Read important information about the future of Slate Valley in this issue of the SVUUSD Newsletter - June 12, 2026: https://mailchi.mp/f9c5248ac253/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836886
🎓🏆 Celebrating Excellence at FHUMHS 🏆🎓
Last evening, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School proudly recognized the achievements, hard work, and bright futures of our students during the annual Scholarship and Honor Awards Ceremony.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of local organizations, businesses, families, and community members, more than $60,000 in local scholarships was awarded to members of the Class of 2026.
In addition, our college and university partners presented awards and scholarship opportunities totaling $282,000 per year. If utilized over four years, these awards could provide students with an incredible $1,128,000 in educational support.
The evening was a celebration not only of academic achievement, leadership, service, and perseverance, but also of a community that continues to invest in the success of its students.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients and scholarship winners. Your hard work has opened doors to exciting opportunities, and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to our scholarship donors, community organizations, alumni, families, and college partners whose generosity helps make these opportunities possible for our students.
Last evening, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School proudly recognized the achievements, hard work, and bright futures of our students during the annual Scholarship and Honor Awards Ceremony.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of local organizations, businesses, families, and community members, more than $60,000 in local scholarships was awarded to members of the Class of 2026.
In addition, our college and university partners presented awards and scholarship opportunities totaling $282,000 per year. If utilized over four years, these awards could provide students with an incredible $1,128,000 in educational support.
The evening was a celebration not only of academic achievement, leadership, service, and perseverance, but also of a community that continues to invest in the success of its students.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients and scholarship winners. Your hard work has opened doors to exciting opportunities, and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years ahead.
A heartfelt thank you to our scholarship donors, community organizations, alumni, families, and college partners whose generosity helps make these opportunities possible for our students.
⭐ Welcoming New Members to the Matthew Lyon Chapter of the National Honor Society ⭐
Last evening, Fair Haven Union High School proudly celebrated the induction of nine new members into the Matthew Lyon Chapter of the National Honor Society.
The ceremony recognized students who have demonstrated excellence in the four pillars of the National Honor Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. Current NHS members shared personal remarks and formally inducted each of the new members, making the evening especially meaningful.
Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society members:
🔹 Brody Doran
🔹 Luca Carrabino
🔹 Max Carrabino
🔹 Orianna Kerr
🔹 Chloe Marsden
🔹 Anna MacKay
🔹 Charmaine Mullins
🔹 Elisabeth Rockwell
🔹 Abigail Young
A special thank you to NHS Advisor Mr. Bruce, who welcomed guests and provided closing remarks, helping guide a memorable evening of recognition and achievement.
Congratulations to all of our inductees on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make both within our school and throughout the community.
🎓✨ Full circle moment! ✨🎓
Yesterday, the FHU Class of 2026 returned to the schools where it all began for one last walk through the halls. ❤️
Cheered on by students, staff, and former teachers, our seniors took a trip down memory lane before taking their next big step into graduation tomorrow night.
From kindergarten classrooms to graduation caps and gowns... look how far they've come! 🎉
Yesterday, the FHU Class of 2026 returned to the schools where it all began for one last walk through the halls. ❤️
Cheered on by students, staff, and former teachers, our seniors took a trip down memory lane before taking their next big step into graduation tomorrow night.
From kindergarten classrooms to graduation caps and gowns... look how far they've come! 🎉
Fair Haven Union High School Graduation Ceremony's Latest Update
Dear Families, Graduates, and Community Members,
We would like to share an important update regarding the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
First, we want to clarify that the original decision to move graduation from the outdoor tent was not based solely on the forecasted heat. After consultation with the National Weather Service, we were advised that the threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday evening makes it unsafe to hold an event outdoors under a tent.
After initially planning to move the ceremony inside Fair Haven Union High School, we recognized concerns about space limitations and wanted to ensure that all family members, friends, and community supporters could comfortably attend this important celebration. For that reason, the graduation ceremony has been relocated to the Spartan Arena in Rutland, Vermont, which offers ample seating for all guests.
Therefore: The Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 12, beginning at 6:00 PM at Spartan Arena.
