🏛️ 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
about 14 hours ago, Slate Valley
Flyer titled “Free Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders.” It explains that Vermont 4th graders who have finished the school year can visit all Vermont state-owned historic sites with one adult for free during the 2026 season, ending in October. It lists steps for using the pass: print the 4th Grade Pass Letter, bring it to a participating historic site, and show it to site staff for free admission. No registration is required. Sites listed include Bennington Battle Monument, Chimney Point, Hubbardton Battlefield, Mount Independence, President Calvin Coolidge, and President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Sites. More information is available at HistoricSites.Vermont.gov, with a QR code and contact information for Joshua Bell at 802-505-8592 or Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov. The flyer uses green, blue, and gold accents with a “VT History Pass” badge and the message, “Make history part of your summer adventure!”
What a fantastic first day of Falcon Fest! 🦅🎉

Our students and staff enjoyed a day filled with fun, laughter, and community as they participated in a variety of exciting activities, including bouncy houses, obstacle courses, mini golf, capture the flag, cornhole, playground games, arts and crafts, Minute to Win It challenges, and a glow dance!

It was wonderful to see so many smiles, teamwork, and positive energy throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who helped make Falcon Fest such a memorable experience for our students, from the leadership of Mr. P and the specialist team who organized and facilitated activities to the PTO who donated funds to support them. We can't wait for more fun tomorrow!
about 16 hours ago, Deb Infurna
Several young children and adults gather on a wooden basketball court inside a school gymnasium for a glow party. The room is dimly lit with colorful green and red dance lights reflecting on the ceiling and walls. Many of the children are running and playing while wearing glowing necklaces or holding glow sticks. A banner on the wall features a falcon logo and reads "FHGS Falcons."
Two young boys sit side-by-side at the bottom of parallel slides on a large red and grey inflatable obstacle course structure outdoors. The boy on the left is wearing a grey t-shirt and black shorts with his hands slightly raised, while the boy on the right wears a graphic t-shirt and khaki shorts. A bright blue sky with light clouds is visible above the top of the inflatable.
Two young boys play a game of mini-golf outdoors on a grassy lawn under a clear blue sky. One boy in a bright green t-shirt and black pants holds a putter, preparing to hit a pink golf ball on a narrow, portable mini-golf lane with yellow borders. Another boy wearing a teal Miami Dolphins sweatshirt and red pants stands by the lane, watching the play. A fenced-in school playground with slides and swings is visible in the background.
A young girl with braided hair smiles while standing at the bottom of a slide on an ocean-themed inflatable bounce house. She is wearing white socks, denim shorts, and a black shirt that reads "Big Sis Bear" with a red plaid bear graphic. Behind her, another child sits at the top of the slide, and the bounce house features colorful decorations of fish and a large mermaid tail.
Children playing on a large, eagle-themed inflatable slide set up outdoors on an asphalt lot under a clear blue sky. One young girl smiles as she slides down the blue and white striped chute, another girl stands near the landing , and a young boy watches from the side.
Four children sit on a school cafeteria floor building large pyramids out of colorful plastic stacking cups. One group of children collaborates on a large green and blue cup tower, while another boy constructs a smaller red cup pyramid nearby.
Elementary students gathered around classroom tables participating in a hands-on activity, smiling and showing completed craft projects while working together in small groups.
From FHUMHS Band Director, Ms. Samantha Adams: Marching Band sign ups for grades 7-12 are OPEN. If you are an incoming 7th grader or above, you are invited to join! Scan the QR code or click the link to sign up! Sign ups close at the end of the day July 1st, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out to Samantha Adams at sadams@svuvt.org

