PLEASE check out the latest Slate Valley District Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/0936e2d3fb42/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836831

Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.

We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.

Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
about 8 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated June 5, 2026. The header reads "Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter" with the date displayed below. The center of the graphic features the Slate Valley Vermont logo over a scenic lake and tree-lined background. Surrounding the logo are school emblems representing Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS), Benson Village School (BVS), Fair Haven Union Middle School, Fair Haven Union High School, Orwell Village School (OVS), and Castleton Elementary School (CES). The graphic uses the district's green, blue, gold, red, and gray school colors and includes the slogan "Our School, Your Future."
6th Grade Twister fun on a Friday Morning.
about 9 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
In the foreground of a classroom, three children are smiling at the camera while playing Twister. One boy in a black t-shirt and grey shorts has his hand on a green circle. Next to him, a girl in a grey hoodie has her hand on a different green circle. A second boy in an olive green shirt and red shorts crouches on the mat. The background features a classroom setting with a world map, colorful bulletin boards, and school desks.
Clover Exploration!
about 9 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
Three young girls sit closely together at a long wooden cafeteria table, collaboratively building a colorful structure out of toy bricks. A large orange plastic bin filled with building pieces sits to their right, and an instructional paper with a cartoon zoo drawing lies on the table in front of them.
Two young girls sit at a long wooden cafeteria table, focused on building with toy bricks. The girl in the background wears a light blue t-shirt and works on a small baseplate, while the girl in the foreground wears a pink shirt and patterned leggings, holding a small plastic piece in her hands as she builds.
Three young girls sit closely together at a long wooden cafeteria table, collaboratively building a colorful structure out of toy bricks. A large orange plastic bin filled with building pieces sits to their right, and an instructional paper with a cartoon zoo drawing lies on the table in front of them.
: A high-angle view looking down into an enclosed fort built from grey, fabric-covered modular panels. Two young boys are inside the structure, smiling up at the camera; one boy in a red shirt peeks through a doorway gap, while the other boy with glasses looks out from a square cutout window.ggings, holding a small plastic piece in her hands as she builds.
Four children sit or stand around a long wooden table in a school cafeteria or community room, working with building blocks. One boy in a blue shirt reaches into a large orange storage tub, while two other boys and a girl in a blue shirt assemble flat baseplates with various colorful pieces.
A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible.
A high-angle view looking down into an enclosed fort built from grey, fabric-covered modular panels. Two young boys are inside the structure, smiling up at the camera; one boy in a red shirt peeks through a doorway gap, while the other boy with glasses looks out from a square cutout window.
Clover Exploration!
about 9 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
IMG_9371.jpeg Alt Text: A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible. IMG_9367.jpeg Alt Text: A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop. IMG_9368.jpeg Alt Text: An overhead view of a child in a blue t-shirt sitting at a wooden desk, playing with a small LEGO raft floating inside a clear plastic bin of water. To the left, another child's hands work on a separate LEGO baseplate next to an instructional activity worksheet.
A group of elementary-aged children playing inside a large room with modular, gray felt privacy screens. Several children are gathered inside an enclosed fort-like structure made from the panels, while one boy in the foreground stands on loose panels on the floor, holding up a vertical panel to add to the structure. IMG_9364.jpeg Alt Text: A group of five young students gathered around a wooden table indoors, looking closely at a small science or engineering experiment. In the center of the table, a plastic bin filled with water contains a floating toy boat made from building bricks. A boy in a bright orange t-shirt in the foreground interacts with the setup while three girls and another student watch attentively.
A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible.
A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop.
A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop. IMG_9368.jpeg Alt Text: An overhead view of a child in a blue t-shirt sitting at a wooden desk, playing with a small LEGO raft floating inside a clear plastic bin of water. To the left, another child's hands work on a separate LEGO baseplate next to an instructional activity worksheet.
A group of elementary-aged children playing inside a large room with modular, gray felt privacy screens. Several children are gathered inside an enclosed fort-like structure made from the panels, while one boy in the foreground stands on loose panels on the floor, holding up a vertical panel to add to the structure.
A high-angle shot of a person curled up and smiling from inside a small, triangular fort built from gray, interlocking acoustic or foam panels on a tiled floor. Only their legs in patterned white and blue leggings, light-colored sneakers with teal accents, and a glimpsed smile are visible. IMG_9367.jpeg Alt Text: A close-up of a partially built white LEGO structure on a wooden table, resembling an aquarium or pool. Inside, translucent blue LEGO dolphins are mounted on white pillars over a tan baseplate decorated with small red and yellow coral pieces. Stray LEGO bricks scatter the surrounding tabletop.
A top-down view looking into a small, enclosed space formed by gray, upholstered modular partition panels. Inside the cozy nook, a young child wearing a blue t-shirt and grey shorts sits on the floor, looking up at the camera with a wide smile.
A group of elementary-aged children playing inside a large room with modular, gray felt privacy screens. Several children are gathered inside an enclosed fort-like structure made from the panels, while one boy in the foreground stands on loose panels on the floor, holding up a vertical panel to add to the structure.
All school field trip to Mount Independence!
about 10 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
Three boys posing playfully by a wooden split-rail fence in a grassy, wooded area. The boy on the left wears a light blue t-shirt and salutes. The boy in the middle wears a sun hat and a bright blue shirt that says "Fear is the path to the dark side" with his arms outstretched. The boy on the right wears a grey "Coyotes" t-shirt and dark pants, also giving a salute.
: Three girls standing together next to a wooden split-rail fence with thick green foliage behind them. The girl on the left wears a dark green "Westside Pride" t-shirt and holds a yellow water bottle. The middle girl wears a bright yellow t-shirt and jeans. The girl on the right wears a tie-dye shirt, orange shorts, and holds a blue water bottle.
A group of ten children sitting and standing along an old wooden split-rail fence in a grassy area. They are dressed in casual summer clothes and hats, smiling for the camera. Behind them is a thick wall of green trees and bushes, with a scenic view of distant hills appearing on the far left under a slightly overcast sky.
