🎓 Congratulations to Our Stafford Technical Center Graduates! 🎓

On Friday, Fair Haven Union High School students who completed their studies at Stafford Technical Center were recognized during the annual Stafford Technical Center Awards Ceremony alongside graduates from all of the center’s sending schools.

Throughout their time at Stafford, these students gained valuable hands-on experience, industry-specific skills, certifications, and real-world learning opportunities.

We are proud of the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of each student and congratulate them on this important milestone. We look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future!

👏 Join us in celebrating these outstanding students and their achievements!
about 4 hours ago, Slate Valley
A student wearing a blue graduation gown smiles while walking to the stage to receive recognition. Graduates and staff are visible in the background.
A student in a blue graduation gown approaches the stage to receive recognition while two presenters stand at a podium. Other graduates wait nearby.
A student in a blue graduation gown approaches the podium to receive recognition. Other graduates and staff are visible on and near the stage.
A student in a blue graduation gown with honor cords walks toward the stage while presenters stand at the podium and graduates wait nearby.
Students in red, white, and blue graduation gowns sit in rows of chairs inside a gymnasium during the Stafford Technical Center awards ceremony.
A student in a blue graduation gown smiles while walking toward the stage as fellow graduates wait in line behind her during the awards ceremony.
A student in a blue graduation gown approaches the stage as presenters stand at the podium. Graduates seated nearby watch the ceremony.
A student in a blue graduation gown and honor cords approaches the podium during the Stafford Technical Center awards ceremony while classmates watch from their seats.
🌱🍅 Free Plants for the Taking! 🍅🌱

Looking to add a few plants to your garden this season? FHUHS has you covered!

The Horticulture Program has a selection of free plants available outside the greenhouse, with mostly tomato plants ready for new homes.

Stop by, pick up a few plants, and give them a place to grow.

📍 Outside the FHUHS Greenhouse
🌱 Free and available while supplies last!

Happy planting! 🍅☀️
about 4 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting free plants available at Fair Haven Union High School. The background features a close-up photo of ripe red tomatoes growing on a vine in a garden. Large text reads, “FREE PLANTS FOR THE TAKING!” and “Outside the Greenhouse.” Additional text in the lower right corner reads, “MOSTLY TOMATOES.” The design uses green and cream accents to reflect a gardening theme.
🐾🔍 Students Get a Nose for Detection Work! 🔍🐾

On Friday, May 29, Law Enforcement and Career Exploration students had the opportunity to learn from a true canine professional when Kristie Adams and her dog, Stevie, visited campus.

Kristie shared insights into the world of dog training, with a special focus on nose work—the specialized training that teaches dogs to locate specific scents using their powerful sense of smell. Students learned about the dedication, patience, and partnership required to train working dogs for detection tasks.

After the presentation, Stevie put her skills on display, demonstrating how she searches for and identifies target scents. Students watched as she worked through scent-detection exercises, showcasing the focus, precision, and teamwork that make detection dogs such valuable partners.

Thank you to Kristie and Stevie for providing our students with an engaging, hands-on look at canine scent detection and the many career pathways that involve working with animals and public safety.
about 5 hours ago, Slate Valley
Kristie Adams reaches toward Stevie, a brown detection dog sitting attentively on the grass under a large tent during a nose work demonstration.
Law Enforcement and Career Exploration students watch as Kristie Adams explains dog training and scent-detection work while Stevie sits beside her under a large outdoor tent.
Stevie, a brown detection dog, sits calmly on the grass under a tent while awaiting her next command during a scent-detection demonstration.
Kristie Adams works with Stevie under a tent as the dog stands alert and focused, demonstrating obedience and scent-detection training techniques.
A student participates in a scent-detection exercise as Stevie searches among several boxes on the grass while classmates observe the demonstration under a large tent.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: June Spotlight

This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who truly represents dedication and commitment within Slate Valley—Ann Pelkey, our Payroll Specialist and the district’s longest-serving employee with an incredible 44 years of service!

For more than four decades, Ann has been an essential part of the Slate Valley family, beginning her career shortly after graduating from Castleton State College with a degree in Business Administration. Forty-four years is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the care, consistency, and heart she brings to her work every day.

