Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 17, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/8852b597100f/district-newsletter-april-10-13836492
about 17 hours ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter header dated April 17, 2026, featuring a central Vermont-themed logo surrounded by a collage of student photos including outdoor learning, graduation, classroom activities, and performances, with the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future.”
From Athletic Director, Eric Ramey: The Slater Unified Basketball team hosted Rutland on Thursday afternoon, and the visitors claimed the victory.
The Slaters were led by Brett Hazen with 9 points, including a 3pt shot. Next in the scoring column was his brother Troy with 8pts, followed Travis Alger making two 3pt bombs for 6pts, Jordan Alger with 4pts, and Jayden Bots and Nate Moulton each with two points.

The Unified team is off over spring break, and will return to action when school resumes.
about 20 hours ago, Slate Valley
A line of students in basketball uniforms stands on the court during pregame, facing the flag with hands over their hearts while spectators watch from the bleachers.
Students in basketball uniforms gather in a circle in a gym, high-fiving and smiling around a school mascot in a hat.
Two players jump near the basket attempting a shot, while others watch from the court and bleachers during a game.
A player follows through on a jump shot as teammates and opponents watch the ball in the air, with handmade signs visible on the gym wall behind them.
Basketball players sit on the bench clapping and cheering, while a coach stands nearby holding papers and addressing the team; spectators fill the bleachers behind them.
JV Baseball today at home vs Poultney has been postponed. There is also NO PRACTICE.
about 21 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a baseball in glove in the corner and a white, and blue border. Text reads: “Today’s JV Baseball game vs Poultney has been POSTPONED,” with “POSTPONED” displayed in a bold red stamp across the center.
Today's middle school softball game @ Poultney has been cancelled due to poor field conditions. A makeup date will hopefully be announced in the future. There is also NO PRACTICE today.
about 21 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a yellow softball in the corner and a red, white, and blue border. Text reads: “Today’s middle school softball game @ Poultney has been CANCELLED,” with “CANCELLED” displayed in a bold red stamp across the center.
ANNOUNCEMENT: There will be NO 5:30 pm LATE BUS on Friday, April 17, 2026.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
📣 Reminder for Slate Valley Families!

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release day on Friday, April 17, 2026.

This will be followed by Spring Break from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. 🌸

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break!
Classes will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.
2 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a spring-themed background featuring flowers and leaves. At the top is a Vermont emblem above a red banner that reads “REMINDER.” The text states: “Early Release Day for All Slate Valley Schools, Friday - April 17, 2026.” Below, it reads: “Followed by Spring Break, Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24.” At the bottom: “Classes Resume Monday, April 27, 2026.”
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, members of the Career Exploration class visited Hubbardton Forge, LLC in Castleton, VT. During their visit, students explored the company’s various departments and learned about its continued growth, including an exciting expansion into manufacturing lampshades in-house. They also discovered how some custom product designs begin as simple napkin sketches before evolving into finished pieces, highlighting the creativity behind the process. This experience provided valuable insight into innovation, craftsmanship, and the wide range of career opportunities within the manufacturing industry.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Students walk through a manufacturing area while observing hanging metal parts moving along a production line.
An employee demonstrates lighting components at a workstation, showing different lamp designs and materials.
A table filled with various metal lighting parts and components organized in bags and grouped by type.
Students stand in a workshop listening as an employee points to a scheduling board and explains production processes.
Close-up of a partially assembled metal light fixture resting on a workbench with small parts and hardware nearby.
An employee holds a metal component while speaking to students gathered around in a workshop.
Close-up of a metal anvil mounted on a wooden base in an industrial workshop setting.
An employee stands beside large industrial machinery, explaining equipment and processes to a group of students.
A worker wearing safety glasses operates equipment while holding a metal frame, demonstrating part of the production process.
A group of high school students pose together indoors, smiling in front of a display featuring decorative lighting fixtures.
🏀 Hoops, High-Fives, and Heart: Unified Basketball Brings the Energy!

Submitted by Coach/Athletic Director Eric Ramey: In front of a near-packed house, the Slaters hosted a Unified Basketball game for the first time in school history, and used a balanced effort to top Otter Valley 44-28. The Slaters lead 22-12 at the half, and used a big 3rd quarter to pull away. The Otters got hot in the 4th period to close the gap, but the Slaters held on for the victory.

Brett Hazen led Fair Haven with 12 points, and he consistently found open teammates, assisting on numerous hoops for the Slaters. Troy Hazen finished with 8 points, Jordan Alger and Jayden Botts had 6pts, and Nate Moulton and Travis Alger both had 4pts.