https://forms.gle/a8HQgJoAS94FM8kt9
about 18 hours ago, Slate Valley
nformational flyer promoting the Fair Haven Union (FHU) Marching Band for students entering grades 7–12. The flyer explains that marching band members meet during the summer and after school in the fall and spring to learn pep tunes and perform at football games, parades, and other events. A section titled “Why should I join?” highlights benefits including playing popular songs such as We Will Rock You, Narco, and Star Wars, making new friends, and developing teamwork, communication, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving skills. A “How do I join?” section instructs students to scan a QR code and complete a registration form before July 1, 2026. Contact information for Mrs. Adams (sadams@svuvt.org) is provided for questions. The flyer also lists important summer dates: July 1: Sign-ups close July 14, 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Practice July 21, 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Practice July 28, 1:00–3:00 p.m.: Practice August 10–14, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Band Camp A final section titled “What is band camp?” explains that students learn music, marching techniques, and the football game performance show during an intensive week of practice. It compares band camp to a sports training camp and emphasizes opportunities to meet bandmates and make friends. The flyer features decorative music notes, sparkles, a marching band silhouette, and a QR code on a light gray background.
📚🎉 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! 🧶📖✨
about 18 hours ago, Slate Valley
Retirement recognition graphic honoring Tina Rampone. The design features a portrait of Tina inside a decorative geometric frame with watercolor-style books stacked in the lower left corner and a small potted plant with glasses in the lower right. Text reads: "Happy Retirement. Valued by Slate Valley Unified Union School District since 2010. Best Wishes to Tina Rampone, Castleton Elementary School & Orwell Village School Librarian. Thank you for 16 years of dedicated service!" The Slate Valley logo appears in the upper left corner, with soft floral and butterfly accents throughout the design.
💚🏃‍♀️ What a fantastic finish to another Girls on the Run season! 🩷✨

Over the past two weekends, our Girls on the Run participants celebrated all they accomplished this spring through teamwork, perseverance, confidence, and friendship.

On June 6, the team traveled to Manchester for the Girls on the Run Celebratory 5K, where students proudly crossed the finish line surrounded by teammates, coaches, family members, and supporters. From colorful tutus and face paint to encouraging signs and smiles, the event was a joyful celebration of everything they learned throughout the season.

This past weekend, the team gathered one last time for their end-of-season celebration. The evening included ice cream, a glow dance party, and plenty of laughter. The highlight of the night? The team getting their chance to silly string their coaches as a fun thank-you for a season filled with encouragement and support!

Congratulations to all of our Girls on the Run participants and coaches on an incredible season. You showed what it means to be strong, confident, and unstoppable! 💚🩷
about 19 hours ago, Slate Valley
Large group of Girls on the Run participants and coaches pose together in front of a decorated team tent at the celebratory 5K. Students wear green Girls on the Run shirts, bright pink tutus, and colorful accessories.
Two smiling Girls on the Run participants wearing green shirts, pink tutus, face paint, and festive headbands pose together while holding a handmade sign that reads, “Go girls on the Run!”
Three Girls on the Run participants wearing medals, green shirts, and pink tutus blow bubbles while standing on a grassy field after the 5K event.
Girls on the Run participants gather with teammates and coaches among a large crowd of runners and families before the start of the celebratory 5K.
Participants and coaches walk together along a gravel path during the Girls on the Run 5K event, with mountains and trees visible in the background.
Four Girls on the Run coaches stand together on a sunny field, smiling after the season-ending celebration. Colorful silly string is draped across their shirts and shoulders.
Girls on the Run participants sit around tables covered with bright pink tablecloths while enjoying ice cream and refreshments during the end-of-season celebration.
Students dance in a darkened classroom decorated with colorful glow sticks and party lights during a glow dance party celebration.
Four Girls on the Run participants wearing glow necklaces and bracelets smile together during the glow dance party.
A Girls on the Run coach smiles while covered in colorful strands of silly string as students stand nearby laughing after the team's playful coach appreciation activity.
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
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a blue sky background and colorful confetti falling around graduation caps. The Fair Haven Union High School Slaters logo appears on the left, and the Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo appears on the right. Large text in the center reads, “Best Wishes to the Class of 2026.” The celebratory graphic congratulates graduating seniors as they prepare for commencement.
💙 Celebrating our 6th Graders! 💙

Today, Fair Haven Grade School honored its sixth-grade students during a special 6th Grade Celebration, recognizing their accomplishments, growth, and contributions throughout their elementary school years.

Families gathered alongside faculty and staff as students were recognized with certificates, awards, and words of encouragement from their teachers. The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievements, but also the friendships, character, perseverance, and memories that have shaped their time at FHGS.

Following the celebration, students, families, and staff enjoyed an outdoor barbecue lunch together, providing one final opportunity to celebrate this milestone as a school community.

As our oldest Falcons prepare to spread their wings and begin their next chapter at Fair Haven Union Middle School, we wish them continued success and look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.