While many people may not realize it, Ann’s role impacts every employee across the district. In fact, if you work in Slate Valley and haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Ann personally, you’ve certainly benefited from her hard work behind the scenes. Every time a paycheck arrives accurately and on time, Ann makes that happen — and that’s definitely something worth being thankful for!

Outside of work, Ann enjoys karaoke, reading, mini golf, and spending time with family and friends. She loves going for walks and rides with her loyal and friendly dog, Belle. She is a volunteer at the Fair Haven American Legion, and also serves as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Fair Haven Unit 49.

Ann’s favorite saying perfectly reflects her fun spirit and sense of humor: “It’s never late till midnight — it’s early after that.”
When asked to share anything else, Ann simply said, “I so enjoy working and being a part of the Slate Valley family.” After 44 years of dedication, we can confidently say that the feeling is mutual.

Thank you, Ann, for your years of service, your commitment to the district, and for helping keep everything running behind the scenes. Slate Valley is fortunate to have you!
about 8 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday” featuring Ann Pelkey, Payroll Specialist at Slate Valley. On the left is a photo of Ann seated at her desk smiling, wearing glasses and a blue patterned blouse in an office setting. On the right, a teal background lists highlights about her career and interests, including being the longest-serving Slate Valley employee with 44 years in the district, graduating from Castleton State College with a Business Administration degree, and enjoying karaoke, reading, mini golf, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Belle. The graphic also notes her volunteer work with the Fair Haven American Legion and her role as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Fair Haven Unit 49. Her favorite saying is included: “It’s never late till midnight — it’s early after that.” The Slate Valley logo appears near the bottom alongside her name and title
NOTICE: Today's MS Baseball game at Christ the King has been cancelled.
2 days ago, Slate Valley
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District newsletter dated May 29, 2026. The top of the image features the title “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” in large dark blue text with the date centered beneath it. The lower portion displays the Slate Valley Unified logo in the center against a blue and green abstract background. Surrounding the district logo are the logos of the district’s schools: Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS), Benson Village School (BVS), Fair Haven Union Middle School (FHU Middle School), Fair Haven Union High School (FHU High School), Orwell Village School (OVS), and Castleton Elementary School (CES). The Vermont Education Quality Standards logo appears in the upper left corner, and the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future” appears in the lower right corner.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Erica Stoliker ✨🎓
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic congratulating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 student Erica Stoliker. The graphic announces that Erica will attend the Community College of Vermont to study Business and Project Management. It features the FHU Slaters logo, CCV logo, and a photo of Erica smiling while peeking out from behind a bookshelf. Blue and gray geometric accents and the Slate Valley logo appear throughout the design.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Bella Manley ✨🎓
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic congratulating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 student Bella Manley for earning her cosmetology license. The design features the FHU Slaters logo, congratulatory text, and a black-and-white photo of Bella standing beside a horse while wearing a cowboy hat, western shirt, and jeans. A cosmetology icon and the Slate Valley logo appear on the graphic with blue and gray geometric accents.
⚾🎓 Senior Night Celebration! 🎓⚾

Last night, Fair Haven Union High School proudly celebrated our senior baseball players: Mason Gutel, Cody Adams, and Caleb Long!

These student-athletes have dedicated countless hours to the game, their teammates, and the Slater baseball program. Their leadership, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Thank you for representing FHU with pride throughout your baseball careers. We wish each of you the very best as you finish your senior year and take on your next adventures! 💙🤍

Congratulations, Mason, Cody, and Caleb! Once a Slater, always a Slater! ⚾👏
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Three Fair Haven Union High School senior baseball players stand together on the pitcher’s mound with their arms around each other during Senior Night. The players wear gray Slaters baseball uniforms and navy caps, with a sunny field and trees in the background.
🥎💙 Celebrating our FHUHS Softball Seniors! 💙🥎

Senior Night is always a special opportunity to recognize the dedication, leadership, and memories created over years on the field. Last night we celebrated five outstanding Slaters who have helped shape this program through their hard work, teamwork, and commitment.

Congratulations to our seniors:
⭐ Riley Babbie
⭐ Olivia Paige
⭐ Emma Surething
⭐ Victoria Genier
⭐ Savannah Wilkinson

Thank you for the countless practices, games, laughs, and memories you've given to FHUHS Softball. Your impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard, and we are excited to see where your next chapters take you.

