Submitted by Ms. LeBrun: Chief Wendi Fitzgerald of the Fair Haven Rescue Squad visited one of the Exploration classes at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School today. Chief Fitzgerald shared valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of emergency medical professionals, the training required to become an EMT, and what it’s like to respond to real-life emergencies. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.

Students also had the exciting opportunity to tour the ambulance, explore the equipment inside, and learn how EMTs use these tools during emergency calls. The visit provided a hands-on, engaging introduction to careers in emergency medicine and helped students understand how EMS providers serve the local community.
about 13 hours ago, Slate Valley
Students stand inside an ambulance listening to a Fair Haven Rescue Squad EMT explain equipment, with a student seated beside a bright green medical pack.
A Fair Haven Rescue Squad ambulance parked outside on a snowy day.
Students sit and stand inside an ambulance as a Fair Haven Rescue Squad EMT explains the medical bag on the stretcher.
FHUMS December Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/3zu0m
about 16 hours ago, Slate Valley
Newsletter header for Fair Haven Union Middle School dated December 2, 2025. The top banner shows a close-up photo of a steaming mug wrapped in a knitted blanket. Below, the newsletter begins with a “Principal’s Note” addressed to Middle School families, discussing recent events, student activities, fall sports highlights, the December Gift Card Fundraiser, Student Voice initiatives, and participation rates from Student-Led Conferences.
🏀🏃‍♀️‍➡️❄️ 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!
about 22 hours ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring four black-and-white photos of Fair Haven Union High School winter sports teams from the 2005–2006 season. The top left shows the boys’ basketball team posing in uniforms. Below it is the wrestling team group photo. At the top center is an image of the winter cheer team performing a stunt. On the right side is the indoor track team posing with medals and trophies. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner. Text reads: ‘Throwback Thursday,’ ‘Basketball,’ ‘Winter Cheer,’ ‘Indoor Track,’ ‘Wrestling,’ and ‘2005–2006 FHUHS Winter Sports.’
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls varsity basketball team posing in uniform with basketballs.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys varsity basketball team posing in uniform.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls indoor track team posing with medals and a championship plaque.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys indoor track team posing with medals and a trophy.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing a 2005–2006 Fair Haven cheer stunt group on the left and three Fair Haven wrestling athletes with their coach holding a banner on the right.
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!
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now Wednesday” featuring Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Tim Rogers, Class of 1998. It lists his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing and GE Aerospace, mentions influential teachers Mr. Blodget, Mr. Doran, and Mr. Hier, and highlights achievements in bowling, BBQ, and chili competitions. It notes he appeared on Monster Garage in 2004 and lives with his wife, two children, and a Saint Bernard. His favorite quote reads, “Never trust a skinny cook.”
🎨 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! 🎂🎨✨
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A “Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know?” graphic featuring Georges Seurat. On the left is a black-and-white portrait of Seurat wearing a colorful illustrated birthday hat and a badge that reads “166th Birthday.” To the right is his famous pointillist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte showing people relaxing by a river. Text reads: “December 2nd is the birthday of Georges Seurat! Georges Seurat is the French painter who revolutionized art with a technique made entirely of tiny dots, called Pointillism. 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.”
‼️ 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.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
graphic image announcing school is closed due to bad weather
A huge congratulations to Coach Teri Perry, her amazing staff, and our Slater girls’ soccer team for earning statewide honors from the Vermont Soccer Officials Association! What an incredible way to close out a remarkable season!
Read the article at: https://www.rutlandherald.com/sports/local/roundup-vsoa-gives-out-sportsmanship-awards/article_fc532d20-cd94-408c-9961-d4345648bf31.html
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Celebratory graphic with gold confetti and the word ‘Congratulations!’ in large script. A soccer ball with the FHU Slaters logo appears on the right, with a blue and yellow swoosh behind the text ‘Girls Soccer.’ Below, the message reads: ‘To Coach Teri Perry, her coaching staff, and the Slater girls’ soccer team for being recognized as one of Vermont’s premier 2025 Sportsmanship teams!’
📢 Attention 10th Graders and Families!

Discover your future career path at Stafford Technical Center's Annual Career Night & Open House.

Interested in applying for the 2026-2027 school year? This is your chance to explore their programs, meet instructors, and see the facilities!

