A great time was had by all at the musical rendition of "Don't let the Pidgeon drive the bus"




For many years, Slate Valley Unified Union School District has proudly participated in the USDA Summer Food Service Program, providing free, nutritious meals to children throughout our community during the summer months. As we begin planning for Summer 2026, we want to hear from you!
We are gathering feedback about the SFSP non-congregate meal program, which offers free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under. Each box includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, can be picked up by a parent or guardian, and requires no application or income qualification.
We are especially hoping to connect with families whose children are not enrolled in the Castleton Recreation Camp or the Boys and Girls Club camp at Castleton Elementary School, as those programs will continue providing free summer meals on site.
Please take a few moments to complete this anonymous survey—
https://bit.ly/SVSummerMeals2026Survey
your feedback will help us make the program as accessible and convenient as possible for Slate Valley families. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us better serve our community. Please complete one survey per household.
We are gathering feedback about the SFSP non-congregate meal program, which offers free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under. Each box includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, can be picked up by a parent or guardian, and requires no application or income qualification.
We are especially hoping to connect with families whose children are not enrolled in the Castleton Recreation Camp or the Boys and Girls Club camp at Castleton Elementary School, as those programs will continue providing free summer meals on site.
Please take a few moments to complete this anonymous survey—
https://bit.ly/SVSummerMeals2026Survey
your feedback will help us make the program as accessible and convenient as possible for Slate Valley families. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us better serve our community. Please complete one survey per household.
Special Board Meeting - May 18, 2026 - Notice Earlier Start
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mcd-hhri-num
Or dial: (US) +1 470-839-8350 PIN: 521 928 888#
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 6:00 p.m. in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/mcd-hhri-num
Or dial: (US) +1 470-839-8350 PIN: 521 928 888#
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.

Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 15, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026

1st Graders enjoying a read aloud that a classmate asked to read to the class.


Benson's 4th, 5th & 6th grade Archaeologists at VTSU-Castleton, and a walk to Castleton Free Library for an read-aloud about archaeology!






Lots of hands on learning about the Abenakis and Vermont history in our area.





Archaeology doesn't stop for the weather at Granger House! Students have already discovered, pottery, glass and coral!





4th Grade nature walk!







Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - We Appreciate You!










Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - Thank you for all you do!










Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - We Appreciate all you do!










Friday Focus - Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
As we wrap up Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to say thank you to the incredible faculty and staff of Slate Valley.
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—your dedication, compassion, and hard work are truly the heartbeat of our schools. ❤️
This week may be coming to a close, but our appreciation for all that you do continues every single day. Thank you for showing up, lifting others up, and making a difference in the lives of our students and community.
As we wrap up Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to say thank you to the incredible faculty and staff of Slate Valley.
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—your dedication, compassion, and hard work are truly the heartbeat of our schools. ❤️
This week may be coming to a close, but our appreciation for all that you do continues every single day. Thank you for showing up, lifting others up, and making a difference in the lives of our students and community.

Chip Chip Hooray! We are so thankful for our SRO's!

✨🎉 Throwback Thursday: Prom Through the Years 🎉✨
From classic black-and-white elegance to bold colors and modern styles, take a trip through time with 50 years of FHU proms (1965–2015)! 💃🕺
What changes do you notice? The fashion? The hairstyles? And what’s stayed the same—crowns, corsages, and unforgettable memories? 👑🌹
👀 Take a closer look… do you recognize anyone? Feel free to tag them in the comments!
From classic black-and-white elegance to bold colors and modern styles, take a trip through time with 50 years of FHU proms (1965–2015)! 💃🕺
What changes do you notice? The fashion? The hairstyles? And what’s stayed the same—crowns, corsages, and unforgettable memories? 👑🌹
👀 Take a closer look… do you recognize anyone? Feel free to tag them in the comments!

