
“Take the time to do things you love. Otherwise, you may miss out.”
From Stafford’s classrooms and a high school co-op placement to an apprenticeship and a career with Long
Trail Electrical Contractors, Keenan’s journey is a great example of how opportunities during high school can
help students discover a path that is right for them.
We are proud to see Keenan continuing to learn, build his skills, and work toward his goals—and we look
forward to seeing where his career takes him next!
Keenan Donaldson, Class of 2023
For Fair Haven Union alumnus Keenan Donaldson, finding the right career path started before he even
graduated. A member of the Class of 2023, Keenan took advantage of career and technical education and a
co-op opportunity that helped turn an interest in the trades into a career he enjoys today.
While attending FHU, Keenan enrolled at Stafford Technical Center, where he studied plumbing and electrical.
Through Stafford’s co-op program, he began working every other day with Long Trail Electrical Contractors.
That hands-on experience proved to be an important first step toward his future.
After graduation, Keenan continued working with Long Trail Electrical Contractors and began an electrical
apprenticeship program through Vermont State University Castleton. He has now completed three years of
electrical classes and is beginning his fourth and final year as he works toward earning his journeyman’s
license.
Once he completes his classes, Keenan expects to be eligible to become a journeyman next year. From there,
after two additional years of work experience, his goal is to take the exam to earn his master electrician’s
license.
Looking back on his school years, Keenan remembers two educators who made a particularly meaningful
impact on him.
“First would be Mike Bruce, my homeroom teacher,” Keenan shared. “Just a nice guy. Always good to talk to.”
He also credits Chris Tooley, his plumbing and electrical instructor at Stafford, as someone who helped shape
his experience and career path.
Outside the classroom, Keenan was involved in baseball and bowling at FHU. When part of the Slater's
bowling program, he helped earn two state titles—with his dad also serving as a bowling coach.
Today, Keenan’s hands-on interests extend well beyond his workday. He enjoys ice fishing with his friend
Caleb and spending time helping his parents. In fact, he is currently putting his handyman and carpenter skills
to good use by helping his parents build a house. With the exception of the concrete foundation, the family has
been tackling the work themselves rather than contracting it out.
A favorite quote from his dad seems especially fitting for the career Keenan has chosen:
“If you love the work you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Keenan says that, for the most part, the saying rings true. Like anyone, he has days when work feels like work,
but he knows the effort is worthwhile and is happy with the career he has chosen.
When asked what advice he would give to today’s Slater students, Keenan offered a simple reminder that
comes from his own experiences:
“Take the time to do things you love. Otherwise, you may miss out.”
From Stafford’s classrooms and a high school co-op placement to an apprenticeship and a career with Long
Trail Electrical Contractors, Keenan’s journey is a great example of how opportunities during high school can
help students discover a path that is right for them.
We are proud to see Keenan continuing to learn, build his skills, and work toward his goals—and we look
forward to seeing where his career takes him next!
✏️ Trivia Tuesday: Back-to-School Edition
As Slate Valley students begin a new school year with freshly sharpened pencils, did you know that Castleton once had its own pencil mill?
In the 1800s, slate pencils used by students for writing on slate tablets were manufactured right here in Castleton!
Question: At its peak, approximately how many slate pencils could the mill produce in a single day?
The slate pencil mill was established along Sucker Brook in 1843, and its pencils were eventually shipped around the world. Today, Pencil Mill Road, named for the mill, along with a historical marker at the intersection of Pencil Mill Road and North Road preserve this unique piece of Castleton—and school—history.
For more information, visit: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=97291
Answer: 100,000 ✏️
As Slate Valley students begin a new school year with freshly sharpened pencils, did you know that Castleton once had its own pencil mill?
In the 1800s, slate pencils used by students for writing on slate tablets were manufactured right here in Castleton!
Question: At its peak, approximately how many slate pencils could the mill produce in a single day?
The slate pencil mill was established along Sucker Brook in 1843, and its pencils were eventually shipped around the world. Today, Pencil Mill Road, named for the mill, along with a historical marker at the intersection of Pencil Mill Road and North Road preserve this unique piece of Castleton—and school—history.
For more information, visit: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=97291
Answer: 100,000 ✏️
Protect, serve, and pass the ketchup! 👮♂️
Officer Ed took his duties to the next level today during K, 1st, and 2nd grade lunch. SRO by morning, professional sauce dispenser by noon! Our students loved having him walking around making lunch extra special.
Officer Ed took his duties to the next level today during K, 1st, and 2nd grade lunch. SRO by morning, professional sauce dispenser by noon! Our students loved having him walking around making lunch extra special.
Climbing to New Heights!
Our students are absolute rockstars on the new playground climbing wall!
After Ms. K went over all the safety rules and expectations with everyone, the wall was officially opened up for free play!! Boy, are they having fun! It has been wonderful watching our kids build strength, encourage their classmates, and challenge themselves to reach the top every single recess.
