District Newsletter: September 11, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/79e04bb012a6/september-11-district-newsletter-13837281
https://mailchi.mp/79e04bb012a6/september-11-district-newsletter-13837281
🇺🇸 25 Years — We Remember
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation.
We pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped forward, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever changed.
For many of today’s students, September 11 is a part of history they did not experience firsthand. As a school community, we have an important role in helping future generations understand its significance and carry forward the lessons of courage, compassion, service, and unity.
Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸
Today marks 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our nation.
We pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and everyday heroes who stepped forward, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever changed.
For many of today’s students, September 11 is a part of history they did not experience firsthand. As a school community, we have an important role in helping future generations understand its significance and carry forward the lessons of courage, compassion, service, and unity.
Twenty-five years later, we remember. We honor. We will never forget. 🇺🇸
Dear Slate Valley Community,
We want to provide an update on our continued recovery following the recent cybersecurity incident that impacted the Slate Valley School District’s technology systems.
We are pleased to report that significant progress has been made, and internet service is beginning to be restored across the district. Staff email is also beginning to come back online, which is another important step in restoring our normal communication systems. Please be aware that email functionality may still be inconsistent as services continue to be restored.
While these are significant steps forward, our systems are not yet fully operational. Our technology team, with the support of cybersecurity professionals, is carefully and methodically bringing systems and services back online. Each system must be evaluated and restored in a manner that prioritizes the security and integrity of our network.
The cause and full scope of the cybersecurity incident remains under investigation. We are working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts as that investigation continues. Because this is an active investigation, there may be details that we are unable to share at this time. We will provide additional information to our community when it is appropriate and when we have verified information to share.
At this time, some technology services remain unavailable or may not function as expected. Student access to Chromebooks has not yet been restored, and we continue to work through other network-connected systems and services.
Throughout this disruption, schools have remained open and learning has continued. Our staff have demonstrated tremendous flexibility and creativity, adapting instruction and operations while many of the technology tools we typically rely upon have been unavailable.
We recognize how important technology and communication are to our students, families, and staff. We greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of our entire Slate Valley community as we work through this recovery.
Our priority is not simply to restore systems quickly, but to restore them safely and securely. We will continue to provide updates as additional services are restored, as we reach significant milestones in the recovery process, and as we are able to share additional verified information regarding the investigation.
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support of our schools.
We want to provide an update on our continued recovery following the recent cybersecurity incident that impacted the Slate Valley School District’s technology systems.
We are pleased to report that significant progress has been made, and internet service is beginning to be restored across the district. Staff email is also beginning to come back online, which is another important step in restoring our normal communication systems. Please be aware that email functionality may still be inconsistent as services continue to be restored.
While these are significant steps forward, our systems are not yet fully operational. Our technology team, with the support of cybersecurity professionals, is carefully and methodically bringing systems and services back online. Each system must be evaluated and restored in a manner that prioritizes the security and integrity of our network.
The cause and full scope of the cybersecurity incident remains under investigation. We are working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts as that investigation continues. Because this is an active investigation, there may be details that we are unable to share at this time. We will provide additional information to our community when it is appropriate and when we have verified information to share.
At this time, some technology services remain unavailable or may not function as expected. Student access to Chromebooks has not yet been restored, and we continue to work through other network-connected systems and services.
Throughout this disruption, schools have remained open and learning has continued. Our staff have demonstrated tremendous flexibility and creativity, adapting instruction and operations while many of the technology tools we typically rely upon have been unavailable.
We recognize how important technology and communication are to our students, families, and staff. We greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of our entire Slate Valley community as we work through this recovery.
Our priority is not simply to restore systems quickly, but to restore them safely and securely. We will continue to provide updates as additional services are restored, as we reach significant milestones in the recovery process, and as we are able to share additional verified information regarding the investigation.
Thank you for your continued patience, understanding, and support of our schools.
FHGS will be conducting a fire drill this week and we will notify families when it is completed.
Good morning, Slate Valley,
On September 3, 2026, Slate Valley Unified USD experienced an outage on our network that affected our ability to access certain systems. Upon discovery, we immediately took steps to secure our network and began working with our IT staff and third-party computer specialists to investigate and respond to the outage.
As our investigation and response remains ongoing, we are working diligently to restore affected systems as quickly and securely as possible. We ask that you please continue to contact the schools through their phone numbers until further notice, refrain from sending emails. We do not expect this issue to result in any closures or missed classes.
We will provide you with updates once additional information is learned.
Sincerely,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
On September 3, 2026, Slate Valley Unified USD experienced an outage on our network that affected our ability to access certain systems. Upon discovery, we immediately took steps to secure our network and began working with our IT staff and third-party computer specialists to investigate and respond to the outage.
