Submitted by librarian Mrs. Rampone: Students in 2nd grade library class listened to the book Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy. This book is based on a true story of a couple in San Diego, California that envisioned murals covering the inner city buildings. Our students colored a collaborative mural of a tiger!

Submitted by 5th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Simpson: Before the heat rolled in, students requested to take their reading outdoors. Everyone enjoyed the fresh air, change of scenery, and were able to focus on their books (with a slight breeze all around us). It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes learning feels even better outside of the classroom walls.




On May 14, Castleton Elementary School celebrated student creativity and talent during its annual Evening of the Arts, featuring both visual art and musical performances to close out the school year.
The evening began with a student art gallery inspired by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, created through a collaboration between art teacher Darcie Parrott and librarian Tina Rampone that connected art, literature, and history.
The celebration concluded with the school’s final concert of the year, as students performed a variety of choral and instrumental selections for families and community members.
The evening began with a student art gallery inspired by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, created through a collaboration between art teacher Darcie Parrott and librarian Tina Rampone that connected art, literature, and history.
The celebration concluded with the school’s final concert of the year, as students performed a variety of choral and instrumental selections for families and community members.







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

🦋📚 Butterflies took flight in Pre-K!
After reading Waiting for Wings, our Pre-K students put their creativity to work by designing and creating their very own beautiful butterflies. From colorful patterns to unique designs, each butterfly was as special as the student who made it! Great job, Pre-K friends!
After reading Waiting for Wings, our Pre-K students put their creativity to work by designing and creating their very own beautiful butterflies. From colorful patterns to unique designs, each butterfly was as special as the student who made it! Great job, Pre-K friends!
🖊️✨ Creativity meets history in Library class!
Our 6th graders are wrapping up their unit on Primary and Secondary Sources by using 3D pens to create their own primary source artifacts. Students designed and built colorful objects and images while learning how artifacts can help tell stories from the past and preserve history for future generations.
Hands-on learning, creativity, and history all came together in an engaging way as students explored how primary sources connect us to real people, places, and events. Great work, 6th graders! 👏📚
Our 6th graders are wrapping up their unit on Primary and Secondary Sources by using 3D pens to create their own primary source artifacts. Students designed and built colorful objects and images while learning how artifacts can help tell stories from the past and preserve history for future generations.
Hands-on learning, creativity, and history all came together in an engaging way as students explored how primary sources connect us to real people, places, and events. Great work, 6th graders! 👏📚
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.

☕🥐 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! 🍎✨
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! 🍎✨






✨🎉 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.

🎉 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. 💬💙

April PBIS Gratitude Award Winners - Photos Batch 2









April PBIS Gratitude Award Winners - Photos Batch 1