Four girls posing together against a rustic wooden split-rail fence with dense green bushes behind them. From left to right: a girl in a white tank top and grey baseball cap smiles; a girl in a purple t-shirt sits on the fence; a girl in a grey t-shirt, camo hat, and floral backpack smiles; and a girl with red hair stands with crossed arms wearing a light green patterned t-shirt with a maroon sweatshirt tied around her waist. A fifth girl in a blue shirt is partially visible on the far left.
: Two boys smiling and sitting on an old wooden split-rail fence outdoors. The boy on the left wears a wide-brimmed sun hat, a bright blue t-shirt, and grey shorts. The boy on the right wears a camo baseball cap, a grey "Coyotes" t-shirt, dark jeans, and holds a blue water bottle. A lush green forest and distant hills are visible under a bright sky in the background.
Two boys smiling and sitting on an old wooden split-rail fence outdoors. The boy on the left wears a wide-brimmed sun hat, a bright blue t-shirt, and grey shorts. The boy on the right wears a camo baseball cap, a grey "Coyotes" t-shirt, dark jeans, and holds a blue water bottle. A lush green forest and distant hills are visible under a bright sky in the background.
All school field trip to Mount Independence!
about 12 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of nine children sitting side-by-side along a rustic, weathered split-rail wooden fence. They are smiling at the camera on a sunny day. Behind them is a thick wall of green bushes and trees, with a scenic view of distant hills and water visible to the far left.
A wide shot of a group of children and counselors hanging out in a vibrant green grassy field on a sunny day. They are clustered near a large, shady evergreen tree. The kids are dressed in colorful activewear and summer clothing, spread across the lawn.
Five children taking a break, sitting along an old wooden split-rail fence on a grassy hillside. Behind them, lush green trees and foliage fill the landscape, leading to a scenic valley view with hills under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
A close-up profile view of a young girl with her hair tied back, wearing a blue floral romper. She is standing next to a black wrought-iron fence, intently reading the inscription carved into a large, historic stone monument. Green woods serve as the background.
A view looking over a black wrought-iron fence into a sunlit grassy field where a group of children and an adult leader are gathered. A large evergreen tree stands in the center of the lawn, with dense green woods lining the background of the field.
A young girl wearing a dark green t-shirt and navy shorts walks across a bright green lawn, holding a yellow cup. In the background stands a tall, historic grey stone obelisk monument enclosed by a black wrought-iron fence, bordered by dense green trees. IMG_3389.jpg Alt Text: A group of five young boys standing together on a forest path covered in fallen leaves and soil. The boys are dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and baseball caps, with some looking directly at the camera. Tall, thick tree trunks and vibrant green foliage frame the scene.
A group of five young boys standing together on a forest path covered in fallen leaves and soil. The boys are dressed in t-shirts, shorts, and baseball caps, with some looking directly at the camera. Tall, thick tree trunks and vibrant green foliage frame the scene.
A group of five young girls and an adult woman standing together on a shaded, leaf-covered dirt trail in a dense forest. The girls are dressed in summer clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and skirts, with one girl in the center posing with her hands on her hips. Large mature trees and lush green foliage surround them.
A group of children gathered on a wooded hiking trail covered in fallen leaves. In the foreground, a girl with her back to the camera wears a blue and white patterned top and a dark drawstring backpack. Other children stand around talking, wearing casual summer clothes and hats, surrounded by bright green forest trees.
Field trip to Mount Independence!
about 14 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl with brown hair wearing a light blue shirt and blue pants poses while hiking. There is a group of students behind her all smiiling
A group of children hike forward along a dirt trail scattered with leaves, surrounded by a dense, sunlit green forest.
A large group of children and a guide hike in a single-file line up a dirt trail, viewed from behind, surrounded by a dense green forest.
Four people, seen from behind, hike along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by a dense, green forest during the day. One person in the center wears a bright orange backpack.
A group of children and two adults gather on a wooded trail during a nature hike. The children stand among tall trees and dense green foliage, listening and talking while taking a break. One child in the foreground covers their face with their hands, while others look around the forest. Sunlight filters through the tree canopy, creating dappled light across the trail and surrounding vegetation.
A group of children and an adult hike through a lush green forest. Several children wait near a small stream while others carefully cross a narrow log bridge. The wooded trail is shaded by dense leafy trees, with fallen logs and undergrowth surrounding the path. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a peaceful outdoor scene.
Four people, seen from behind, hike along a narrow dirt trail surrounded by a dense, green forest during the day. One person in the center wears a bright orange backpack.
2nd Graders filled their hive and decided on a Teacher/Student swap. Where they got to take turns being the Teacher! Some kiddos even dressed like a Teacher!
about 16 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of nine elementary school children pose together for a photo in a classroom or school hallway. They are gathered around a decorative cardboard tree that is adorned with paper bees and features a large, handmade paper beehive hanging from a branch. One boy in a grey Nike shirt stands near the center holding a clear jar filled with yellow and black marbles or beads, while the other children smile or pose from seated and standing positions around him.
A medium shot of a young child with short blonde hair smiling while standing outdoors in a grassy area with a playground structure visible in the background. The child is wearing a pink T-shirt that reads "Read Books. Be Kind. Stay Weird." in colorful lettering, light pink shorts, red dangling earrings, and a handmade "STAFF" ID badge on a beaded white lanyard around their neck.
Two smiling children stand outside on a gravel driveway in front of a light grey school building with blue doors. On the left, a boy in a bright orange Under Armour shirt and camouflage shorts poses with his hands on his hips. On the right, a girl wearing a yellow floral dress and a black lanyard smiles widely at the camera, with the wind blowing a few strands of hair across her face.
A child wearing glasses, red earrings, and a pink shirt sits focused at a round wooden classroom table, working on a small craft or object with their hands. In the foreground on the table, there is a yellow pencil, a large translucent purple plastic bin, and a translucent pink plastic bin containing rolled-up papers. The background features a classroom whiteboard covered in educational alphabet cutouts and posters.
An indoor shot of a classroom presentation or activity. In the foreground, a child with short blonde hair and red earrings sits at a white table with their arms crossed, looking toward the front of the room. In the background, two young boys stand near a large whiteboard filled with diagrams and handwritten notes about "Mummies" and "Pyramids," while another boy in a baseball jersey stands off to the far left.
A young boy with short brown hair smiles warmly at the camera inside a classroom. He is wearing a white Boston Red Sox baseball jersey with red trim. Taped to the top of his head is a bright orange piece of paper folded into a crown shape, featuring the words "Big kid" handwritten in black marker with an arrow pointing downward toward his face.
Friday Focus: Field Trips - Learning Beyond the Classroom

