Slate Valley School District Newsletter: August 1, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/ee59e5062d88/svuusd-summer-highlights
https://mailchi.mp/ee59e5062d88/svuusd-summer-highlights
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Slate Valley Unified School District Back to School Open House & Meet & Greet Events! ✏️🍎📚
Join us to meet teachers, tour the school, and get ready for the new academic year. We can't wait to see you there!
Here's the schedule of events:
August 25th
Benson Village School: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Fair Haven Union Middle School: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
August 26th
Castleton Elementary School: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Fair Haven Grade School: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
September 10th
Orwell Village School: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
September 25th
Fair Haven Union High School: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
See you soon! 🎒
Join us to meet teachers, tour the school, and get ready for the new academic year. We can't wait to see you there!
Here's the schedule of events:
August 25th
Benson Village School: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Fair Haven Union Middle School: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
August 26th
Castleton Elementary School: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Fair Haven Grade School: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
September 10th
Orwell Village School: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
September 25th
Fair Haven Union High School: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
See you soon! 🎒
Make a Difference in Your Community!
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking community-minded individuals to help shape the future of education! We’re anticipating a vacant board seat representing Fair Haven and are also looking for three West Haven residents to fill open seats on the District School Board.
Serving on the school board is a meaningful way to support our students, staff, and schools. Your voice matters!
Interested? Submit a letter of interest to:
Slate Valley School Board
c/o Superintendent of Schools
33 Mechanic Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743
or email: bfarrell@svuvt.org
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is seeking community-minded individuals to help shape the future of education! We’re anticipating a vacant board seat representing Fair Haven and are also looking for three West Haven residents to fill open seats on the District School Board.
Serving on the school board is a meaningful way to support our students, staff, and schools. Your voice matters!
Interested? Submit a letter of interest to:
Slate Valley School Board
c/o Superintendent of Schools
33 Mechanic Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743
or email: bfarrell@svuvt.org
🚨 WE'RE HIRING! 🚨
Join the Slate Valley team and make a difference in the lives of students! ✨
📌 Some Current Openings:
• Special Education Teacher (Grades K–6)
• Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (Grades 9–12)
• Driver’s Education Teacher
👉 Explore opportunities & apply today:
🔗 www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
Join the Slate Valley team and make a difference in the lives of students! ✨
📌 Some Current Openings:
• Special Education Teacher (Grades K–6)
• Special Education Teacher – Life Skills (Grades 9–12)
• Driver’s Education Teacher
👉 Explore opportunities & apply today:
🔗 www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
Last week's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.)
Watch the video at: https://youtu.be/zv4pejzrz4M
Introduction taken from the 2025 SVUUSD GAP booklet:
Sixteen students from our school signed up to participate in this year's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.) which took place at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. We looked at both the natural and human history of the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin. Each morning we began with a team meeting where we discussed the day's plan and important background information pertinent for students to know before we arrived to ensure all students were prepared for our fieldwork. At each location we explored, observed, posed questions, recorded findings and tried to improve the overall health of the environment. Our group spent three days kayaking and two days hiking within the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin, and everyday we collected trash from each area. After our adventures, we returned to our school campus where we conducted research about the organisms and abiotic elements we observed and documented our findings in this book. The funding for this project comes from the Vermont Community Foundation and the South Lake Champlain Fund.
Watch the video at: https://youtu.be/zv4pejzrz4M
Introduction taken from the 2025 SVUUSD GAP booklet:
Sixteen students from our school signed up to participate in this year's Great Adventure Project (G.A.P.) which took place at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. We looked at both the natural and human history of the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin. Each morning we began with a team meeting where we discussed the day's plan and important background information pertinent for students to know before we arrived to ensure all students were prepared for our fieldwork. At each location we explored, observed, posed questions, recorded findings and tried to improve the overall health of the environment. Our group spent three days kayaking and two days hiking within the Southern Lake Champlain Drainage Basin, and everyday we collected trash from each area. After our adventures, we returned to our school campus where we conducted research about the organisms and abiotic elements we observed and documented our findings in this book. The funding for this project comes from the Vermont Community Foundation and the South Lake Champlain Fund.
Summer EBT Benefits!
Vermont has issued Summer EBT benefits starting on June 2nd.
Most children who are eligible received the $120 benefit automatically. Benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online where EBT cards are accepted.
