🎓✨ 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! 🎉
about 2 hours ago, Slate Valley
Members of the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 jump into the air in front of Fair Haven Grade School. Wearing blue caps and gowns, the graduates celebrate together outside the historic brick school building.
Graduating seniors walk through a school hallway while younger students and staff line the walls applauding. One senior wears a decorated graduation cap featuring “Class of 2026.”
Fair Haven Union High School seniors in blue graduation caps and gowns join Castleton Elementary School students for a colorful parachute activity in the gymnasium during their senior walk visit. Elementary students and graduating seniors stand together around the parachute, lifting and lowering it while smiling and participating in the game. An American flag hangs on the wall in the background as classmates and staff look on.
Members of the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026, dressed in blue graduation caps and gowns, pose for a group photo outside Castleton Elementary School. The graduates stand in front of the school entrance beneath the Castleton Elementary School sign during their senior walk visit.
Elementary students hold a long colorful banner decorated with names, drawings, and congratulatory messages for the Class of 2026. The students stand in a school hallway waiting to greet the visiting seniors.
A line of Fair Haven Union High School seniors in blue caps and gowns walks through a school gymnasium. Current students sit and stand along the sides of the gym, clapping and cheering as the graduates pass by.
Graduating seniors in blue caps and gowns join Castleton Elementary School students in a large parachute activity in the gymnasium. Students and graduates stand around the colorful parachute together while staff and classmates watch and cheer.
A group of Fair Haven Union High School seniors wearing blue caps and gowns pose outside Orwell Village School with a staff member. The graduates stand in front of the brick school building and smile for a photo during their senior walk visit.
Graduating seniors in blue caps and gowns walk down an elementary school hallway lined with cheering students holding handmade signs. Younger students clap and wave as the seniors pass by.
Several graduating seniors in blue caps and gowns walk through the courtyard at Orwell Village School while current students and staff line the walkway and applaud. Two seniors lead the group toward the camera.
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.
about 9 hours ago, Slate Valley
Flyer with the Fair Haven Union High School (FHU Slaters) logo announcing an important graduation update. A red banner across the top reads “Important Final Announcement.” Large text in the center states “Graduation Ceremony Update,” followed by “Ceremony Moving to Spartan Arena!” The flyer directs viewers to read the accompanying post for additional details. The bottom of the flyer features blue and silver balloon clusters, a graduation cap, and a large “2026” graphic. The design uses the school colors of red, blue, white, and silver.
COAP joins VOAP on the Slate Valley Trails!
about 11 hours ago, Slate Valley
A group of students and adult leaders pose with their bicycles outside a red barn-style building on a sunny day. Several bikes are parked nearby as the group takes a break before or after a ride.
Students wearing helmets gather with their bicycles beside a red building and parking area. Adult leaders stand nearby as the group prepares for a trail ride.
A student rides a mountain bike across a wooden balance feature on a skills course. The trail area includes gravel paths, grassy fields, and additional riding obstacles.
A trailhead information kiosk stands in a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky. The sign displays a map and information for the Slate Valley Trails Fairgrounds Trails network.
A student wearing a bicycle helmet and backpack sits on a mountain bike in a grassy field. Another bike is parked beside them on a sunny day.
A line of student cyclists rides along a grassy trail bordered by tall grass and trees. The group heads toward a wooded area under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Two cyclists navigate a winding bike skills course featuring narrow wooden boardwalk sections and gravel paths. Trees and open grassy fields surround the riding area.
🗽⚾ 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! 🎓🗽
about 11 hours ago, Slate Valley
Exterior view of Yankee Stadium from a roadway approaching the stadium. Cars travel toward the entrance while the large "Yankee Stadium" sign is visible above the building.
Students stand along the railing at Yankee Stadium watching the game from seats near the outfield. Two students wear baseball jerseys while dark clouds gather overhead.
Wide panoramic view of Yankee Stadium during a baseball game. Thousands of fans fill the stands surrounding the field under a sky filled with large white clouds.
View of the Manhattan skyline across a wide river, photographed from a moving vehicle crossing a bridge. Skyscrapers rise in the distance against a clear blue sky.
View of the entrance to the Bronx Zoo featuring a large domed historic building framed by trees and landscaped gardens on a sunny day.
Split image showing three students posing for a selfie inside a zoo exhibit building on the left and two rhinoceroses standing inside their habitat on the right.
Several students relax on large rocks and along a pathway at the Bronx Zoo while enjoying the sunny weather and spending time together before heading home.
Group photo of Fair Haven Union High School seniors gathered outdoors on large rocks and pathways at the Bronx Zoo, smiling together in the shade of tall trees.
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!
about 12 hours ago, Slate Valley