As our investigation and response remains ongoing, we are working diligently to restore affected systems as quickly and securely as possible. We ask that you please continue to contact the schools through their phone numbers until further notice, refrain from sending emails. We do not expect this issue to result in any closures or missed classes.
We will provide you with updates once additional information is learned.
Sincerely,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
District Newsletter: September 4, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/f279484e3664/district-newsletter-september-4-2026
https://mailchi.mp/f279484e3664/district-newsletter-september-4-2026
Dear Slate Valley Community,
We want to make you aware that the Slate Valley School District is currently experiencing a cybersecurity issue that is impacting our technology systems.
At this time, we anticipate that we will not have access to the internet, including district email, until further notice. This means that staff will not be able to send or receive email during this time.
Our school phone systems remain operational. If you need to contact your child’s school or a staff member, please call the school directly. School staff will assist you or ensure that your message gets to the appropriate person.
We are actively working with our technology and cybersecurity professionals to address the issue and restore services as safely and quickly as possible. We will provide additional updates to the community as information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent
We want to make you aware that the Slate Valley School District is currently experiencing a cybersecurity issue that is impacting our technology systems.
At this time, we anticipate that we will not have access to the internet, including district email, until further notice. This means that staff will not be able to send or receive email during this time.
Our school phone systems remain operational. If you need to contact your child’s school or a staff member, please call the school directly. School staff will assist you or ensure that your message gets to the appropriate person.
We are actively working with our technology and cybersecurity professionals to address the issue and restore services as safely and quickly as possible. We will provide additional updates to the community as information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation.
Brooke Olsen-Farrell
Superintendent
🍎 Vendors Wanted for Applefest! 🍎
Applefest is coming up, and we’re looking for vendors to join the fun! Whether you sell handmade goods, crafts, local products, delicious treats, or operate a food truck, we’d love to have you be part of this favorite fall tradition.
Applefest 2026 will be held Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, September 20.
🍏 General Vendors: $30 per spot
🍎 Food Vendors/Food Trucks: $35 per spot
Interested in becoming a vendor? Reserve your spot today-Call 802-265-3883!
Applefest is coming up, and we’re looking for vendors to join the fun! Whether you sell handmade goods, crafts, local products, delicious treats, or operate a food truck, we’d love to have you be part of this favorite fall tradition.
Applefest 2026 will be held Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, September 20.
🍏 General Vendors: $30 per spot
🍎 Food Vendors/Food Trucks: $35 per spot
Interested in becoming a vendor? Reserve your spot today-Call 802-265-3883!
Building Our Classroom Community, One Square at a Time!
Mrs. McCrea’s first graders started the school year with a special project designed to celebrate what makes each student unique while bringing everyone together as a class!
Each student created their own illustrated square, which was then combined with their classmates’ artwork to create this wonderful classroom quilt. Just like the pieces of a quilt, every student brings something special to the classroom—and together, they make an amazing community.
What a creative way to begin a new year of learning, friendship, and growing together!
Mrs. McCrea’s first graders started the school year with a special project designed to celebrate what makes each student unique while bringing everyone together as a class!
Each student created their own illustrated square, which was then combined with their classmates’ artwork to create this wonderful classroom quilt. Just like the pieces of a quilt, every student brings something special to the classroom—and together, they make an amazing community.
What a creative way to begin a new year of learning, friendship, and growing together!
NOTICE:
Tonight’s CAC meeting is cancelled. We apologize for the short notice.
Thank you for your understanding.
Tonight’s CAC meeting is cancelled. We apologize for the short notice.
Thank you for your understanding.
🐐 GOAT of the Week!
Submitted by third grade teacher, Ms. Mead: Our third grade students are kicking off a new incentive called GOAT of the Week! Each week, two students will have the opportunity to earn this special recognition by consistently following our classroom expectations. These expectations include being respectful to classmates, following directions, and taking ownership of their work and actions.
Our GOATS of the Week will receive a certificate and a special trophy to proudly keep on their desk throughout the following week. We are so excited to celebrate students who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and kindness each day!
Our first GOATS of the Week are Theo P. and Addi H.! 🎉 🐐 Congratulations Theo and Addi! We are so proud of you!
Submitted by third grade teacher, Ms. Mead: Our third grade students are kicking off a new incentive called GOAT of the Week! Each week, two students will have the opportunity to earn this special recognition by consistently following our classroom expectations. These expectations include being respectful to classmates, following directions, and taking ownership of their work and actions.
Our GOATS of the Week will receive a certificate and a special trophy to proudly keep on their desk throughout the following week. We are so excited to celebrate students who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and kindness each day!
Our first GOATS of the Week are Theo P. and Addi H.! 🎉 🐐 Congratulations Theo and Addi! We are so proud of you!
Welcome Back Slate Valley District Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/e12155be4a5d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-august-28-2026
As we begin a new school year, please remember: when a school bus has its red lights flashing, STOP. 🛑
Drivers must stop for the bus—do not go around it and do not pass it from the opposite direction. Students may be entering or crossing the roadway, and their safety depends on every driver paying attention and following the law.