Our students are absolute rockstars on the new playground climbing wall!
After Ms. K went over all the safety rules and expectations with everyone, the wall was officially opened up for free play!! Boy, are they having fun! It has been wonderful watching our kids build strength, encourage their classmates, and challenge themselves to reach the top every single recess.
Daily Chess Challenge!
Mr. Walters has set up today's brand new chess puzzle, and our K-6 thinkers are on the case!
It is amazing to see so many of our younger students running up to the board every single day, leaning in together, and trying to spot the winning move. Whether they are just learning how the knight jumps or already hunting for checkmate, their daily excitement to solve Mr. Walters' latest puzzle is contagious!
Can you solve today's puzzle before our junior grandmasters do?
Mr. Walters has set up today's brand new chess puzzle, and our K-6 thinkers are on the case!
It is amazing to see so many of our younger students running up to the board every single day, leaning in together, and trying to spot the winning move. Whether they are just learning how the knight jumps or already hunting for checkmate, their daily excitement to solve Mr. Walters' latest puzzle is contagious!
Can you solve today's puzzle before our junior grandmasters do?
🚌 Now Hiring School Bus Drivers! 🚌
Bet-Cha Transit is seeking school bus drivers to help safely transport students while making a difference in our local communities.
Pay: $29.50–$31.50 per hour
Benefits include:
✅ Paid training
✅ Family-friendly schedule
✅ Child ride-along program
✅ Extra earning opportunities through charters, field trips, athletic events and shuttles
If you are looking for rewarding, part-time work that supports local students and families, learn more and apply today:
🔗 https://ridesta.com/careers/
Bet-Cha Transit is seeking school bus drivers to help safely transport students while making a difference in our local communities.
Pay: $29.50–$31.50 per hour
Benefits include:
✅ Paid training
✅ Family-friendly schedule
✅ Child ride-along program
✅ Extra earning opportunities through charters, field trips, athletic events and shuttles
If you are looking for rewarding, part-time work that supports local students and families, learn more and apply today:
🔗 https://ridesta.com/careers/
📣 Join us in shaping the future of Slate Valley’s elementary schools!
As we begin our Elementary School Reorganization Study, input from families, staff, and community members will be essential. Please join us at an upcoming engagement session to share your perspective, ask questions, and help guide our district’s direction:
📍 Monday, September 21 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Benson Village School — In person only
📍 Tuesday, September 22 | 8:00–9:00 PM
Castleton Elementary School — In person only
💻 Thursday, October 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Virtual — Link provided closer to the date
We are also seeking community representatives—especially residents of Benson and Castleton—to serve on the Steering Committee. Members will help gather feedback and analyze options throughout the process.
Interested or have questions? Contact Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell at bfarrell@svuvt.org.
Learn more and follow updates:
www.slatevalleyunified.org/page/elementary-reorganization
As we begin our Elementary School Reorganization Study, input from families, staff, and community members will be essential. Please join us at an upcoming engagement session to share your perspective, ask questions, and help guide our district’s direction:
📍 Monday, September 21 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Benson Village School — In person only
📍 Tuesday, September 22 | 8:00–9:00 PM
Castleton Elementary School — In person only
💻 Thursday, October 1 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Virtual — Link provided closer to the date
We are also seeking community representatives—especially residents of Benson and Castleton—to serve on the Steering Committee. Members will help gather feedback and analyze options throughout the process.
Interested or have questions? Contact Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell at bfarrell@svuvt.org.
Learn more and follow updates:
www.slatevalleyunified.org/page/elementary-reorganization
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: Mr. Tom DeMatties
Our first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2026-27 year takes us to Castleton Elementary School, where we are pleased to feature sixth-grade teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties!
Mr. DeMatties brings many years of experience—and a genuine enthusiasm for working with students—to his classroom. He taught for approximately 19 years at the former Castleton Village School before transitioning to Castleton Elementary School. Earlier in his career, he taught at Champlain Valley Christian School, where he also served as principal. His teaching journey began at Poultney Elementary School and also included five years at the former North Country Christian Academy in Williston.
Through all those years and experiences, one thing has remained constant: Mr. DeMatties truly enjoys teaching.
While the work can certainly leave him tired by the end of the day, each morning brings new energy. He especially enjoys heading outside to greet his sixth graders as they arrive at school, knowing that every day will bring something new.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. DeMatties is rarely sitting still! A fan of winter, he enjoys ice skating, shoveling snow, riding skip-jacks, and just about everything the season has to offer. He also enjoys building and working with his hands. Over the years, he has helped build several houses, a tiny house, and even an apartment for his daughter.
Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday because of its simplicity and the opportunity to appreciate family, faith, and life. Giving back is also important to him. Mr. DeMatties has participated in disaster relief work through Samaritan’s Purse—work that he describes as difficult and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.
