📣 2026 WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! ❄️🏀🤼‍♂️

Attention Fair Haven Union Middle & High School families!

Registration for the upcoming winter sports season is officially open.

💙🤍🏆 Winter Sports Offered (Middle & High School):
Indoor Track, Bowling, Competition Cheer, Wrestling, Girls Basketball, & Boys Basketball

📅 Key Information & Dates:
🔗 Sign Up Online: Register today at students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
🗓️ Season Begins: The winter season officially starts the week of November 30th.
📋 Schedules & Practice Times: Practice times, locations, and schedules will be posted prior to Thanksgiving break.
about 17 hours ago, Slate Valley
Promotional flyer titled "SLATE VALLEY 2026 WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN" set against a light blue and navy background with graphics of running shoes, cheer pom-poms, wrestlers, a bowling ball and pin, and a basketball.   Header: Bold navy text reading "SLATE VALLEY 2026 WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION NOW OPEN" above red text reading "TO REGISTER GO TO:" and the link [https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27](https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27).   Sports List: Red heading reading "WINTER SPORTS OFFERED BY SLATE VALLEY/FAIR HAVEN UNION MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL:" followed by an itemized list:Indoor Track   Bowling   Competition Cheer   Wrestling-Middle & High School   Girls Basketball-Middle & High School   Boys Basketball-Middle & High School   Timeline Notice: Red italicized text reading "The winter season will officially begin the week of November 30th. Practice times, locations, and schedules for teams will be posted prior to the Thanksgiving break."   Footer Requirement: White bold text on a navy banner next to a basketball illustration reading "ALL ATHLETES NEED AN UPDATED SPORTS PHYSICAL ON FILE AT SCHOOL".
🎉 Announcing today's Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉

Congratulations to Brody Kendall, our November 9th winner! Brody has won a $25 gift card to Dunkin' Donuts! ☕🍩

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School through this raffle. Your generosity makes a difference, and we appreciate you!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's winner! Good luck, everyone! 💙
about 19 hours ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 9th Gift Card Raffle winner. The teal and pink design features a hand holding a megaphone labeled “FHUMS,” with large white text reading “Gift Card Raffle Winner.” The graphic congratulates Brody Kendall, the winner of a $25 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card.
🏈🏆 NEXT STOP: THE D2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! 🏆🏈

Our Fair Haven Slaters are heading to the State Final! After a fantastic semifinal victory, the Slaters are set to take on the Colchester Lakers for the Division 2 Title this Saturday in Burlington!

Let's pack the stands with navy and white and show Vermont what #SlateValleyPride is all about! 💙🤍

📅 Game Details:

Matchup: Fair Haven Slaters vs. Colchester Lakers

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Kickoff Time: 11:00 AM

Location: Burlington High School

🎟️ Tickets & Admission:

Pricing: $10 (Adults) / $5 (Students & Seniors)

How to Buy: Purchase in advance online at GoFan.co or pay at the gate.

📺 Can't make it to Burlington?
Catch the official live stream exclusively on the NFHS Network!
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic with fireworks graphics against a dark blue background announcing the Fair Haven Slaters advancing to the D2 State Championship.  Header: Bold white and yellow text reading "NEXT STOP: THE D2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!" flanked by fireworks illustrations and the blue-and-white FHU Slaters logo.  Center Photo: A team photo of the FHU Slaters football players in uniform on the field, positioned in front of the stadium scoreboard displaying a final score of "Fair Haven Union 35 - Guest 7".  Matchup & Location Details: White text reading "FAIR HAVEN SLATERS VS COLCHESTER LAKERS" above "SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH - BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL".  Kickoff Graphic: An illustration of a football on the right reading "KICK OFF AT 11:00 AM" in white text.  Footer: Yellow ticker banner across the bottom with black text: "TICKETS ARE $10/$5 ON GOFAN.CO - FANS CAN ALSO PAY AT THE GATE - STREAMING ONLY ON THE NFHS NETWORK."
FHUMS Newsletter: November 6, 2026
https://app.smore.com/n/mvyw58
about 23 hours ago, Slate Valley
Board Meeting - Tonight - November 9, 2026 -

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium.