Congratulations, sixth graders! Once a Falcon, always a Falcon. 🦅💙
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Wide view of the Fair Haven Grade School gymnasium during the 6th Grade Celebration. Students sit in a large circle while families and staff fill rows of chairs around them as a speaker stands at the podium.
Several sixth-grade students participate in a recognition activity during the FHGS 6th Grade Celebration in the school gymnasium. Two students exchange a decorated memory box while staff members look on and families watch from the audience.
A decorated sheet cake with blue frosting and colorful flower designs sits on a table. The cake reads, “Congratulations and Best Wishes!” for the graduating sixth-grade class.
A sixth-grade student smiles while receiving a certificate during the celebration. A staff member presents the award while another staff member stands at the podium nearby.
A sixth-grade student stands beside a teacher as a certificate is read aloud during the recognition ceremony in the school gymnasium.
A student wearing a pink polo shirt and baseball cap smiles while receiving recognition from a teacher during the sixth-grade celebration.
A smiling sixth-grade student wearing a Minecraft-themed T-shirt stands with a teacher holding a certificate during the awards presentation.
A sixth-grade student stands proudly with a certificate while a teacher and staff member smile beside her during the celebration ceremony.
🍦✨ One Last Hoorah with the Special Education Team! ✨🍦

As the school year winds down, the FHGS Education Team celebrated with a sweet hands-on activity—making homemade ice cream!

Students worked together to measure ingredients, mix everything in bags, shake, stir, and patiently wait as science and teamwork combined to create a delicious treat. Along the way, they practiced following directions, cooperation, problem-solving, and, of course, enjoyed plenty of laughs.

The activity was a fun way to celebrate a year filled with growth, learning, friendships, and accomplishments. Sometimes the best lessons come with a little sugar, a lot of teamwork, and a homemade scoop of ice cream!

A special thank you to the staff who helped make this memorable end-of-year experience possible. 🍨
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Students and staff gather around a round table preparing homemade ice cream. Ingredients including milk, sugar, salt, and measuring cups are spread across the table as participants work together to combine ingredients in plastic bags.
A staff member demonstrates how to shake and mix a bag of ice cream ingredients while students watch and participate. One student sits nearby observing the process as others prepare their own bags.
Two students stand in a classroom holding large resealable plastic bags filled with ice cream ingredients. One student in a blue sleeveless outfit looks determined, while another student in a red shirt smiles with eyes closed as they prepare to shake the bags during a homemade ice cream activity.
Two students proudly hold up resealable bags containing ice cream mixture. One student raises a bag overhead with an excited expression while another smiles at the camera. A whiteboard with the recipe is visible behind them.
A group of students and staff pause during a homemade ice cream activity to smile for a photo. Several students hold bags containing ice cream mixture while ingredients and supplies remain set up on the table.
Students and staff work together around a table measuring and mixing ingredients for homemade ice cream. Containers of milk, sugar, salt, and other supplies are arranged on the table as students carefully follow directions.
A staff member pours cream into a measuring cup while students seated around a table hold bags and watch closely. Ingredients for homemade ice cream, including sugar, milk, and salt, are visible as the group follows the recipe step by step.
☀️🏕️ Summer Fun is Just Around the Corner! 🏕️☀️

The Fair Haven Summer Recreation Program is gearing up for another exciting season packed with camps, clinics, creativity, sports, and adventure!

This year's offerings include:

🎭 Theatre Camp (currently full)
🔬 Science Camp
🎨 Arts & Crafts Camp
🦁 Go Wild! Camp
🎒 Kinder Camp

Plus a variety of sports clinics:

⚾ Baseball/Softball
🏀 Basketball
🏈 Flag Football
🏑 Field Hockey
⚽ Soccer

Programs run throughout July and early August, providing opportunities for children to learn new skills, make friends, stay active, and have fun all summer long.

📲 Visit fairhavenrecreation.com or scan the QR code on the flyer for full program details and online registration.

Don't miss out on a summer full of learning, exploration, and fun in Fair Haven!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful Fair Haven Summer Recreation flyer with a beach and ocean-themed background. The flyer lists summer camp and clinic offerings by week. Camps include Theatre Camp (full), Science Camp, Arts & Crafts, Go Wild!, and Kinder Camp. Sports clinics include Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Flag Football, Field Hockey, and Soccer. Program dates run from July 6–10 through August 3–7. A QR code and website address, fairhavenrecreation.com, direct families to registration and additional program information. Bright tropical graphics and summer colors decorate the flyer.
Fourth-grade students recently visited the Fair Haven Public Library, where they enjoyed a special story time and explored the many resources available through their local library.

