More pics from our Falcon Gathering on Friday, celebrating our student rock-stars! 🌟 These students have been doing an amazing job demonstrating our SOAR values every day, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and leadership.
We wrapped up our gathering with a presentation from the American Heart Association. We are officially kicking off our annual Kids Heart Challenge! Stay tuned for more information on how our Falcons can help save lives while keeping their own hearts healthy and strong. 💪✨
41 minutes ago, Deb Infurna
A mascot in a blue and white falcon costume stands next to a large "SOAR" cutout. Three students and a man wearing a baseball cap and a white sweatshirt pose for a photo on a gymnasium floor.
A school mascot and a female faculty member stand with three elementary-aged students. The students are holding certificates and small blue ribbons while posing in front of a blue wall featuring "Sight Words.
A mascot in an falcon costume, a woman in a pink shirt, and two children pose together. The boy in a red hoodie and the girl in a red patterned sweater are holding award papers in a school gym.
A group photo featuring the falcon mascot, a female teacher in a purple shirt, and three students. One student wears a grey sweatshirt with the number "77" on it; they are all holding award certificates.
A woman in a navy quilted vest stands with the falcon mascot and three students. The students are proudly holding up their award papers and blue ribbons for the camera.
The falcon mascot poses with three young girls in a gymnasium. One girl holds a large "SOAR" certificate featuring school bus illustrations, while the others hold smaller award papers.
A man in a red zip-up jacket and grey athletic pants stands at a microphone in the center of a gymnasium. He appears to be speaking to an audience during a school assembly or event.
We had another fantastic Falcon Gathering! Huge congratulations to our January standouts who consistently lived out our SOAR values—Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, and Respect—throughout the month. We are so proud of your dedication to your learning community. Keep SOARing, FHGS! 🦅✨
about 1 hour ago, Deb Infurna
In a school gymnasium, an adult woman, a blue-and-white falcon mascot, and two young girls stand in a line on a wooden basketball court.  The woman on the left wears a pink sweater and dark pants. The falcon mascot stands in the center with its wings slightly spread. To the right, two young girls stand side-by-side holding white papers. The background features a light blue wall with a small rock-climbing section and a wooden door with the words "Stay positive, WORK HARD, Make it happen."
 In a school gymnasium, an adult woman and a young girl stand next to a large cardboard cutout that reads "Fair Haven Grade School SOAR". To their left stands a blue-and-white falcon mascot with a white feathered chest.  The girl wears a purple t-shirt, teal leggings, and headphones around her neck, while the woman wears a navy blue sweatshirt and jeans. The background features a basketball hoop, a climbing wall, and a blue wall with educational posters.
In a gymnasium, an adult woman in a white "HAPPY" sweatshirt and jeans poses playfully next to a blue-and-white falcon mascot. The woman is holding a white piece of paper and is positioned between the mascot and a large white-and-blue "SOAR" cutout. Behind them is a blue wall featuring a climbing section with colorful grips and a wooden door with motivational text.
An adult woman and a young girl stand together in a gymnasium next to a "Fair Haven Grade School SOAR" falcon cutout. To their left, a blue-and-white falcon mascot stands with its wings slightly spread. Both the woman and the girl are holding white papers. The background features a basketball hoop, instructional posters, and a climbing wall.
Two women in matching denim overalls and white long-sleeved shirts stand on either side of a blue-and-white falcon mascot and two children. The children, a girl in a purple shirt and a boy in a pink shirt, stand in front of a "SOAR" falcon cutout holding papers. The group is positioned on a wooden gymnasium floor.
Two women stand on the outer edges of a group featuring a blue-and-white falcon mascot and two children. The children stand in front of a large "SOAR" falcon cutout, with the girl on the left holding a document. The group is positioned on a polished wooden gymnasium floor.
 A group of five poses for a photo: two adult women, two children, and a blue-and-white falcon mascot. A young boy in a striped hoodie and a girl in a grey sweatsuit with cherry patterns stand in the center holding white papers. They are flanked by the mascot on the left and a woman in a striped cream sweater on the right.
Two women stand on the far sides of a group featuring a blue-and-white falcon mascot and two older children. The children, a girl in a black long-sleeved shirt and a boy in a teal hoodie, stand in front of the "SOAR" eagle cutout holding white papers. The woman on the left wears a grey t-shirt that says "Early Middle Crew".
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter header dated January 30, 2026, featuring the district logo above a winter scene of people ice fishing on a frozen lake with mountains in the background.
Join Us for our next Community Advisory Council Meeting — Monday, February 2!

We hope you’ll join us for the next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Library at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.

We’ll be welcoming our local legislators for an important conversation and updates on Act 73. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share your perspective as we work together to support our schools and community.

