District Newsletter - May 22, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/330cab433461/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836741

So proud of our students today! Our Student Council did an incredible job with the Color Guard, and our 5th and 6th-grade band blew us away with their performance during our Memorial Day tribute. It was an absolute privilege to share this day, and a great cookout lunch, with our local veterans.









Don’t think for a second that our 6th graders aren’t pumped for middle school! This morning, they got a special visit from some of the 7th-grade teachers to ask questions and get a sneak peek at next year. The excitement is building, and they officially can't wait for the Middle School visit on June 8th!



Storytime just got a major upgrade! Our 6th graders took over Kindergarten yesterday for an awesome afternoon of buddy reading. From picture books to funny voices, our oldest students proved that reading is always better when you share it.






📣 Reminder for Students & Families 📣
Please note the upcoming schedule changes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
🕒 Friday, May 22 – Early Release Day
🇺🇸 Monday, May 25 – No School in recognition of Memorial Day
As we enjoy the long weekend, we also take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Please plan accordingly, and we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. ❤️🤍💙
Please note the upcoming schedule changes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
🕒 Friday, May 22 – Early Release Day
🇺🇸 Monday, May 25 – No School in recognition of Memorial Day
As we enjoy the long weekend, we also take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Please plan accordingly, and we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. ❤️🤍💙

🚗🫧 Get your car sparkling clean and support Orwell Village School! 🫧🚗
Join us for the OVS Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit OVS Field Trips and Field Day!
💦 Cars: $8
💦 SUVs & Trucks: $10
💦 Big rigs: Pricing TBD
🌭 Food will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, and more!
📍 Orwell Village School
494 Main Street, Orwell
You can also help by bringing bottles and cans to the school for drop-off throughout the day.
Come support OVS students and leave with a clean ride! 🚙✨
Join us for the OVS Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit OVS Field Trips and Field Day!
💦 Cars: $8
💦 SUVs & Trucks: $10
💦 Big rigs: Pricing TBD
🌭 Food will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chips, popcorn, soda, and more!
📍 Orwell Village School
494 Main Street, Orwell
You can also help by bringing bottles and cans to the school for drop-off throughout the day.
Come support OVS students and leave with a clean ride! 🚙✨

🇺🇸 Honor • Remember • Thank 🇺🇸
Please join Orwell Village School as we come together for a Memorial Day Tribute honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
🕘 9:45 a.m.
📍 Village Green – Orwell, Vermont
The ceremony will include the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic music, poetry, the sharing of poppies, the retiring of the flag, and Taps.
Community members are warmly invited to attend as students and staff pause to reflect, remember, and express gratitude for the sacrifices made for our freedom.
Please join Orwell Village School as we come together for a Memorial Day Tribute honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
📅 Friday, May 22, 2026
🕘 9:45 a.m.
📍 Village Green – Orwell, Vermont
The ceremony will include the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, patriotic music, poetry, the sharing of poppies, the retiring of the flag, and Taps.
Community members are warmly invited to attend as students and staff pause to reflect, remember, and express gratitude for the sacrifices made for our freedom.

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

Mr. Walters took a break from the desk today to head outside and toss the ball around with some of the students.

Third graders had an unforgettable adventure last week during their visit to the Montshire Museum! From giant bubbles and hands-on science experiments to outdoor exploration and interactive exhibits, students had the chance to learn through play, curiosity, and discovery every step of the way.
One thing that made the trip even more colorful? The amazing tie-dyed shirts the students created before the visit! 🌈 The bright designs made it easy to spot our group and added even more fun and school spirit to an already exciting day. Great job, third graders — your creativity was on full display both in the classroom and at the museum!
One thing that made the trip even more colorful? The amazing tie-dyed shirts the students created before the visit! 🌈 The bright designs made it easy to spot our group and added even more fun and school spirit to an already exciting day. Great job, third graders — your creativity was on full display both in the classroom and at the museum!










Move over, Indiana Jones! OVS is on the case!
Our 4th and 5th graders had a very special visitor last Wednesday! An archaeologist joined us to share the "hows" and "whys" of unearthing history. We learned that archaeology isn't just about digging—it’s about piecing together the stories of the people who lived at Granger House long ago.
The best part? This week, our students are heading to the site to participate in a real archaeological dig! We can’t wait to see what artifacts they discover.
Stay tuned for updates from the field!
Our 4th and 5th graders had a very special visitor last Wednesday! An archaeologist joined us to share the "hows" and "whys" of unearthing history. We learned that archaeology isn't just about digging—it’s about piecing together the stories of the people who lived at Granger House long ago.
The best part? This week, our students are heading to the site to participate in a real archaeological dig! We can’t wait to see what artifacts they discover.
Stay tuned for updates from the field!








Things got a little bright in 3rd Grade!
Our OVS third graders spent a morning last week getting creative and making their very own tie-dye shirts. Not only do they look amazing, but these vibrant colors will help us stay together and stand out during our upcoming field trip!
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing photos of these masterpieces in action very soon!
Our OVS third graders spent a morning last week getting creative and making their very own tie-dye shirts. Not only do they look amazing, but these vibrant colors will help us stay together and stand out during our upcoming field trip!
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing photos of these masterpieces in action very soon!





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.

✨🎉 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.