This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ief-mrrj-odo
Or dial: (US) +1 669-220-6009 PIN: 326 925 499#

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.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Header: Green banner text reading "Please Join Us TONIGHT" alongside "Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting".   Agenda Circle: Central graphic showing stylized icons sitting around a table labeled "On the Agenda:"   Consent Agenda   5th & 6th Grade Athletics Update   District Merger (Act 170) Update   Finance Committee Report Overview of Draft FY28 Budget   Footer: Displays date, time, and location: "November 9, 2026 – 6:30 PM, Orwell Village School Gymnasium".
🎉 ANOTHER RAFFLE WINNER! 🎉

Let's hear it for Joan Brown, our November 8th winner in the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle!

Joan has won a $50 gift card to Bomoseen Lodge! 🎁

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School Gift Card Raffle. Your participation and generosity mean so much to our school community!

Stay tuned for more winners! Good luck, everyone! 🍀💙
2 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 8th winner of the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle. The winner, Joan Brown, has won a $50 gift card to the Bomoseen Lodge. The colorful teal, pink, and white graphic features a hand holding a megaphone with the letters “FHUMS” on it.
🎉 Congratulations to our next Middle School Gift Card Raffle winners! 🎉

A big congratulations to Rick and Amanda Salamin, who have won a fantastic prize package featuring a $25 gift card to Liberty Street Market and one Vermont State Inspection at Sam's U-Save Fuels! 🚗🎁

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School through the November Gift Card Raffle. Your participation makes a difference, and we appreciate you!

Stay tuned for more lucky winners! Good luck! 🍀
3 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 6th winner of the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle. Rick and Amanda Salamin are the winners of a $25 gift card to Liberty Street Market and one VT State Inspection at Sam's U-Save Fuels. The colorful teal, pink, and white graphic features a hand holding a megaphone with the letters “FHUMS” displayed on it.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner header graphic for the November 2026 Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter, featuring a Thanksgiving and autumn theme.   Top Header: Dark teal text above the banner reading "Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter".   Main Title Graphic: Large teal text spelling "NEWSLETTER" flanked by green subtext reading "November 2026".   Central Illustration: A cartoon turkey sitting inside a large orange pumpkin decorated with the hexagonal Slate Valley School District seal.   Decorative Accents:Left side features a football, pumpkins, acorns, fall leaves, and the green Slate Valley Vermont logo in the top corner.   Right side features autumn leaves, acorns, and a green ribbon banner in the bottom corner reading "OUR SCHOOL YOUR FUTURE".
🎉 ANOTHER RAFFLE WINNER! 🎉

Congratulations to Cindy Mahoney (2nd time winner!), our November 6th winner in the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle!

Cindy has won a $25 gift card to Toad’s Burger Bar! 🍔🎁

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School and make this raffle a success! We love seeing our community get involved!

Stay tuned… more winners are coming! 🍀💙
4 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 6th winner of the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle. Cindy Mahoney is the lucky winner of a $25 gift card to Toad’s Burger Bar. The colorful teal, pink, and white graphic features a hand holding a megaphone with the letters “FHUMS” displayed on it.
🍂 Friday Focus: Gratitude in Action! 🍂

November is the season of thanks, and Slate Valley students are putting gratitude right where it belongs—into action! 💚✨

Students drew secret appreciation prompt slips—like "Bring this to someone who turns hard lessons into fun games" or "Bring this to the person who helped you gain confidence"—and delivered them directly to teachers and staff members across our schools. From joyful high-fives to warm hugs, seeing the smiles on our educators' faces made this activity extra special!

