Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🇺🇸🎉⛳
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🏔️🛳️❄️
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🎷🎣🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
⚽ Grades 5/6 Soccer Registration is Now Open! ⚽
Calling all future soccer stars! Registration for Slate Valley Grades 5/6 Soccer is now open through the Arbiter Registration platform.
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
📅 Fall Informational Meeting
Thursday, August 27
6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Gym
📋 A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participation.
🏃 Planning to run cross country instead? Students in grades 5/6 interested in cross country should register under the Middle School Grades 5–8 Cross Country section.
Don't wait—register today and get ready for a great fall season! ⚽💙💚
Calling all future soccer stars! Registration for Slate Valley Grades 5/6 Soccer is now open through the Arbiter Registration platform.
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
📅 Fall Informational Meeting
Thursday, August 27
6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Gym
📋 A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participation.
🏃 Planning to run cross country instead? Students in grades 5/6 interested in cross country should register under the Middle School Grades 5–8 Cross Country section.
Don't wait—register today and get ready for a great fall season! ⚽💙💚
☀️ Summer Happenings Kickoff! ☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
*REMINDER: EVERY TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH AUGUST 18*
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 19, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/4fa4cf530e17/final-slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-2025-26-school-year
🌻🎉 Congratulations to Diane Roberts on her retirement! 🎉🌻
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
Please join us in congratulating Kelley Schultz on her retirement from Slate Valley Unified Union School District!
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🌸🎉 Congratulations, Joann Higgins, on Your Retirement! 🎉🌸
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
🔧🎉 Congratulations, Tony Greene, on Your Retirement! 🎉🔧
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
🏛️ FREE Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders! 🏛️
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
📚🎉 Happy Retirement, Tina Rampone! 🎉📚
After 16 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of Slate Valley, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School librarian, Tina Rampone, on her retirement.
For more than a decade and a half, Tina has inspired a love of reading, learning, and curiosity in countless students. Through story times, library lessons, book recommendations, special projects, tech. integration, and her welcoming presence, she helped make the library a place where every child could discover new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
Tina's passion for literacy, commitment to students, and support of both schools have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. The thousands of young readers she has encouraged and the memories she has helped create are a testament to the difference one dedicated educator can make.
Thank you, Tina, for 16 years of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our school communities. We wish you all the happiness, relaxation, adventures, knitting and good books that retirement has to offer.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 🧶📖✨
After 16 years of dedicated service to the students, staff, and families of Slate Valley, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School librarian, Tina Rampone, on her retirement.
For more than a decade and a half, Tina has inspired a love of reading, learning, and curiosity in countless students. Through story times, library lessons, book recommendations, special projects, tech. integration, and her welcoming presence, she helped make the library a place where every child could discover new worlds, ideas, and possibilities.
Tina's passion for literacy, commitment to students, and support of both schools have left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come. The thousands of young readers she has encouraged and the memories she has helped create are a testament to the difference one dedicated educator can make.
Thank you, Tina, for 16 years of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to our school communities. We wish you all the happiness, relaxation, adventures, knitting and good books that retirement has to offer.
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! 🧶📖✨
🎓💙 Fair Haven Union High School Celebrates the Class of 2026 💙🎓
Last night, June 12, family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Spartan Arena in Rutland to celebrate the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026.
The evening was filled with pride, reflection, and excitement as graduates were recognized for their achievements and officially turned the tassel toward their future. Student speakers shared heartfelt messages, families cheered from the stands, and graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas surrounded by the support of those who helped them along the way.
As the Class of 2026 embarks on new journeys—whether college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, or other exciting opportunities—we congratulate them on this milestone and wish them every success in the years ahead.
Once a Slater, always a Slater. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓💙
Last night, June 12, family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community members gathered at the Spartan Arena in Rutland to celebrate the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026.
The evening was filled with pride, reflection, and excitement as graduates were recognized for their achievements and officially turned the tassel toward their future. Student speakers shared heartfelt messages, families cheered from the stands, and graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas surrounded by the support of those who helped them along the way.
As the Class of 2026 embarks on new journeys—whether college, careers, military service, apprenticeships, or other exciting opportunities—we congratulate them on this milestone and wish them every success in the years ahead.
Once a Slater, always a Slater. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓💙
Read important information about the future of Slate Valley in this issue of the SVUUSD Newsletter - June 12, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/f9c5248ac253/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836886
🎓✨ Full circle moment! ✨🎓
Yesterday, the FHU Class of 2026 returned to the schools where it all began for one last walk through the halls. ❤️
Cheered on by students, staff, and former teachers, our seniors took a trip down memory lane before taking their next big step into graduation tomorrow night.
From kindergarten classrooms to graduation caps and gowns... look how far they've come! 🎉
Yesterday, the FHU Class of 2026 returned to the schools where it all began for one last walk through the halls. ❤️
Cheered on by students, staff, and former teachers, our seniors took a trip down memory lane before taking their next big step into graduation tomorrow night.
