We’re kicking off our 2025–2026 winter sports season with a blast from the past — a look back 20 years to the unforgettable 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School winter teams!
From buzzer-beaters on the basketball court and powerful wrestling wins to high-flying cheer routines and standout indoor track achievements, our Slaters brought the energy all winter long!
Here’s to the athletes, coaches, and memories that built the foundation of today’s Slater pride — and to an amazing season ahead!






For this month’s Where Are They Now? feature, we’re excited to highlight Tim Rogers, a proud member of the FHUHS Class of 1998 whose life path is a testament to hard work, resilience, and following what you love.
After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Tim entered the workforce immediately—an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and set him on a path of steady growth and accomplishment. He began his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing, where he worked in every department before eventually becoming the Parts and Inventory Manager. In 2010, he made the jump to GE Aerospace, where he has spent the past 15 years. Tim started as an L12 in the broaching area and worked his way into gage inspection, a highly technical role ensuring the accuracy and safety of components used in GE’s jet engines.
During his years in Slate Valley schools, Tim found encouragement from several teachers who made a lasting impact—especially Mr. Blodget (Science), Mr. Doran (Social Studies), Mr. Hier (Social Studies) and Mr. Patterson (Wood Shop). Their message of perseverance and goal-setting continues to guide him today: never give up and to never stop trying, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
Although Tim didn’t join school sports or clubs, he found his competitive outlet in local bowling leagues at Fairwood Lanes and Rutland Bowlerama. From 1996–1998, he earned numerous titles, including state champion in both teams and doubles competition. In 1998, he won a televised youth tournament on PEG-TV and later claimed the Junior USA Gold Tournament, qualifying for Reno to attempt to make the Junior Olympic team. He climbed as high as 50th place out of 350 competitors before an injury slowed him down—but not before leaving his mark.
Tim’s achievements extend beyond athletics and career. In 2003, he was featured on the reality TV show Monster Garage with Jesse James, where his team transformed a car into a functional log splitter using equipment he once helped build. The episode aired in March 2004 on the Discovery Channel.
In the last 15 years, Tim has also become a force in the competitive cooking world. He has competed in the Poultney Chili Cook-Off 11 times—winning an impressive 7 championships—and is part of the professional BBQ team UP-2 BBQ with teammate Curran LaFarge. Together, they have claimed multiple category wins, a Grand Championship, and a Reserve Grand Championship, becoming the first Vermont team in over 30 years to win a Masters division contest. Their Grand Championship earned them a spot in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Invitational BBQ in Tennessee (finishing 46th of 89 teams), followed by competition at The American Royal, the largest BBQ contest in the world.
On the personal side, Tim met the love of his life, Dainyell, in 2012, and the two married in 2015. They are proud parents to two daughters, Jiy and Jazzlyn, who attend Castleton Elementary School, along with their much-loved Saint Bernard, Marcus.
Tim’s Advice to Today’s Slate Valley Students:
“Make goals that are obtainable. Obtain them and make new ones. If you never quit, you never fail. And if you do fall down, get back up and keep fighting.”
Thank you, Tim, for sharing your journey and for reminding us all what determination, passion, and hard work can achieve. Your Slate Valley family is proud of you!

Did you know that December 2nd is the birthday of Georges Seurat, the French painter who revolutionized art with a technique made entirely of tiny dots?
Seurat, born December 2, 1859, is best known for developing Pointillism, where thousands of precise dots of pure color blend together in the viewer’s eye to create a full image. His most famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” shown here, is one of the best examples of this technique — and one of the most recognizable works in art history.
So today, on December 2nd, we celebrate Seurat’s artistic genius and the colorful impact he left on the world! 🎂🎨✨


All are welcome, hope to see you there!

This month we are excited to highlight Cynthia Hutchins, a familiar and spirited presence at Fair Haven Grade School.
Cynthia is celebrating her 10th year as part of FHGS. Before stepping into her full-time role, she spent the 2018–2019 school year teaching music at Wells Village School and Middletown Springs Elementary on alternating days with FHGS. From 2019 until its closure in 2022, she also shared her talents with students at Castleton Village School. Today, she teaches general music, band, and chorus, and she leads the school’s drama club, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to every performance and rehearsal.
Before joining Slate Valley, Cynthia gained valuable experience during her first year of teaching as a long-term substitute at Mettawee Community School, Rutland Intermediate School, and Beeman Academy, and later as the music teacher at Grafton Elementary.
Outside of school, Cynthia continues to keep music at the heart of her life. During the summer, she plays bassoon with the Poultney/Granville Town Band and sings with the Granville Area Chorus. When she’s not making music, she enjoys spending time with her three children. Together, they love camping, exploring Vermont’s beauty, and occasionally escaping to the beaches of Maine.
Her favorite quote—“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams”—perfectly captures her passion for sparking imagination, creativity, and joy in her students each day.
We’re grateful to have Cynthia Hutchins inspiring our young musicians and performers across Slate Valley!

Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!
Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations
All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.
We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒
Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!

We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.

Please join us in celebrating Tina Rampone, Librarian at Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, for being named the Rosen Publishing Northern New England School Librarian of the Month for November 2025!
This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding school librarians across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine who go above and beyond in supporting literacy, creativity, and student engagement. Tina exemplifies all of these qualities through her warm, inclusive library environments and her innovative blend of literacy and STEAM learning — from recycled cardboard engineering to 3D pens, circuits, and hands-on problem solving.
✨ About the Award:
Rosen Publishing Group is known for producing engaging print and digital books aligned to school curricula, as well as high-quality databases and interactive e-books. As part of this generous award, Tina will receive:
📚 A curated set of Rosen print titles for both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries
💻 One year of access to Rosen’s PowerKnowledge Science database, praised by the National Science Teachers’ Association as:
“Useful and kid-friendly… Provides the bridge between textbook, inquiry, and technology.”
This award not only honors Tina’s exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment to students — it directly enriches both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries and expands learning opportunities for all.
Please join us in giving Tina a huge Slater Nation congratulations!

Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.
Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing



Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!
📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254
🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346
This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.
To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.
👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.
Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 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/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#
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.

https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025

Our FHUMS students delivered bags full of food and household donations from their TA groups today to help Stuff an Ambulance at Fair Haven Shaw’s! A special shout out to Jacob Purdy, Noah Laramie, Jacob Jamieson, and Cole Belden!
The event runs today until 5 PM and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 AM–1 PM — all donations go directly to Slate Valley Cares, supporting families right here in our community.
Stop by, say hello to our Slater mascot, and help us fill that ambulance! 🥫❤️
Every can, box, and bottle makes a difference!





Although Amanda was unable to attend, FHUMHS Co-Principal Mr. Ben Worthing was there to join Mr. Ruby in representing Slate Valley at the ceremony.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding educators for their dedication, passion, and the positive impact they make every day in our schools!




Mrs. Mingo’s FHGS first graders were thrilled to learn the team is playing in this weekend’s Championship game. To show their Slater pride, students created colorful “Good Luck” signs filled with drawings and motivating messages like:
✨ “We believe in you!”
✨ “Hope you win!”
✨ “Keep working hard!”
✨ “You’ve got this!”
These heartfelt creations were shared with our high school athletes before they headed out, giving them an extra boost of encouragement as they gear up for the big game.
Good luck, Slaters—your entire Slate Valley community is cheering for you! 🎉🏆💙

It was a spontaneous drive to visit all Slate Valley schools—no special events, just everyday learning on full display. From music and art to math, reading, and a lively P.E. kickball game, students were engaged everywhere I went. Lunchtime smiles, hallway hellos, and even a few photo poses made the day even better.
Fun fact: the only screens seen all day were in the digital arts class—proof that hands-on learning is thriving in Slate Valley!
📽️ Check out the video recap here: https://youtube.com/shorts/g09yDudmgi8?feature=share

https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025

In this continuation of our Educational Insights podcast series, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara continue discussion with active community members Bob Crowley of Castleton and Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven.
In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into important topics such as school-to-community communication, how Vermont’s education system is funded, and the fiscal challenges surrounding the upcoming FY27 budget. The group also discusses the value and impact of Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council, highlighting how community voices help guide district priorities and build understanding around education in our region.
Tune in to hear genuine perspectives, thoughtful discussion, and shared ideas about how Slate Valley can continue strengthening its partnership with the community. https://youtu.be/e5JYVkgrUNQ

🏈💙 D2 FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP INFO 💙🏈
Get ready, Slater fans — it’s Championship Week!
📅 Saturday, November 15
📍 South Burlington High School
⏰ 11:00 AM Kickoff
#5 Fair Haven Slaters vs. #3 Colchester Lakers
Gates open at 10:00 AM.
🎟️ Tickets:
Available at the gate or online: https://gofan.co/event/2142676?schoolId=VPA
Tickets are valid for all three games on the day (must keep your return ticket for re-entry).
📣 Slater Seating:
Fair Haven fans will sit on the side of the bleachers closest to the woods. (Bleachers are located on one side only.)
📘 Game Day Programs:
Available digitally here: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/tournaments/
🚗 Parking:
On-site parking is available. Overflow parking will be at the University Mall with a shuttle service to SBHS if needed. Expect traffic at the Dorset Street entrance.
👕 Championship Gear:
Northwest Design will be printing gear on-site — preorders are not available, but you can order after the event.
🍔 Concessions will be open!
⚠️ Post-Game:
Please remain off the field following the game. A designated area will be set for teams to gather.
All signs, posters, and balloons must be removed after the game.
📺 Can’t make it?
Watch live on the NFHS Network:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/vpa/gam3db12650ac
Let’s fill the stands and show our Slater Pride as we cheer on the defending state champs! 💙🩶🩵
#GoSlaters #SlaterPride #RoadToTheChampionship #D2Finals #WeAreSlateValley