The visit provided an opportunity for students to connect with books, strengthen their love of reading, and engage with the community. Thank you to the staff at the Fair Haven Public Library for welcoming our students and helping inspire lifelong readers!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
A librarian reads aloud from a picture book to a group of fourth-grade students seated on the floor at the Fair Haven Public Library.
A librarian smiles while sharing a picture book with attentive fourth-grade students gathered for story time at the Fair Haven Public Library.
🎈☀️ Popping Into Summer in Second Grade! ☀️🎈

The countdown to summer is on in Ms. Bruno’s second grade classroom!

As part of a fun 10-day balloon countdown to the end of the school year, students pop a balloon each day to reveal a special surprise activity. One recent challenge had students covering their desks with shaving cream and practicing their spelling words, letters, and drawing skills in a hands-on (and very messy!) learning experience.

There were plenty of smiles, laughter, and creativity as students traced letters, practiced handwriting, and enjoyed a sensory-filled activity that made learning even more memorable.

What a fun way to celebrate all the hard work of the school year while counting down the days until summer vacation!
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Several second-grade students smile and pose in their classroom while using shaving cream spread across their desks to practice writing and drawing. Some students hold shaving cream in their hands while others create designs on their desks.
Two second-grade students concentrate on writing letters and words in shaving cream spread across their desks. Other classmates can be seen working on the same activity in the background.
A classroom bulletin board displays colorful balloons numbered 1 through 10 surrounding a sign that reads “Pop Into Summer,” representing a countdown to the end of the school year with daily surprise activities hidden inside each balloon.
Students sit at their desks covered in shaving cream, practicing letter formation and drawing shapes with their fingers while classmates work nearby.
A student wearing glasses carefully traces shapes and letters in a layer of shaving cream spread across a desk while classmates participate in the activity around the classroom.
🍎🎟️ Help Make Applefest 2026 Even More Special! 🎟️🍎

The Fair Haven Grade School Intermediate Team (Grades 2–4) is seeking donations for the 2026 Applefest Bucket Raffle, and we'd love your support!

We are looking for donations from:
✨ Local businesses
✨ Home-based businesses
✨ Crafters and artisans
✨ Hobbyists
✨ Community members

Donation ideas include:
🧶 Knitted or crocheted items
🎨 Artwork
🏺 Pottery
💍 Handmade jewelry
🍯 Local honey
🪵 Woodworking projects
✂️ Cricut creations
🎁 Gift cards
🛠️ Services
…and so much more!

Donating is also a great opportunity to showcase your business or talent. Feel free to include a business card, brochure, or small sign with your donation.

All proceeds from the bucket raffle support the FHGS Applefest Fund, helping us continue this cherished community tradition while providing unique educational opportunities and special student activities throughout the year.

Interested in donating?
Complete the donation form here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwsCenl5jz7KoqX-3CfY4yo1y5-EL99h2FqKJZ7omcaZMHoQ/viewform

You can also scan the QR code on the flyer.

A member of our team will follow up with donors in late August or early September regarding donation details.

Thank you for helping make Applefest 2026 a success! ❤️🍏
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer promoting the 2026 Applefest Bucket Raffle Donation Drive hosted by the Fair Haven Grade School Intermediate Team (Grades 2–4). The flyer features a large red apple with "2026 Applefest" written across it and photos representing potential raffle donations, including maple syrup, handmade jewelry, gift cards, birdhouses, pottery, knitting, leatherwork, artwork, candles, and soaps. Text explains that donations are being sought from local businesses, home-based businesses, crafters, artisans, hobbyists, and community members. A section titled "Why Donate?" notes that proceeds support the FHGS Applefest Fund, helping continue the Applefest tradition, provide unique educational opportunities, and fund special student activities throughout the year. A QR code is included for donors to complete the donation form, alongside a school mascot graphic encouraging participation.
🦕📚 Summer Storyhour is back at the Fair Haven Free Library! 📚🦕

Get ready to "Unearth a Story" this summer with weekly Storyhour sessions every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. featuring special guest readers from Fair Haven Grade School!

Join us for stories, fun, and imagination as some of your favorite FHGS educators share books and help bring reading to life throughout the summer.

📖 Guest Reader Schedule:
• June 30 – Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins
• July 7 – Mrs. Katie Hart
• July 14 – Miss Corey Kendall
• July 21 – Miss Olivia Johnson
• July 28 – Mrs. Noor Hussnane
• August 4 – Mrs. Rebecca Nadler
• August 11 – Mrs. Courtney Mingo

Thank you to the Fair Haven Free Library for partnering with our schools to keep students reading, learning, and exploring all summer long!