The Vermont Department for Children and Families sends you a letter if your family receives the benefit automatically. If you already have an EBT card, the benefits will be added to that card. If you need a replacement card, you can call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7). If you think you qualify, but you did not receive a letter by July 7th, please visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ to submit a short application.
Summer EBT benefits do not affect your immigration status.
In addition to Summer EBT, children 18 and under can receive free meals at Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s open site, Fair Haven Grade School, June 23-August 15, Breakfast 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Meals must be eaten on site. All children are invited to get summer meals, even if you do not qualify for Summer EBT. Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder to find sites near you.
New this summer, families with EBT cards can visit Vermont State Parks for free! Just show your EBT card at the park entrance and you and your household can enter for free. Visit https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot to learn more.
Vermont has issued Summer EBT benefits starting on June 2nd.
Most children who are eligible received the $120 benefit automatically. Benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online where EBT cards are accepted.
The Vermont Department for Children and Families sends you a letter if your family receives the benefit automatically. If you already have an EBT card, the benefits will be added to that card. If you need a replacement card, you can call 1-888-354-0012 (Option 7). If you think you qualify, but you did not receive a letter by July 7th, please visit https://summerebt.vermont.gov/ to submit a short application.
Summer EBT benefits do not affect your immigration status.
In addition to Summer EBT, children 18 and under can receive free meals at Slate Valley Unified Union School District’s open site, Fair Haven Grade School, June 23-August 15, Breakfast 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Lunch 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Meals must be eaten on site. All children are invited to get summer meals, even if you do not qualify for Summer EBT. Call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder to find sites near you.
New this summer, families with EBT cards can visit Vermont State Parks for free! Just show your EBT card at the park entrance and you and your household can enter for free. Visit https://www.vermontparksforever.org/paf-pilot to learn more.
Today, members of our District School Safety Team gathered at the Central Office to review and update all safety assessments and procedures.
This week marked the kickoff of FHUMHS’s Great Adventure Project (GAP)!
Fourteen students, joined by four dedicated staff members, embarked on an exciting week of outdoor exploration. Over the course of the week, the group will spend three days kayaking on local lakes and two days hiking nearby mountains.
The adventure began with a paddle across scenic Glen Lake, followed by a hike up Hanley Mountain on day two. Along the way, students took an active role in environmental stewardship by collecting trash and identifying local flora and fauna.
Back at school each afternoon, students dove deeper—researching the species they encountered and recording their observations through detailed journal entries and illustrations.
It’s been an inspiring and impactful start to the week, blending adventure, learning, and community care!
Fourteen students, joined by four dedicated staff members, embarked on an exciting week of outdoor exploration. Over the course of the week, the group will spend three days kayaking on local lakes and two days hiking nearby mountains.
The adventure began with a paddle across scenic Glen Lake, followed by a hike up Hanley Mountain on day two. Along the way, students took an active role in environmental stewardship by collecting trash and identifying local flora and fauna.
Back at school each afternoon, students dove deeper—researching the species they encountered and recording their observations through detailed journal entries and illustrations.
It’s been an inspiring and impactful start to the week, blending adventure, learning, and community care!
Ms. Edmonds, Ms. DeSantis, and Ms. Perry from Castleton Elementary School had the incredible opportunity to attend the national Get Your Teach On conference in Dallas, Texas last week. During the conference, they explored a variety of specialized tracks, including Special Education, Grades 3–6 Math and Science, and Grades 3–6 ELA.
Some of the engaging topics they explored included: Grand Slam Vocabulary Strategies for every classroom, Progression of the Number Line: We Can Skip It, Creating Actionable Data Tracking Systems in the classroom... and much more!
It was an inspiring and energizing experience, and they are excited to bring back a wealth of new tools, strategies, and resources to share with students and staff this fall!
Some of the engaging topics they explored included: Grand Slam Vocabulary Strategies for every classroom, Progression of the Number Line: We Can Skip It, Creating Actionable Data Tracking Systems in the classroom... and much more!
It was an inspiring and energizing experience, and they are excited to bring back a wealth of new tools, strategies, and resources to share with students and staff this fall!
Thank you, Abby Wald, for kicking off our Slate Valley 2025 Summer Happenings!