More recently, another family tradition has taken root. Mr. DeMatties and his extended family have been making maple syrup together in a newly built sugar house on his father’s property. Each March, the maple trees are waiting, while throughout the rest of the year, plenty of time is spent gathering firewood.
Whether he is teaching sixth graders, lending a hand to others, building something new, or spending time outdoors with his family, Mr. DeMatties lives by a simple philosophy:
“Be good and do good, give it a try.”
Thank you, Mr. DeMatties, for sharing a little more about yourself and for all you bring to the students and community at Castleton Elementary School!
Our first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2026-27 year takes us to Castleton Elementary School, where we are pleased to feature sixth-grade teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties!
Mr. DeMatties brings many years of experience—and a genuine enthusiasm for working with students—to his classroom. He taught for approximately 19 years at the former Castleton Village School before transitioning to Castleton Elementary School. Earlier in his career, he taught at Champlain Valley Christian School, where he also served as principal. His teaching journey began at Poultney Elementary School and also included five years at the former North Country Christian Academy in Williston.
Through all those years and experiences, one thing has remained constant: Mr. DeMatties truly enjoys teaching.
While the work can certainly leave him tired by the end of the day, each morning brings new energy. He especially enjoys heading outside to greet his sixth graders as they arrive at school, knowing that every day will bring something new.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. DeMatties is rarely sitting still! A fan of winter, he enjoys ice skating, shoveling snow, riding skip-jacks, and just about everything the season has to offer. He also enjoys building and working with his hands. Over the years, he has helped build several houses, a tiny house, and even an apartment for his daughter.
Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday because of its simplicity and the opportunity to appreciate family, faith, and life. Giving back is also important to him. Mr. DeMatties has participated in disaster relief work through Samaritan’s Purse—work that he describes as difficult and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.
More recently, another family tradition has taken root. Mr. DeMatties and his extended family have been making maple syrup together in a newly built sugar house on his father’s property. Each March, the maple trees are waiting, while throughout the rest of the year, plenty of time is spent gathering firewood.
Whether he is teaching sixth graders, lending a hand to others, building something new, or spending time outdoors with his family, Mr. DeMatties lives by a simple philosophy:
“Be good and do good, give it a try.”
Thank you, Mr. DeMatties, for sharing a little more about yourself and for all you bring to the students and community at Castleton Elementary School!
Board Meeting - September 14, 2026 -
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wgp-jpnj-fhh
Or dial: (US) +1 573-518-7206 PIN: 441 811 264#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Benson Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/wgp-jpnj-fhh
Or dial: (US) +1 573-518-7206 PIN: 441 811 264#
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.
District Newsletter: September 11, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/79e04bb012a6/september-11-district-newsletter-13837281
https://mailchi.mp/79e04bb012a6/september-11-district-newsletter-13837281
Messy plates, big life lessons!
Our 5th graders dove into the physical properties of matter today with a tube of toothpaste! They squeezed, smashed, and explored standard matter in action. Then came the real test: trying to scrape it all up and stuff it back inside the tube.
Spoiler alert: it’s pretty much impossible!
It was a fun science experiment, but the heart of the lesson went way deeper. Toothpaste is like our words and actions—once it’s out there, you can never fully put it back in, and nothing is ever quite the same. What really matters in this world is kindness.
Our 5th graders dove into the physical properties of matter today with a tube of toothpaste! They squeezed, smashed, and explored standard matter in action. Then came the real test: trying to scrape it all up and stuff it back inside the tube.
Spoiler alert: it’s pretty much impossible!
It was a fun science experiment, but the heart of the lesson went way deeper. Toothpaste is like our words and actions—once it’s out there, you can never fully put it back in, and nothing is ever quite the same. What really matters in this world is kindness.
We had an incredible experience hosting a visiting teacher and students from Germany last week! They spoke with our 4th and 5th graders about life in a German elementary school a K-4 school with over 400 students and around 27 kids per class.
Our students were fascinated to learn about their schedule: school runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM with homework, or students can stay until 3:30 PM for an extended day with zero homework in the evenings!
It was wonderful seeing everyone compare daily routines and discover the cool similarities and differences between our cultures. A huge thank you to our guests for broadening our students' global perspectives!
Our students were fascinated to learn about their schedule: school runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM with homework, or students can stay until 3:30 PM for an extended day with zero homework in the evenings!
It was wonderful seeing everyone compare daily routines and discover the cool similarities and differences between our cultures. A huge thank you to our guests for broadening our students' global perspectives!
🇺🇸 25 Years — We Remember
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation.
We pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped forward, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever changed.
For many of today’s students, September 11 is a part of history they did not experience firsthand. As a school community, we have an important role in helping future generations understand its significance and carry forward the lessons of courage, compassion, service, and unity.
Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation.
We pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped forward, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever changed.
For many of today’s students, September 11 is a part of history they did not experience firsthand. As a school community, we have an important role in helping future generations understand its significance and carry forward the lessons of courage, compassion, service, and unity.
Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸
