Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 31, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/865db2fa5f16/october-31st-slate-valley-district-newsletter

INFORMATION CONCERNING TOMORROW'S FOOTBALL GAME:
Fair Haven @ U 32 Football Game Information
There will NOT be a charge for admission to the game.
The game will be live video-streamed on the NFHS network.
Please remind fans, NO DOGS are allowed on campus. Leave them home.
Instead of our normal concession stand, there will be a food truck to support the event. Their menu is attached.
Menu
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eecemTsj8RJZhUUa05rBc5XUKPa_vegB/view?usp=sharing
FHUHS students recently took part in their annual Annex community service field trip, continuing a long-standing tradition of giving back. This year’s group visited Laughing Child Farm in Pawlet, where — thanks to the generosity of farm owner Timothy Hughes-Muse — they spent the day gleaning sweet potatoes.
The freshly harvested sweet potatoes were then donated to Slate Valley Cares to help support local families in need.
The freshly harvested sweet potatoes were then donated to Slate Valley Cares to help support local families in need.


🎃🐴⭐ Halloween spirit was in full swing today! Our teachers went all out — from Eeyore’s chill vibes to Patrick Star’s pink enthusiasm! Thanks to everyone who dressed up and made the day so much fun for our students! 👻💫


Please join us for our next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting !
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM (Notice the slightly later start)
Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, get FY27 Budget and Act 73 updates and hear how the school year is going.
All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM (Notice the slightly later start)
Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, get FY27 Budget and Act 73 updates and hear how the school year is going.
All are Welcome! We look forward to seeing you there!

Submitted by Ms. Eliza LeBrun: On Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29, Ms. LeBrun’s Career Exploration classes took a hands-on field trip to the Casella Recycling Center’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Rutland, VT. Equipped with safety glasses, hard hats, and high-visibility vests, students toured the facility to learn about recycling operations and the wide range of career pathways available within Casella’s.
During their visit, students also met instructors from Casella’s Diesel Tech School and CDL Training Facility, where they learned about the company’s “Earn as You Learn” program — a training initiative that helps employees gain valuable skills while advancing their careers.
A highlight of the trip was hearing from Fair Haven graduate Aiden Bania, now a proud Casella employee, who shared his own career journey and offered this advice to students: “Try your hardest and always show up on time.”
It was an inspiring experience that gave students a real-world look at local career opportunities and the power of hard work and dedication!
During their visit, students also met instructors from Casella’s Diesel Tech School and CDL Training Facility, where they learned about the company’s “Earn as You Learn” program — a training initiative that helps employees gain valuable skills while advancing their careers.
A highlight of the trip was hearing from Fair Haven graduate Aiden Bania, now a proud Casella employee, who shared his own career journey and offered this advice to students: “Try your hardest and always show up on time.”
It was an inspiring experience that gave students a real-world look at local career opportunities and the power of hard work and dedication!










❄️🏀 Winter Sports Registration Is Now Open! 🏒❄️
It’s time to register for Slate Valley’s Winter Sports season! Our athletic programs are organized into three levels:
Grades 5–6 Sports
Middle School Sports (Grades 7–8)
High School Sports (Grades 9–12)
Be sure your child is registered on FormReLeaf for their chosen sport (use the link below) and has an up-to-date sports physical on file at their school.
https://formreleaf.com/
It’s time to register for Slate Valley’s Winter Sports season! Our athletic programs are organized into three levels:
Grades 5–6 Sports
Middle School Sports (Grades 7–8)
High School Sports (Grades 9–12)
Be sure your child is registered on FormReLeaf for their chosen sport (use the link below) and has an up-to-date sports physical on file at their school.
https://formreleaf.com/

REMINDER - Last call for Middle School Gift Card Raffle Tickets! Tickets are due by Friday, October 31st as our first winner will be drawn on November 1st. Thank you to everyone who sold and bought tickets. Good luck to everyone!

In today's Rutland Herald!

Students in Mr. VanDerKern’s Middle School Design & Technology class recently completed their first engineering project using subtractive manufacturing and the GlowForge laser cutter.
After learning about light wavelengths, computer-aided design (CAD), and laser safety, students put their new skills to work by designing and fabricating their own recycled cup holders — practical creations to help prevent classroom beverage spills!
This hands-on project blended creativity, problem-solving, and real-world technology.
After learning about light wavelengths, computer-aided design (CAD), and laser safety, students put their new skills to work by designing and fabricating their own recycled cup holders — practical creations to help prevent classroom beverage spills!
This hands-on project blended creativity, problem-solving, and real-world technology.










Outdoor Pursuits Takes on Falls of Lana!
On Friday, October 24th, the Outdoor Pursuits students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Falls of Lana, where they spent the day rock climbing and building confidence on the cliffs. The experience was not only thrilling but also an incredible lesson in teamwork, skill development, and safety awareness.
Before the trip, students learned the fundamentals of climbing—from proper foot placement and secure handholds to efficient movement on the rock face. Once on-site, they put their skills into practice, climbing safely and confidently. One of the day’s highlights was learning to rappel, a skill that requires both focus and trust. Watching students cheer each other on as they descended was a powerful example of true collaboration and support.
Teamwork played a key role in the day’s success—whether belaying a partner, offering encouragement, or double-checking equipment, every student showed care, responsibility, and determination.
On Friday, October 24th, the Outdoor Pursuits students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Falls of Lana, where they spent the day rock climbing and building confidence on the cliffs. The experience was not only thrilling but also an incredible lesson in teamwork, skill development, and safety awareness.
Before the trip, students learned the fundamentals of climbing—from proper foot placement and secure handholds to efficient movement on the rock face. Once on-site, they put their skills into practice, climbing safely and confidently. One of the day’s highlights was learning to rappel, a skill that requires both focus and trust. Watching students cheer each other on as they descended was a powerful example of true collaboration and support.
Teamwork played a key role in the day’s success—whether belaying a partner, offering encouragement, or double-checking equipment, every student showed care, responsibility, and determination.







