Slate Valley District Newsletter December 5th Edition: https://mailchi.mp/de3f115536de/slate-valley-district-newsletter-december-5th-edition
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.
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.
🏀🏃♀️➡️❄️ 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!
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!
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Tim Rogers, Class of 1998
For this month’s Where Are They Now? feature, we’re excited to highlight Tim Rogers, a proud member of the FHUHS Class of 1998 whose life path is a testament to hard work, resilience, and following what you love.
After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Tim entered the workforce immediately—an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and set him on a path of steady growth and accomplishment. He began his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing, where he worked in every department before eventually becoming the Parts and Inventory Manager. In 2010, he made the jump to GE Aerospace, where he has spent the past 15 years. Tim started as an L12 in the broaching area and worked his way into gage inspection, a highly technical role ensuring the accuracy and safety of components used in GE’s jet engines.
During his years in Slate Valley schools, Tim found encouragement from several teachers who made a lasting impact—especially Mr. Blodget (Science), Mr. Doran (Social Studies), Mr. Hier (Social Studies) and Mr. Patterson (Wood Shop). Their message of perseverance and goal-setting continues to guide him today: never give up and to never stop trying, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
Although Tim didn’t join school sports or clubs, he found his competitive outlet in local bowling leagues at Fairwood Lanes and Rutland Bowlerama. From 1996–1998, he earned numerous titles, including state champion in both teams and doubles competition. In 1998, he won a televised youth tournament on PEG-TV and later claimed the Junior USA Gold Tournament, qualifying for Reno to attempt to make the Junior Olympic team. He climbed as high as 50th place out of 350 competitors before an injury slowed him down—but not before leaving his mark.
Tim’s achievements extend beyond athletics and career. In 2003, he was featured on the reality TV show Monster Garage with Jesse James, where his team transformed a car into a functional log splitter using equipment he once helped build. The episode aired in March 2004 on the Discovery Channel.
In the last 15 years, Tim has also become a force in the competitive cooking world. He has competed in the Poultney Chili Cook-Off 11 times—winning an impressive 7 championships—and is part of the professional BBQ team UP-2 BBQ with teammate Curran LaFarge. Together, they have claimed multiple category wins, a Grand Championship, and a Reserve Grand Championship, becoming the first Vermont team in over 30 years to win a Masters division contest. Their Grand Championship earned them a spot in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Invitational BBQ in Tennessee (finishing 46th of 89 teams), followed by competition at The American Royal, the largest BBQ contest in the world.
On the personal side, Tim met the love of his life, Dainyell, in 2012, and the two married in 2015. They are proud parents to two daughters, Jiy and Jazzlyn, who attend Castleton Elementary School, along with their much-loved Saint Bernard, Marcus.
Tim’s Advice to Today’s Slate Valley Students:
“Make goals that are obtainable. Obtain them and make new ones. If you never quit, you never fail. And if you do fall down, get back up and keep fighting.”
Thank you, Tim, for sharing your journey and for reminding us all what determination, passion, and hard work can achieve. Your Slate Valley family is proud of you!
For this month’s Where Are They Now? feature, we’re excited to highlight Tim Rogers, a proud member of the FHUHS Class of 1998 whose life path is a testament to hard work, resilience, and following what you love.
After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Tim entered the workforce immediately—an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and set him on a path of steady growth and accomplishment. He began his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing, where he worked in every department before eventually becoming the Parts and Inventory Manager. In 2010, he made the jump to GE Aerospace, where he has spent the past 15 years. Tim started as an L12 in the broaching area and worked his way into gage inspection, a highly technical role ensuring the accuracy and safety of components used in GE’s jet engines.
During his years in Slate Valley schools, Tim found encouragement from several teachers who made a lasting impact—especially Mr. Blodget (Science), Mr. Doran (Social Studies), Mr. Hier (Social Studies) and Mr. Patterson (Wood Shop). Their message of perseverance and goal-setting continues to guide him today: never give up and to never stop trying, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
Although Tim didn’t join school sports or clubs, he found his competitive outlet in local bowling leagues at Fairwood Lanes and Rutland Bowlerama. From 1996–1998, he earned numerous titles, including state champion in both teams and doubles competition. In 1998, he won a televised youth tournament on PEG-TV and later claimed the Junior USA Gold Tournament, qualifying for Reno to attempt to make the Junior Olympic team. He climbed as high as 50th place out of 350 competitors before an injury slowed him down—but not before leaving his mark.