With the move to Spartan Arena, our graduation ceremony will return to its original, traditional format, and there will be no ticket requirement, as seating will be plentiful for all who wish to attend.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Rutland High School for their support in helping make this transition possible. We would also like to thank Celebration Rentals and Atomic Sound for their assistance with the seating and audio changes, and finally, a special thank you to Spartan Arena for graciously hosting our graduates and their families.
All seniors are required to report to Spartan Arena at 12:00 PM on Friday for the final graduation rehearsal.
All seniors are to be at Spartan Arena by 5:15PM before the start of the ceremony,
We appreciate and value the input we received from parents who shared concerns about holding graduation in the high school gymnasium and offered alternative suggestions. At the time those conversations were taking place, we were already working with the Rutland Area Superintendent to explore other options. Because of the costs, logistics, and short turnaround time involved, we could not guarantee that an alternative venue would be available. We are grateful that those efforts were successful and that Spartan Arena can now host the ceremony with ample seating for all who wish to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fair Haven Union High School office at 802-265-4966.
Dear Families, Graduates, and Community Members,
We would like to share an important update regarding the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
First, we want to clarify that the original decision to move graduation from the outdoor tent was not based solely on the forecasted heat. After consultation with the National Weather Service, we were advised that the threat of severe thunderstorms on Friday evening makes it unsafe to hold an event outdoors under a tent.
After initially planning to move the ceremony inside Fair Haven Union High School, we recognized concerns about space limitations and wanted to ensure that all family members, friends, and community supporters could comfortably attend this important celebration. For that reason, the graduation ceremony has been relocated to the Spartan Arena in Rutland, Vermont, which offers ample seating for all guests.
Therefore: The Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 12, beginning at 6:00 PM at Spartan Arena.
With the move to Spartan Arena, our graduation ceremony will return to its original, traditional format, and there will be no ticket requirement, as seating will be plentiful for all who wish to attend.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Rutland High School for their support in helping make this transition possible. We would also like to thank Celebration Rentals and Atomic Sound for their assistance with the seating and audio changes, and finally, a special thank you to Spartan Arena for graciously hosting our graduates and their families.
All seniors are required to report to Spartan Arena at 12:00 PM on Friday for the final graduation rehearsal.
All seniors are to be at Spartan Arena by 5:15PM before the start of the ceremony,
We appreciate and value the input we received from parents who shared concerns about holding graduation in the high school gymnasium and offered alternative suggestions. At the time those conversations were taking place, we were already working with the Rutland Area Superintendent to explore other options. Because of the costs, logistics, and short turnaround time involved, we could not guarantee that an alternative venue would be available. We are grateful that those efforts were successful and that Spartan Arena can now host the ceremony with ample seating for all who wish to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact the Fair Haven Union High School office at 802-265-4966.
COAP joins VOAP on the Slate Valley Trails!
🗽⚾ Senior Trip 2026: New York City Adventure! ⚾🗽
The Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 recently enjoyed an unforgettable senior trip to New York City on June 7–8!
The adventure began bright and early Sunday morning with an 8:00 a.m. departure from school and a trip straight to Yankee Stadium, where students experienced the excitement of Major League Baseball in one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
After the game, the group traveled through Manhattan, taking in views of Central Park East and the bright lights of Times Square before heading through the Lincoln Tunnel to the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for dinner and shopping.
The class spent the night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and enjoyed breakfast together the following morning before crossing the George Washington Bridge and heading to the Bronx Zoo. Students spent several hours exploring exhibits and wildlife before gathering for a class photo and beginning the journey home.
Thank you to the chaperones who helped make this memorable experience possible. What a fantastic way for the Class of 2026 to celebrate their final days together as high school students! 🎓🗽
The Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 recently enjoyed an unforgettable senior trip to New York City on June 7–8!
The adventure began bright and early Sunday morning with an 8:00 a.m. departure from school and a trip straight to Yankee Stadium, where students experienced the excitement of Major League Baseball in one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
After the game, the group traveled through Manhattan, taking in views of Central Park East and the bright lights of Times Square before heading through the Lincoln Tunnel to the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for dinner and shopping.