Join us in celebrating these seniors and wishing them the very best! 🥎🎓
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Five FHUHS softball seniors stand together on the field during Senior Night wearing white Slaters uniforms and gold “Senior” sashes. Pictured from left to right are Riley Babbie, Olivia Paige, Emma Surething, Victoria Genier, and Savannah Wilkinson smiling with their arms around one another in front of a chain-link fence and softball field on a sunny day.
📣 Community members are invited to attend the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting!

The Community Advisory Council provides an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations that help support and strengthen our Slate Valley schools.

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕔 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School

This meeting will also serve as the final Community Advisory Council meeting of the 2025–26 school year. Thank you to everyone who has participated and shared ideas throughout the year. Your voices, perspectives, and collaboration help make our Slate Valley community stronger.

We hope you’ll join us as we wrap up another great year together!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting featuring the Slate Valley logo in the center surrounded by stylized figures in blue and green representing community members. Text reads: “Slate Valley Community Advisory Council.” Meeting information at the bottom states: “Next Meeting: June 2, 2026 – 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM, Central Office Conference Room at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.”
🎓✨ Calling All Seniors — We Want to Celebrate YOU! ✨🎓

Graduation is right around the corner, and we want to help share your next chapter with the Slate Valley community! Whether you’re heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, pursuing a trade, taking a gap year, or following another exciting path, we want to hear your story.

Our communities love celebrating the many unique journeys our graduates take, and there is no better way to showcase the incredible accomplishments and future plans of the Class of 2026.

Please take a few moments to complete the form and help us spotlight your achievements and what comes next!

📅 Submit by May 27
🔗 Complete the form here: https://bit.ly/FHUClassof2026
📱 Or simply scan the QR code on the flyer.

We’re incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished and cannot wait to celebrate the amazing places life takes you.
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer with the headline “Calling All Seniors” under a spotlight graphic. Text encourages members of the Class of 2026 to be featured on the district website and social media platforms by completing a form. A deadline of May 27 is displayed. The flyer includes a link (bit.ly/FHUClassof2026), a QR code labeled “Scan Me,” graduation cap graphics throughout, and a message expressing pride in seniors’ accomplishments and excitement to share their successes with the community.
🏫➡️💙 Preparing for the next chapter!

On Friday, May 22, members of our middle school team hit the road for a special Traveling Road Show, visiting all four Slate Valley elementary schools to meet with current 6th grade students and help ease the transition to middle school.

Kim Ezzo, Archie Clark, Alex Chirgwin, and Principal Paquette spent time answering questions, sharing what students can expect, and helping future middle schoolers feel excited and confident about the move ahead.

Transitioning to a new school is a big milestone, and these visits are an important opportunity to help students learn more about middle school life, build connections, and begin seeing themselves as part of the FHU Middle School community.
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Middle school administrators and faculty members stand at the front of a classroom speaking with a group of sixth grade students seated around tables. Students listen attentively during a visit focused on preparing them for the transition to middle school. A smart board, classroom posters, and learning materials are visible in the background.
Over the next several days, students and staff at FHUMHS will participate in the school’s final “Options-Based” safety drill of the year. This drill provides an important opportunity for our school community to review and practice safety procedures as we continue working to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment at FHU.
6 days ago, Ben Worthing
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Lace up your sneakers and join the fun! Slate Valley Rotary’s Annual 5K Fun Run & Walk is coming up, and every step supports a great cause.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Park
⏰ Registration: 7:45 a.m.
⏰ Event Start: 8:30 a.m.

All proceeds will benefit the Slaters Track & Field Team, helping support student-athletes and their programs. Whether you’re running for a personal best, walking with friends and family, or simply showing your Slater spirit, everyone is welcome!

💲 Registration Fees:
• Adults: $20
• Kids under 12: $10

Pre-register on active.com and help support our Slaters while enjoying a fun community event! 🏅💙
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer promoting Slate Valley Rotary’s Annual 5K Fun Run and Walk. The design features silhouettes of three runners in pink, white, and blue against a blue background. Event details include: Saturday, June 27, 2026; registration begins at 7:45 a.m. at Fair Haven Park; event starts at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Slaters Track & Field Team. Registration costs are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. The flyer also includes Rotary International branding, a QR code, and information to pre-register on active.com.
🦋🥎 Join us as FHU Varsity Softball takes the field for a meaningful cause during the Morgan’s Message Dedication Game at Fair Haven!