Tim’s achievements extend beyond athletics and career. In 2003, he was featured on the reality TV show Monster Garage with Jesse James, where his team transformed a car into a functional log splitter using equipment he once helped build. The episode aired in March 2004 on the Discovery Channel.
In the last 15 years, Tim has also become a force in the competitive cooking world. He has competed in the Poultney Chili Cook-Off 11 times—winning an impressive 7 championships—and is part of the professional BBQ team UP-2 BBQ with teammate Curran LaFarge. Together, they have claimed multiple category wins, a Grand Championship, and a Reserve Grand Championship, becoming the first Vermont team in over 30 years to win a Masters division contest. Their Grand Championship earned them a spot in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Invitational BBQ in Tennessee (finishing 46th of 89 teams), followed by competition at The American Royal, the largest BBQ contest in the world.
On the personal side, Tim met the love of his life, Dainyell, in 2012, and the two married in 2015. They are proud parents to two daughters, Jiy and Jazzlyn, who attend Castleton Elementary School, along with their much-loved Saint Bernard, Marcus.
Tim’s Advice to Today’s Slate Valley Students:
“Make goals that are obtainable. Obtain them and make new ones. If you never quit, you never fail. And if you do fall down, get back up and keep fighting.”
Thank you, Tim, for sharing your journey and for reminding us all what determination, passion, and hard work can achieve. Your Slate Valley family is proud of you!
🎨 Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?
Did you know that December 2nd is the birthday of Georges Seurat, the French painter who revolutionized art with a technique made entirely of tiny dots?
Seurat, born December 2, 1859, is best known for developing Pointillism, where thousands of precise dots of pure color blend together in the viewer’s eye to create a full image. His most famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” shown here, is one of the best examples of this technique — and one of the most recognizable works in art history.
So today, on December 2nd, we celebrate Seurat’s artistic genius and the colorful impact he left on the world! 🎂🎨✨
Did you know that December 2nd is the birthday of Georges Seurat, the French painter who revolutionized art with a technique made entirely of tiny dots?
Seurat, born December 2, 1859, is best known for developing Pointillism, where thousands of precise dots of pure color blend together in the viewer’s eye to create a full image. His most famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” shown here, is one of the best examples of this technique — and one of the most recognizable works in art history.
So today, on December 2nd, we celebrate Seurat’s artistic genius and the colorful impact he left on the world! 🎂🎨✨
‼️ School Closure Notice – Tuesday, December 2, 2025 ❄️
Due to the impending weather, all schools in the Slate Valley School District will be closed today, Tuesday, December 2, 2025. All classes and after-school activities are canceled for the day.
Friendly Reminder: Our next CAC Meeting is tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room. Find the Agenda Here: https://aptg.co/KXGrlg
All are welcome, hope to see you there!
All are welcome, hope to see you there!
🎶 Meet Faculty & Staff Monday! 🎶
This month we are excited to highlight Cynthia Hutchins, a familiar and spirited presence at Fair Haven Grade School.
Cynthia is celebrating her 10th year as part of FHGS. Before stepping into her full-time role, she spent the 2018–2019 school year teaching music at Wells Village School and Middletown Springs Elementary on alternating days with FHGS. From 2019 until its closure in 2022, she also shared her talents with students at Castleton Village School. Today, she teaches general music, band, and chorus, and she leads the school’s drama club, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to every performance and rehearsal.
Before joining Slate Valley, Cynthia gained valuable experience during her first year of teaching as a long-term substitute at Mettawee Community School, Rutland Intermediate School, and Beeman Academy, and later as the music teacher at Grafton Elementary.
Outside of school, Cynthia continues to keep music at the heart of her life. During the summer, she plays bassoon with the Poultney/Granville Town Band and sings with the Granville Area Chorus. When she’s not making music, she enjoys spending time with her three children. Together, they love camping, exploring Vermont’s beauty, and occasionally escaping to the beaches of Maine.
Her favorite quote—“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams”—perfectly captures her passion for sparking imagination, creativity, and joy in her students each day.
We’re grateful to have Cynthia Hutchins inspiring our young musicians and performers across Slate Valley!
This month we are excited to highlight Cynthia Hutchins, a familiar and spirited presence at Fair Haven Grade School.
Cynthia is celebrating her 10th year as part of FHGS. Before stepping into her full-time role, she spent the 2018–2019 school year teaching music at Wells Village School and Middletown Springs Elementary on alternating days with FHGS. From 2019 until its closure in 2022, she also shared her talents with students at Castleton Village School. Today, she teaches general music, band, and chorus, and she leads the school’s drama club, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to every performance and rehearsal.