The class spent the night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and enjoyed breakfast together the following morning before crossing the George Washington Bridge and heading to the Bronx Zoo. Students spent several hours exploring exhibits and wildlife before gathering for a class photo and beginning the journey home.
Thank you to the chaperones who helped make this memorable experience possible. What a fantastic way for the Class of 2026 to celebrate their final days together as high school students! 🎓🗽
Submitted by Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Haley: On Tuesday, 8th graders traveled to the Lake George area for the day. The morning was spent either mini-golfing at Hillbilly Fun Park or climbing the ropes course at the Adirondack Adventure Center in Lake Luzerne, NY. (The same place we go rafting in 7th grade!)
After the morning activities, the whole group came back together and boarded the Mohican, with the Lake George Steamboat Company, where we enjoyed a BBQ Chicken dinner and dancing while we cruised the lake.
We had an absolutely gorgeous day!
After the morning activities, the whole group came back together and boarded the Mohican, with the Lake George Steamboat Company, where we enjoyed a BBQ Chicken dinner and dancing while we cruised the lake.
We had an absolutely gorgeous day!
📈🌱 Real-World Learning in Action! 🌱📈
Students in Fair Haven Union High School’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship class recently wrapped up their semester by presenting a comprehensive Business Analysis and Marketing Plan to a real client, Sue Cook, owner of Horse Amour and creator of Flora Amour, an innovative plant wipe designed to keep plants clean while supporting healthy growth.
Working as a professional consulting team, students developed a complete marketing strategy that included:
✅ A new website concept to showcase the product
✅ Promotional materials such as brochures and business cards
✅ An Instagram marketing video
✅ A cost analysis for television advertising
✅ Branding and marketing recommendations to help grow the business
The presentation served as the students’ final project, giving them the opportunity to apply classroom learning to an authentic business challenge. Ms. Cook was impressed by the students’ creativity, professionalism, and thoughtful recommendations—and plans to incorporate several of their ideas moving forward.
Congratulations to these students for demonstrating the innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are at the heart of entrepreneurship!
Students in Fair Haven Union High School’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship class recently wrapped up their semester by presenting a comprehensive Business Analysis and Marketing Plan to a real client, Sue Cook, owner of Horse Amour and creator of Flora Amour, an innovative plant wipe designed to keep plants clean while supporting healthy growth.
Working as a professional consulting team, students developed a complete marketing strategy that included:
✅ A new website concept to showcase the product
✅ Promotional materials such as brochures and business cards
✅ An Instagram marketing video
✅ A cost analysis for television advertising
✅ Branding and marketing recommendations to help grow the business
The presentation served as the students’ final project, giving them the opportunity to apply classroom learning to an authentic business challenge. Ms. Cook was impressed by the students’ creativity, professionalism, and thoughtful recommendations—and plans to incorporate several of their ideas moving forward.
Congratulations to these students for demonstrating the innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are at the heart of entrepreneurship!
Submitted by Eliza LeBrun, our Work Based Learning Coordinator & Educator: Congratulations to Serena Wasilesky, Fair Haven Union Class of 2026, and Tori Raymond, Fair Haven Union Class of 2025, on successfully completing the Adult Career & Technical Education Phlebotomy Certificate Program at Stafford Technical Center!
Through hard work, determination, and countless hours of hands-on training, Serena and Tori have developed the knowledge and skills needed to begin their journey in the healthcare field.
Please join us in celebrating and welcoming our two newest phlebotomists! 🩸🎉
We are proud of all that Serena and Tori have accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive difference they will make in their communities.
Through hard work, determination, and countless hours of hands-on training, Serena and Tori have developed the knowledge and skills needed to begin their journey in the healthcare field.
Please join us in celebrating and welcoming our two newest phlebotomists! 🩸🎉
We are proud of all that Serena and Tori have accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive difference they will make in their communities.
🎓⭐ Congratulations, Elaina Allard! ⭐🎓
Fair Haven Union High School is proud to celebrate senior Elaina Allard, who has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program National Semifinalist!
Selected from more than 3.7 million graduating seniors nationwide, Elaina is one of just 627 semifinalists recognized across the country—and one of only seven students from Vermont to earn this distinction.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors, recognizing exceptional achievement, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
Later this summer, the U.S. Department of Education will announce the finalists, with two scholars selected from each state.