Please be patient, stay alert, and give our students the time they need to safely get on and off the bus.
Flashing red lights mean STOP. Every time. 🚌❤️
Thank you for helping keep our Slate Valley students safe!
Drivers must stop for the bus—do not go around it and do not pass it from the opposite direction. Students may be entering or crossing the roadway, and their safety depends on every driver paying attention and following the law.
Please be patient, stay alert, and give our students the time they need to safely get on and off the bus.
Flashing red lights mean STOP. Every time. 🚌❤️
Thank you for helping keep our Slate Valley students safe!
📣 Have a question, concern, or idea for Slate Valley? Join the conversation!
Our next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting will be held:
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:45–7:00 PM
The CAC is a space created specifically for conversation between our community and district administration. Community members are encouraged to bring questions, share concerns, offer ideas, and discuss topics that are important to them.
While public comment at School Board meetings follows Robert’s Rules of Order and includes established limits on time and discussion, CAC meetings provide an opportunity for more open dialogue with district leadership.
Have something on your mind? Bring it to the CAC. We encourage parents, families, staff, and community members to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and be part of the conversation.
💬 Your voice matters. We hope you’ll join us!
Our next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting will be held:
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:45–7:00 PM
The CAC is a space created specifically for conversation between our community and district administration. Community members are encouraged to bring questions, share concerns, offer ideas, and discuss topics that are important to them.
While public comment at School Board meetings follows Robert’s Rules of Order and includes established limits on time and discussion, CAC meetings provide an opportunity for more open dialogue with district leadership.
Have something on your mind? Bring it to the CAC. We encourage parents, families, staff, and community members to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and be part of the conversation.
💬 Your voice matters. We hope you’ll join us!
District Title I Meeting
Families of Slate Valley Unified USD students are invited to join us for a Title I Meeting to learn more about the Title I program and how it supports student learning in Slate Valley.
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:15 PM - Before our Monthly CAC Meeting
📍 Slate Valley Central Office Conference Room located at FHUMHS
Mr. Casey O’Meara, Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will share information about Title I services and answer questions from families.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the resources and support available to our students through Title I!
Families of Slate Valley Unified USD students are invited to join us for a Title I Meeting to learn more about the Title I program and how it supports student learning in Slate Valley.
📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 5:15 PM - Before our Monthly CAC Meeting
📍 Slate Valley Central Office Conference Room located at FHUMHS
Mr. Casey O’Meara, Slate Valley’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will share information about Title I services and answer questions from families.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about the resources and support available to our students through Title I!
🎒 FHGS is ready for a new school year! 📚
Fair Haven Grade School was buzzing with excitement tonight as students and families filled the halls for Open House!
Students had the opportunity to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers, explore activities, and get comfortable in their learning spaces before the big day. Families also stopped by the library to browse the Book Fair and find some new books to enjoy. 📖
It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and so many students, families, and staff reconnecting throughout the building. The smiles and excitement made one thing pretty clear — FHGS is ready for tomorrow!
We can’t wait to welcome our students back for the first day of school! 🍎✏️
Here’s to a great 2026–2027 school year! 💙
Fair Haven Grade School was buzzing with excitement tonight as students and families filled the halls for Open House!
Students had the opportunity to visit their classrooms, meet their teachers, explore activities, and get comfortable in their learning spaces before the big day. Families also stopped by the library to browse the Book Fair and find some new books to enjoy. 📖
It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and so many students, families, and staff reconnecting throughout the building. The smiles and excitement made one thing pretty clear — FHGS is ready for tomorrow!
We can’t wait to welcome our students back for the first day of school! 🍎✏️
Here’s to a great 2026–2027 school year! 💙
⚽ Reminder: Grades 5 & 6 Fall Sports Meeting! 🏃♀️🏃♂️
A reminder for families of 5th and 6th grade fall athletes! Our Fall Sports Informational Meeting is coming up this Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School gym.
Families of students planning to participate in fall sports are encouraged to attend to get the information they need for the upcoming season.
📌 Important: A copy of each athlete’s Athletic Physical Exam must be on file with the school in order to participate.
We’re looking forward to a great fall sports season! 🍂⚽
A reminder for families of 5th and 6th grade fall athletes! Our Fall Sports Informational Meeting is coming up this Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School gym.
Families of students planning to participate in fall sports are encouraged to attend to get the information they need for the upcoming season.
📌 Important: A copy of each athlete’s Athletic Physical Exam must be on file with the school in order to participate.
We’re looking forward to a great fall sports season! 🍂⚽
🌟 Celebrating Our 2026 SVUUSD Instructional Assistants of the Year! 🌟
Behind every successful school community are dedicated individuals who make sure students feel supported, encouraged, and ready to learn. Today, we are proud to celebrate our 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Instructional Assistants of the Year!