Before joining Slate Valley, Cynthia gained valuable experience during her first year of teaching as a long-term substitute at Mettawee Community School, Rutland Intermediate School, and Beeman Academy, and later as the music teacher at Grafton Elementary.
Outside of school, Cynthia continues to keep music at the heart of her life. During the summer, she plays bassoon with the Poultney/Granville Town Band and sings with the Granville Area Chorus. When she’s not making music, she enjoys spending time with her three children. Together, they love camping, exploring Vermont’s beauty, and occasionally escaping to the beaches of Maine.
Her favorite quote—“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams”—perfectly captures her passion for sparking imagination, creativity, and joy in her students each day.
We’re grateful to have Cynthia Hutchins inspiring our young musicians and performers across Slate Valley!
The annual Early Middle Team (5th and 6th graders) Falcon Thanksgiving Parade at the end of the day on Tuesday was a crowd-pleaser. For two days, students learned about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and worked in groups to plan and build their own floats. Everyone had a tremendous amount of fun! More information about the process will be shared in the next FHGS Newsletter, but for now, please enjoy the pictures posted.
More pics of our November Falcon Gathering!! Here are our SOAR superstars recognized for their outstanding performance in specials and on the bus. Bravo for following SOAR values throughout our school environment!!
FHGS November Falcon Gathering were we recognized students for exemplifying our SOAR values of safety, ownership, acceptance and respect! Congratulations to all those recognized. Keep SOARING FHGS Falcons!!
Thank you, Slate Valley community!
Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!
Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations
All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.
We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒
Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!
Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations
All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.
We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒
Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Slate Valley!🦃
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
Slater Nation Pre-season Practice Schedule for Winter Sports 2025-26
Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.
Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.
Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
⚽ Interested in Becoming a Soccer Referee?
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!
📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254
🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346
This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.
To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.
👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.
Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!
📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254
🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346
This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.
To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.
👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.
Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
Board Meeting - November 24, 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/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#
Please note: To participate in conversation virtually and/or ask a question virtually, please use the “raise hand” icon in Google Meet. Typing responses or questions in chat is not an option.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#
Please note: To participate in conversation virtually and/or ask a question virtually, please use the “raise hand” icon in Google Meet. Typing responses or questions in chat is not an option.
Slate Valley Distict Newsletter: November 21, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
🏀❄️ Winter Sports Season Is Almost Here! ❄️🤼♂️
The winter sports season will officially begin the week of December 1st!
A few important reminders:
✔️ All athletes must be registered on FormReLeaf
✔️ All athletes must have an up-to-date physical on file at their school
📅 Practice schedules for middle and high school teams will be posted the week of Thanksgiving.
🏀 Grades 5 & 6 basketball practices will begin the week of December 8th.
Winter Sports Offered by Slate Valley / Fair Haven Union MHS
Indoor Track
Bowling
Competition Cheer
Wrestling — Middle & High School
Middle school wrestlers will practice at FHUMHS with the high school team
Girls Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Boys Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Middle school basketball practices and home games will be held at FHGS
Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5 & 6
(Four teams anticipated)
🏀 Practices begin the week of December 8
📍 Practices and home games will take place at Castleton Elementary School
Teams:
Castleton / Orwell Girls
Castleton / Orwell Boys
Fair Haven / Benson Girls
Fair Haven / Benson Boys
The winter sports season will officially begin the week of December 1st!
A few important reminders:
✔️ All athletes must be registered on FormReLeaf
✔️ All athletes must have an up-to-date physical on file at their school
📅 Practice schedules for middle and high school teams will be posted the week of Thanksgiving.
🏀 Grades 5 & 6 basketball practices will begin the week of December 8th.
Winter Sports Offered by Slate Valley / Fair Haven Union MHS
Indoor Track
Bowling
Competition Cheer
Wrestling — Middle & High School
Middle school wrestlers will practice at FHUMHS with the high school team
Girls Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Boys Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Middle school basketball practices and home games will be held at FHGS
Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5 & 6
(Four teams anticipated)
🏀 Practices begin the week of December 8
📍 Practices and home games will take place at Castleton Elementary School
Teams:
Castleton / Orwell Girls
Castleton / Orwell Boys
Fair Haven / Benson Girls
Fair Haven / Benson Boys
Last week in honor of Veterans Day, Mrs. Mingo’s first graders put on their very own Blue Angels air show! ✈️💙
These young pilots were dazzled with creativity and patriotic spirit as they celebrated and honored our veterans.
These young pilots were dazzled with creativity and patriotic spirit as they celebrated and honored our veterans.