As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.

Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.

Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.

These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
about 16 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday: Field Trips” featuring a collage of photos from student learning experiences across Slate Valley schools. Images show students touring a manufacturing facility, participating in hands-on activities at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, exploring aquatic ecosystems by collecting samples with nets, visiting the Wonderfeet Kids Museum, attending a music festival and trip to Great Escape, taking part in a historical reenactment at Mount Independence, and conducting a lake ecology activity in shallow water. The Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo appears in the lower right corner. The graphic highlights the variety of off-campus educational opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
5th Graders researched local fish and made 3D representations.
1 day ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up of a student research project on a black bulletin board titled "Pike." The project features a green square paper with a pencil drawing of a pike, accompanied by handwritten text describing it as a large predatory freshwater fish. Layered below it is a long, narrow cutout of a fish colored with light blue, green, and purple markers.
A close-up of two student fish projects on a black bulletin board. The top project features a large, light-green cutout fish covered in orange polka dots next to a sheet reading "The Pumpkinseed is a highly colorful, deep-bodied panfish." The bottom project titled "Yellow Gill" shows a tan rubbing of a fish alongside a three-dimensional paper fish cutout colored with gray stripes and an orange underbelly.
A detailed close-up of a student's handwriting on a lined sheet of paper attached to a bulletin board. The text reads: "All about yellow gill, they can live up to 10 years of age, The largest recorded yellow gill in the natives range was 4.8 lbs (2.2 kg), yellow gill naturally hybridize with other sunfish species especially pumpkin seeds." Above the text is a crayon or colored pencil rubbing of a fish.
A close-up of school projects about lake fish pinned to a black background. A prominent project features a long, brown paper cutout of a Lake Sturgeon with blue markings along its spine. It is pinned over a paper with a simple line drawing of the fish and handwritten facts stating, "A Lake sturgeon is the largest in the lake. It is the oldest native fish species."
A close-up of a student project about the smallmouth bass on a black bulletin board. It displays a detailed pencil sketch of a bass on a beige sheet of paper, with handwritten notes below reading "They are very aggressive." Pinned over the top is a crinkled, three-dimensional paper fish sculpture decorated with markers, wrapped loosely in gray yarn.
: A classroom bulletin board with a black background and a colorful star-patterned border. It displays multiple elementary school student projects about various fish species. Each project includes a hand-drawn or colored paper fish cutout pinned alongside a sheet of paper with handwritten facts. Featured fish include a long, slender pike, a round sunfish, and a lake sturgeon.
🏈⚽🏑📣 Attention Slate Valley student-athletes and families! 📣🏑⚽🏈

Planning to participate in a fall sport during the 2026 season? Join us for the Slate Valley Fall Athletics Informational Meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym.

This meeting is for students entering grades 7–12 and their families and will cover important information including:
✅ Athlete registration updates
✅ Fall start dates and heat acclimatization requirements
✅ Summer training opportunities
✅ Athletic schedules and sports physicals
✅ ParentSquare communication tools
✅ Concussion and injury communication protocols
✅ Booster Club support

📌 Please note: This meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting.

🏃‍♀️🏈⚽ All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school.