When: This Thursday, December 4th, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A promotional flyer for 'CAREER NIGHT' at Stafford Technical Center on Thursday, December 4th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The poster features twelve small images representing programs, including Auto Body Repair, Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Digital Arts, Health Careers, Electrical & Plumbing, Engineering, Education & Human Services, Public Safety, and Welding & Metal Fabrication. It encourages attendees to join to learn about opportunities and how programs help reach college and career goals.
Congratulations Leigha! See the full article at: https://www.rutlandherald.com/eedition/page-b1/page_1e70289f-5e8f-5ad9-a951-2f7f3fecfd1b.html
4 days ago, Slate Valley
photograph from a soccer match showing two players closely contesting the ball on a grass field. Fair Haven's Leigha Kretzer (wearing a pink jersey with 'SLATERS 11') is shielded by a Peoples Academy player, Addie Stutz (wearing a white and green jersey). Kretzer is moving to steal the ball. The caption reads: 'Fair Haven's Leigha Kretzer moves to steal the ball from Peoples Academy's Addie Stutz during a Division III semifinal at LaPlaca Field.
The beginning of a newspaper article with the headline 'GIRLS SOCCER Kretzer cops Herald POY honor.' The text identifies the author as Tom Haley, Staff Writer. It highlights Fair Haven Union High School girls soccer player Leigha Kretzer's impressive career statistics (78 goals total, 43 in the past season) and her selection as the Herald Player of the Year. It mentions her previous teammate Maddy Perry and discusses Kretzer's attacking prowess, her ability to distribute the ball, and that she suffered an ACL and MCL injury in the Division III semifinal.
A newspaper article continuation with the headline 'Kretzer Continued from page B1.' The text discusses Kretzer's expected recovery, her exceptional offensive production, and her selection as the Rutland Herald Girls Soccer Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, sharing the first with teammate Maddy Perry. It notes that the 2026 season looks promising as the team 'do not graduate a single senior.' The article is by tom.haley@rutlandherald.com.
🎉 A Huge Thank You! 🎉

Thank you so much to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and supported our Fair Haven Union Middle Schoolers! Your generosity helps our students in so many ways, and we are truly grateful. 🙌💙

A special shout-out to our amazing kids who worked hard selling tickets — your effort and enthusiasm made this fundraiser a success! 👏✨

And an extra HUGE thank you to the many local businesses who donated gift cards. Your support and generosity made this raffle possible, and we appreciate you more than words can say. ❤️🏆

Thank you all for being such an incredible community!
4 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
A dark gray background with radiating light beams features a bright, glowing turquoise message in the center that reads “Thank you!” Above it, white text thanks everyone who collected gift cards, bought and sold tickets, and supported the middle schoolers. Below, more white text thanks local businesses for donating gift cards and prizes, noting that $1415 in prizes were given out. Neon-style turquoise lightning bolts appear on either side of the central text, and turquoise corner accents frame the image. Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads “2025 Middle School Gift Card Raffle.”
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!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting. The Slate Valley logo appears at the center surrounded by green and blue abstract figures forming a circle. Text reads: “Next Meeting: December 2, 2025 – 5:45 PM. Central Office Conference Room – Located in FHUHS.”
🎶 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!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A “Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday” graphic featuring Cynthia Hutchins, Fair Haven Grade School music teacher. On the left is a photo of Cynthia smiling while wearing a pink “Fair Haven Falcons” shirt and swim goggles with a snorkel on her head. On the right, bullet points highlight her 10 years at FHGS, previous roles at multiple schools, the subjects and drama club she teaches, her musical involvement in community bands and chorus, her hobbies with her three children, and her favorite quote. Her name and title appear at the bottom.
🎉 November 30th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉

A huge congratulations to Duane Fortier! ⚡✨

Duane is taking home a $100 Farmstand Cafe Gift Card – what a win! 🎁

Thanks to everyone who participated in this month’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle!
5 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 30th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams. At the top, text reads ‘November 30th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, glowing turquoise and white text reads ‘Duane Fortier,’ with two neon-style lightning bolts on either side. Below, text states: ‘Winner of: $100 Farmstand Cafe Gift Card.' Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner,’ with glowing corner accents.  
🎉 November 29th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉

