All Slate Valley schools will have an early release tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, followed by No School on Friday, March 13.
📅 Thursday, March 12 – Early Release Day
📅 Friday, March 13 – No School

Throughout the month of March, student artwork from Slate Valley schools is on display at the Fair Haven Welcome Center as part of a regional Youth Art Month exhibition featuring talented artists from several surrounding districts.
Visitors are invited to explore the building and discover student artwork displayed throughout the space. The pieces are thoughtfully placed among the center’s maps, books, and displays—almost like a safari for art, where each turn reveals another creative work from a talented young artist.
👏 Congratulations to our Slater student artists and to all the area students whose work was selected for display. And a special thank you to the dedicated art teachers across our region who inspire creativity and help nurture these incredible talents every day.
If you’re in the area, stop by the Fair Haven Welcome Center and take the journey to find these amazing works of art! 🎨



Student-athletes interested in participating in spring sports should register as soon as possible.
🖥 Register online:
Visit formreleaf.com or click the “Registration” link on the athletics page of your school’s website and select your sport.
📋 Important Reminder:
All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school in order to participate.
Spring sports are just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to get involved and represent the Slaters this season!

🗓️ Conferences will be held:
• Evening of March 11, 2026
• Afternoon of March 12, 2026
📧 Teacher invitations were emailed last week.
We look forward to connecting with you to support student success!


Our student performers have been hard at work rehearsing as they prepare for their upcoming performances. These behind-the-scenes photos capture moments from recent practice as the cast continues to bring their characters and scenes to life.
Students will perform for the school on March 20, followed by their competitive performance on March 21. We’re proud of the time, creativity, and teamwork our students are putting into this production and look forward to seeing it all come together on stage.
Break a leg to the cast and crew! 👏🎭


📣 Slate Valley Budget Challenge: What Changed & What’s Next?
Community members are invited to join us for an open conversation about the revised FY27 school budget.
📅 Monday, March 16
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
🗣️This meeting will be held in person only, with no virtual option available.
This Executive Committee meeting will include an open forum with community members to discuss revisions to the FY27 budget and answer questions ahead of the upcoming revote.
Upcoming Meetings
• March 23 – School Board Meeting – 6:30 PM
• March 30 – Budget Revote Information Meeting – 6:30 PM
🗳 Budget Revote: Tuesday, March 31
Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

The Fair Haven Slaters Boys Basketball Team is headed to the Division II Semifinals!
📍 Barre Auditorium
📅 March 11, 2026
⏰ 7:30 PM
#3 Fair Haven will face #2 Lamoille in an exciting semifinal matchup. Let’s pack the stands and support the Slaters!
🎟 Tickets:
Adults $10 | Seniors $5 | Students $5
Purchase online at https://gofan.co
or buy tickets at the door on game day.
📺 Streaming:
Watch live at www.nfhsnetwork.com
Student fans should sit in the second bleacher section and up, and remember—no artificial noise makers.
Let’s show our Slater pride!
Be Loud! Be Proud! Be Respectful!

Vermont students entering 9th, 10th, and 11th grade have an incredible opportunity to spend part of their summer on a college campus, diving deep into subjects they care about while learning alongside curious and motivated peers from across the state.
Each Governor’s Institute of Vermont (GIV) offers hands-on, experiential learning led by industry professionals, along with the chance to experience campus life and build lasting connections.
This year’s Institutes include:
• Arts
• Engineering
• Entrepreneurship*
• Global Issues & Youth Action
• Health & Medicine
• Mathematical Sciences*
• Technology & Design*
• Weather & Climate Science*
📅 Applications are open now through March 31, 2026.
Learn more and apply: https://giv.org

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/stt-quca-xys
Or dial: (US) +1 551-444-6618 PIN: 289 694 801#
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.

https://mailchi.mp/36c096fa758c/slate-valley-district-newsletter

The Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Visual Arts Program is proud to recognize students whose artwork is being featured in two exciting regional exhibitions this month.
🖼 Chaffee Annual Student Exhibit
📅 Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7 | 12–2 PM
📍 Chaffee Art Center
🗓 On display: March 7 – April 2
Sixteen talented FHU students have work selected for this annual exhibit, representing both our middle and high school art programs.
Participating students:
Payton Colburn, Britton Farwell, Bailey Fowler, Edie Grossarth, Nicole Hathaway, Shira Hertzberg, Giaunna McKinzie, Jazmine McLaren, Averie Parrot, Elizabeth Purdy, Azalea Rehm, Cooper Shaw, Maya Volpe, Izabellah West, Avery Zeitler, and Jack Zsido.
🎨 Youth Art Month Display
📍 Fair Haven Welcome Center
🗓 On display: March 1 – March 29
Eight FHU students are also being featured in the Youth Art Month exhibit, celebrating creativity and student artists throughout the region.
Participating students:
Nicole Hathaway, Shira Hertzberg, Olivia Hutchins, Brynn Otto, Averie Parrott, Azalea Rehm, and Irie Swinington.
We are incredibly proud of these students and the creativity, dedication, and talent they bring to the visual arts program. If you have the opportunity, stop by and support our student artists by viewing their work on display! 👏🎨
More photos from the Chaffee reception will be shared soon.