Questions? Contact Athletic Director Eric Ramey at eramey@svuvt.org.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Flyer promoting the Slate Valley 2026 Fall Athletics Informational Meeting. The flyer features sports-themed graphics including a football, golf bag, soccer ball, running shoe, field hockey stick and ball, and cheer pom-poms. Text announces the meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym. The meeting is intended for student-athletes and families in grades 7–12 entering the fall 2026 season. Topics include the new Arbiter athlete registration platform, fall start dates and heat acclimatization procedures, summer training opportunities, athletic schedules and sports physicals, ParentSquare communication, the SWAY concussion and injury communication program, and Booster Club support. Contact information for Athletic Director Eric Ramey is provided. The flyer notes that this meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting and reminds families that all athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school. The design uses blue, green, red, and black text on a light background.
📸🎓 Throwback Thursday: FHUHS Graduations Through the Years! 🎓📸

From 1976 to 1993 to 2006 — a lot may have changed at Fair Haven Union High School over the years… but some things never do: the excitement of graduation day, proud families in the crowd, and Slater pride shining through.

What differences do you notice between these graduation photos from the last 50 years? 👀
What feels exactly the same?

Do you recognize anyone in these throwback snapshots? Tag them in the comments or share a favorite graduation memory from your time at FHUHS!

And Slater Alumni — 🎓⬇️ Drop the year you graduated from FHUHS in the comments and see who else from your class is here!

(Photos courtesy of The Rutland Herald Archives)
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring the Slate Valley logo and three black-and-white historical graduation photos from Fair Haven Union High School. The photos are labeled with the years 1976, 1993, and 2006, showing graduates in caps and gowns during commencement ceremonies. A graduation cap graphic appears in the bottom right corner next to the text “FHUHS Graduations.”
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Looking for a fun way to stay active this summer?

The Slate Valley Efts Running Group is welcoming youth athletes interested in cross country or cross-training for other sports! No registration, no commitment—just drop in when you can.

Join local USATF SafeSport-certified coaches for age-appropriate workouts and group runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00–7:30 p.m., beginning June 16, at the R&H Rail Trail entrance on South Street in Castleton.

Whether you're training for a sport or simply enjoy running, come check it out!

Questions? Contact Dan Verrington at dan.verrington@svuvt.org
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the Slate Valley Efts Running Group featuring a cartoon eft (newt) in the background. The flyer invites youth athletes interested in cross country or cross-training for other sports to join. It notes that there is no registration or commitment required and that age-appropriate workouts and group runs are organized by local USATF SafeSport-certified coaches. Meetings take place at the R&H Rail Trail entrance on South Street in Castleton on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–7:30 p.m. throughout the summer, beginning June 16. The flyer also encourages viewers to follow the Slate Valley Efts Running Group on Facebook.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: June Alumni Feature - Jeffrey Jr. York, FHUHS Class of 2016

From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.

After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities. Today, Jeffrey works at Brown’s Auto Salvage as an Inventory Specialist, a position he says he truly enjoys.

Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him. "He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."

Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.

When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."

Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."

We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for “Where Are They Now? Wednesday” featuring FHUHS Class of 2016 graduate Jeffrey Jr. York. The graphic includes a photo of Jeffrey sitting with his three daughters, one of whom is holding a newborn baby. Text highlights include: played football, participated in the Work Study Program, works as an Inventory Specialist at Brown’s Auto Salvage, proud husband and father of three daughters, inspirational teacher Mr. Blackbird, and favorite quote: “Through every dark night, there’s a bright day after that.” — Tupac Shakur. The Slate Valley logo appears in the top right corner.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: June Alumni Feature - Jeffrey Jr. York, FHUHS Class of 2016

From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.

After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities.

Today, Jeffrey works at Doran brothers, and is enrolled in classes earning his CDL. Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him.
"He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."

Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.

When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."

Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."

We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for “Where Are They Now? Wednesday” featuring FHUHS Class of 2016 graduate Jeffrey Jr. York. The graphic includes a photo of Jeffrey sitting with his three daughters, one of whom is holding a newborn baby. Text highlights include: played football, participated in the Work Study Program, works as an Inventory Specialist at Brown’s Auto Salvage, proud husband and father of three daughters, inspirational teacher Mr. Blackbird, and favorite quote: “Through every dark night, there’s a bright day after that.” — Tupac Shakur. The Slate Valley logo appears in the top right corner.
🎓 Trivia Tuesday – June Edition! 🎓

School is winding down, graduation celebrations are approaching, and we have an end of year question to test your knowledge!

Do you know?
Approximately how many days does a student spend in school from kindergarten through Grade 12?