Congratulations to Aubrey Ramey! ⚡✨

Aubrey won:
• $25 Third Place Gift Card
• $20 Toad's Burger Bar Gift Card

Way to go, Aubrey! Thanks to everyone who entered this month’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle – more chances to win coming soon! 🎁
6 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 29th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams. At the top, text reads ‘November 29th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, glowing turquoise and white text reads ‘Aubrey Ramey,’ with two neon-style lightning bolts on either side. Below, text states: ‘Winner of: $25 Third Place Gift Card and $20 Toad's Burger Bar Gift Card.' Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner,’ with glowing corner accents.  
🎉 November 28th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winners! 🎉

A big congratulations to Bob Baxter! ⚡✨

Bob is taking home:
• $25 Rollin' Rooster Gift Card
• $25 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card

Way to go, Bob! Thanks to everyone who participated in this month’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle – stay tuned for more chances to win! 🎁
7 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 28th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams. At the top, text reads ‘November 28th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, glowing turquoise and white text reads ‘Bob Baxter,’ with two neon-style lightning bolts on either side. Below, text states: ‘Winner of: $25 Rollin' Rooster Gift Card and $25 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card.' Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner,’ with glowing corner accents.  
🎉 Congratulations to Ashley Anderson! 🎉

Our November 27th Middle School Raffle winner is Ashley Anderson!

Ashley won 5 tickets to the Pond Hill Pro Rodeo PLUS rodeo apparel — a prize package valued at $100! 🤠🐴✨

Thank you for supporting our school and joining in the fun. More winners are coming soon—stay tuned! 💙
8 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 27th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams. At the top, text reads ‘November 27th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, glowing turquoise and white text reads ‘Ashley Anderson,’ with two neon-style lightning bolts on either side. Below, text states: ‘Winner of: 5 Pond Hill Pro Rodeo Tickets and Apparel ($100 value).' Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner,’ with glowing corner accents.  
🎉 Congratulations to Jamie Savage! 🎉

Our November 26th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner has been selected, and we’re excited to celebrate Jamie today!

Jamie is taking home a $25 Panera gift card (generously donated by A+ Child Care LLC) — perfect for a warm soup, a fresh salad, or a sweet treat! 🥐☕✨

Thank you for supporting our school and being part of the fun. More winners are on the way, so stay tuned! 💙
9 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 26th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams. At the top, text reads ‘November 26th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, glowing turquoise and white text reads ‘Jamie Savage,’ with two neon-style lightning bolts on either side. Below, text states: ‘Winner of: $25 Panera Gift Card *Donated by A+ Child Care LLC.’ Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner,’ with glowing corner accents.  
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!
10 days ago, Slate Valley
A bold community flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance – Thank You!” The top features a close-up of an ambulance with its blue emergency lights on and the word “AMBULANCE” in red letters across the front. Below, a large “Thank You!” message appears in white text. The center of the flyer shows the back of an ambulance filled with assorted donated food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and cooking oil. On the left is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo, and on the right is a star-of-life EMS symbol. A white box lists total contributions: “Cash Donations = $1744.05” and “Food Donations = 1,451.15 pounds.” The bottom text reads, “Sponsored by Slate Valley Unified USD & Fair Haven Rescue Squad – All to benefit Slate Valley Cares.”
🍁 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.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
A festive Thanksgiving-themed graphic featuring cartoon characters dressed as a Pilgrim boy on the left and a Pilgrim girl on the right. At the top is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo. Colorful fall leaves and banner decorations frame the image. The text reads: “Thanksgiving Break. School will be closed November 26–28. Wishing all of our Slate Valley families a restful and joyful holiday! School resumes Monday, December 1!” The bottom of the graphic is decorated with sunflowers and autumn foliage.
🎉 Congratulations to Doug & Rhonda Marzean! 🎉

Our November 25th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners have been drawn, and we’re excited to celebrate this awesome duo!

They’ve won a $25 Green Mountain Food Service gift card and a $20 Beverage King gift card! 🎁🙌

Thank you for supporting our school and participating in the raffle—your involvement makes a difference every day! 💙

Stay tuned for more winners throughout the month! 🗓️✨
10 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
“Graphic announcing the November 25th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams. At the top, text reads ‘November 25th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, glowing turquoise and white text reads ‘Doug & Rhonda Marzean,’ with two neon-style lightning bolts on either side. Below, text states: ‘Winner of: $25 Green Mountain Food Service Gift Card and $20 Beverage King Gift Card.’ Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner,’ with glowing corner accents.”