We hope to see you there! 🦖✨
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful flyer for the Fair Haven Free Library's Summer Storyhour program. The flyer features a dinosaur-themed forest background with cartoon dinosaurs surrounding the text. The title reads "Summer Storyhour" with the theme "Unearth a Story." Storyhour takes place on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and features special guest readers from Fair Haven Grade School. Listed guest readers include Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins on June 30, Mrs. Katie Hart on July 7, Miss Corey Kendall on July 14, Miss Olivia Johnson on July 21, Mrs. Noor Hussnane on July 28, Mrs. Rebecca Nadler on August 4, and Mrs. Courtney Mingo on August 11. The flyer includes colorful dinosaurs such as a pterodactyl, triceratops, and long-necked dinosaurs throughout the design.
Special Board Meeting - June 8, 2026 -
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vsx-qjxt-kye
Or dial: (US) +1 234-719-4117 PIN: 856 473 497#


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.
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features the text “Please Join Us Tonight” surrounding a circle of stylized green figures representing community members. Large text reads “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.” Inside the center circle, the agenda includes: Consent Agenda, End-of-Year Goal Sharing (Elementary), Legislative Update, Committee Reports, and Finance. The Vermont-themed Slate Valley logo appears on the right side. At the bottom, the graphic lists the meeting details: June 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium. The graphic uses teal, green, and light gray colors on a white background.
PLEASE check out the latest Slate Valley District Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/0936e2d3fb42/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836831

Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.

We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.

Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated June 5, 2026. The header reads "Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter" with the date displayed below. The center of the graphic features the Slate Valley Vermont logo over a scenic lake and tree-lined background. Surrounding the logo are school emblems representing Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS), Benson Village School (BVS), Fair Haven Union Middle School, Fair Haven Union High School, Orwell Village School (OVS), and Castleton Elementary School (CES). The graphic uses the district's green, blue, gold, red, and gray school colors and includes the slogan "Our School, Your Future."
📚✨ Local Author Visit Inspires First Grade Readers ✨📚

This morning, first graders enjoyed a very special visit from local author Mrs. Kristen Ramey, who shared her first children's book, Inex & Alex, with students as a memorable way to wrap up their literacy curriculum for the year.

Mrs. Ramey, a kindergarten teacher at Rutland Northwest Primary School and wife of Slate Valley Athletic Director Mr. Ramey, captivated students as she read her story aloud, answered questions, and discussed the journey of becoming an author. The beautifully illustrated book was brought to life by Olivia Cacciatore, a Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2014 graduate and daughter of Slate Valley's Communications Coordinator, Mrs. Lisa Cacciatore.

One of the highlights of the visit came when every student received their own copy of Inex & Alex to add to their personal library. Students were thrilled to have their books personally signed by Mrs. Ramey and eagerly began reading and sharing the story with classmates.

The visit was a wonderful celebration of reading, writing, creativity, and the power of storytelling. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Ramey for inspiring our young readers and helping make this a day they will long remember!
11 days ago, Slate Valley
A class photo shows first-grade students holding their copies of Inex & Alex alongside author Kristen Ramey and classroom staff.
Mrs. Kristen Ramey reads Inex & Alex to a group of first graders gathered around her in their classroom.
A vase of sunflowers and stacks of Inex & Alex books sit on a table as students listen to Mrs. Ramey read in the background.
Mrs. Kristen Ramey holds up an illustrated page from Inex & Alex while reading to students. A child in the foreground raises a hand to participate.
Mrs. Kristen Ramey reads Inex & Alex to a classroom of first-grade students seated around tables and listening attentively.
A student presents a copy of Inex & Alex to Mrs. Kristen Ramey as she signs books for the class.
A student proudly holds up a signed copy of Inex & Alex while speaking with Mrs. Kristen Ramey during the book-signing session.
Mrs. Kristen Ramey signs a copy of Inex & Alex while two smiling students wait nearby to receive their books.
Students sit around classroom tables reading and sharing copies of Inex & Alex after the author visit.
Two students flip through the pages of Inex & Alex, examining the illustrations and text together.
Friday Focus: Field Trips - Learning Beyond the Classroom

As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.

Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.

Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.

