Focus Friday: Family Lunches - Over the last couple of weeks some of our schools opened their doors and invited families to join students for lunch. Benson Village School and Orwell Village School served a festive Thanksgiving meal, while Castleton Elementary School had families from each grade join their students on specified days throughout the week. It is always nice to see community take part of our students' day.
Throwback Thursday: Who is this FHUHS Alumnus? Think you know?
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Highlighting Emily McIntyre - Class of 2010
FHUHS Class of 2010 alumna, Adjutant General Officer, Major (Emily) McIntyre personifies the terms selflessness, honor and service.
Emily’s military journey began soon after graduating from FHUHS. In the summer of 2010 she entered the United States Military Academy at West Point majoring in International Law. In May of 2014 Emily graduated with a Bachelors of Science and was commissioned as an Adjutant General (Human Resources) Officer in the United States Army.
While at Fair Haven Union High School, Emily played Varsity soccer, basketball, and track. She was part of the girl’s track team that won states four years in a row from 2006 - 2010. Emily also served as Class President and Vice President of the National Honors Society.
When asked if there were any teachers, during her K-12 education, that she would like to give credit to in helping with her success, she replied: “I was lucky to have a lot of amazing teachers throughout my time in the Castleton and Fair Haven Schools, but there are two in particular that stand out. My high school English teacher, Mr. Everett, challenged me to truly think about what I was writing, form sound opinions, and write clearly. He was also very helpful in reviewing essays for college applications. Then, most importantly, Mrs. Lyman, Castleton’s librarian, nourished my love for reading. She really got to know me, the types of books I was interested in, and asked me questions about them. She is the one who suggested I read the book, “Tough as Nails” about a woman’s journey through West Point. Reading that book is the reason I decided I wanted to go to West Point.”
Upon graduating from West Point, Emily's first duty station was at Fort Riley, KS, where she deployed to Kuwait from 2015-2016 as an Operations Officer. In 2018, to acquire additional professional military education, Emily attended a Captains Career Course at Fort Jackson, SC, before moving to Fort Drum, NY.
From 2018 to 2021 she served as the Battalion S-1 Officer (HR) in Charge for the 6-6 Cavalry Combat Aviation Squadron. Emily then deployed to Afghanistan with the unit from 2019 to 2020. Upon returning from Afghanistan she assumed command of the 510th Human Resources Company at Fort Drum, NY. There she was in charge of 125 Soldiers who she deployed with to Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan from 2021 to 2022. They served as the Postal Company Headquarters for Service Members in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. In 2022, Emily changed out of command and moved to Albany, NY to serve as the Executive Officer of the Albany, NY Military Entrance Processing Station. While there, she was selected for promotion to Major and further professional military education at Fort Leavenworth, KS.
Currently, Emily is attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, working towards a Masters in Strategic Operations. Emily is enjoying this assignment because her new husband works at the University of Missouri Kansas City in a Postdoctoral position and her brother, Grady McIntyre (FHUHS Class of 2014, and 2018 West Point Graduate), is also stationed at Fort Leavenworth. Emily plans to continue serving her country as an Adjutant General Officer for the next ten years. She says, “It truly is a privilege to lead Soldiers, and I am looking forward to continuing to do so wherever the Army needs me.”
Emily is recently married, and enjoys reading, traveling to visit friends, coffee and CrossFit.
When asked if she had a favorite quote or inspiring message, she replied,“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” - Eleanor Roosevelt. She explained that her parents always made her feel like she could do anything she set her mind to, and added, “now I have a husband who supports me just as much. Life can be very difficult, but keeping this quote in mind is crucial in those pivotal moments.”
As for her message to today’s Slate Valley student body, she said, “Do not be afraid to do something different, something outside of your comfort zone. Working or living outside of your comfort zone is where you find out who you really are and what you’re capable of.
Emily, Slate Valley would like to express their deepest gratitude for your dedicated service. Your commitment to our country is truly commendable, and we are inspired by your selflessness and bravery. Thank you.
Need space to host a community event? Contact FHUMHS principals, Ben Worthing or Jennefer Paquette.
FHUHS Senior Spotlight: Ian Barber
Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know?
During last night's Slate Valley Unified Union school board meeting, FHGS K/1 looping teachers gave an impressive presentation about their "Shift in Literacy Instruction". Please click the link and take a look, the presentation starts at 1:37. Thank you to Jared Danyow, Courtney Grenier and Teann McCrea for your enthusiasm and for sharing this important information. Just another example of the great things happening at Slate Valley!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-GwdnvVCWfTpMtNJUH-tFKB2PeHiv_aA/view?usp=sharing
Meet Slate Valley Faculty and Staff Monday: Featuring Sara Mason
Tonight - November 27, 2023
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Fair Haven Grade School Library. This meeting will be in person. You can virtually connect by going to: https://meet.google.com/rko-mzcv-nuz
Or dial: (US) +1 262-563-3726 PIN: 225 334 817#
This week's FHUHS Senior Spotlight - Jasmyne Robinson
Today our Slate Valley Coaches and MTSS Coordinator presented UFLI training to all district Special Educators. Good job coaches, on orchestrating important professional development the day before a break, and kudos to our educators for being so engaged,
Reminder: School will be closed for Thanksgiving break November 22, 23 and 24. We will resume Monday, November 27th!
SVU teachers, who are also alumni of Castleton University, came together to share their experiences in the field with two Vermont State University-Castleton classes. The classes were comprised of future educators who are either currently doing their student teaching or will be in the spring.
The panel of Slate Valley teachers responded to the following prompts:
What surprised you about teaching during your first few years?
What successes have you experienced in teaching, and what allowed for your success?
What do you wish you knew before you had your own classroom?
What advice do you have for those who are soon to enter teaching?
It was another great collaboration between Slate Valley and Castleton University.
Celebrating the Class of 2024 with our first Senior Spotlight - Timothy Kendall! Stay tuned for more features in the coming weeks! We hope to highlight each of our seniors!
This morning at CES: Bridges Math Work Stations in Mr. Hackett's Kindergarten with special guest Superintendent, Ms. Olsen-Farrell.
Slate Valley Future Leaders Roundtable Session 2 took place today. Future leaders heard first hand about the role and responsibilities of board members in Slate Valley. We are so grateful to have aspiring educational leaders!!
Another wonderful lunch with the superintendent! Today Ms. Olsen-Farrell and Mr. O'Meara enjoyed dynamic conversation with some FHU Middle School students.
Yesterday two of our faculty were celebrated at the University of Vermont's Outstanding Educator Day. Congratulations to Shannan Mead and Nate Morris for their acknowledgement of being UVM Teachers of the Year!
Tonight - November 13, 2023: You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Library. This meeting will be in person. You can virtually connect by going to:https://meet.google.com/vpe-iafw-stg Or dial: (US) +1 904-580-6324 PIN: 670 027 336#
Reminder: The Finance Committee Meeting before the District Board Meeting will begin at 5:00 PM in the Central Office Conference Room.
THE UPSTANDERS
THE UPSTANDERS WILL SCREEN LIVE ON
Thursday, November 16, 2023
AT FHUMHS in the gym
Pizza/childcare beginning at 5:30pm
Film starting at 6:00 p.m.
Questions & Answer Session 7:00-7:30 pm
The Upstanders Toolkit Access Link: https://cct.impactful.co/upstanders/watch.html?id=slatevalleyunified
