FHU Band Bottle Drive - Help our Slaters get to Orlando, FL!
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing FHU Band bottle drive throughout January 2026, with bottle drop-off at Liberty Street Redemption in Fair Haven; proceeds support the band’s trip to the Orlando Heritage Music Festival in Florida.
Friendly reminder that our next CAC Meeting will be held on January 5 at 5:45 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room.
View the agenda here: https://aptg.co/Bl3bss

All are welcome—we hope to see you there!
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council featuring the Slate Valley Vermont logo. Text reads, “Next Meeting: January 5, 2026 – 5:45 PM. Central Office Conference Room, located in FHUMHS.”
As we wrap up the calendar year, we wish our Slate Valley community moments of peace, joy, and time well spent with those you love. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Holiday greeting graphic reading “Wishing Our Community a Bright New Year,” with a soft, warm bokeh background. Text thanks families, staff, and community members for their support of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District and notes that schools are on break from December 22, 2025 through January 2, 2026, with classes resuming January 5, 2026. An open pocket watch featuring a Vermont design rests on a light wooden surface.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for December 19, 2025:
https://mailchi.mp/fdd31f394700/slate-valley-district-newsletter-dec-19th-edition
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified School District newsletter cover dated December 19, 2025, featuring a winter-themed design with a smiling cartoon snowman holding a sign about December break, falling snow, evergreen trees, and the Slate Valley Vermont logo with the headline “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter.”
A Festive Day in Fifth Grade!

The entire fifth grade enjoyed a fun and memorable celebration filled with creativity and cheer. Students worked together to design and decorate gingerbread houses and took part in a festive sock exchange that brought lots of smiles and laughter.
17 days ago, Slate Valley
Three fifth-grade students smile at a desk while decorating a gingerbread house covered in icing and colorful candy.
Three students gather around a table displaying a finished gingerbread house, with craft supplies, candy, and icing spread across the desks.
Five students lean in around a gingerbread house at a classroom table, smiling as candy wrappers and marshmallows sit nearby.
Five students pose proudly around a completed gingerbread house on a red table, gesturing toward their decorated creation.
Four students lean close to a gingerbread house on a desk, smiling as they display their finished project.
Four students smile behind a gingerbread house with candy decorations while sitting together at a classroom table.
Four students grin behind a gingerbread house with marshmallow supports, showing playful hand gestures in a classroom.

Friendly reminder - our December break begins next week!

17 days ago, Slate Valley
Holiday announcement graphic featuring a smiling snowman wearing a red hat and green scarf next to a parchment-style sign. The sign displays the Slate Valley logo and text announcing that Slate Valley Schools will be on December break from December 22, 2025 through January 2, 2026, with a return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026, and wishing students, families, and staff a safe and restful break.
💐 Celebrating Terri Demasi 💐

After nearly 25 years of dedicated service, we extend our deepest gratitude to Terri Demasi as she prepares for retirement. From being the welcoming voice and friendly face in the Fair Haven Grade School front office to her incredible leadership with Applefest and years of guiding students through Sewing Club, Terri’s professionalism, generosity, and calm presence have touched every corner of our school community.

Thank you, Terri, for the countless hours, care, and heart you’ve given. You will be truly missed, and we wish you all the best in this well-deserved next chapter!
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Retirement celebration graphic honoring Terri DeMasi, Fair Haven Grade School administrative assistant, with her portrait, flowers, and text thanking her for 24 years of dedicated service in Slate Valley.
Submitted by Mrs. Corliss: Fourth grade just finished their Paddle to the Sea! This amazing literature unit involved so many interesting and exciting components.
Students first listened to Mrs. Corliss read the original classic Paddle to the Sea by Holling Clancy Holling written in 1941. The book chronicles the adventures of a wooden canoe as it travels from Nipigon Lake in Canada, through the Great Lakes, into the St. Lawrence River, and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Classroom adventures included each student creating their own wooden dowel canoe, along with a creative writing assignment of paddle adventures from Vermont rivers like Otter Creek, all the way to Lake Champlain. Students then participated in a "Beatnik" style cafe reading of their narratives while enjoying a cup of juice, instead of coffee. This unit culminated in a classroom paddle complete with life preservers, paddles, and a lesson in guiding a canoe. Fourth grade is now anxiously awaiting spring to test their dowel canoes in the waterways of Vermont.
20 days ago, Slate Valley
A classroom display with a life vest, paddles, a book, and a blanket.
image of dowel canoes made by students in front of an open book.
Four children in a classroom, one holding a paper and one sitting in a chair.
Two girls and two boys hold paddles, sitting on a blanket in a classroom.
Four boys hold paddles, sitting on a brown blanket in a classroom.
Four children hold paddles, sitting on a brown blanket in a classroom.
Three girls and one boy hold paddles in a classroom, one girl raising hers.
Three girls pose with paddles in a classroom.
Two girls and one boy hold paddles, sitting on a blanket in a classroom.
Four children hold paddles, sitting on a brown blanket in a classroom.
Board Meeting - December 15, 2025
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/yij-wmxa-hpe
Or dial: (US) +1 218-288-2598 PIN: 302 314 435#