🗓 Monday, February 2, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 FHUMHS Library

Come be part of the conversation — we’d love to see you there!
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo and text announcing the next meeting on February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library, featuring an Act 73 discussion with local legislators.
A group of community members sit around tables in a school library, listening to a man speaking at the front, with bookshelves lining the walls behind them.
Ms. O’Dell’s 3rd grade class has been busy learning all about fractions on a number line and what better way to grab attention than with food! Students had a blast building and exploring fractions using Twizzlers and pretzels, turning math into a hands-on (and delicious) experience. Learning was fun, engaging, and definitely memorable!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Elementary student smiles while labeling fractions on a number line made with a red licorice string and pretzel sticks.
Student wearing glasses writes fraction labels on a pretzel-and-licorice number line during a hands-on math activity.
Student holds a marker and looks down at a fraction number line built from pretzels and licorice on a desk.
Student smiles and points to herself while sitting at a desk with a pretzel-and-licorice fraction number line.
Student smiles at the camera while holding a marker beside a fraction number line made from pretzels and licorice.
Student sits at a desk labeling fractions on a number line created with pretzel sticks and licorice.
Student smiles while leaning toward a desk displaying a fraction number line made with pretzels and licorice.
Student smiles while leaning toward a desk displaying a fraction number line made with pretzels and licorice.
Student stands behind a desk, smiling, with a completed pretzel-and-licorice fraction number line in front of her.
🏀✨ Nothing but net, Ayla! Huge congratulations to one of our second graders, who became the Elks Hoop Shoot State Champion for the 8–9 age group! We’re so proud of her hard work, focus, and championship shots—way to shine, Ayla! 🏆👏
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Smiling second-grade student Ayla Roberts sits at a table holding a gold trophy from the Elks Hoop Shoot contest. The trophy reads “Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest State Champion, Ages 8–9, 2025–2026,” and features a basketball figure on top.
Board Meeting Tonight- January 26, 2026
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/zjf-fize-oet
Or dial: (US) +1 413-779-5205 PIN: 549 283 171#

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.
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads “Please Join Us Tonight” and “Board Meeting.” The agenda includes consent agenda; warning for FY27 school budget; tax rate discussion; committee reports for building and grounds, policy, and executive committee. Meeting details list January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM, held at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School in the Band Room. The graphic features a circular table with stylized people icons and a Vermont logo.
Good Afternoon,

All Slate Valley Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the weather conditions. Stay safe and have a great day!

Best,

Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing “No School Snow Day!” with snowflakes on a snowy background. Text reads “Monday, January 26th,” alongside the Slate Valley Unified School District logo.
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD newsletter header dated January 23, 2026, featuring an illustration of five bundled-up people shivering in winter coats beneath hanging icicles, suggesting cold winter weather.
FHU Band Bottle Drive - Help our Slaters get to Orlando, FL!
10 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.
After our Falcon News each morning, classes begin their day with a morning meeting. During morning meeting, students greet one another, discuss the events of the day, talk about the weather, calendar, and more. What a great way to start our day, circling up and talking with one another!!!!
11 days ago, Deb Infurna
Elementary students sit on a colorful rug in a reading corner while a teacher listens to a child standing and speaking during morning meeting, with bookshelves and hanging lanterns in the background.
Students sit in a circle on a classroom rug facing their teacher during morning meeting, with bookshelves and butterfly wall murals in the background.
Teacher and young students sit in a circle on a classroom rug during a group discussion, surrounded by alphabet charts, books, and learning materials.
An elementary school classroom scene where a young girl stands at a white easel, leading a lesson for a group of seven children seated on a rug. An adult teacher sits nearby in a chair, observing. The background features educational posters including a "Number Corner," a calendar, and a number line. I
 An elementary school classroom scene shows a group of about twelve children and one adult teacher sitting in a large circle on the floor. They are gathered on colorful rugs, including a large map rug of the United States. The room is brightly lit by natural light and features several inspirational wall displays
A classroom setting showing a teacher and seven young children standing in a row in front of a large digital display. The screen shows an image of two penguins, and several students appear to be using hand gestures. The room includes a "NUMBER CORNER" display, an alphabet line, and student desks with blue chair pockets
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District newsletter dated January 16, 2026. The image features a winter illustration with snow-covered trees, mountains, falling snow, and a skier on a snowy hillside, along with the district logo and the text “Our Schools, Your Future.”
NEEDED: Community members interested in serving as Slate Valley School Board Representatives!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking residents who want to make a meaningful impact on our schools and students. Open seats are available in West Haven (3 seats), Hubbardton (1 seat), and Orwell (1 seat). There are also seats in Benson, Fair Haven, and Castleton, where current members are running unopposed.