Click the link to see the full video: https://youtube.com/shorts/ioytgH6iTao?feature=share

Thank you to our incredible teachers, staff, and school heroes who go above and beyond for our students every single day. 🌟
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled "FOCUS FRIDAY" on a teal background with paper cutout notes reading, "November is the season of thanks, and Slate Valley schools put gratitude into action." Next to the graphic panel, a student in a purple hoodie reaches into a bright green bucket filled with paper prompt slips. The circular logo for "Slate Valley Vermont: A Unified Focus on Learning" is displayed at the bottom left.
🏈 GAME DAY IS TOMORROW! 🏈

Pack the stands at LaPlaca Field tomorrow night as our #2 Fair Haven Union Slaters host the #3 Lyndon Institute Vikings in the VPA Division 2 Football Semi-Finals!

📅 Game Details:
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: LaPlaca Field
Matchup: #2 Fair Haven Union vs. #3 Lyndon Institute

🎟️ Ticket Information:
Please note that because this is a official VPA postseason tournament event, VPA ticket pricing is in effect (rates are slightly higher than regular season games): Adults: $10 Students & Seniors: $5

(Reminder: Per district policy, pets are not permitted at athletic events.)
Come out early, wear your navy and white, and cheer on our Slaters! 💙🤍
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic for the VPA D2 Football Semi-Final Game featuring a high-energy photo of the Fair Haven Union Slaters football team taking the field with cheerleaders and flags.   Header: Navy blue background with white text reading "VPA D2 FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL GAME".   Matchup: Team logos and text displaying "#3 LYNDON INSTITUTE VIKINGS VS #2 FAIR HAVEN UNION SLATERS".   Date & Location: Green banner across the bottom reading "FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026 – GAME TIME 7:00 PM ON LAPLACA FIELD".   Ticket Notice: Red ringed callout text reading "VPA TICKET PRICES IN EFFECT: ADULTS - $10 | STUDENTS & SENIORS - $5".
🎉 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOVEMBER 5TH WINNER! 🎉

A big congratulations to Brian Tursi, our latest winner in the Fair Haven Union Middle School November Gift Card Raffle!

Brian has won 4 Rodeo Passes to Pond Hill Pro Rodeo Summer 2027! 🤠🐎

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School through this raffle. Your generosity makes a difference, and we appreciate you! 💙

Stay tuned for more winners! Good luck, everyone! 🍀
5 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 5th winner of the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle. The winner, Brian Tursi, has won four passes to Pond Hill Pro Rodeo Summer 2027. The colorful teal, pink, and white graphic features a hand holding a megaphone with the letters “FHUMS” on it.

Throwback Thursday: Class of 2014 Turkey Trot! 🦃🏃‍♂️

Taking it back 13 years to November 2013! Check out these photos from when the Class of 2014 hosted their 1st Annual 5K Turkey Trot as a class fundraiser. It turned out to be a fantastic community event that sparked a fun tradition carried on by subsequent classes for a few years.

The stakes were high (and delicious)—the top overall male and female runners each won a Thanksgiving turkey, and category winners were awarded freshly baked pies! Beyond the fun and competition, participants showed true community spirit by bringing non-perishable food donations to support Slate Valley Cares and help stock the local food shelf.

While the high school no longer holds this annual trot, you can still keep the Thanksgiving morning run tradition alive! The Castleton Recreation Department is holding a Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving morning, so grab your running shoes and gear up for race day.

5 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic titled "Throwback Thursday - Taking it back 13 Years!" featuring the FHU Slaters logo at the top right and cartoon turkeys on the top left and right. Below the header is a collage of photo panels from the 2013 Class of 2014 Turkey Trot surrounding a central "Slaters 5K" turkey emblem. Photos depict runners at the starting line, participants running across the school fields, a student in a full turkey costume, a smiling runner mid-stride, a race winner holding up a frozen Thanksgiving turkey prize, and boxes overflowing with donated canned food items. The bottom of the graphic includes the text "Class of 2014 Turkey Trot," the Slate Valley Unified Focus on Learning logo, and "FHUHS 2013".
👏 Congratulations to Slate Valley’s Outstanding Educators! 🌟

Tonight, two of our exceptional educators were honored at the 46th Annual Vermont Outstanding Educator Awards, hosted by the University of Vermont's College of Education and Social Services and the Vermont Agency of Education at the Dudley H. Davis Center in Burlington!