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.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The text reads: ‘Please Join Us TONIGHT. Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.’ A circular design in the center lists the agenda items: ‘Consent Agenda, Literacy and Math Instruction PreK–6 Presentation, Committee Reports – Finance.’ The Slate Valley logo appears on the right. At the bottom, it states: ‘December 15, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.’ The background is white with green and teal design elements.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: December 12, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/1ca25391063e/slate-valley-district-newsletter-december-12-2025
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated December 12, 2025. The top of the page features the Slate Valley logo with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a winter-themed banner with three smiling snowmen wearing colorful hats and scarves, standing in a snowy forest scene. Further down is a section header on a tablet-shaped graphic titled “An Update on Cell Phone & Communication Policies in Slate Valley,” accompanied by social media reaction icons such as hearts, thumbs-up, and speech bubbles along the sides.
Elks Hoop Shoot: December 21, 2025
24 days ago, Slate Valley
A flyer for the “Elks Hoop Shoot,” sponsored by the Rutland Elks Lodge #345. The top left shows an illustration of a basketball going through a hoop, and the top right features the Elks Lodge emblem with an elk head and clock. The flyer announces that there is no charge to enter the contest, which is open to boys and girls ages 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13, based on age as of April 1, 2026. The event takes place Sunday, December 21, 2025. Registration is at 1:00 p.m. at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, 33 Mechanic St., Fair Haven, VT. For questions or more information, the flyer lists the Rutland Elks Lodge phone number 802-773-6266.
Due to the inclement weather, all after-school activities are cancelled for today, Wednesday, December 10th. This includes athletics, clubs, and any other school-sponsored events along with Boys and Girls Club.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe.
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a sparkly snow background and the Slate Valley logo at the top. Large text reads: ‘Wednesday, December 10th. All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled.’
Board Meeting - December 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Benson Village School Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zax-xtsz-dcp
Or dial: (US) +1 413-398-0531 PIN: 998 151 118#

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.
28 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic announcing the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on December 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Benson Village School Gym. The design features the Slate Valley logo and a circular agenda box listing: Consent Agenda, Act 73 Discussion, and Committee Reports (Finance and Stafford RAB). The words “Please Join Us TONIGHT” appear prominently on the left.
Today's PBiS assembly, celebrating our award recipients for Kindness. (Batch 2)
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Student stands with an adult in front of red gym wall pads during an awards presentation.
Student stands alone holding a certificate in front of red gym wall pads.
Student stands with an adult in front of red gym wall pads, holding a certificate.
Student stands with an adult near red gym wall pads, holding a certificate.
Student stands with an adult holding a certificate in front of red gym wall pads.
Two young students stand with an adult; one holds a certificate in front of red gym wall pads.
Two students hold certificates while standing with an adult in front of red gym wall pads.
Student stands beside an adult, holding a certificate, in front of red gym wall pads.
Today's PBiS assembly, celebrating our award recipients for Kindness. (Batch 1)
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Two young students hold certificates while standing beside an adult in a gym with red wall mats.
Two girls hold certificates and stand next to an adult in front of red gym mats.
A student holding a certificate stands beside an adult in a gym with red mats.
Two students stand with an adult in front of red gym mats; one student holds a certificate.
An adult stands with two students holding certificates in a gym with red mats.
Two boys hold certificates while standing with an adult in front of red gym mats.
A student holding a certificate stands with an adult in front of red mats in the gym.
A student holds a certificate while standing next to an adult in the school gym.
Two students stand with an adult in front of red gym mats; one holds a certificate.
Slate Valley District Newsletter December 5th Edition: https://mailchi.mp/de3f115536de/slate-valley-district-newsletter-december-5th-edition
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated December 5, 2025, featuring the district logo and a decorative banner that reads ‘Hello December.’
❄️ A Winter Day at CES! ❄️

On December 4th, music teacher Ms. Jessica Tugas captured a beautiful drone video of our playground as students enjoyed the first snowfall of the year during recess. Their laughter, excitement, and pure joy in the snow set the perfect scene for something extra special—an original soundtrack created entirely by Mrs. Doyle’s first graders!