From kindergarten classrooms to graduation caps and gowns... look how far they've come! 🎉
Fair Haven Union High School Graduation Ceremony's Latest Update
Dear Families, Graduates, and Community Members,
We would like to share an important update regarding the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
First, we want to clarify that the original decision to move graduation from the outdoor tent was not based solely on the forecasted heat. After consultation with the National Weather Service, we were advised that the threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday evening makes it unsafe to hold an event outdoors under a tent.
After initially planning to move the ceremony inside Fair Haven Union High School, we recognized concerns about space limitations and wanted to ensure that all family members, friends, and community supporters could comfortably attend this important celebration. For that reason, the graduation ceremony has been relocated to the Spartan Arena in Rutland, Vermont, which offers ample seating for all guests.
Therefore: The Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 12, beginning at 6:00 PM at Spartan Arena.
With the move to Spartan Arena, our graduation ceremony will return to its original, traditional format, and there will be no ticket requirement, as seating will be plentiful for all who wish to attend.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Rutland High School for their support in helping make this transition possible. We would also like to thank Celebration Rentals and Atomic Sound for their assistance with the seating and audio changes, and finally, a special thank you to Spartan Arena for graciously hosting our graduates and their families.
All seniors are required to report to Spartan Arena at 12:00 PM on Friday for the final graduation rehearsal.
All seniors are to be at Spartan Arena by 5:15PM before the start of the ceremony,
We appreciate and value the input we received from parents who shared concerns about holding graduation in the high school gymnasium and offered alternative suggestions. At the time those conversations were taking place, we were already working with the Rutland Area Superintendent to explore other options. Because of the costs, logistics, and short turnaround time involved, we could not guarantee that an alternative venue would be available. We are grateful that those efforts were successful and that Spartan Arena can now host the ceremony with ample seating for all who wish to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fair Haven Union High School office at 802-265-4966.
Dear Families, Graduates, and Community Members,
We would like to share an important update regarding the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
First, we want to clarify that the original decision to move graduation from the outdoor tent was not based solely on the forecasted heat. After consultation with the National Weather Service, we were advised that the threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday evening makes it unsafe to hold an event outdoors under a tent.
After initially planning to move the ceremony inside Fair Haven Union High School, we recognized concerns about space limitations and wanted to ensure that all family members, friends, and community supporters could comfortably attend this important celebration. For that reason, the graduation ceremony has been relocated to the Spartan Arena in Rutland, Vermont, which offers ample seating for all guests.
Therefore: The Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 12, beginning at 6:00 PM at Spartan Arena.
With the move to Spartan Arena, our graduation ceremony will return to its original, traditional format, and there will be no ticket requirement, as seating will be plentiful for all who wish to attend.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Rutland High School for their support in helping make this transition possible. We would also like to thank Celebration Rentals and Atomic Sound for their assistance with the seating and audio changes, and finally, a special thank you to Spartan Arena for graciously hosting our graduates and their families.
All seniors are required to report to Spartan Arena at 12:00 PM on Friday for the final graduation rehearsal.
All seniors are to be at Spartan Arena by 5:15PM before the start of the ceremony,
We appreciate and value the input we received from parents who shared concerns about holding graduation in the high school gymnasium and offered alternative suggestions. At the time those conversations were taking place, we were already working with the Rutland Area Superintendent to explore other options. Because of the costs, logistics, and short turnaround time involved, we could not guarantee that an alternative venue would be available. We are grateful that those efforts were successful and that Spartan Arena can now host the ceremony with ample seating for all who wish to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fair Haven Union High School office at 802-265-4966.
🎓 FHUHS Graduation Ceremony Update
Friday, June 12
⏰ New Start Time: 6:00 PM
(Moved up from 7:00 PM due to the forecast for thunderstorms and lightning.)
🎓 Seniors: Please arrive by 5:15 PM and report directly to the gymnasium.
☀️ Heat Advisory
With temperatures expected to feel near 100°F, the ceremony schedule has been adjusted for guest comfort.
Updated Ceremony Order:
Welcome Address
Presentation of Diplomas
Brief 5-Minute Intermission
Student Speeches
Senior Recognitions
Musical Performances
Closing Remarks
We are so proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating them on Friday night. If you have questions, please contact the school office at (802)265-4966.
Thank you!
Friday, June 12
⏰ New Start Time: 6:00 PM
(Moved up from 7:00 PM due to the forecast for thunderstorms and lightning.)
🎓 Seniors: Please arrive by 5:15 PM and report directly to the gymnasium.
☀️ Heat Advisory
With temperatures expected to feel near 100°F, the ceremony schedule has been adjusted for guest comfort.
Updated Ceremony Order:
Welcome Address
Presentation of Diplomas
Brief 5-Minute Intermission
Student Speeches
Senior Recognitions
Musical Performances
Closing Remarks
We are so proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating them on Friday night. If you have questions, please contact the school office at (802)265-4966.
Thank you!
