Reminder: The last student day for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District will be Tuesday, June 17, 2025. This date accounts for the snow days we had to make up during the school year. Please note: June 17th will also be an early release day.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 23, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/379ab7e1eb23/may-23-2025-slate-valley-news
This morning, all 6th graders had a special visit from the Slate Valley Middle School team as part of our ongoing efforts to support students through their transition to middle school.
The Middle School Principal, Ms. Paquette, School Counselor, Mrs. Ezzo, and two teachers, Mr. Clark and Mr. Merrill, traveled to each elementary school to meet with the 6th grade classes. They introduced themselves, shared what life in middle school is like, and answered lots of thoughtful questions from students.
Each student received a brochure featuring photos and descriptions of all middle school faculty and staff—helping our future middle schoolers get to know the faces and roles of the team that will support them next year.
This visit is just one of the many ways Slate Valley works to make the move to middle school exciting, informed, and welcoming for our students.
Lace Up for a Cause! 🏃♀️👟
Join us for a fun and meaningful 5K Walk/Run to support the Slate Valley "Back to School" Clothing Program! Whether you walk, jog, or run, every step you take helps provide local students with the clothing they need to start the school year with confidence and style.
No matter your pace, you're making a difference. So grab a friend, bring your energy, and let’s go the distance—for our kids, our community, and a great cause.
You don’t have to be fast—you just have to show up. Sign up today and help us make a difference, one step at a time!
Slate Valley is proud to honor seven incredible women whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact on our school district. From guiding entire schools to supporting individual students, each has played a vital role in shaping our learning community. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to principal Kim Prehoda and assistant principal Bonnie Lenihan, whose leadership and vision have inspired both staff and students; Lynn LaClair, our proficiency- based learning coach, who championed innovation and personalized growth; Deb Williams, our school nurse whose compassion ensured health and safety every day; and our three instructional assistants, Veronica Lambert, Helen Reed and Mary Lou Williams, whose tireless support uplifted classrooms with care and commitment. Their legacies will live on in the lives they’ve touched, and we thank them for their years of unwavering service.
You're invited to the next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 5:45 PM.
Join us in the Central Office Conference Room at FHUMHS to discuss important updates and initiatives within our school community. The Agenda can be found at https://5il.co/3ggzz. All are welcome! We hope to see you there!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 16, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/56bcb5c72913/district-news-may-16-2025
Student creativity on display! 🎨 On May 8th, artwork from our talented students was hung at the Orwell Free Public Library. Be sure to stop in soon to enjoy their work—it’ll only be up for only a couple of weeks!
Board Meeting - May 12, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School - Town Hall
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/asv-ffux-gux
Or dial: (US) +1 443-679-3222 PIN: 164 803 879#
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 10, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/7194963147c0/may-10-district-newsletter
Friday Focus: Faculty and Staff Appreciation
The Slate Valley Unified Union's Central Office team and School Board celebrated Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week by visiting each school with a coffee and pastry cart, going room to room to personally serve and thank our incredible educators and staff. It was a small gesture to show our immense gratitude for all they do every day to support, inspire, and care for our students. Thank you for your unwavering dedication—you are truly appreciated!
Throwback Thursday: In celebration of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, we’re taking a moment to look back to 2005 and honor the incredible educators and staff who shaped lives at Fair Haven Union High School 20 years ago—we're thankful to all, present and past, for your lasting impact and dedication!
Where Are They Now Wednesday? Spotlight on Emily Stockwell
This year marks the 20th reunion of the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2005, and Emily Stockwell’s journey since graduation has been nothing short of inspiring — a testament to passion, creativity, and community spirit.
After graduating from FHUHS, Emily attended Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, where she earned an Associate Degree in Floral Design and Interior Plantscape. She honed her craft working with several florists in Pennsylvania before returning to her Vermont roots. Back home, she joined the teams at Hawley Florist and Everyday Flowers, ultimately purchasing Everyday Flowers — a business she now proudly owns and operates in Poultney, Vermont.
Emily’s connection to her alma mater has remained strong. For the past four years, she has generously volunteered her time and supplies to work with some Fair Haven Union High School students, helping them create stunning floral bouquets. Through this initiative, Emily not only shares her expertise but also inspires a new generation to explore their own creative talents.
While at FHUHS, Emily played soccer her freshman year but found a more natural path getting involved with 4-H, where she focused on dairy farming. She credits her high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Tracy Gallipo, as a pivotal influence, who encouraged her to stay focused on her dreams.
Emily’s dedication and artistry have not gone unnoticed: she has been named “Number 1 Florist” for three consecutive years by The Lake Region FreePress. Beyond her flourishing business, she remains deeply connected to her passions for farming, gardening, and animal care — looking after a lively group of dogs, cats, goats, and donkeys. A proud supporter of our nation’s veterans, Emily embodies a spirit of service, gratitude, and community pride.
When asked what advice she would offer current Slate Valley students, Emily shared this heartfelt message:
"Don't give up on your dreams. It might take time, but if you keep working toward them, someday they will come true."
Congratulations, Emily! Your success, generosity, and spirit are a true inspiration to Slater Nation.
Reminder of Upcoming "Transition to Middle School" Events for Current 6th Graders...
Trivia Tuesday: Do You Know 3rd Grade Math? In Vermont, all students in grades 3 through 9 take the Cognia assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, while students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are also assessed in science. These tests are administered each spring, and although they are untimed, students must complete them within the designated testing window.
Assessment results are not available until the fall, after the new school year begins. Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about our students' performance on these assessments.
To better understand what our students experience during testing, we invite you to try a few questions from the 3rd grade math Cognia practice test. Keep in mind that students complete these tests on their Chromebooks, which means they must navigate the math tools, scroll and move around a small screen, and once they submit an answer, they cannot go back to change it.
Want to explore more practice tests? Visit: https://vermont.onlinehelp.cognia.org/practice-test/
Thank you to all Slate Valley faculty and staff - You are truly the heart and soul of our district!
MEET Faculty & Staff MONDAY:
This month, we’re excited to feature Jared Danyow!
Jared is currently in his fifth year working in the Slate Valley Unified Union School District, all at Fair HavenGrade School (FHGS), and has spent ten years in public education overall.
Before joining Slate Valley, Jaredworked in several Vermont schools, including in the Rutland Northeast and Mount Abraham Unified School Districts, serving as a teacher, behavior interventionist, and paraeducator.
Starting next school year, Jared will be stepping into a new role as the principal of Castleton ElementarySchool!
Outside of school, Jared enjoys a wide variety of activities. He loves listening to music and attending concerts, running and competing in races, playing golf, hiking, reading good books, traveling to new places, and trying new foods. He also enjoys spending time with his golden retriever, Magnolia, and his orange cat, Winston.
We wish Jared all the best next year in his new Principal position!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of May 2, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4b6708e10e6e/slate-valley-newsletter-may-2nd
Interested? All proceeds benefit the Slate Valley Back to School Clothing Program!
2025 Summer Food Service Program.
To find more locations visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
