Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 15, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 15, 2026. The top of the graphic features the title “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” in large dark teal lettering with the date centered below. The lower portion includes the Slate Valley logo surrounded by hexagon-shaped school icons representing schools across the district. Decorative spring flowers and green leaves frame the sides, with the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future” in the bottom right corner.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Camdyn Clark ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Camdyn Clark from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the Community College of Vermont logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Camdyn plans to attend the Community College of Vermont to study Nursing. The graphic features a photo of Camdyn lying in a green field wearing a black shirt, jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat while smiling at the camera.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Mia Felion ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Mia Felion from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Mia plans to enter the workforce after graduation. The graphic features a photo of Mia sitting outdoors near a lakeshore with mountains and water in the background, smiling toward the camera. A graduation cap and blue-and-white balloon graphic appear on the left side.

🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Enrri Calvo-Mendez ✨🎓

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Enrri Calvo Mendeza from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Enrri plans to pursue Carpentry or Construction after graduation. The graphic features a photo of Enrri standing outdoors in front of a large tree wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Decorative construction-themed graphics, including tools and a hard hat, appear on the left side.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Emma Surething ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Emma Surething from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the Vermont State University Castleton logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Emma plans to attend Vermont State University–Castleton to study Nursing. The graphic features a black-and-white photo of Emma lying in the grass outdoors, smiling with her chin resting in her hands.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Leyton Noel ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Leyton Noel from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Leyton plans to attend the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology to study Welding and Metal Fabrication. The graphic features a sepia-toned outdoor portrait of Leyton standing in a field with mountains in the background.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Allie Surething ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Allie Surething from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the Vermont State University Castleton logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Allie plans to attend Vermont State University–Castleton to study Nursing. The graphic features a photo of Allie sitting outdoors against a large tree, smiling at the camera.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Porter Silva ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Porter Silva from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the General Electric logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Porter plans to work in the Forge Area at General Electric. The graphic features a black-and-white photo of Porter smiling outdoors between birch trees while wearing a baseball cap and a Carhartt sweatshirt.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Olivia Benson ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Olivia Benson from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Olivia will attend The University of Maine to study Biology. The graphic features a photo of Olivia sitting outdoors on a stone ledge surrounded by greenery, wearing glasses, a black sleeveless top, jeans, and sneakers.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Tyler Harrison ✨🎓
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Tyler Harrison from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding and Slate Valley logos. Text states that Tyler plans to obtain certification as a personal trainer and launch his own fitness and nutrition brand called “Optimized.” The graphic features a portrait of Tyler and a smaller image of a shirt labeled “Personal Trainer” in a gym setting.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight Season is Here! ✨🎓

Join us as we celebrate the incredible members of the FHUHS Class of 2026 and the journeys that have shaped their high school years. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting our seniors and sharing the exciting next chapters ahead—whether that’s college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, or new adventures still to come.

We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can’t wait for our community to help cheer them on as graduation approaches!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Maddy Helm from the Class of 2026. The design features school branding, the FHU Slaters logo, and Murray State University logo. Text states that Maddy will attend Murray State University to study Business and has been accepted onto the college rodeo team. A black-and-white photo shows Maddy standing beside a horse outdoors, smiling toward the camera.
Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - We Appreciate You!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - Thank you for all you do!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - We Appreciate all you do!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
Collage-style graphic with a light blue background featuring photos of several faculty and staff members in circular frames. Decorative elements include colored pencils, tulips, and paper clips. Text reads “Thank you” and a note says, “From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of our schools.”
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.
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with teal and white background reading “Focus Friday” and “Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week.” In the center is a circular badge with the Slate Valley logo and the message “Thank you for being the heartbeat of Slate Valley,” surrounded by small heart icons. The words “Thank you” appear in script in the lower corner.
☕🥐 The Central Office coffee and pastry cart wrapped up its Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week tour today with visits to both Castleton Elementary School and Fair Haven Grade School!

From coffee and fresh pastries to laughter and conversation in the hallways, it was a small way to thank the incredible faculty and staff members who make a difference in the lives of students every single day. 💙

Thank you to all of our educators, support staff, and school teams across Slate Valley for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students and communities. We appreciate you! 🍎✨
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Several staff members smile and talk around a pastry and coffee cart set up in a school library filled with bookshelves.
A staff member stands beside a tray of cinnamon rolls and pastries while preparing a plate in a school hallway during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.
Faculty and staff gather around a breakfast cart filled with pastries, fruit, and coffee in a school hallway while chatting and enjoying refreshments together.
Three staff members stand in a school hallway chatting and smiling near a coffee and pastry cart filled with fruit, pastries, and coffee containers during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.
A man pours coffee from a large coffee dispenser while another staff member smiles nearby in a school office area during a faculty appreciation event.
Staff members gather around a pastry cart in a school hallway selecting fruit and breakfast treats. A bulletin board behind them reads “Spring Into Healthy Habits.”
✨🎉 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!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” with Slate Valley branding and the phrase “Prom Night.” The image is a collage of Fair Haven Union High School prom photos from 1965 to 2015. Photos include black-and-white and color images of students dressed in formal attire, posing as couples or groups, and prom court members wearing crowns and sashes. The bottom text reads “1965–2015: 50 Years of Proms,” with decorative elements like a crown and corsage.
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.
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
A teal and white “Where Are They Now Wednesday” graphic from Slate Valley features a portrait of Hannah (Korda) Ainsworth, a Fair Haven Union High School (FHUHS) Class of 2009 alum. She is smiling, wearing glasses and a blue jacket with a lanyard. The graphic includes text highlighting her accomplishments: a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Lyndon State College; service with the Lyndonville Fire Department from 2009–2023; current role as a Therapeutic Case Manager at Northeast Kingdom Human Services; being married with two sons; and coaching youth soccer and basketball for five years. It also lists her high school activities—soccer, track and field, softball, rock climbing club, National Honor Society, DUO, and yearbook—and notes she received the “Most School Spirit” award in 2009. A small inset shows a black-and-white yearbook-style photo and award mention. The Slate Valley logo appears in the top right.
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!
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
A staff member pours coffee from a thermal dispenser on a green-covered table in a school hallway. Another staff member stands nearby holding a cup. The table is set with bananas, apples, cups, and coffee supplies.
A smiling staff member stands behind a refreshment table with coffee dispensers, fruit, and cups in a school hallway. Classroom doors and student work are visible in the background.
Several staff members gather around a table with pastries and coffee in a school setting. One person pours a drink while others chat and hold plates, enjoying the appreciation treats.
🎉 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.
about 2 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know?” with Slate Valley branding. Text explains that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, but instead commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when a smaller Mexican army defeated a larger French force. The graphic includes colorful elements such as a guitar illustration, festive “Cinco de Mayo” text, and a photo of a sombrero and calendar showing May 5 on a bright patterned textile background.