📣 Reminder for Students & Families 📣
Please note the upcoming schedule changes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
🕒 Friday, May 22 – Early Release Day
🇺🇸 Monday, May 25 – No School in recognition of Memorial Day
As we enjoy the long weekend, we also take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Please plan accordingly, and we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. ❤️🤍💙
Please note the upcoming schedule changes for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
🕒 Friday, May 22 – Early Release Day
🇺🇸 Monday, May 25 – No School in recognition of Memorial Day
As we enjoy the long weekend, we also take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Please plan accordingly, and we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend. ❤️🤍💙

📚✨ Young Authors Take Center Stage at FHGS! ✨📚
Last night, FHGS first graders celebrated a very special milestone during their Book Launch at the Fair Haven Free Library under the direction of Mrs. Mingo. Families gathered to recognize the hard work, creativity, and imagination of our young writers as they shared their journey from idea to published author.
Students used graphic organizers to map out their stories, created first drafts, edited with “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Fix-It Felix,” revised with “Louisa,” and completed final narratives featuring characters, settings, problems, and solutions. Along the way, they added illustrations and created “All About the Author” pieces that showcased their personalities and creativity.
Their collection, We've Got the Write Stuff, has been sent to a professional publisher and will arrive at FHGS this June in both paperback and hardcover editions!
The celebration also highlighted the power of community partnerships. Mrs. Mingo’s literacy students visit the Fair Haven Free Library bi-weekly, where Miss Jenny brings stories to life through crafts, songs, and movement. A special thank you to Miss Jenny for opening the library for this memorable event.
Students also had the opportunity to hear from local author Andrew Herold, who encouraged these aspiring writers to continue dreaming big and sharing their stories.
Congratulations to our first graders for proving they truly have the write stuff! 💙📖
Last night, FHGS first graders celebrated a very special milestone during their Book Launch at the Fair Haven Free Library under the direction of Mrs. Mingo. Families gathered to recognize the hard work, creativity, and imagination of our young writers as they shared their journey from idea to published author.
Students used graphic organizers to map out their stories, created first drafts, edited with “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Fix-It Felix,” revised with “Louisa,” and completed final narratives featuring characters, settings, problems, and solutions. Along the way, they added illustrations and created “All About the Author” pieces that showcased their personalities and creativity.
Their collection, We've Got the Write Stuff, has been sent to a professional publisher and will arrive at FHGS this June in both paperback and hardcover editions!
The celebration also highlighted the power of community partnerships. Mrs. Mingo’s literacy students visit the Fair Haven Free Library bi-weekly, where Miss Jenny brings stories to life through crafts, songs, and movement. A special thank you to Miss Jenny for opening the library for this memorable event.
Students also had the opportunity to hear from local author Andrew Herold, who encouraged these aspiring writers to continue dreaming big and sharing their stories.
Congratulations to our first graders for proving they truly have the write stuff! 💙📖






Please come to the FH Free Library TONIGHT 5pm as the FHGS Firsties host a BOOK LAUNCH featuring their very own narratives. Students have learned about the writing process and created stories that include characters, setting, problem, and solution.
The first time authors and illustrators will share their narratives, answer questions about the process, and even give out autographs. A juice and cookies celebration will follow.
The first time authors and illustrators will share their narratives, answer questions about the process, and even give out autographs. A juice and cookies celebration will follow.

Submitted by coach Courtney St.Clair: Our Girls on the Run team is shining bright! 🌟🏃♀️ Coaches celebrated our runners by handing out practice 5K awards and recognizing all of the hard work, perseverance, and teamwork shown throughout the season so far. We are so proud of this incredible group and all they have accomplished together!



For many years, Slate Valley Unified Union School District has proudly participated in the USDA Summer Food Service Program, providing free, nutritious meals to children throughout our community during the summer months. As we begin planning for Summer 2026, we want to hear from you!
We are gathering feedback about the SFSP non-congregate meal program, which offers free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under. Each box includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, can be picked up by a parent or guardian, and requires no application or income qualification.
We are especially hoping to connect with families whose children are not enrolled in the Castleton Recreation Camp or the Boys and Girls Club camp at Castleton Elementary School, as those programs will continue providing free summer meals on site.
Please take a few moments to complete this anonymous survey—
https://bit.ly/SVSummerMeals2026Survey
your feedback will help us make the program as accessible and convenient as possible for Slate Valley families. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us better serve our community. Please complete one survey per household.
We are gathering feedback about the SFSP non-congregate meal program, which offers free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under. Each box includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, can be picked up by a parent or guardian, and requires no application or income qualification.
We are especially hoping to connect with families whose children are not enrolled in the Castleton Recreation Camp or the Boys and Girls Club camp at Castleton Elementary School, as those programs will continue providing free summer meals on site.
Please take a few moments to complete this anonymous survey—
https://bit.ly/SVSummerMeals2026Survey
your feedback will help us make the program as accessible and convenient as possible for Slate Valley families. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us better serve our community. Please complete one survey per household.
Special Board Meeting - May 18, 2026 - Notice Earlier Start
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in 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/mcd-hhri-num
Or dial: (US) +1 470-839-8350 PIN: 521 928 888#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in 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/mcd-hhri-num
Or dial: (US) +1 470-839-8350 PIN: 521 928 888#
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.

Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 15, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026

📚🚀 Join us for a special evening celebrating our young authors and illustrators!
The Fair Haven Grade School first graders are excited to share their published books during the “Book Launch @ The Library” event on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Fair Haven Free Library.
Families and community members are invited to meet the student authors from 5:00–5:45 p.m., followed by refreshments from 5:45–6:00 p.m. The evening will also feature a special guest appearance by local author Andrew Herold.
Come celebrate creativity, storytelling, and the amazing accomplishments of our FHGS firsties!
The Fair Haven Grade School first graders are excited to share their published books during the “Book Launch @ The Library” event on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Fair Haven Free Library.
Families and community members are invited to meet the student authors from 5:00–5:45 p.m., followed by refreshments from 5:45–6:00 p.m. The evening will also feature a special guest appearance by local author Andrew Herold.
Come celebrate creativity, storytelling, and the amazing accomplishments of our FHGS firsties!

🇺🇸 Fair Haven Grade School Memorial Day Program 🇺🇸
Fair Haven Grade School families and community members are warmly invited to attend our Memorial Day Program on Thursday, May 21st at 9:30 AM in the FHGS gymnasium.
Our students in grades K–6 will honor the men and women who have served our country through music, poetry, and readings that celebrate remembrance, gratitude, and patriotism.
We hope you will join us as we come together as a school community to remember and honor those who made sacrifices for our freedom. ❤️🤍💙
Fair Haven Grade School families and community members are warmly invited to attend our Memorial Day Program on Thursday, May 21st at 9:30 AM in the FHGS gymnasium.
Our students in grades K–6 will honor the men and women who have served our country through music, poetry, and readings that celebrate remembrance, gratitude, and patriotism.
We hope you will join us as we come together as a school community to remember and honor those who made sacrifices for our freedom. ❤️🤍💙

What an incredible evening at last week’s FHGS Spring Concert! 🎶🌸
Our students wowed the audience with their musical talents, from beautiful choral performances to fun instrumental selections that showcased all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. It was wonderful to see the gym filled with proud families, friends, and community members celebrating our young musicians.
A very special thank you goes to Mrs. Hutchins for the countless hours of preparation, encouragement, and passion she pours into our music program. Her dedication helped make this another spectacular performance for our students and school community. 💙
We would also like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a success — including staff, families, volunteers, and supporters who continue to encourage the arts at FHGS. Bravo to all involved! 👏🎵
Our students wowed the audience with their musical talents, from beautiful choral performances to fun instrumental selections that showcased all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. It was wonderful to see the gym filled with proud families, friends, and community members celebrating our young musicians.
A very special thank you goes to Mrs. Hutchins for the countless hours of preparation, encouragement, and passion she pours into our music program. Her dedication helped make this another spectacular performance for our students and school community. 💙
We would also like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a success — including staff, families, volunteers, and supporters who continue to encourage the arts at FHGS. Bravo to all involved! 👏🎵






Our students recently had the wonderful opportunity to learn from special guest Miss Lucy Neel, who visited to share Abenaki stories, traditions, and culture. 💙
Miss Lucy brought history to life through storytelling, singing, dancing, drumming, instruments, crafts, and hands-on activities that fully engaged students throughout the visit. Students were able to learn not only about Abenaki heritage, but also about the importance of preserving traditions and sharing stories across generations.
Lucy Neel serves as the Nulhegan Education Coordinator for the Nulhegan Band of the Abenaki Tribe and is also a board member of Abenaki Helping Abenaki, Inc. Her passion and extensive knowledge created an unforgettable learning experience for our students.
Thank you, Miss Lucy, for sharing your culture, talents, and stories with our school community! 🌿🪶🥁
Miss Lucy brought history to life through storytelling, singing, dancing, drumming, instruments, crafts, and hands-on activities that fully engaged students throughout the visit. Students were able to learn not only about Abenaki heritage, but also about the importance of preserving traditions and sharing stories across generations.
Lucy Neel serves as the Nulhegan Education Coordinator for the Nulhegan Band of the Abenaki Tribe and is also a board member of Abenaki Helping Abenaki, Inc. Her passion and extensive knowledge created an unforgettable learning experience for our students.
Thank you, Miss Lucy, for sharing your culture, talents, and stories with our school community! 🌿🪶🥁


