Reminder: Tonight
Join us for the Slate Valley Unified USD Annual Meeting at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Bandroom.
This meeting is in person. To attend virtually go to: https://meet.google.com/tyh-rjfi-seg
Or dial: (US) +1 929-299-3807 PIN: 188 319 510#
Anyone who attends virtually will be seen as a "passive participant" meaning they can ask questions and comment but cannot vote from the floor.
We hope our faculty, staff and students have enjoyed their break! Just a reminder that all Slate Valley schools resume classes on Monday, February 24th, 2025. We can't wait to see our schools buzzing with activity again!
Also, Here is this week's Slate Valley Newsletter link:
https://mailchi.mp/49e1050044fd/catch-up-with-slate-valley-this-weeks-highlights
Come be part of the SVUUSD Annual Meeting on Monday, February 24th, at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School band room. Take part and play a role in shaping the future!
And remember to cast your vote on March 4th—every vote counts!
Join Us for a Community Connection Event! 📅 February 25, 2025 ⏰ 5:30 – 6:30 PM 📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library Engage with Director of Curriculum Casey O'Meara in a discussion on: ✅ Instructional structures & strategies ✅ Academic & behavioral support systems ✅ Assessment, Community Connections & College/Career Readiness Plus, a Parent/Guardian conversation on Title I & Act 1 Policies and Continuous Improvement Planning. Bring your questions and join the conversation!
Join us for the SVUUSD Annual Meeting on Monday, February 24th, at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School band room. Be engaged and make a difference!
Then, don’t forget to vote on March 4th! Your participation matters!
Watch our video at: https://youtu.be/l3ZEIN10Xnc
Due to road conditions, all Slate Valley Schools will now be closed for today, February 13th.
Today, Thursday, February 13th, all Slate Valley schools will be on a 2 hour delay.
⚾️ Tryouts are now open for the 2025 Green Mountain Elite Baseball Program!⚾️
We are thrilled to announce that tryouts for the Green Mountain Elite (GME) Baseball program are officially underway for the upcoming Baseball season. This program is open to all Slate Valley School District players and is available for all age groups. Whether you're just starting out or already have experience, the GME program is designed to help players of all skill levels grow, develop, and showcase their talent.
Pursue your passion and love for the game. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of an elite baseball team!
From today’s Rutland Herald (February 12, 2025): A heartfelt thank you to our incredible faculty and staff—truly the Heart and Soul of Slate Valley!
🏆🥫 Congratulations to Benson Village School for winning the District-Wide Souper Bowl Food Drive! With an incredible total of 641.40 pounds of food collected across the district, their generosity and teamwork made a big impact. As a reward, Benson students will enjoy a special visit from guest speaker Miss Lucy Cannon-Neel, who will share her Abenaki heritage. Way to go, Benson Bears! 💙 Thank you to all the families who donated for this great cause.
Board Meeting - February 10, 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 & High School
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xdo-eqfd-dvr
Or dial: (US) +1 240-366-1208 PIN: 741 090 484#
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.
Good evening,
Due to the anticipated bad road conditions resulting from snow and ice, ALL Slate Valley Schools (Benson Village School, Orwell Village School, Castleton Elementary School, Fair Haven Grade School, and Fair Haven Union Middle and High School) will be closed on Thursday February 6th.
Good evening,
This is Casey O’Meara Director of Curriculum for Slate Valley schools. Due to the anticipated road conditions resulting from the snow and ice, ALL Slate Valley Schools (Benson Village School, Orwell Village School, Castleton Elementary School, Fair Haven Grade School, and Fair Haven Union Middle and High School) will be closed on Thursday February 6th.
Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Casey O'Meara
Fair Haven Grade School 5th grade teacher Ms. Folmsbee and PBL Coach Ms. Wald hosted an engaging Cognia Testing Information Night, giving parents of Slate Valley the opportunity to experience the same test their children take. The evening began with an explanatory presentation about Cognia, followed by the interactive testing session. Some FHGS students provided childcare, and attendees enjoyed pizza. It was a well-organized and insightful event for all.
Join Us for a Community Connection Event!
📅 February 25, 2025
⏰ 5:30 – 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
Engage with Director of Curriculum Casey O'Meara in a discussion on:
✅ Instructional structures & strategies
✅ Academic & behavioral support systems
✅ Assessment, Community Connections & College/Career Readiness
Plus, a Parent/Guardian conversation on Title I & Act 1 Policies and Continuous Improvement Planning.
Bring your questions and join the conversation!
Students in grades K-2 at Orwell Village School explored the Red Clover book Stranded! by Ævar Benediktsson during their library class. This captivating true story recounts the adventure of the author’s grandfather, who visited the newly formed island of Surtsey off the coast of Iceland in 1964. In an unexpected twist, the fisherman who brought them to the island forgot to return, leaving them stranded for two days with limited supplies—next to an active volcano! Inspired by the story, students brought the excitement to life by creating their own erupting volcanoes using vinegar and baking soda. It was a truly magical day of learning and discovery!
Reminder: Our Annual District Wide Food Drive is Underway!
Dear Slate Valley Families and Staff,
We received an update from Powerschool relative to the data breach that occurred in December and wanted to pass the information along to you. The message from Powerschool is below:
Dear Valued Customers,
I am writing today to inform you that our investigation and data review into the scope of the cybersecurity incident has continued in earnest. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, we are reaching out with an update on the latest steps we have taken in response to this incident and what you can expect over the coming days.
Importantly, this message requires no action on your part and serves simply as an update.
This afternoon, PowerSchool began the process of filing state attorneys general notifications across applicable U.S. jurisdictions on behalf of customers who did not opt-out of our offer to do so. PowerSchool has also started the process of notifying Canadian regulators.
For our U.S. customers, you may also have notification requirements with your state’s Department of Education. Since many customers have already notified and are in close contact with their state’s Department of Education, PowerSchool will defer to you on making these notifications.
In the coming days, PowerSchool will begin providing formal legal notice of the cybersecurity incident to current and former students (or their parents / guardians as applicable) and educators whose information was determined to be involved.
A direct email notification will be distributed by Experian on behalf of PowerSchool in the coming weeks to applicable current and former students (or their parents / guardians as applicable) and educators for whom we have sufficient contact information. PowerSchool will also launch a website and distribute a media release to ensure we reach as many involved individuals as possible and provide them with resources to protect their information. Importantly, these notices will include instructions for involved individuals on how to enroll in the credit monitoring and identity protection services that are being offered by PowerSchool.
PowerSchool will also be providing you with communications materials to help navigate conversations with families and educators as part of our effort to support you with the expected inquiries from your community members.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and partnership.
Hardeep Gulati
Chief Executive Officer, PowerSchool
Last Night’s Slate Valley Community Advisory Council Recap:
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an engaging evening of conversation with local legislators! A special thank you to Senator Weeks, Senator Hardy, Senator Williams, Representative Canfield and Representative Harvey who spoke with over 20 community members about the Governor’s proposed education funding plan and its potential timeline.
Key topics included:
📚 Mental Health in Schools: Concerns were raised about the strain on public schools and how the new plan will address this critical issue.
🏫 Consolidation Worries: Community members voiced concerns about long bus rides, board representation, curriculum decisions, and federal funding cuts.
💡 Budget Challenges: Representatives emphasized the importance of continuing to engage voters and work on explaining tax impacts ahead of the local budget vote.
It was an informative and productive discussion. The Community Advisory Council hopes to meet again in March with legislators and review updates.
Get ready for our Annual District Food Drive, kicking off this Monday, January 27th!