In music class, students have been learning about notation, rhythm, and pitch. Each child selected a note from the pentatonic scale—do, re, mi, sol, la, or high do—to match each syllable of “A Winter Day” by Douglas Florian. Using our music technology tools, Noteflight and Soundtrap, they transformed their chosen notes into digital code, experimented with effects, and then voted on their favorite synth pads, bass lines, and beats to build the final composition.

The result?
✨ A magical blend of snow, student creativity, and shared joy—all wrapped into one video.

Enjoy this beautiful snapshot of winter at CES, brought to life by our incredibly creative young musicians and their amazing teacher, Ms. Tugas! ❄️🎶
See the video at: https://youtu.be/lwUbcIuZRAg
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Drone view of a school campus covered in fresh snow, with students playing on the playground and fields. Cars are parked in neat rows along the driveway, and trees surround the snowy grounds.
Friday Focus: Falcon News at Fair Haven Grade School

For this month’s Friday Focus, we’re shining a light on one of Fair Haven Grade School’s most beloved traditions—their lively morning broadcast, Falcon News. This daily newscast is the creative brainchild of Principal Deb Infurna, who, more than four years ago, envisioned a way to bring the entire school community together each morning. Her idea took flight, and today Falcon News is a staple of FHGS culture.

Each morning, once students settle into their classrooms, teachers tune in to the live broadcast on their Smart TVs. Principal Infurna will kick things off, but the true stars of the show are the students themselves. Every month, a classroom teacher can sign up to have their students serve as the lead anchors, taking on important roles such as announcing birthdays, sharing the daily lunch menu, highlighting upcoming activities, delivering general announcements, and giving the local weather forecast. And of course—no episode is complete without the traditional joke of the day, a favorite among students and staff alike.

Falcon News is viewable only within the school, making it a safe, supportive environment for students to practice public speaking, build confidence, and take pride in contributing to their school community. The broadcast has become a point of excitement and accomplishment for students across all grade levels.

Principal Infurna’s vision has also inspired others. Her morning broadcast model has now taken root at two additional Slate Valley schools. Principal Paquette at FHUMS has created her own version of a morning show, and Principal Danyow has brought the tradition with him to Castleton Elementary School. Fittingly, both previously worked at FHGS—proof that great ideas often spread far and wide.

Falcon News is more than a broadcast—it’s a daily reminder of connection, belonging, and student voice. A big thank you to Principal Infurna for sparking an idea that continues to brighten many mornings across Slate Valley.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic titled “Focus Friday – FHGS’s Falcon News.” The design features several photos of Fair Haven Grade School students participating in the morning broadcast. One large image shows Principal Infurna smiling and working with two students in front of a “Happy Thanksgiving” backdrop. Smaller photos show students at the news desk, including a weather segment labeled “FHGS Weather.” Decorative icons such as a microphone, a falcon, and weather symbols are included. Text reads: “Falcon News brings FHGS together each morning with student-led announcements, joyful traditions, and a shared sense of community sparked by Principal Infurna’s vision.” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the corner.
CES December Newsletter - PDF Version at https://aptg.co/BMLCQS
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
CES December 2025 newsletter page featuring a red header with the CES logo, a calendar sidebar listing December events, and a principal's message. The message discusses trimester assessments, report cards going home December 12th, family lunches, parent-teacher conferences, and appreciation for family engagement.
CES December 2025 newsletter page with sections on family meal bags offered December 15th, the Character Trait of the Month (honesty), upcoming PBIS assembly dates, and information about the CSO craft bazaar. The bottom section includes reminders about attendance emails and preparing students for colder weather.
🏀🏃‍♀️‍➡️❄️ Throwback Thursday! ❄️🤼‍♂️📣
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!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring four black-and-white photos of Fair Haven Union High School winter sports teams from the 2005–2006 season. The top left shows the boys’ basketball team posing in uniforms. Below it is the wrestling team group photo. At the top center is an image of the winter cheer team performing a stunt. On the right side is the indoor track team posing with medals and trophies. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner. Text reads: ‘Throwback Thursday,’ ‘Basketball,’ ‘Winter Cheer,’ ‘Indoor Track,’ ‘Wrestling,’ and ‘2005–2006 FHUHS Winter Sports.’
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls varsity basketball team posing in uniform with basketballs.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys varsity basketball team posing in uniform.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls indoor track team posing with medals and a championship plaque.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys indoor track team posing with medals and a trophy.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing a 2005–2006 Fair Haven cheer stunt group on the left and three Fair Haven wrestling athletes with their coach holding a banner on the right.