Drop your guess in the comments below.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for “Do You Know? Trivia Tuesday” in teal and green colors featuring overlapping speech bubbles at the top with the words “Do You Know?” and a large “Trivia Tuesday” title. A school building with the Slate Valley logo appears in the center beside silhouettes of a young child holding hands with a graduating student wearing a cap and gown. Text asks: “Approximately how many days does a student spend in school from kindergarten through Grade 12?”
1st Grade listened to a read aloud about super heroes and dinosaurs. They gave it 5 stars!
4 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of about a dozen young elementary school children are gathered in a circle on a colorful, paint-splattered rug inside a classroom. Most of the kids are sitting on small navy blue chairs, while a few sit or lean on the floor. They are all looking toward the camera with energetic expressions—many are smiling widely, pulling funny faces, giving peace signs, or pointing at the camera. The classroom background features bulletin boards with educational posters about math and writing, a window with a beige curtain, and a tiled ceiling with fluorescent lighting.
2nd grade class quilt, and mathematical observations.
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A close-up view of the right-center portion of the glittery silver bulletin board, showing the right edge of the paper quilt and several student name tags. Visible names include Khalia and Ari. The handwritten math notes scattered around them read: "60 blue triangles," "60 white triangles," "1 white triangle and 1 blue triangle = 1 square," "60 white rectangles," and the addition equation "5+5+5=15
A close-up view of the "Second Grade Class Quilt" grid pinned to a glittery silver bulletin board background. The quilt consists of 15 paper squares arranged perfectly in 3 rows and 5 columns. Each individual quilt square has a symmetrical geometric layout: a large white square in the exact center, flanked by four purple rectangles forming an inner ring, and corner elements made of alternating bright blue and white right triangles. The uniform repetition of the shapes across the blocks creates secondary geometric patterns and paths across the rows.
: A close-up view of the left side of the silver glitter bulletin board, highlighting student names and their corresponding math notes. Featured names written on boho rainbow cutouts include Noah, Evelyn, Barrett, and Remmington. The accompanying handwritten index cards read: "When we put our quilt together we saw diamonds," "3 rows of 5. 3x5=15," "60 blue/white squares," "60 purple rectangles," "1 white rectangle and 1 purple rectangle = 1 square," and the equation "7+8=15."
close-up view of the "Second Grade Class Quilt" grid pinned to a glittery silver bulletin board background. The quilt consists of 15 paper squares arranged perfectly in 3 rows and 5 columns. Each individual quilt square has a symmetrical geometric layout: a large white square in the exact center, flanked by four purple rectangles forming an inner ring, and corner elements made of alternating bright blue and white right triangles. The uniform repetition of the shapes across the blocks creates secondary geometric patterns and paths across the rows.
A classroom bulletin board with a silver glitter background displays a math and art project titled "Second Grade Class Quilt" on a green paper banner. In the center is a paper quilt made of 15 individual square blocks arranged in a grid of 3 rows and 5 columns. Each block features a geometric pattern made of white, purple, and bright blue paper shapes. Surrounding the quilt are several boho-style rainbow cutouts labeled with students' names (such as Collin, Noah, Evelyn, Barrett, Remmington, Teddy, Felicity, Khalia, Gregory, Vera, Ari, and Thea). Next to each name is a small handwritten note containing math equations summing to 15 or calculations counting the different colored shapes used across the entire quilt.
Students working on identifying perimeter and area and solving multiple strategies.
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A student poster titled "BY the PlayGround" written in large, bold black marker across the center. Created by "Allison + Gypsy," the white paper is covered in pencil drawings of wood chips colored with brown and orange crayons. In the top right corner, a drawing of a plastic bag includes the label "Plastic Bag 11cm" and a note reading "came from the trash it Blew out of the trash can." Near the center, a small brown smudge is labeled "piece of toilet paper 5cm came from the Porta Poty it Blew out of there."
A close-up of a yellow sheet of construction paper showing two separate area and perimeter math problems. The top problem features an inverted L-shape made of a purple rectangle (6 by 2 units) on top of a teal rectangle (3 by 4 units). The handwritten work calculates the total area as "12 + 12 = 24 sq. cm" and the perimeter as "24 cm." The bottom problem shows a green rectangle stacked vertically on top of a light blue square. The student calculated the areas as 16 and 8, summing them to a "Total Area" of "16 + 8 = 24 sq. cm," alongside a perimeter calculation that also equals 24 cm.
A yellow piece of construction paper displaying four distinct irregular shapes drawn on grid paper and colored with markers (pink, green, purple, and blue). To the right of the shapes, the student has listed four different addition equations, each summing up to a perimeter of "24 cm." Below the perimeter equations, a section labeled "Area" breaks down the square unit measurements for each shape using color-coded bullet points and multiplication, such as "1 x 8 = 8" and "5 x 4 = 20" to find a "total Area = 20 + 8 = 28 sq cm."
A close-up photograph of a white poster board attached to a purple wall, created by elementary students studying litter found near a school. Taped to the upper portion of the poster are physical objects: a used Band-Aid, a large wood chip, and a small strip of white plastic. Handwritten notes around the objects explain their origins, such as "Band aie: came from someones hand, helps people with cuts" and "wood chip: came from a tree; use for paper." Red marker in the center reads "Dumpster north side of school." Stapled to the bottom of the poster is a grid-lined worksheet titled "Problem String Work Space," filled out with a hand-drawn map labeling where items like trash, rocks, and wood chips were discovered.
A wide shot of a classroom bulletin board covered in bright purple paper. The board displays a collection of student schoolwork organized into columns. The top row features white poster boards where students have taped found outdoor objects (like wrappers, wood chips, and plastic) alongside written explanations and grid-paper maps. Directly beneath each white poster is a corresponding bright yellow sheet of construction paper. These yellow sheets show colorful, hand-drawn geometric shapes made of square units, paired with student calculations for area and perimeter. A white electric fan is partially visible in the bottom right corner.