📅 Wednesday, May 27
🥎 Fair Haven vs. Middlebury

Morgan’s Message is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community, normalizing conversations about mental wellness, and ensuring mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.

This dedication game honors the mission of Morgan Rodgers and raises awareness that athletes are more than their performance — mental health matters, too. Together, we can help create a culture where student-athletes feel supported, heard, and empowered to seek help when needed.

Come support our Slaters and stand with us as we take a shot at mental health. 💙🦋
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer promoting the Morgan’s Message Dedication Game at Fair Haven. The design features blue and teal colors with butterfly graphics and decorative accents. Large text reads “Morgan’s Message Dedication Game @ Fair Haven.” The center includes the Morgan’s Message butterfly logo with the phrase “Taking a Shot at Mental Health.” Event information at the bottom reads: “Varsity Softball – Fair Haven vs. Middlebury – Wednesday, May 27th.”
🌿🚣 Celebrating 40 Years of Summer Environmental Projects! 🚣🌿

For four decades, students and community members in Slate Valley have explored, learned, and connected with nature through unforgettable summer environmental programs—from the original East Creek Project, to CARP & CHAMP, and today’s GAP program.

Now it’s time to celebrate this incredible milestone together!

📅 Saturday, May 30
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 Glen Lake

Whether you participated years ago, are involved today, or simply enjoy the outdoors, everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate 40 years of environmental learning, stewardship, and memories.

🚣 Need a kayak? Kayaks may be available to borrow! Contact cstantonvt@gmail.com

Come reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the impact these programs have had across generations. 🌲
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer with a light green background celebrating “40 Years of Summer Environmental Projects.” The flyer includes photos of students and community members kayaking on a lake and exploring nature. Text invites the community to join a celebration at Glen Lake on Saturday, May 30 at 10:00 a.m. The flyer explains that the event marks the 40th anniversary of the original East Creek Project and celebrates four decades of environmental programs in Slate Valley, including East Creek Project, CARP & CHAMP, and GAP. A note at the bottom says kayaks may be available to borrow and provides the contact email cstantonvt@gmail.com
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 22, 2026. The design features a Memorial Day theme with patriotic imagery, including American flags, red poppies, a bugler silhouette playing a trumpet, and a military figure saluting. “Memorial Day” appears in the center beneath red, white, and blue banner decorations, with Slate Valley branding elements incorporated into the design.
Exciting news — tickets for the VPA State Championship Track & Field events are now available through GoFan!

🏃 HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Visit: https://gofan.co/app/school/VPA

A few reminders:
• Tickets must be purchased in advance through GoFan, there is a cash option at the door.
• Digital tickets will be scanned at entry, so spectators should have their phone.
• For any ticketing questions, please direct families to the GoFan Help Center or reach out to the VPA office.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting VPA State Championship Track & Field ticket information for FHU Slaters. Large text reads “VPA State Championship Track & Field – Event Tickets Are Now Available Through GoFan!” A side panel includes instructions for purchasing tickets through GoFan with a website link and QR code. Reminder text notes that tickets should be purchased in advance, digital tickets will be scanned at entry, and families with ticket questions can contact the GoFan Help Center or VPA office. The design features blue, green, and orange geometric accents and the FHU Slaters logo.
This morning, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School gathered for a meaningful Memorial Day program dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The program featured moving performances by the Middle & High School Band, the proud participation of the Fair Haven American Legion Post 49 Color Guard, and a powerful address by guest speaker Mr. Greg Parke of Fair Haven, a retired Lt. Col. of the United States Air Force. His words served as a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and the importance of remembering their service.

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, may we pause to reflect on the true meaning of this day and honor those who gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. ❤️🤍💙
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Members of the Fair Haven American Legion Post 49 Color Guard stand in formation holding flags and ceremonial rifles during the Memorial Day program.
Guest speaker Mr. Greg Parke, a retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, stands at a podium speaking to students and staff during the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Memorial Day program.
A wide view of the school gymnasium shows students gathered for the Memorial Day program while members of the Fair Haven American Legion Post 49 Color Guard stand with flags at the front.
Members of the Fair Haven American Legion Post 49 Color Guard march into the gymnasium carrying flags and ceremonial rifles during the Memorial Day ceremony.