Spring 2025 Postseason Athletic Recognitions -
Congratulations to the following Slater Nation athletes, who were recognized for their efforts at the conclusion of their respective seasons:
Track & Field -
Maddy Perry
D2 Long Jump State Champion
New England Championship Triple Jump Qualifier
Rutland Herald Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year
SVL Honorable Mention
Rowan Kuehn
SVL 1st Team
Audrey Perry
SVL Honorable Mention
Caden Lynch
D2 Shot Put State Champion
Shane Raetz
D2 100m State Champion
SVL 1st Team
Asa Young
SVL Honorable Mention
Jace Hetrick
SVL Honorable Mention
Softball -
Chloe Marsden
SVL 1st Team
Tori Raymond
North/South Senior All-Star Game selection
SVL Honorable Mention
Amelia Munger
SVL Honorable Mention
Bella Oberkirch
SVL Honorable Mention
Baseball -
Mason Gutel
SVL 1st Team
Luke Senecal
SVL Honorable Mention
Cody Adams
SVL Honorable Mention
Congratulations to the following Slater Nation athletes, who were recognized for their efforts at the conclusion of their respective seasons:
Track & Field -
Maddy Perry
D2 Long Jump State Champion
New England Championship Triple Jump Qualifier
Rutland Herald Female Track & Field Athlete of the Year
SVL Honorable Mention
Rowan Kuehn
SVL 1st Team
Audrey Perry
SVL Honorable Mention
Caden Lynch
D2 Shot Put State Champion
Shane Raetz
D2 100m State Champion
SVL 1st Team
Asa Young
SVL Honorable Mention
Jace Hetrick
SVL Honorable Mention
Softball -
Chloe Marsden
SVL 1st Team
Tori Raymond
North/South Senior All-Star Game selection
SVL Honorable Mention
Amelia Munger
SVL Honorable Mention
Bella Oberkirch
SVL Honorable Mention
Baseball -
Mason Gutel
SVL 1st Team
Luke Senecal
SVL Honorable Mention
Cody Adams
SVL Honorable Mention
Message from Athletic Director, Eric Ramey:
Here are the start dates for 2025 fall sports. Practice times and locations will be posted later, as well as communicated through regular communication between the coaches and athletes throughout summer workouts and events.
Just to remind you, all student-athletes must have a Physical Exam on file with the school.
Physicals are valid for two years.
High School Football
>First Day-Monday August 11
High School Golf
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Field Hockey
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cross Country
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cheer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
Middle School Cross Country (Grades 5-8)
>First Day-August 27
Middle School Girls & Boys Soccer (Grades 7&8)
>First Day-August 28
5/6 Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-September 2nd and/or September 3rd
Here are the start dates for 2025 fall sports. Practice times and locations will be posted later, as well as communicated through regular communication between the coaches and athletes throughout summer workouts and events.
Just to remind you, all student-athletes must have a Physical Exam on file with the school.
Physicals are valid for two years.
High School Football
>First Day-Monday August 11
High School Golf
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Field Hockey
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cross Country
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Cheer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
High School Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-Thursday August 14
Middle School Cross Country (Grades 5-8)
>First Day-August 27
Middle School Girls & Boys Soccer (Grades 7&8)
>First Day-August 28
5/6 Girls & Boys Soccer
>First Day-September 2nd and/or September 3rd
☀️🍦🍉🪁🎣⛵⛱️🕶️🌻
Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 18, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/94fc1ee125d0/june-18th-slate-valley-district-newsletter
Yesterday, the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School community came together to celebrate an extraordinary group of educators and staff members who are retiring or embarking on new adventures.
With warm words, shared memories, and well-earned applause, we honored their years of service, dedication, and the countless lives they've touched. Whether stepping into retirement or pursuing a new path, their impact on our school and students is ever lasting.
As they turn the page to the next chapter, we send them off with gratitude, love, and our very best wishes. Once a Slater, always a Slater.
Please join us in celebrating Lynn LaClair, one of our incredible District Proficiency-Based Learning Coaches, on her retirement! Lynn’s dedication to student-centered learning and her unwavering support for educators has made a lasting impact across our district. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter—you will be truly missed!
Today we honor the retirement of a truly valued Slate Valley Instructional Assistant, Ms. Helen Reed. Helen, your dedication to student success has been inspiring. Wishing you joy, relaxation, and all the best in the years to come!
📰🌷 Hot Off the Press: The Occasional Slater – Spring Edition! 🌷📰
We’re excited to share the latest edition of The Occasional Slater Newspaper, FHUMHS's very own student-led publication! Our amazing young journalists have worked hard this spring to bring you a fresh batch of articles —all written, edited, and designed by students.
See the full edition at: https://5il.co/3jejy