Please join us in congratulating Elaina on this remarkable accomplishment and wishing her the very best as she continues through this prestigious selection process! 🎉
Fair Haven Union High School is proud to celebrate senior Elaina Allard, who has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program National Semifinalist!
Selected from more than 3.7 million graduating seniors nationwide, Elaina is one of just 627 semifinalists recognized across the country—and one of only seven students from Vermont to earn this distinction.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school seniors, recognizing exceptional achievement, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
Later this summer, the U.S. Department of Education will announce the finalists, with two scholars selected from each state.
Please join us in congratulating Elaina on this remarkable accomplishment and wishing her the very best as she continues through this prestigious selection process! 🎉
🎓 FHUHS Graduation Ceremony Update
Friday, June 12
⏰ New Start Time: 6:00 PM
(Moved up from 7:00 PM due to the forecast for thunderstorms and lightning.)
🎓 Seniors: Please arrive by 5:15 PM and report directly to the gymnasium.
☀️ Heat Advisory
With temperatures expected to feel near 100°F, the ceremony schedule has been adjusted for guest comfort.
Updated Ceremony Order:
Welcome Address
Presentation of Diplomas
Brief 5-Minute Intermission
Student Speeches
Senior Recognitions
Musical Performances
Closing Remarks
We are so proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating them on Friday night. If you have questions, please contact the school office at (802)265-4966.
Thank you!
Friday, June 12
⏰ New Start Time: 6:00 PM
(Moved up from 7:00 PM due to the forecast for thunderstorms and lightning.)
🎓 Seniors: Please arrive by 5:15 PM and report directly to the gymnasium.
☀️ Heat Advisory
With temperatures expected to feel near 100°F, the ceremony schedule has been adjusted for guest comfort.
Updated Ceremony Order:
Welcome Address
Presentation of Diplomas
Brief 5-Minute Intermission
Student Speeches
Senior Recognitions
Musical Performances
Closing Remarks
We are so proud of our seniors and look forward to celebrating them on Friday night. If you have questions, please contact the school office at (802)265-4966.
Thank you!
🌲🥾 Outdoor Pursuits Wraps Up the Year with an Overnight Adventure at Silver Lake! 🏕️🌅
On June 4 and 5, students in Fair Haven Union Middle & High School's Outdoor Pursuits class put a year’s worth of skills to the test during a two-day, one-night expedition at Silver Lake in Goshen, Vermont.
Carrying everything they needed on their backs—including food, tents, sleeping gear, cooking supplies, and personal equipment—students embraced the challenge of living and working outdoors. Student groups were responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking all of their meals, while also setting up their own tents and hammocks at camp.
The trip offered plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through fishing, swimming, and exploring the beautiful Silver Lake area. One of the highlights was a sunset hike to a scenic overlook, where students and chaperones shared a quiet, contemplative 15 minutes of silence while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
After a night under the stars, students spent Friday competing in an Outdoor Pursuits Olympics, putting their outdoor skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and perseverance to the test through a variety of challenges learned throughout the school year.
From carrying their own gear to working together as a team, the trip was a memorable celebration of growth, responsibility, and adventure. What a fantastic way to wrap up another year of Outdoor Pursuits! 🌲🏕️
On June 4 and 5, students in Fair Haven Union Middle & High School's Outdoor Pursuits class put a year’s worth of skills to the test during a two-day, one-night expedition at Silver Lake in Goshen, Vermont.
Carrying everything they needed on their backs—including food, tents, sleeping gear, cooking supplies, and personal equipment—students embraced the challenge of living and working outdoors. Student groups were responsible for planning, preparing, and cooking all of their meals, while also setting up their own tents and hammocks at camp.
The trip offered plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through fishing, swimming, and exploring the beautiful Silver Lake area. One of the highlights was a sunset hike to a scenic overlook, where students and chaperones shared a quiet, contemplative 15 minutes of silence while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
After a night under the stars, students spent Friday competing in an Outdoor Pursuits Olympics, putting their outdoor skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and perseverance to the test through a variety of challenges learned throughout the school year.