Please join us in celebrating:

🍎 Margaret Quinn – Fourth Grade Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School

💙 Michael Lenox – Special Education Teacher, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School

Thank you, Ms. Quinn and Mr. Lenox, for your unwavering dedication, passion for teaching, and commitment to student success every single day. We are so proud to have you on the Slate Valley team!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Quinn smiling while holding her award certificate on stage alongside presenters at the ceremony.
Presentation slide for the 46th Vermont Outstanding Educator Awards featuring a portrait and text: "Margaret Quinn, Fourth Grade Teacher, Fair Haven Grade School, Slate Valley Unified Union School District."
Special Education Teacher Michael Lenox standing on stage with ceremony presenters in front of dark blue curtains at the Vermont Outstanding Educator Awards.
Presentation slide for the 46th Vermont Outstanding Educator Awards featuring a portrait and text: "Michael Lenox, Special Education Teacher, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Slate Valley Unified Union School District."
🧗‍♂️ Taking learning to new heights! 🌲✨

Our Outdoor Pursuits class put their grit and safety skills to the test during their recent rappelling unit!

The adventure began right on campus, where students mastered the basics of harness safety, knot-tying, rope handling, and belaying on our outdoor climbing wall. Once they nailed down proper technique and safety protocols, the group headed to Lana Falls in Addison County to put their training into practice on real cliff faces.

In addition to tackling natural rock rappels, students conquered a rigorous hike through scenic fall terrain to and from the site. What an awesome demonstration of teamwork, courage, and hands-on outdoor learning! 🏔️🍂
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Two students ascend an outdoor wooden climbing wall on campus while classmates on the ground hold safety belay lines.
Outdoor Pursuits students wearing climbing harnesses stand on the school lawn, looking up and practicing rope belay techniques under instructor supervision.
A student in a pink hoodie and helmet leans back over the edge of a high cliff to begin rappelling, with colorful fall foliage filling the valley background.
Low-angle shot looking up a tall, steep rock cliff as a student wearing a helmet rappels down at Lana Falls.
Students in climbing harnesses stand among pine trees at the base of a cliff, managing ropes and watching a classmate climb above.
A student giving a peace sign while descending a cliff line against a backdrop of vibrant autumn trees and water in the valley.
A student wearing a white helmet smiles while climbing along a rocky cliff wall face outdoors.
A student in a pink hoodie and helmet leans back over the edge of a high cliff to begin rappelling, with colorful fall foliage filling the valley background.
Students in climbing harnesses stand among pine trees at the base of a cliff, managing ropes and watching a classmate climb above.
The Outdoor Pursuits class poses together on a rocky stream bank surrounded by fall foliage during their hike at Lana Falls.
🎉 Congratulations, Cindy Mahoney! 🎉

Cindy is today's lucky winner in our Middle School November Gift Card Raffle! She has won a $25 gift card to Michelle’s Sweet Creations & Old School Bagels! 🥯🍰

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School! We appreciate you! 💙

Stay tuned for more lucky winners! 🍀
6 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
A colorful graphic announcing the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 4th. The prize is a $25 gift card to Michelle’s Sweet Creations and Old School Bagels. The winner is Cindy Mahoney. The design features a blue and bright pink background with decorative shapes and a megaphone displaying the word “FHUMS.”
Where Are They Now Wednesday - November Feature: Kerrigan Allen (Class of 2023)

For November’s “Where Are They Now Wednesday” feature, Slate Valley is proud to highlight Kerrigan Allen, a 2023 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School.