Friday Focus – March Spotlight: Work Based Learning at FHUHS
This month’s Friday Focus highlights the Work Based Learning (WBL) Program at Fair Haven Union High School, led by Ms. Eliza LeBrun. The program connects classroom learning with real-world experience by placing students in local businesses and organizations while they continue their academic studies.
Two students currently gaining valuable experience through the program are senior Kaidyn Runnells and junior Katie Bouzianis, both working with the Town of Fair Haven.
Kaidyn begins his day at 6:00 a.m. with Fair Haven Public Works, where he has become a paid member of the team. From plowing sidewalks to maintaining equipment, he is building hands-on skills and learning the responsibility that comes with serving the community.
Katie is exploring a future in law enforcement, spending her afternoons at the Fair Haven Police Department after completing her morning classes. She assists with administrative tasks, documentation, and court preparation while also gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a police department.
Recently, Town Manager Joseph Gunter even placed an impromptu call to Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell to share how impressed the town has been with both students and the program—recognizing their work ethic and the positive impact they are making.
A big thank you to the Town of Fair Haven and our community partners who help make opportunities like this possible.
Local businesses interested in mentoring a student through Work Based Learning are encouraged to reach out to Principal Ben Worthing (bworthing@svuvt.org) or Ms. Eliza LeBrun (elebrun@svuvt.org) at 802-265-4966.
Through the leadership of Ms. LeBrun and the support of community partners, students like Kaidyn and Katie are not only learning about careers—they are stepping into them.






Community members are invited to join Senator Ruth Hardy tomorrow for a casual Coffee and Conversation gathering.
Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome.
📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library
Senator Hardy will share updates from the current legislative session and discuss Act 73, with time for questions and conversation with community members.
This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your perspectives, and connect with your local senator.
Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.
We hope to see you tomorrow morning!


The #3-seeded Slater Boys Basketball Team is moving on in the VPA Division II playoffs and will host #6 Harwood in the quarterfinal round this Saturday. Let’s pack the gym and show our Slater pride!
📅 Saturday, March 7
⏰ Game Time: 2:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
Pre-Game Shootaround:
• Harwood: 12:40 PM
• Fair Haven: 1:00 PM
🎟 Ticket Prices:
• $10 Adults
• $5 Students & Senior Citizens
Tickets go on sale at 1:00 PM
Entrance Information:
• Fair Haven season ticket holders & students enter through the cafeteria
• General admission enters through the lobby/main hallway
• Gym doors open at 1:30 PM
⚠️ FHU season passes are not valid for VPA playoff games.
📺 Streaming available on NFHS Network:
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/
Let’s fill the stands and cheer on the Slaters!

Let’s rewind about 50 years to a very different classroom! In 1976, tools like pull-down maps, film projectors, card catalogs, and manual typewriters were everyday staples for students and teachers. Many of these once-essential items have now been replaced by today’s digital technology.
How many of these classroom classics did you recognize? 👀
Drop in the comments other “old school” classroom items you remember seeing that are no longer used today!

Cassandra Murphy – FHUHS Class of 2010
March’s Where Are They Now Wednesday spotlight shines on Fair Haven Union High School alumna Cassandra Murphy, a 2010 graduate whose journey reflects determination, leadership, and pride in her roots.
After graduating from FHUHS, Cassandra continued her education at Castleton University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in 2016. During her college years, she also made the decision to serve her country. In 2011, she enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard, where she served for eight years as a mechanic. It was during her time in the Guard that she met her husband, building both a career path and a lifelong partnership.
Cassandra credits two FHUHS educators for having a meaningful impact on her life. Mr. Bruce encouraged her to always be unapologetically herself—advice that continues to guide her personally and professionally. Mr. Wilson, her math teacher and soccer coach, instilled in her the importance of pushing beyond limits, working hard, and pursuing goals with determination. Those lessons carried far beyond the classroom and the field.
While at FHUHS, Cassandra was a three-sport varsity athlete, competing in soccer as well as indoor and outdoor track. She was part of an exceptional outdoor track team that earned four consecutive state championships from her freshman through senior year—a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to teamwork and dedication.
Today, Cassandra serves as a Senior Buyer at C&S Wholesale Grocers in Keene, New Hampshire—the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the United States. She plans to continue growing within the company and advancing her career.
Family remains at the heart of Cassandra’s life. She and her husband, whom she met in the National Guard in 2014, are raising their five-year-old daughter in New Hampshire. Together, they enjoy camping and frequently return to the Fair Haven area to spend time outdoors with family and friends.
When asked what advice she would offer today’s Slate Valley students, Cassandra shares a heartfelt reminder: enjoy every moment of high school. “These are truly the best years of your life,” she says. “They go by in the blink of an eye.”
From championship athlete to military service member to corporate leadership, Cassandra Murphy’s journey is a proud example of where dedication and hard work can lead.


