Village School Daze: Get your Cougar on!
Remember When?
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​Do you remember the sound of lockers slamming shut, the smell of lunch in the cafeteria, and the nervous excitement of your first school dance? For generations of Castleton residents, these memories are forever linked to the halls of Castleton Village School. Though our beloved middle school has closed its doors as an educational institution, it has found new life as a community recreation center - a fitting transformation for a place that has always been at the heart of our town.
Come together and share stories
As we move forward, it's important to take a moment to look back and celebrate the shared experiences that shaped us during those formative years. That's why we're inviting all Castleton Village School alumni to join us for a town-wide class reunion at our old stomping grounds.
Think back to your eighth-grade year. Remember the friendships forged over shared classes and extracurricular activities? The teachers who inspired you? The triumphs and challenges that helped mold you into the person you are today? Now imagine reconnecting with those classmates and revisiting those memories in the very place where they were made.
A middle school reunion might seem unconventional, but that's what makes it special. We're not just reuniting classmates; we're bringing together an entire community. From the Class of 1958 to the Class of 2022, every alumnus has a story to tell and memories to share.
As we gather in the halls that once echoed with our laughter and chatter, we'll have the opportunity to see how our old school has been transformed. The classrooms where we learned algebra and diagrammed sentences are now spaces for community programs. The gymnasium where we played dodgeball now hosts fitness classes, Pickle Ball, and activities for all ages. It's a beautiful reminder that while things change, the spirit of community can endure.
This reunion is more than just a trip down memory lane. It's a chance to reconnect with old friends and make new connections. It's an opportunity to show our children and grandchildren where we came from and to share stories of our youth.
Sometimes, in the rush of our daily lives, we forget the importance of looking back. We forget the people and places that shaped us. This reunion is a chance to pause, to remember, and to celebrate. It's a reminder that no matter where life has taken us, we all share a common foundation in the halls of Castleton Village School.
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Come share your stories, your laughter, and your memories. Let's celebrate our past together and look forward to our future as a community. After all, once a Castleton Village School student, always a Castleton Village School student. Let's show our Cougar pride one more time!
We would love to see you!
There will be multiple events happening over the weekend of August 16-17, 2025.
Relive the Magic: Castleton Village School Dance and Social
Saturday 8/16/25 from 7-10PM
Remember the butterflies in your stomach before your first school dance? The excitement of picking out the perfect outfit? The thrill of hearing your favorite song come on. It's time to experience that magic again, but this time with the wisdom and confidence that comes with age.
We're thrilled to announce a special reunion dance and social event for all Castleton Village School alumni. But this isn't your typical reunion - we're throwing open the doors to the entire community for a night of nostalgia, laughter, and connection.
Picture this: The old gymnasium, once filled with the squeaks of sneakers and the bounce of basketballs, transformed into a twinkling dance floor. The walls adorned with photos from every era, from the poodle skirts of the '50s to the neon colors of the '80s, right up to the generation of today.
As you walk in, you might hear the opening notes of "Earth Angel" or "Don't Stop Believin'" or even "Cotton Eyed Joe." Our DJ will be spinning hits from every decade, ensuring there's something for everyone - whether you graduated in 1958 or 2022.
But this isn't just about dancing. It's about reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. It's about sharing stories of favorite teachers, first crushes, and unforgettable field trips. It's about bridging generations and celebrating the shared experience of growing up in Castleton.
We'll have plenty of refreshments to keep you energized all night long. Best of all? This event is free and open to the entire community. Let us know you are coming so we can be sure to have enough refreshments!
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So join us for a night of celebration. Let's show that the Castleton Village School spirit is alive and well, no matter how many years have passed since we last walked those halls.
A Mountain Gathering: Village School Reunion Picnic
Sunday 8/17/25 from noon-4PM
After dancing the night away, it's time to take our reunion to new heights - literally! Join us for a relaxing potluck picnic at the Traverse family picnic area on Birdseye Mountain, where we'll continue our celebration amidst the beauty of Vermont's natural splendor.
Bring your favorite dish to share, a comfortable chair or blanket, and your stories. There's no agenda here - just a day to relax, visit, or simply sit and soak in the outdoors. For the adventurous, there are hiking trails to explore. For those who prefer a gentler pace, the picnic area offers stunning views and plenty of shade.
And don't worry - we haven't forgotten about dessert. We're planning a desert bar so we can enjoy a few sweets. Let us know you are planning to come with the button below so we will know how much desert to make!
As the day winds down, we'll gather for a community photo - a panoramic shot of all generations of Castleton Village School alumni against the backdrop of Birdseye Mountain. It's the perfect way to capture this moment of community, nostalgia, and natural beauty.
So pack your picnic baskets, lace up your comfortable shoes, and join us on Birdseye Mountain. Let's continue our reunion celebration under the open sky, surrounded by friends old and new.
GPS Directions: 1161 Birdseye Road, Poultney VT 05735
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A note from the Traverse family
Dear Picnic Attendees,
We're excited to host our upcoming gathering and look forward to sharing a delightful day with you all. To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, we kindly request that you leave your beloved pets at home for this event.
While we adore our furry friends, we recognize that not all animals interact well in new environments or with unfamiliar pets. Our goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all, free from any potential pet-related complications.
We understand that your pets are an important part of your family, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter. By keeping our picnic pet-free, we can focus on human connections, great food, and fun activities without worry.
Thank you for your understanding. We can't wait to see you and make wonderful memories together!
Warm regards,
The Traverse family
Contact
Sue Traverse Moore - snemoore@gmail.com
Mary Pellegrino - marycp113@yahoo.com