A wide shot of a classroom bulletin board covered in bright purple paper. The board displays a collection of student schoolwork organized into columns. The top row features white poster boards where students have taped found outdoor objects (like wrappers, wood chips, and plastic) alongside written explanations and grid-paper maps. Directly beneath each white poster is a corresponding bright yellow sheet of construction paper. These yellow sheets show colorful, hand-drawn geometric shapes made of square units, paired with student calculations for area and perimeter. A white electric fan is partially visible in the bottom right corner.
A close-up of a bright yellow piece of construction paper containing a student's math workspace. At the top, two rectangular shapes cut out of grid paper are glued together to form an asymmetrical, L-like shape; the left rectangle is colored blue and the right is orange. The dimensions are handwritten along the borders: 2, 5, 3, 2, 5, and 7. Below the shape, the student has calculated the perimeter in pencil, writing "perimeter 3 + 5 + 7 + 2 + 5 + 2 = 24." Erased and rewritten multiplication equations for area are visible underneath, concluding with "Total Area 10 + 10 = 20 sq. cm."
5th Grade writing pieces on inspirational and historically significant people who helped make change for black Americans.
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
IMG_3337.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a student-written research paper titled "The Underground Railroad" by Hannah Parker, stapled to a black bulletin board. The paper features clip art of vintage newspaper clippings in the top left corner and a yellowed historical document in the bottom right corner. The typed text includes paragraphs explaining that the Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad underground, but a network that included steamboats, wagons, and foot travel to help enslaved people escape to free states between 1830 and 1865. It mentions Henry "Box" Brown escaping in a box on March 29, 1849. It lists free states in the 1830s and 1860s, and discusses Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation taking effect on January 1, 1863. It concludes by naming important figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison. IMG_3338.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a section of a black bulletin board featuring two columns of student work. Left Column: A paper titled "Henry Box Brown" by Aubrey. The text describes how Henry was born into slavery, worked in a tobacco factory, and had his wife and children sold away. It explains how he escaped slavery by mailing himself in a box to a place without slavery. Below the text are two printed images: a historical illustration of Henry Box Brown emerging from his shipping crate, and a modern photograph of a historical reenactment showing a woman and child in 19th-century attire. Right Column: A two-page paper titled "What was the Underground Railroad?" by RosaLee. The top sheet lists short, bullet-style facts stating that the Underground Railroad helped slaves escape from the 1830s until 1861, and that safe houses were used to keep people hidden. The bottom sheet features two small images: a historical drawing of men loading a boat, and the book cover for We The People: The Underground Railroad by Yona Zeldis McDonough. IMG_3339.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a student report titled "Ida B. Wells" by Colton King, stapled to a black bulletin board. The text opens with a candid introductory sentence: "The topic I'm writing about is Ida B. Wells and why I am writing this is because I have to for school so yeah." The biography notes that Wells was born in Mississippi in 1862, became a teacher, and raised her siblings after her parents died of yellow fever in 1877. It explains that she wrote about "the brutal reality of lynching in the American south" and died in Chicago in 1931. The conclusion reads: "This is the conclusion, and I learned that Ida B. Wells existed, and I didn't like the topic that much. It wasn't interesting to me." Two tiny, identical black-and-white portrait thumbnails of Ida B. Wells are pasted at the bottom. IMG_3340.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of two vertically stacked student reports about Martin Luther King Jr. on a black bulletin board. Top Report: Titled "Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (MLK)" by Brooklyn. The text highlights facts about his birth in 1929, graduating college at 19, marrying Coretta Scott, and facing violence like bombings and stabbings during the Civil Rights Movement. It notes his "I Have a Dream" speech and his assassination on April 4, 1968. Two black-and-white photographs of MLK speaking are placed below the text. Bottom Report: Titled "Martin Luther King Jr." by an unnamed student. The text includes highly literal interpretations of civil rights struggles, noting that protesters were sprayed with water hoses and chased by police dogs. In the middle, the student writes, "Conclusion, I learned nothing. Because I haven't read the book almost all the way through." At the bottom are two colorful, stylized illustrations of MLK against blue and starry backgrounds. IMG_3341.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of two student reports on a black bulletin board. Left Column: A two-page report titled "The March on Washington" by Savannah. The text answers prompt questions, stating she chose the book because she prefers "thick books over thin books." It covers MLK's speech, the $135,000 cost of the march, and celebrities attending. The second page features a "Thank you for reading my essay!!!" message alongside two color photos: one of a woman riding a white horse through a crowd, and an aerial view of the massive crowd at the National Mall. Right Column: A report titled "Rosa Parks" by Gypsy. The student notes, "I had no choice, I just grabbed it" regarding the topic. The text describes Rosa Parks fighting for fairness, refusing to move for a white man on a bus, and going to jail. A black-and-white historical photograph of Rosa Parks sitting on a bus looking out the window is pasted at the bottom. IMG_3342.jpg Alt Text: A wide, full shot of a classroom bulletin board with a festive border of colorful stars on a white background. The main background of the board is black butcher paper. Seven student research papers on Black history and the Civil Rights Movement are arranged in a horizontal row across the board, with some reports featuring multiple pages or accompanying illustrations stacked vertically. Running horizontally along the lower third of the bulletin board is a long white paper timeline strip. Multiple yellow sticky notes with handwritten dates and historical events (such as "1830," "Born January 15, 1929 Martin Luther King Jr.," and "1963") are pressed onto the timeline beneath the corresponding student reports.