Group photo of students and staff wearing helmets and safety harnesses at an outdoor aerial ropes course, with participants climbing and crossing obstacles in the background.
A student wearing a helmet and harness carefully balances across a suspended ropes course element high among the trees.
A student smiles while riding a zipline through the trees, suspended above the forest floor in a safety harness.
Students navigate multiple elevated ropes course obstacles and platforms among tall trees during an outdoor adventure activity.
Four students pose with mini golf putters in front of a Statue of Liberty replica at a miniature golf course.
Four students stand smiling with mini golf putters in front of a Statue of Liberty replica on a miniature golf course.
Two students celebrate a successful mini golf hole, holding golf balls and raising one finger while standing on a putting green.
Five students pose together on the deck of a boat cruising on Lake George, with mountains and blue water in the background.
Students enjoy the sunshine on the upper deck of the Mohican boat while cruising across Lake George.
Students lean over the railing of a boat, taking in views of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
📈🌱 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!
about 13 hours ago, Slate Valley
A Fair Haven Union High School student presents marketing materials and business recommendations to client Sue Cook during an Innovation & Entrepreneurship class presentation.
Sue Cook takes a photo of three students standing in front of a presentation screen displaying branding for Flora Amour plant wipes.
Two students present a marketing video and advertising strategy for Flora Amour while standing beside a large classroom display screen.
Two students stand in front of a presentation slide titled “FlorAmour Ad Plan,” explaining their marketing recommendations to classmates and a client.
A student presents Flora Amour branding materials and product packaging concepts while standing in front of a classroom display showing the company’s promotional designs.
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.
about 14 hours ago, Slate Valley
Newly certified Phlebotomists Tori Raymond and Serena Wasilesky stand beside their instructor Andrea Sheehan.
🎓⭐ 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! 🎉
1 day ago, Slate Valley
School portrait of a student with long, light brown hair smiling at the camera. The student is wearing a red top and is photographed against a gray studio background.
🎓 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!
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled "FHU Slaters Graduation Ceremony Update" for Friday, June 12. The flyer announces that graduation will begin at 6:00 PM, moved up from 7:00 PM due to the forecast for thunderstorms and lightning. Seniors are instructed to arrive by 5:15 PM and report directly to the gymnasium. The flyer also directs readers to the accompanying post for additional details. The design features the FHU Slaters logo, red alert accents, and silhouettes of graduates tossing caps in the air along the bottom.
🌲🥾 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! 🌲🏕️
2 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of Outdoor Pursuits students stands inside a school entrance with large backpacks, camping gear, sleeping pads, and supplies as they prepare to leave for their overnight trip to Silver Lake.
Students and an instructor participate in an Outdoor Pursuits Olympics activity in a forest clearing, standing in a circle while one student performs a challenge.
Two camping hammocks are suspended between tall trees at a wooded lakeside campsite. Backpacks, boots, and camping gear are arranged nearby.
A student wearing a hoodie and pajama pants sits beside a campfire in the forest, warming up near glowing embers while a tent stands in the background.
Students gather around a picnic table at their campsite preparing a meal using camp stoves and cookware, with food supplies and camping gear spread across the table.
Two students work together to set up a backpacking tent in a wooded campsite surrounded by sleeping pads, backpacks, and outdoor equipment.
Outdoor Pursuits students pose with backpacks and camping equipment at the Goshen Trail trailhead sign surrounded by a green forest.
Students and teacher chaperones gather on a rocky overlook above Silver Lake at sunset, with mountains and colorful evening skies in the background.
Three students stand in a forested campsite near Silver Lake listening during an Outdoor Pursuits activity while an instructor speaks nearby.
Students stand in a wooded campsite discussing a challenge during the Outdoor Pursuits Olympics, surrounded by tall trees and camping equipment.
⛏️💎 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!
2 days ago, Slate Valley
The Honors Geology class poses for a group photo in front of a large quarry rock face. Several students hold up hammers, chisels, and rock samples they collected during the trip.
Several Honors Geology students sit and kneel among piles of broken rock in a large quarry while carefully searching for Herkimer Diamonds. A rocky cliff face rises behind them.
A student wearing safety glasses and earmuffs sits among rocks in the quarry, using a hand tool to carefully search through stone fragments for crystals.
A student kneels on the rocky ground while chiseling into a section of stone, focused on uncovering potential mineral specimens.
A student wearing safety glasses and work gloves uses a hammer and chisel beside a large boulder while searching for Herkimer Diamonds in the quarry.
A student climbs across a rocky ledge and cliff face inside the quarry, exploring higher areas in search of mineral deposits.
Two students pose playfully in the quarry. One dramatically swings a rock hammer while another pretends to lift a large rock, mimicking scenes from the video game Minecraft.