Autumn Spirit Week at FHUMS!
The Middle School Student Voice is keeping the fall fun alive with an Autumn Spirit Week and TA Door Decorating Contest!
As the fall weather settles in and the last of the foliage fades, students and staff are celebrating the season with daily spirit themes and creative door designs. Each TA is decorating their door with colorful pumpkin cutouts and festive fall décor — and every student and adult who participates in the daily theme earns points toward their TA’s total!
The TA with the most spirit and the winning door design will enjoy a sweet reward — donuts and juice for the whole TA!
The Middle School Student Voice is keeping the fall fun alive with an Autumn Spirit Week and TA Door Decorating Contest!
As the fall weather settles in and the last of the foliage fades, students and staff are celebrating the season with daily spirit themes and creative door designs. Each TA is decorating their door with colorful pumpkin cutouts and festive fall décor — and every student and adult who participates in the daily theme earns points toward their TA’s total!
The TA with the most spirit and the winning door design will enjoy a sweet reward — donuts and juice for the whole TA!


💵📘 Payday in Adulting 101! 📘💵
Today, students in the Adulting 101 business classroom received their first paychecks — and got a real-world lesson in financial literacy! With guidance from M&T Bank representatives Tara Buxton and Tanya Eaton, students learned how to track income and expenses in their own bank ledgers.
They also explored the importance of maintaining checking and savings accounts, how to read a paycheck, and the difference between gross and net wages.
Hands-on experiences like this help our students build the financial confidence and skills they’ll carry well beyond the classroom!
Today, students in the Adulting 101 business classroom received their first paychecks — and got a real-world lesson in financial literacy! With guidance from M&T Bank representatives Tara Buxton and Tanya Eaton, students learned how to track income and expenses in their own bank ledgers.
They also explored the importance of maintaining checking and savings accounts, how to read a paycheck, and the difference between gross and net wages.
Hands-on experiences like this help our students build the financial confidence and skills they’ll carry well beyond the classroom!




Be the Hero of the Day — Substitute with Slate Valley!
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is looking for substitute teachers! We’re seeking caring, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and supporting learning across our elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to have you on our team! Interested? Apply at slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is looking for substitute teachers! We’re seeking caring, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and supporting learning across our elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to have you on our team! Interested? Apply at slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities

This Saturday, November 1, our #5 Fair Haven Slaters hit the road to face #4 U-32 in the Division II Quarter Finals!
📍 Location: U-32 High School
🕖 Game Time: 7:00 PM
🚌 Team Departure: 3:00 PM
The winner advances to the D2 Semi-Finals next weekend! Let’s show our support and cheer on the Slaters as they fight for a spot in the next round!
📍 Location: U-32 High School
🕖 Game Time: 7:00 PM
🚌 Team Departure: 3:00 PM
The winner advances to the D2 Semi-Finals next weekend! Let’s show our support and cheer on the Slaters as they fight for a spot in the next round!

VPA D3 Girls Soccer State Semi-Finals!
Come cheer on our #4 Fair Haven Slaters as they take on #8 Peoples Academy in the Division III State Semi-Finals!
📅 Wednesday, October 29
📍 LaPlaca Field, Fair Haven
🕟 Game Time: 4:30 PM
The winner advances to the D3 State Championship on Saturday, November 1 at Rutland High School’s Alumni Field — 11:00 AM kickoff!
Let’s pack the stands, show our Slater pride, and cheer our team all the way to the finals!
Come cheer on our #4 Fair Haven Slaters as they take on #8 Peoples Academy in the Division III State Semi-Finals!
📅 Wednesday, October 29
📍 LaPlaca Field, Fair Haven
🕟 Game Time: 4:30 PM
The winner advances to the D3 State Championship on Saturday, November 1 at Rutland High School’s Alumni Field — 11:00 AM kickoff!
Let’s pack the stands, show our Slater pride, and cheer our team all the way to the finals!

Congratulations to Moses Casey-Martin on his impressive 7th place finish at the Vermont Middle School Cross Country Championships on Sunday in St. Albans!
Teammate Emerson Robles also had a strong showing, finishing 32nd out of 210 competitors.
Great job, Moses and Emerson — you’ve made Slater Nation proud!
Teammate Emerson Robles also had a strong showing, finishing 32nd out of 210 competitors.
Great job, Moses and Emerson — you’ve made Slater Nation proud!

On Friday, students tackled a hands-on budgeting simulation using the 50/30/20 rule to manage expenses and savings. Each student received a scenario card outlining their monthly income, loans, household members, and expenses—then had to make tough decisions about housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, groceries, and more.
The challenge? Balancing it all and setting aside money for savings, retirement, or investments.
The struggle was real—but these students rose to the challenge, proving they’re well on their way to mastering the art of “adulting”!
The challenge? Balancing it all and setting aside money for savings, retirement, or investments.
The struggle was real—but these students rose to the challenge, proving they’re well on their way to mastering the art of “adulting”!