These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday: Field Trips” featuring a collage of photos from student learning experiences across Slate Valley schools. Images show students touring a manufacturing facility, participating in hands-on activities at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, exploring aquatic ecosystems by collecting samples with nets, visiting the Wonderfeet Kids Museum, attending a music festival and trip to Great Escape, taking part in a historical reenactment at Mount Independence, and conducting a lake ecology activity in shallow water. The Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo appears in the lower right corner. The graphic highlights the variety of off-campus educational opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
🚔👮 Community Helpers in Action at FHGS! 👮🚔

As part of their Community Workers unit, Fair Haven Grade School kindergarten students welcomed Vermont State Trooper Officer Shrauf to their classroom for a special visit.

Students came prepared with plenty of thoughtful—and sometimes hilarious—questions, including:
❓ How many people have you saved?
❓ Did you have to go to police officer school?
❓ Do police officers like donuts?

Officer Shrauf shared what it’s like to serve as a state trooper, explained how officers help keep communities safe, and answered every question with patience and enthusiasm.

The highlight of the visit was heading outside to explore a Vermont State Police cruiser up close! Students had the opportunity to learn about the vehicle, see some of the equipment officers use, and even sit inside the cruiser.

Thank you to Officer Shrauf and the Vermont State Police for helping our youngest learners gain a better understanding of the important role law enforcement officers play in our communities. It was a memorable learning experience for everyone involved! 🚓💙
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A Vermont State Trooper stands with a kindergarten class inside a Fair Haven Grade School classroom. Students smile and gather around the officer on a colorful classroom rug while posing for a group photo.
Kindergarten students stand on a sidewalk outside as a Vermont State Trooper explains features of a Vermont State Police cruiser. The children listen attentively while gathered around the vehicle on a sunny day.
A kindergarten student smiles while sitting inside the passenger seat of a Vermont State Police cruiser during a classroom visit. The vehicle's interior and dashboard are visible.
A group of kindergarten students sits on the grass near a sidewalk watching a demonstration involving a Vermont State Police cruiser parked nearby with its door open. The children observe as they learn about the police vehicle and its equipment.
🏈⚽🏑📣 Attention Slate Valley student-athletes and families! 📣🏑⚽🏈

Planning to participate in a fall sport during the 2026 season? Join us for the Slate Valley Fall Athletics Informational Meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym.

This meeting is for students entering grades 7–12 and their families and will cover important information including:
✅ Athlete registration updates
✅ Fall start dates and heat acclimatization requirements
✅ Summer training opportunities
✅ Athletic schedules and sports physicals
✅ ParentSquare communication tools
✅ Concussion and injury communication protocols
✅ Booster Club support

📌 Please note: This meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting.

🏃‍♀️🏈⚽ All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school.

Questions? Contact Athletic Director Eric Ramey at eramey@svuvt.org.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer promoting the Slate Valley 2026 Fall Athletics Informational Meeting. The flyer features sports-themed graphics including a football, golf bag, soccer ball, running shoe, field hockey stick and ball, and cheer pom-poms. Text announces the meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym. The meeting is intended for student-athletes and families in grades 7–12 entering the fall 2026 season. Topics include the new Arbiter athlete registration platform, fall start dates and heat acclimatization procedures, summer training opportunities, athletic schedules and sports physicals, ParentSquare communication, the SWAY concussion and injury communication program, and Booster Club support. Contact information for Athletic Director Eric Ramey is provided. The flyer notes that this meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting and reminds families that all athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school. The design uses blue, green, red, and black text on a light background.
📸🎓 Throwback Thursday: FHUHS Graduations Through the Years! 🎓📸

From 1976 to 1993 to 2006 — a lot may have changed at Fair Haven Union High School over the years… but some things never do: the excitement of graduation day, proud families in the crowd, and Slater pride shining through.

What differences do you notice between these graduation photos from the last 50 years? 👀
What feels exactly the same?

Do you recognize anyone in these throwback snapshots? Tag them in the comments or share a favorite graduation memory from your time at FHUHS!

And Slater Alumni — 🎓⬇️ Drop the year you graduated from FHUHS in the comments and see who else from your class is here!

(Photos courtesy of The Rutland Herald Archives)
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring the Slate Valley logo and three black-and-white historical graduation photos from Fair Haven Union High School. The photos are labeled with the years 1976, 1993, and 2006, showing graduates in caps and gowns during commencement ceremonies. A graduation cap graphic appears in the bottom right corner next to the text “FHUHS Graduations.”