A student wearing a yellow hard hat stands in the quarry holding a large sledgehammer over one shoulder, preparing to break open rocks.
A student raises a sledgehammer overhead while standing among piles of stone in the quarry, ready to crack open a rock.
The Honors Geology class stands side by side along a rock wall in the quarry, using hammers and tools to search for Herkimer Diamonds in the exposed stone.
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 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! 💙👏
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled "2026 D2 Track & Field State Championships – Congratulations!" featuring the Fair Haven Union Slaters logo and a list of state championship results. Results include: Audrey Perry placing 4th in the Girls Triple Jump with a personal best; the Girls 4x100M Relay team of Audrey Perry, Ellie Merkel, Bella Workman, and Abby Brannock placing 5th with a new team best time; Marshall Robinson placing 4th in Boys Javelin; Owen Knapp placing 6th in the Boys 800M and 4th in the Boys 1500M, both with personal bests; Shane Raetz placing 3rd in Boys Long Jump, 4th in Boys 200M with a personal best, and 1st in Boys 100M, repeating as D2 State Champion with a new personal best; and the Boys 4x100M Relay team of Jake Desrocher, Hunter Adams, Marshall Robinson, and Shane Raetz placing 2nd with a new team best time after being seeded fifth. The graphic includes running silhouettes and a gold medal illustration.
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!
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of middle and high school students pose together outside an amusement park entrance on a sunny day. The group stands in front of a building decorated with patriotic bunting and several red, white, and blue balloon arrangements. Some students hold stuffed animals and prizes, while others wear colorful shirts and summer attire. A tall amusement park ride tower rises in the background, and several students smile and gesture toward the camera during the group photo.
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.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features the text “Please Join Us Tonight” surrounding a circle of stylized green figures representing community members. Large text reads “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.” Inside the center circle, the agenda includes: Consent Agenda, End-of-Year Goal Sharing (Elementary), Legislative Update, Committee Reports, and Finance. The Vermont-themed Slate Valley logo appears on the right side. At the bottom, the graphic lists the meeting details: June 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Orwell Village School Gymnasium. The graphic uses teal, green, and light gray colors on a white background.
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!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated June 5, 2026. The header reads "Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter" with the date displayed below. The center of the graphic features the Slate Valley Vermont logo over a scenic lake and tree-lined background. Surrounding the logo are school emblems representing Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS), Benson Village School (BVS), Fair Haven Union Middle School, Fair Haven Union High School, Orwell Village School (OVS), and Castleton Elementary School (CES). The graphic uses the district's green, blue, gold, red, and gray school colors and includes the slogan "Our School, Your Future."
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.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Three students stand in front of a brick wall holding completed wooden birdhouses they designed and built during a Design Lab engineering project.
Three students pose outdoors holding finished birdhouses. Athletic fields and trees can be seen in the background on a sunny day.
Several students work at individual stations outdoors, measuring, cutting, and assembling wood as part of a birdhouse engineering challenge.
A student wearing safety glasses uses a drill to secure pieces of a birdhouse that are clamped together on a portable workbench.
A student uses a cordless sander to sand a wooden birdhouse at an outdoor workstation while participating in a hands-on engineering project.
Two students use hand saws to cut wooden boards at separate workstations while constructing birdhouses during a Design Lab project.
A student wearing safety glasses and gloves works on assembling a birdhouse, holding a wooden panel while standing at a workbench outdoors.
A student in a red sweatshirt and baseball cap uses a cordless drill while assembling a wooden birdhouse at an outdoor workstation.
A student wearing gloves uses a cordless drill to assemble wooden birdhouse components at a workstation set up outside near a brick school building.
A student uses a cordless drill to assemble a wooden birdhouse at an outdoor workstation while participating in a hands-on engineering project.
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.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday: Field Trips” featuring a collage of photos from student learning experiences across Slate Valley schools. Images show students touring a manufacturing facility, participating in hands-on activities at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, exploring aquatic ecosystems by collecting samples with nets, visiting the Wonderfeet Kids Museum, attending a music festival and trip to Great Escape, taking part in a historical reenactment at Mount Independence, and conducting a lake ecology activity in shallow water. The Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo appears in the lower right corner. The graphic highlights the variety of off-campus educational opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
🏈⚽🏑📣 Attention Slate Valley student-athletes and families! 📣🏑⚽🏈