Where Are They Now Wednesday: May Alumni Feature - Hannah (Korda) Ainsworth, FHUHS Class of 2009
From the halls of Fair Haven Union High School to making a meaningful impact in her community, this month’s alumni spotlight features Hannah Korda Ainsworth, a proud member of the Class of 2009.
During her time at FHUHS, Hannah was deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. She played soccer, participated in indoor and outdoor track and field, and competed in softball. In addition, she was active in the rock climbing club, National Honor Society, DUO, and yearbook. Known for her enthusiasm and school pride, Hannah was a dedicated Slaterbration participant and was honored with the “Most School Spirit” award in 2009.
After graduating, Hannah attended Lyndon State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services while also obtaining her Level 2 firefighting certification. She went on to serve her community as a member of the Lyndonville Fire Department from 2009 to 2023. After many years of dedicated service, Hannah made the decision to step away in order to focus more on her family and pursue a career path with greater flexibility.
Today, Hannah works as a Therapeutic Case Manager at Northeast Kingdom Human Services, where she continues to support and advocate for others in meaningful ways. Outside of her professional role, she has spent the past five years coaching her sons’ soccer and basketball teams, sharing her passion for teamwork, perseverance, and growth.
Hannah credits several educators who had a lasting impact on her journey, including Mrs. Dubois, Mr. Ketchum, Mr. Bruce, and Mr. Cavacas—teachers who helped guide and inspire her along the way.
At home, Hannah and her husband are busy raising their two boys, embracing the joys and challenges of family life.
Her advice to today’s students is both heartfelt and insightful:
“You meet people for a reason—either they will change your life, or you will change theirs. And remember, you never truly know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. You’ll blink and these hallways will be behind you, so make the most of it.”
She also shares two simple but powerful reminders:
“You can do hard things” and “Be the kind you want to see in the world.”
Hannah’s journey is a wonderful example of what it means to stay connected to your roots while growing into new roles and responsibilities. Through her service, her career, and her dedication to her family and community, she continues to embody the spirit of a Slater—showing that success is not only measured by accomplishments, but by the positive impact you have on others along the way.
From the halls of Fair Haven Union High School to making a meaningful impact in her community, this month’s alumni spotlight features Hannah Korda Ainsworth, a proud member of the Class of 2009.
During her time at FHUHS, Hannah was deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. She played soccer, participated in indoor and outdoor track and field, and competed in softball. In addition, she was active in the rock climbing club, National Honor Society, DUO, and yearbook. Known for her enthusiasm and school pride, Hannah was a dedicated Slaterbration participant and was honored with the “Most School Spirit” award in 2009.
After graduating, Hannah attended Lyndon State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services while also obtaining her Level 2 firefighting certification. She went on to serve her community as a member of the Lyndonville Fire Department from 2009 to 2023. After many years of dedicated service, Hannah made the decision to step away in order to focus more on her family and pursue a career path with greater flexibility.
Today, Hannah works as a Therapeutic Case Manager at Northeast Kingdom Human Services, where she continues to support and advocate for others in meaningful ways. Outside of her professional role, she has spent the past five years coaching her sons’ soccer and basketball teams, sharing her passion for teamwork, perseverance, and growth.
Hannah credits several educators who had a lasting impact on her journey, including Mrs. Dubois, Mr. Ketchum, Mr. Bruce, and Mr. Cavacas—teachers who helped guide and inspire her along the way.
At home, Hannah and her husband are busy raising their two boys, embracing the joys and challenges of family life.
Her advice to today’s students is both heartfelt and insightful:
“You meet people for a reason—either they will change your life, or you will change theirs. And remember, you never truly know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. You’ll blink and these hallways will be behind you, so make the most of it.”
She also shares two simple but powerful reminders:
“You can do hard things” and “Be the kind you want to see in the world.”
Hannah’s journey is a wonderful example of what it means to stay connected to your roots while growing into new roles and responsibilities. Through her service, her career, and her dedication to her family and community, she continues to embody the spirit of a Slater—showing that success is not only measured by accomplishments, but by the positive impact you have on others along the way.

The appreciation tour rolled on today! ☕🍎 Central office administrators and staff visited Orwell Village School and Benson Village School, delivering coffee and pastries to fuel and celebrate our incredible educators and staff during Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week.
From warm cups of coffee to sweet treats and even warmer conversations, it was a small way to say thank you for the big impact our teams make every single day. We are so grateful for the dedication, care, and heart you bring to our schools!
From warm cups of coffee to sweet treats and even warmer conversations, it was a small way to say thank you for the big impact our teams make every single day. We are so grateful for the dedication, care, and heart you bring to our schools!



🎉 Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know? 🇲🇽
Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day—but it actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862), when a smaller Mexican army defeated a much larger French force.
Today, it’s also a time to celebrate Mexican culture, heritage, and resilience.
Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day—but it actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla (May 5, 1862), when a smaller Mexican army defeated a much larger French force.
Today, it’s also a time to celebrate Mexican culture, heritage, and resilience.

📣 Reminder: Slate Valley Community Advisory Council Meeting Tomorrow!
Join us tomorrow evening for the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting! This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your voice, and be part of meaningful conversations that help shape our schools and community.
🗓 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
⏰ 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
We welcome all community members—your perspective matters! We hope to see you there. 💬💙
Join us tomorrow evening for the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) meeting! This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your voice, and be part of meaningful conversations that help shape our schools and community.
🗓 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
⏰ 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
We welcome all community members—your perspective matters! We hope to see you there. 💬💙

🍎✨ Happy Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! ✨🍎
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators and staff who make Slate Valley such a special place to learn and grow. From classrooms to cafeterias, offices to buses—your dedication, compassion, and hard work shape the lives of our students every single day.
Thank you for the countless ways you support, inspire, and uplift our entire community. 💚
Join us in showing appreciation—leave a comment, send a note, or simply say thank you to the amazing people who make a difference every day!
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators and staff who make Slate Valley such a special place to learn and grow. From classrooms to cafeterias, offices to buses—your dedication, compassion, and hard work shape the lives of our students every single day.
Thank you for the countless ways you support, inspire, and uplift our entire community. 💚
Join us in showing appreciation—leave a comment, send a note, or simply say thank you to the amazing people who make a difference every day!