MG_3337.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a student-written research paper titled "The Underground Railroad" by Hannah Parker, stapled to a black bulletin board. The paper features clip art of vintage newspaper clippings in the top left corner and a yellowed historical document in the bottom right corner. The typed text includes paragraphs explaining that the Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad underground, but a network that included steamboats, wagons, and foot travel to help enslaved people escape to free states between 1830 and 1865. It mentions Henry "Box" Brown escaping in a box on March 29, 1849. It lists free states in the 1830s and 1860s, and discusses Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation taking effect on January 1, 1863. It concludes by naming important figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison. IMG_3338.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a section of a black bulletin board featuring two columns of student work. Left Column: A paper titled "Henry Box Brown" by Aubrey. The text describes how Henry was born into slavery, worked in a tobacco factory, and had his wife and children sold away. It explains how he escaped slavery by mailing himself in a box to a place without slavery. Below the text are two printed images: a historical illustration of Henry Box Brown emerging from his shipping crate, and a modern photograph of a historical reenactment showing a woman and child in 19th-century attire. Right Column: A two-page paper titled "What was the Underground Railroad?" by RosaLee. The top sheet lists short, bullet-style facts stating that the Underground Railroad helped slaves escape from the 1830s until 1861, and that safe houses were used to keep people hidden. The bottom sheet features two small images: a historical drawing of men loading a boat, and the book cover for We The People: The Underground Railroad by Yona Zeldis McDonough. IMG_3339.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a student report titled "Ida B. Wells" by Colton King, stapled to a black bulletin board. The text opens with a candid introductory sentence: "The topic I'm writing about is Ida B. Wells and why I am writing this is because I have to for school so yeah." The biography notes that Wells was born in Mississippi in 1862, became a teacher, and raised her siblings after her parents died of yellow fever in 1877. It explains that she wrote about "the brutal reality of lynching in the American south" and died in Chicago in 1931. The conclusion reads: "This is the conclusion, and I learned that Ida B. Wells existed, and I didn't like the topic that much. It wasn't interesting to me." Two tiny, identical black-and-white portrait thumbnails of Ida B. Wells are pasted at the bottom. IMG_3340.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of two vertically stacked student reports about Martin Luther King Jr. on a black bulletin board. Top Report: Titled "Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (MLK)" by Brooklyn. The text highlights facts about his birth in 1929, graduating college at 19, marrying Coretta Scott, and facing violence like bombings and stabbings during the Civil Rights Movement. It notes his "I Have a Dream" speech and his assassination on April 4, 1968. Two black-and-white photographs of MLK speaking are placed below the text. Bottom Report: Titled "Martin Luther King Jr." by an unnamed student. The text includes highly literal interpretations of civil rights struggles, noting that protesters were sprayed with water hoses and chased by police dogs. In the middle, the student writes, "Conclusion, I learned nothing. Because I haven't read the book almost all the way through." At the bottom are two colorful, stylized illustrations of MLK against blue and starry backgrounds. IMG_3341.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of two student reports on a black bulletin board. Left Column: A two-page report titled "The March on Washington" by Savannah. The text answers prompt questions, stating she chose the book because she prefers "thick books over thin books." It covers MLK's speech, the $135,000 cost of the march, and celebrities attending. The second page features a "Thank you for reading my essay!!!" message alongside two color photos: one of a woman riding a white horse through a crowd, and an aerial view of the massive crowd at the National Mall. Right Column: A report titled "Rosa Parks" by Gypsy. The student notes, "I had no choice, I just grabbed it" regarding the topic. The text describes Rosa Parks fighting for fairness, refusing to move for a white man on a bus, and going to jail. A black-and-white historical photograph of Rosa Parks sitting on a bus looking out the window is pasted at the bottom. IMG_3342.jpg Alt Text: A wide, full shot of a classroom bulletin board with a festive border of colorful stars on a white background. The main background of the board is black butcher paper. Seven student research papers on Black history and the Civil Rights Movement are arranged in a horizontal row across the board, with some reports featuring multiple pages or accompanying illustrations stacked vertically. Running horizontally along the lower third of the bulletin board is a long white paper timeline strip. Multiple yellow sticky notes with handwritten dates and historical events (such as "1830," "Born January 15, 1929 Martin Luther King Jr.," and "1963") are pressed onto the timeline beneath the corresponding student reports.
A close-up photograph of a student-written research paper titled "The Underground Railroad" by Hannah Parker, stapled to a black bulletin board. The paper features clip art of vintage newspaper clippings in the top left corner and a yellowed historical document in the bottom right corner. The typed text includes paragraphs explaining that the Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad underground, but a network that included steamboats, wagons, and foot travel to help enslaved people escape to free states between 1830 and 1865. It mentions Henry "Box" Brown escaping in a box on March 29, 1849. It lists free states in the 1830s and 1860s, and discusses Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation taking effect on January 1, 1863. It concludes by naming important figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison.