Planning to participate in a fall sport during the 2026 season? Join us for the Slate Valley Fall Athletics Informational Meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym.

This meeting is for students entering grades 7–12 and their families and will cover important information including:
✅ Athlete registration updates
✅ Fall start dates and heat acclimatization requirements
✅ Summer training opportunities
✅ Athletic schedules and sports physicals
✅ ParentSquare communication tools
✅ Concussion and injury communication protocols
✅ Booster Club support

📌 Please note: This meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting.

🏃‍♀️🏈⚽ All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school.

Questions? Contact Athletic Director Eric Ramey at eramey@svuvt.org.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer promoting the Slate Valley 2026 Fall Athletics Informational Meeting. The flyer features sports-themed graphics including a football, golf bag, soccer ball, running shoe, field hockey stick and ball, and cheer pom-poms. Text announces the meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM in the FHUMHS Gym. The meeting is intended for student-athletes and families in grades 7–12 entering the fall 2026 season. Topics include the new Arbiter athlete registration platform, fall start dates and heat acclimatization procedures, summer training opportunities, athletic schedules and sports physicals, ParentSquare communication, the SWAY concussion and injury communication program, and Booster Club support. Contact information for Athletic Director Eric Ramey is provided. The flyer notes that this meeting replaces the traditional August athletic meeting and reminds families that all athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school. The design uses blue, green, red, and black text on a light background.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Serena Wasilesky ✨🎓
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 graduate Serena Wasilesky. The graphic features a senior portrait of Serena standing outdoors beneath a tree with colorful autumn leaves in the background. She is wearing a black-and-white patterned dress and smiling toward the camera. Text reads: “Fair Haven Union High School Congratulations Class of 2026.” Additional text states: “Serena Wasilesky – Stafford Technical Center – Completing phlebotomy certification to become a phlebotomist.” The Stafford Technical Center logo appears in the lower left corner, while the FHU Slaters logo and Slate Valley Unified Union School District logo appear on the right side. The design uses blue, gray, and white school colors.
📸🎓 Throwback Thursday: FHUHS Graduations Through the Years! 🎓📸

From 1976 to 1993 to 2006 — a lot may have changed at Fair Haven Union High School over the years… but some things never do: the excitement of graduation day, proud families in the crowd, and Slater pride shining through.

What differences do you notice between these graduation photos from the last 50 years? 👀
What feels exactly the same?

Do you recognize anyone in these throwback snapshots? Tag them in the comments or share a favorite graduation memory from your time at FHUHS!

And Slater Alumni — 🎓⬇️ Drop the year you graduated from FHUHS in the comments and see who else from your class is here!

(Photos courtesy of The Rutland Herald Archives)
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring the Slate Valley logo and three black-and-white historical graduation photos from Fair Haven Union High School. The photos are labeled with the years 1976, 1993, and 2006, showing graduates in caps and gowns during commencement ceremonies. A graduation cap graphic appears in the bottom right corner next to the text “FHUHS Graduations.”