From carrying their own gear to working together as a team, the trip was a memorable celebration of growth, responsibility, and adventure. What a fantastic way to wrap up another year of Outdoor Pursuits! 🌲🏕️
⛏️💎 The Minecraft Field Trip Comes to Life! 💎⛏️
After spending much of the year talking about and playing Minecraft, students in Fair Haven Union High School's Honors Geology class got the chance to experience their own real-world mining adventure during a field trip to the Herkimer Diamond Mines in Central New York on Thursday, June 4.
Students spent the day exploring the quarry, learning about geology in action, and searching for Herkimer Diamonds—double-terminated quartz crystals that have made the area famous among rock and mineral enthusiasts. Armed with hammers, chisels, safety gear, and plenty of determination, students climbed, dug, cracked rocks, and hunted for hidden treasures throughout the site.
The result? A day filled with discovery, hands-on learning, teamwork, and some very exciting finds. By all accounts, the class had a blast and returned home with some impressive Herkimer Diamonds and memories that will last long after the school year ends.
A special thank you to Mr. McCarthy for providing this unique learning opportunity and helping geology come alive outside the classroom!
After spending much of the year talking about and playing Minecraft, students in Fair Haven Union High School's Honors Geology class got the chance to experience their own real-world mining adventure during a field trip to the Herkimer Diamond Mines in Central New York on Thursday, June 4.
Students spent the day exploring the quarry, learning about geology in action, and searching for Herkimer Diamonds—double-terminated quartz crystals that have made the area famous among rock and mineral enthusiasts. Armed with hammers, chisels, safety gear, and plenty of determination, students climbed, dug, cracked rocks, and hunted for hidden treasures throughout the site.
The result? A day filled with discovery, hands-on learning, teamwork, and some very exciting finds. By all accounts, the class had a blast and returned home with some impressive Herkimer Diamonds and memories that will last long after the school year ends.
A special thank you to Mr. McCarthy for providing this unique learning opportunity and helping geology come alive outside the classroom!
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Slaters Shine at the D2 Track & Field State Championships! 🏅💙
Congratulations to our Fair Haven Union High School Track & Field athletes on an outstanding performance at the D2 State Championships held Friday at Burlington High School!
The Slaters brought home impressive finishes, personal bests, and team-record performances:
⭐ Audrey Perry placed 4th in the Girls Triple Jump with a new personal best.
⭐ The Girls 4x100M Relay team of Audrey Perry, Ellie Merkel, Bella Workman, and Abby Brannock finished 5th while setting a new school team best time.
⭐ Marshall Robinson earned 4th place in the Boys Javelin.
⭐ Owen Knapp recorded personal bests in both distance events, placing 6th in the 800M and 4th in the 1500M.
⭐ Shane Raetz had an exceptional day, placing:
• 🥇 1st in the Boys 100M, repeating as the D2 State Champion and setting a new personal best
• 🥉 3rd in the Long Jump
• 4th in the 200M with a new personal best
⭐ The Boys 4x100M Relay team of Jake Desrocher, Hunter Adams, Marshall Robinson, and Shane Raetz finished as State Runner-Up, placing 2nd while lowering their time to a new team record after entering the meet seeded 5th.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and determination shown by all of our student-athletes throughout the season. Congratulations, Slaters! 💙👏
Congratulations to our Fair Haven Union High School Track & Field athletes on an outstanding performance at the D2 State Championships held Friday at Burlington High School!
The Slaters brought home impressive finishes, personal bests, and team-record performances:
⭐ Audrey Perry placed 4th in the Girls Triple Jump with a new personal best.
⭐ The Girls 4x100M Relay team of Audrey Perry, Ellie Merkel, Bella Workman, and Abby Brannock finished 5th while setting a new school team best time.
⭐ Marshall Robinson earned 4th place in the Boys Javelin.
⭐ Owen Knapp recorded personal bests in both distance events, placing 6th in the 800M and 4th in the 1500M.