MG_3337.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a student-written research paper titled "The Underground Railroad" by Hannah Parker, stapled to a black bulletin board. The paper features clip art of vintage newspaper clippings in the top left corner and a yellowed historical document in the bottom right corner. The typed text includes paragraphs explaining that the Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad underground, but a network that included steamboats, wagons, and foot travel to help enslaved people escape to free states between 1830 and 1865. It mentions Henry "Box" Brown escaping in a box on March 29, 1849. It lists free states in the 1830s and 1860s, and discusses Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation taking effect on January 1, 1863. It concludes by naming important figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison. IMG_3338.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a section of a black bulletin board featuring two columns of student work. Left Column: A paper titled "Henry Box Brown" by Aubrey. The text describes how Henry was born into slavery, worked in a tobacco factory, and had his wife and children sold away. It explains how he escaped slavery by mailing himself in a box to a place without slavery. Below the text are two printed images: a historical illustration of Henry Box Brown emerging from his shipping crate, and a modern photograph of a historical reenactment showing a woman and child in 19th-century attire. Right Column: A two-page paper titled "What was the Underground Railroad?" by RosaLee. The top sheet lists short, bullet-style facts stating that the Underground Railroad helped slaves escape from the 1830s until 1861, and that safe houses were used to keep people hidden. The bottom sheet features two small images: a historical drawing of men loading a boat, and the book cover for We The People: The Underground Railroad by Yona Zeldis McDonough. IMG_3339.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a student report titled "Ida B. Wells" by Colton King, stapled to a black bulletin board. The text opens with a candid introductory sentence: "The topic I'm writing about is Ida B. Wells and why I am writing this is because I have to for school so yeah." The biography notes that Wells was born in Mississippi in 1862, became a teacher, and raised her siblings after her parents died of yellow fever in 1877. It explains that she wrote about "the brutal reality of lynching in the American south" and died in Chicago in 1931. The conclusion reads: "This is the conclusion, and I learned that Ida B. Wells existed, and I didn't like the topic that much. It wasn't interesting to me." Two tiny, identical black-and-white portrait thumbnails of Ida B. Wells are pasted at the bottom. IMG_3340.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of two vertically stacked student reports about Martin Luther King Jr. on a black bulletin board. Top Report: Titled "Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (MLK)" by Brooklyn. The text highlights facts about his birth in 1929, graduating college at 19, marrying Coretta Scott, and facing violence like bombings and stabbings during the Civil Rights Movement. It notes his "I Have a Dream" speech and his assassination on April 4, 1968. Two black-and-white photographs of MLK speaking are placed below the text. Bottom Report: Titled "Martin Luther King Jr." by an unnamed student. The text includes highly literal interpretations of civil rights struggles, noting that protesters were sprayed with water hoses and chased by police dogs. In the middle, the student writes, "Conclusion, I learned nothing. Because I haven't read the book almost all the way through." At the bottom are two colorful, stylized illustrations of MLK against blue and starry backgrounds. IMG_3341.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of two student reports on a black bulletin board. Left Column: A two-page report titled "The March on Washington" by Savannah. The text answers prompt questions, stating she chose the book because she prefers "thick books over thin books." It covers MLK's speech, the $135,000 cost of the march, and celebrities attending. The second page features a "Thank you for reading my essay!!!" message alongside two color photos: one of a woman riding a white horse through a crowd, and an aerial view of the massive crowd at the National Mall. Right Column: A report titled "Rosa Parks" by Gypsy. The student notes, "I had no choice, I just grabbed it" regarding the topic. The text describes Rosa Parks fighting for fairness, refusing to move for a white man on a bus, and going to jail. A black-and-white historical photograph of Rosa Parks sitting on a bus looking out the window is pasted at the bottom. IMG_3342.jpg Alt Text: A wide, full shot of a classroom bulletin board with a festive border of colorful stars on a white background. The main background of the board is black butcher paper. Seven student research papers on Black history and the Civil Rights Movement are arranged in a horizontal row across the board, with some reports featuring multiple pages or accompanying illustrations stacked vertically. Running horizontally along the lower third of the bulletin board is a long white paper timeline strip. Multiple yellow sticky notes with handwritten dates and historical events (such as "1830," "Born January 15, 1929 Martin Luther King Jr.," and "1963") are pressed onto the timeline beneath the corresponding student reports.
A wide, full shot of a classroom bulletin board with a festive border of colorful stars on a white background. The main background of the board is black butcher paper. Seven student research papers on Black history and the Civil Rights Movement are arranged in a horizontal row across the board, with some reports featuring multiple pages or accompanying illustrations stacked vertically. Running horizontally along the lower third of the bulletin board is a long white paper timeline strip. Multiple yellow sticky notes with handwritten dates and historical events (such as "1830," "Born January 15, 1929 Martin Luther King Jr.," and "1963") are pressed onto the timeline beneath the corresponding student reports.
A close-up photograph of a student-written research paper titled "The Underground Railroad" by Hannah Parker, stapled to a black bulletin board. The paper features clip art of vintage newspaper clippings in the top left corner and a yellowed historical document in the bottom right corner. The typed text includes paragraphs explaining that the Underground Railroad was not an actual railroad underground, but a network that included steamboats, wagons, and foot travel to help enslaved people escape to free states between 1830 and 1865. It mentions Henry "Box" Brown escaping in a box on March 29, 1849. It lists free states in the 1830s and 1860s, and discusses Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation taking effect on January 1, 1863. It concludes by naming important figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison. IMG_3338.jpg Alt Text: A close-up photograph of a section of a black bulletin board featuring two columns of student work. Left Column: A paper titled "Henry Box Brown" by Aubrey. The text describes how Henry was born into slavery, worked in a tobacco factory, and had his wife and children sold away. It explains how he escaped slavery by mailing himself in a box to a place without slavery. Below the text are two printed images: a historical illustration of Henry Box Brown emerging from his shipping crate, and a modern photograph of a historical reenactment showing a woman and child in 19th-century attire. Right Column: A two-page paper titled "What was the Underground Railroad?" by RosaLee. The top sheet lists short, bullet-style facts stating that the Underground Railroad helped slaves escape from the 1830s until 1861, and that safe houses were used to keep people hidden. The bottom sheet features two small images: a historical drawing of men loading a boat, and the book cover for We The People: The Underground Railroad by Yona Zeldis McDonough.