Since graduating from FHUHS, Kerrigan has earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Sociology from Vermont State University–Castleton. Continuing her education, she is now pursuing an accelerated Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the University at Albany, with plans to graduate this May.

As part of her graduate studies, Kerrigan serves as a clinical social work intern at Bessey House, a Vanderheyden group home in Troy, New York. In this role, she works with older adolescents in foster care, supporting young people with developmental diagnoses and complex trauma histories.

After earning her master’s degree, Kerrigan plans to return to Vermont to pursue her goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

During her time at FHUHS, Kerrigan was an active member of the Student Council. She credits Mr. Ruby with helping shape her academic interests, sharing that his philosophical approach to teaching continues to influence her work in the social sciences.

Kerrigan’s passion for advocacy and helping others was evident throughout her undergraduate studies. She conducted independent research focused on individuals experiencing homelessness in Rutland County. Through interviews with local service providers, she identified community strengths, areas of need, and opportunities for future funding and research. Her work earned her the opportunity to present her findings at a national social work conference in New Orleans.

Kerrigan finds daily inspiration in a favorite quote from scholar and author Shawn A. Ginwright: “We have to see the humanity in others, even if they refuse to see the same in us.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kerrigan shares that she once questioned whether college was even a possibility for her, much less earning an accelerated master’s degree. Today, she encourages Slate Valley students to believe in themselves and remain open to new opportunities. Her advice is simple: Build strong connections, ask questions, and never sell yourself short.

The Slate Valley community extends its sincere thanks to Kerrigan for sharing her journey and offering such meaningful advice to current students and fellow alumni. We congratulate her on her many accomplishments and wish her continued success as she completes her MSW degree at the University at Albany and prepares to return to Vermont to make a difference in her community!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley "Where Are They Now Wednesday" graphic featuring FHUHS Class of 2023 alumna Kerrigan Allen in a graduation cap and gown. The graphic highlights her background as a first-generation college student, her MSW studies at UAlbany, research achievements, and words of wisdom for students.
📣 RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT! 🎉

Congratulations to Gary Jamieson, our November 3rd winner in the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle! 🥳

Gary has won a $40 gift card to Durfee’s, a great local clothing store!

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our Middle School through this raffle. Your generosity makes a difference, and we are so grateful for our wonderful community! 💙

Stay tuned for more lucky winners! 🍀
7 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the Fair Haven Union Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 3rd. Gary Jamieson is the winner of a $40 gift card to Durfee’s. The colorful teal, pink, and white design features a megaphone with the word “FHUMS” and the headline “Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
DO YOU KNOW? Our November TriviaTuesday poses a sky-high question!

The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons were never deflated. How did organizers actually get rid of them at the end of the route?

Wait for it...

They were RELEASED! From 1928 to 1932, the balloons were set free into the sky as part of the grand finale. How crazy is that? (The practice ended after too many air traffic hazards.)

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! In the early years, live animals from the Central Park Zoo marched down the streets, but they proved too frightening for many spectators—especially young children. To replace them, organizers introduced the parade's very first balloon in 1927: a giant Felix the Cat filled with regular air and carried like an upside-down puppet on sticks. It wasn't until 1928 that balloons were filled with helium, allowing them to truly float high above the crowds for the first time.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
A combined image graphic for Trivia Tuesday with a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Centennial theme. At the top are overlapping speech bubbles with "Do You Know?", green branding text for "TRIVIA TUESDAY", and a green emblem logo. Center text poses the question: "The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons were never deflated — how did organizers actually get rid of them at the end of the route?". Text down the vertical borders reads "1926 - 2026 CENTENNIAL". The lower half features a vintage black-and-white photograph of an early Macy's parade with crowds lining a city street, featuring a giant balloon float and a prominent Felix the Cat balloon in the foreground.