⭐ Shane Raetz had an exceptional day, placing:
• 🥇 1st in the Boys 100M, repeating as the D2 State Champion and setting a new personal best
• 🥉 3rd in the Long Jump
• 4th in the 200M with a new personal best
⭐ The Boys 4x100M Relay team of Jake Desrocher, Hunter Adams, Marshall Robinson, and Shane Raetz finished as State Runner-Up, placing 2nd while lowering their time to a new team record after entering the meet seeded 5th.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and determination shown by all of our student-athletes throughout the season. Congratulations, Slaters! 💙👏
Submitted by Music Teacher Ms. Sam Adams: This past Friday our Middle School and High School bands performed at the High Notes Music Festival where they were adjudicated by two music professors from Castleton Vermont State University and received scores and feedback based on their performances.
Our High School band achieved the highest ranking of Superior and our Middle School band achieved the second highest ranking of Excellent.
If you see any of our band students, please feel free to congratulate them!
Our High School band achieved the highest ranking of Superior and our Middle School band achieved the second highest ranking of Excellent.
If you see any of our band students, please feel free to congratulate them!
Special Board Meeting - June 8, 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/vsx-qjxt-kye
Or dial: (US) +1 234-719-4117 PIN: 856 473 497#
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.
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/vsx-qjxt-kye
Or dial: (US) +1 234-719-4117 PIN: 856 473 497#
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.
PLEASE check out the latest Slate Valley District Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/0936e2d3fb42/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836831
Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.
We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.
Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
Each week, we share student achievements, classroom highlights, upcoming events, staff and alumni spotlights, and important district news from across Slate Valley. It's also where Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell regularly shares updates on educational initiatives and state-level developments that may impact our schools.
We encourage families and community members to take a few minutes to open the newsletter and scroll through. You might discover a student success story, learn about an upcoming event, or gain insight into the work happening throughout our district.
Thank you for helping us celebrate, support, and stay connected to the Slate Valley community!
Middle School students in Mr. VanDerKern’s Design Lab are wrapping up the school year with a real-world engineering challenge: designing and building a better birdhouse.
Throughout the project, students followed the same design process used by scientists, engineers, and conservation professionals—brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, testing designs, solving problems, and making improvements along the way. The result? Dozens of unique birdhouses built through creativity, teamwork, perseverance, and innovation.
This exciting STEM experience was made possible through a $2,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), providing students with the tools, materials, and opportunities to turn their ideas into reality.
Throughout the project, students followed the same design process used by scientists, engineers, and conservation professionals—brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, testing designs, solving problems, and making improvements along the way. The result? Dozens of unique birdhouses built through creativity, teamwork, perseverance, and innovation.
This exciting STEM experience was made possible through a $2,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), providing students with the tools, materials, and opportunities to turn their ideas into reality.
Friday Focus: Field Trips - Learning Beyond the Classroom
As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.
Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.
Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.
These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
As the school year begins to wind down, students across Slate Valley have been taking their learning on the road through a variety of engaging field trips and off-site educational experiences. These opportunities provide valuable hands-on learning, real-world connections, and memories that often last long after the school year ends.
Field trips allow students to explore concepts beyond textbooks and classroom walls while building curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Whether visiting museums, historical sites, local businesses, or participating in special events, students gain experiences that enrich and extend classroom learning.
Over the past several weeks, students throughout the district have been busy exploring:
- Benson Village School and Orwell Village School students spent a day at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, learning about Vermont's rich maritime history and the importance of Lake Champlain.
- Castleton Elementary School first graders visited the Wonderfeet Kids' Museum, where they enjoyed hands-on exploration and participated in an engineering activity focused on the importance of bees and pollination.
- Fair Haven Union Middle School students and Castleton Elementary fourth graders attended Patriots on the Mount at Mount Independence, a special event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and bringing history to life through immersive experiences.
- Fair Haven Grade School Band and Chorus students showcased their talents at the High Notes Music Festival in Lake George before celebrating their hard work with a visit to The Great Escape.
- Fair Haven Union High School Career Exploration students toured Telescope Casual Furniture in Granville, gaining firsthand insight into manufacturing careers and the many opportunities available within our local workforce.
These experiences require significant planning, coordination, and teamwork behind the scenes. As we celebrate the learning that takes place beyond the classroom, we also want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, support staff, administrators, community partners, families, and transportation teams who help make these opportunities possible.