Serving on the school board is a great way to represent your community, support student success, and help shape the future of Slate Valley schools. Board members receive an annual stipend, and no prior experience is required—just a commitment to serve.
If you’re interested in running, please visit your town office to obtain a petition and learn more about the process and requirements.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing “School Board Members Needed” for Slate Valley Unified Union School District, with open seats in West Haven, Hubbardton, and Orwell. Text encourages serving the community, supporting students, and participating in school decisions; notes no experience required and to visit the town office for details. Includes the Slate Valley Vermont logo and a photo of adults seated around a table in discussion.
No School – Monday, January 19, 2026

Slate Valley Unified Union School District schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This day honors Dr. King’s legacy of service, equity, and justice, and invites us all to reflect on the values of compassion, courage, and community.

We wish our students, families, and staff a meaningful day of remembrance. ❤️🤍💙
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic shows the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial statue against a blue sky. Text reads, “No School Monday, January 19, 2026, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” with a Vermont school district logo at the bottom.
📚🦸‍♀️🎭 Drama Club Takes the Stage! 🎭🦸‍♂️📚

On January 14, our FHGS after-school Drama Club brought the comic-book world to life with The Comic Book Artist by Pat Lydersen!

Over the past several months, students worked hard rehearsing this hilarious, action-packed superhero story—building confidence, creativity, and teamwork along the way. From bold characters and imaginative costumes to big laughs and dramatic moments, the cast delivered a fun and memorable performance for families and the community.

Thank you to our music teacher Ms. Cynthia Hutchins, our talented students, supportive staff, and everyone who joined us for an evening of storytelling and stage magic in the FHGS cafeteria!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of elementary students pose together on stage in colorful costumes, some wearing masks and holding comic books, smiling and showing playful expressions.
A student wearing a headset microphone and a Pokémon-themed shirt stands under stage lighting, speaking during a performance moment.
Six students stand on stage holding toy instruments and a microphone, dressed in casual costumes and sunglasses, posing like a rock band during the performance.
A seated student wearing a mask and headset microphone listens attentively while another person holds a microphone nearby, suggesting dialogue on stage.
A group of students stand and kneel on stage holding clipboards and pens, raising them in the air as if voting or making a decision in a scene.
A student in a light-colored suit and hat holds a script while standing on stage, with other students seated behind holding comic books as part of the scene.
Students pose on stage holding handmade comic books and drawings, smiling proudly and displaying their artwork to the audience.
Two students sit on stage reading colorful comic books under stage lights, with the audience visible as silhouettes in the foreground.
Four students stand in character wearing matching gray vests with bright patches, striking expressive poses as part of a dramatic scene.
Five students pose as superheroes wearing colorful masks and capes, standing confidently on stage with hands on hips and playful stances.
Board Meeting - January 12, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/epv-sidz-zry
Or dial: (US) +1 406-905-1177 PIN: 663 913 503#

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.
20 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on January 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Castleton Elementary School cafeteria. Agenda items include the consent agenda, Act 73 discussion, open board seats discussion, and committee finance reports. Includes district logo and “Please Join Us Tonight” text.
WANTED: Community members interested in serving as Slate Valley School Board Representatives!

Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking residents who want to make a meaningful impact on our schools and students. Open seats are available in West Haven (3 seats), Hubbardton (1 seat), and Orwell (1 seat). There are also seats in Benson, Fair Haven, and Castleton, where current members are running unopposed.

Serving on the school board is a great way to represent your community, support student success, and help shape the future of Slate Valley schools. Board members receive an annual stipend, and no prior experience is required—just a commitment to serve.

If you’re interested in running, please visit your town office to obtain a petition and learn more about the process and requirements.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Alt text: A green graphic reading “Wanted: Slate Valley School Board Representatives,” showing three person icons with the Slate Valley logo and text noting open seats in West Haven, Hubbardton, and Orwell, and a $1,200 reward.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic showing the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter header with the text “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter,” dated January 9, 2025, above a festive “Happy New Year 2026” design with gold lettering, hanging numbers, and subtle geometric patterns.

This Friday, we’re focusing on Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council (CAC)—a group that brings community voices together to support and strengthen our schools. Made up of community members from across the district, CAC meets monthly with the superintendent and district staff to share perspectives, discuss school-related topics, and strengthen the connection between our schools and the communities they serve. Everyone is welcome to attend—join us at the next meeting on February 2, 2026, in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library. We will be joined by our local legislators to discuss updates on Act 73. Come be part of the conversation!

23 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Friday Focus: CAC – Community Advisory Council.” The design features photos of adults seated around tables in meeting settings, engaged in discussion and listening. Text on the graphic includes “All Are Welcome” and “One Meeting Each Month,” along with the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council logo.
FHGS January Newsletter: https://aptg.co/sQj1cF
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Header graphic for Fair Haven Grade School Newsletter showing the school building in the background with the text “Fair Haven Grade School” and “January 2026.” A falcon logo appears on the left, and the Slate Valley Unified School District logo with the words “Vermont – A Unified Focus on Learning” appears on the right.