On May 7, three Fair Haven Grade School mentor teachers had the honor of pinning their student teachers during the Student Teaching Pinning Ceremony at Vermont State University. 💙🍎
Ms. Manning's, Mrs. McCrea's, and Ms. Robert’s student teachers each chose to have their mentor teacher place their pin — a meaningful moment that reflects the strong relationships, guidance, and support built throughout their student teaching experience.
The following day marked their final time at FHGS, and while we were sad to see them go, we are so proud of all they have accomplished during their time in our classrooms. Thank you for the care, energy, and dedication you brought to our students each day. We wish you all the best as you begin your teaching careers! ✨
Ms. Manning's, Mrs. McCrea's, and Ms. Robert’s student teachers each chose to have their mentor teacher place their pin — a meaningful moment that reflects the strong relationships, guidance, and support built throughout their student teaching experience.
The following day marked their final time at FHGS, and while we were sad to see them go, we are so proud of all they have accomplished during their time in our classrooms. Thank you for the care, energy, and dedication you brought to our students each day. We wish you all the best as you begin your teaching careers! ✨





Color, confidence, and lots of smiles! 🌈🏃♀️💗
Last week, the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run group celebrated being halfway through their season with an exciting practice 5K Color Run at the FHUMHS campus. Participants were cheered on and showered with colorful powder as they ran, laughed, and encouraged one another every step of the way.
The team is now looking ahead to the official Girls on the Run 5K Color Run on June 6 in Manchester, Vermont!
A huge thank you goes out to all of the coaches, parents, and volunteers who helped make this practice run such a fun and memorable success for our girls. We are so proud of their hard work, positivity, and teamwork this season!
Last week, the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run group celebrated being halfway through their season with an exciting practice 5K Color Run at the FHUMHS campus. Participants were cheered on and showered with colorful powder as they ran, laughed, and encouraged one another every step of the way.
The team is now looking ahead to the official Girls on the Run 5K Color Run on June 6 in Manchester, Vermont!
A huge thank you goes out to all of the coaches, parents, and volunteers who helped make this practice run such a fun and memorable success for our girls. We are so proud of their hard work, positivity, and teamwork this season!










Learning + laughter = a great time at Fair Haven Grade School! 🎲➕📚
Last week, FHGS kindergartners became the teachers as they showed their grown ups how to play fun and interactive math games. Families practiced addition, subtraction, making equivalent numbers, and reading numbers through hands-on activities and teamwork.
It was wonderful to see students building confidence while sharing their learning with family members in such a meaningful and engaging way. Great job, kindergarteners! 💙💛
Last week, FHGS kindergartners became the teachers as they showed their grown ups how to play fun and interactive math games. Families practiced addition, subtraction, making equivalent numbers, and reading numbers through hands-on activities and teamwork.
It was wonderful to see students building confidence while sharing their learning with family members in such a meaningful and engaging way. Great job, kindergarteners! 💙💛




Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - We Appreciate You!










Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - Thank you for all you do!










Slate Valley Faculty & Staff - We Appreciate all you do!










Friday Focus - Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week
As we wrap up Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to say thank you to the incredible faculty and staff of Slate Valley.
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—your dedication, compassion, and hard work are truly the heartbeat of our schools. ❤️
This week may be coming to a close, but our appreciation for all that you do continues every single day. Thank you for showing up, lifting others up, and making a difference in the lives of our students and community.
As we wrap up Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to say thank you to the incredible faculty and staff of Slate Valley.
From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices—your dedication, compassion, and hard work are truly the heartbeat of our schools. ❤️
This week may be coming to a close, but our appreciation for all that you do continues every single day. Thank you for showing up, lifting others up, and making a difference in the lives of our students and community.

☕🥐 The Central Office coffee and pastry cart wrapped up its Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week tour today with visits to both Castleton Elementary School and Fair Haven Grade School!
From coffee and fresh pastries to laughter and conversation in the hallways, it was a small way to thank the incredible faculty and staff members who make a difference in the lives of students every single day. 💙
Thank you to all of our educators, support staff, and school teams across Slate Valley for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students and communities. We appreciate you! 🍎✨
From coffee and fresh pastries to laughter and conversation in the hallways, it was a small way to thank the incredible faculty and staff members who make a difference in the lives of students every single day. 💙
Thank you to all of our educators, support staff, and school teams across Slate Valley for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students and communities. We appreciate you! 🍎✨






✨🎉 Throwback Thursday: Prom Through the Years 🎉✨
From classic black-and-white elegance to bold colors and modern styles, take a trip through time with 50 years of FHU proms (1965–2015)! 💃🕺
What changes do you notice? The fashion? The hairstyles? And what’s stayed the same—crowns, corsages, and unforgettable memories? 👑🌹
👀 Take a closer look… do you recognize anyone? Feel free to tag them in the comments!
From classic black-and-white elegance to bold colors and modern styles, take a trip through time with 50 years of FHU proms (1965–2015)! 💃🕺
What changes do you notice? The fashion? The hairstyles? And what’s stayed the same—crowns, corsages, and unforgettable memories? 👑🌹
👀 Take a closer look… do you recognize anyone? Feel free to tag them in the comments!