Each year, administrators at our schools select an Instructional Assistant whose dedication to students and willingness to go above and beyond make a meaningful difference in their school community.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
👏 Benson Village School: Cris Andronaco
👏 Castleton Elementary School: Eileen Hurlburt
👏 Fair Haven Grade School: Brianna Norton
👏 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Diane Roberts
👏 Orwell Village School: Barbara Young
Whether providing one-on-one encouragement, supporting learning in the classroom, helping students navigate their day, or simply being the caring adult a student needs in that moment, our Instructional Assistants play an invaluable role in Slate Valley.
Please join us in congratulating Cris, Eileen, Brianna, Diane, and Barbara on this well-deserved recognition and thanking them for all they do for our students! 💙💚💛❤️
Behind every successful school community are dedicated individuals who make sure students feel supported, encouraged, and ready to learn. Today, we are proud to celebrate our 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Instructional Assistants of the Year!
Each year, administrators at our schools select an Instructional Assistant whose dedication to students and willingness to go above and beyond make a meaningful difference in their school community.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
👏 Benson Village School: Cris Andronaco
👏 Castleton Elementary School: Eileen Hurlburt
👏 Fair Haven Grade School: Brianna Norton
👏 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Diane Roberts
👏 Orwell Village School: Barbara Young
Whether providing one-on-one encouragement, supporting learning in the classroom, helping students navigate their day, or simply being the caring adult a student needs in that moment, our Instructional Assistants play an invaluable role in Slate Valley.
Please join us in congratulating Cris, Eileen, Brianna, Diane, and Barbara on this well-deserved recognition and thanking them for all they do for our students! 💙💚💛❤️
Celebrating Our 2026 SVUUSD Teachers of the Year! 🍎
As we begin a new school year, we are proud to recognize the 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Teachers of the Year!
Each year, our school administrators select an educator from their school whose dedication, commitment, and impact on students exemplify the very best of Slate Valley. This year’s honorees are:
🏆 Benson Village School: Laura Budde
🏆 Castleton Elementary School: Jordan Perry
🏆 Fair Haven Grade School: Tiffany Manning
🏆 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Michael Lenox
🏆 Orwell Village School: Emily Slote
These educators make a difference every day through the relationships they build, the opportunities they create, and the care and commitment they bring to their students and school communities.
Please join us in congratulating Laura, Jordan, Tiffany, Michael, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition! We are fortunate to have you as part of the Slate Valley team. 💙💚💛❤️
As we begin a new school year, we are proud to recognize the 2026 Slate Valley Unified Union School District Teachers of the Year!
Each year, our school administrators select an educator from their school whose dedication, commitment, and impact on students exemplify the very best of Slate Valley. This year’s honorees are:
🏆 Benson Village School: Laura Budde
🏆 Castleton Elementary School: Jordan Perry
🏆 Fair Haven Grade School: Tiffany Manning
🏆 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Michael Lenox
🏆 Orwell Village School: Emily Slote
These educators make a difference every day through the relationships they build, the opportunities they create, and the care and commitment they bring to their students and school communities.
Please join us in congratulating Laura, Jordan, Tiffany, Michael, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition! We are fortunate to have you as part of the Slate Valley team. 💙💚💛❤️
🏆 Congratulations to Our SVUUSD Executive Board Award Recipients!
As part of our Opening Day celebrations, we were proud to recognize this year’s Slate Valley Unified Union School District Executive Board Award recipients!
This special award recognizes faculty and staff members who have truly gone above and beyond in their service to students, colleagues, and their school communities. Recipients are selected collectively by Slate Valley’s district principals, making this recognition especially meaningful.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
🌟 Elizabeth Schuyler — Benson Village School
🌟 Laura Brayton-Illinski & Emily Klee — Castleton Elementary School Clinician Team
Each of these outstanding educators has demonstrated the dedication, compassion, teamwork, and commitment that make a difference every day in our schools.
Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth, Laura, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition—and thanking them for all they do for the students and families of Slate Valley!
As part of our Opening Day celebrations, we were proud to recognize this year’s Slate Valley Unified Union School District Executive Board Award recipients!
This special award recognizes faculty and staff members who have truly gone above and beyond in their service to students, colleagues, and their school communities. Recipients are selected collectively by Slate Valley’s district principals, making this recognition especially meaningful.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
🌟 Elizabeth Schuyler — Benson Village School
🌟 Laura Brayton-Illinski & Emily Klee — Castleton Elementary School Clinician Team
Each of these outstanding educators has demonstrated the dedication, compassion, teamwork, and commitment that make a difference every day in our schools.
Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth, Laura, and Emily on this well-deserved recognition—and thanking them for all they do for the students and families of Slate Valley!