The Otters were led by Collin Elliot, Jeremiah Shaw and Alyssa Wade with 6 points each, Levi Machia had 4pts, and Madison Mitchell, Logan Korson and Reece Sheldrick each had 2pts.

Final: Fair Haven 44 / Otter Valley 28

The Slaters are back in action on Thursday, hosting Rutland at 4pm. Admission is free, and we hope to see the gym packed once again.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Two Unified Basketball teams stand in lines on the court during what appears to be pre-game or halftime recognition.
Student in a white jersey celebrates with arms raised as a basketball goes through the hoop during a Unified Basketball game, with players and spectators in the background.
Players from both teams run down the court during a Unified Basketball game while spectators watch from the bleachers.
A crowd of spectators sits on bleachers, watching the game intently; some are smiling and taking photos.
Players from both teams look up at the hoop as the basketball descends toward the rim during a Unified Basketball game.
Several players stand under the basket watching the ball approach the hoop during a game, with banners and posters visible on the wall behind them.
A player in a white jersey jumps to shoot the basketball while others look on, with a referee nearby during the game.
Students on the sidelines cheer and celebrate together, with two players exchanging a fist bump.
Players from both teams exchange high-fives on the court after a play during the Unified Basketball game.
Teams line up along the court to shake hands after the game, with spectators standing and applauding in the background.
🌱💚 FHUMHS Students Giving Back for Green-Up Day! 💚🌱

On May 1st, students from Fair Haven Union Middle & High School will be out in the community celebrating Green-Up Day—and they’re ready to lend a helping hand!

From spring yard clean-ups to other small outdoor tasks, our students are excited to support members of the Slate Valley community. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, give back, and make a positive impact together.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra help this spring, please fill out the quick form below, or contact Jackie Phillips (email: jphillips@svuvt.org or phone: 802-265-4966). FHUMHS principals and assistant principals will review submissions and follow up directly.

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHYQ48U-NIH-q2A1cECoC8cBXMl0eQSxBGHs8ZvZqpa98wow/viewform

Thank you for being part of our community—and for helping our students make a difference! 🌎✨
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Fair Haven Union High School “Green Up Day” on Friday, May 1, 2026. It invites community members who need help with yardwork or small projects to connect with student volunteers. Services include raking, picking up debris, and general yard cleanup. Contact information is provided for Jackie Phillips (jphillips@svuvt.org , 802-265-4966) or via QR code. The offer is open to residents of Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell, and West Haven. Graphics include leaves, a paintbrush, hammer, rake, and yard tools.
Today's varsity baseball game (Tuesday, April 14) at Windsor has been postponed, and rescheduled for Wednesday April 15 @ 4:30pm.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a baseball glove and ball illustrating an announcement that today’s varsity baseball game at Windsor has been postponed, with the word “POSTPONED” displayed prominently in red across the center.
🎉 BINGO NIGHT for a Great Cause! 🎉

Join us at the Fair Haven American Legion for a fun-filled Bingo Night while supporting the Class of 2026 Project Graduation Fundraiser!

📅 Wednesday, April 15, 2026
🕓 Doors open at 4:50 PM
🎯 Bingo begins at 6:30 PM

Come out, play some bingo, and help support our students as they work toward a safe and memorable post graduation celebration. We hope to see you there! 💙
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful graphic with a purple and blue brick background advertising Bingo Night at the Fair Haven American Legion to support the Class of 2026 Project Graduation fundraiser. Text reads “Bingo Night,” Wednesday, April 15, 2026, with doors opening at 4:50 PM and bingo starting at 6:30 PM.
Today's varsity track meet (Tuesday, April 14) at Burr & Burton Academy has been cancelled. There will be No track practice today.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a blue decorative border and star accents announcing that today’s varsity track meet at Burr & Burton Academy has been cancelled, with the word “CANCELLED” displayed in bold red across the center.
🎉🏆 SkillsUSA Success at Stafford Technical School! 🏆🎉

Stafford Technical School proudly sent 92 students to compete in 34 competitive areas at the Vermont SkillsUSA competition last week—and what an incredible showing it was!

We are so proud of every student who stepped outside their comfort zone, challenged themselves, and represented Stafford with pride. Whether you placed in the top three or not, your effort and courage truly matter!

A special congratulations to our Fair Haven Union High School medalists:
🥇 Brianna Gebo – Gold, Job Skill Demonstration A
🥇 Brian Dugan – Gold, Motorcycle Maintenance Technology
🥈 Emily Kennedy – Silver, Action Skills
🥉 Orianna Kerr – Bronze, Nurse Assisting

Our Gold Medalists will go on to represent Vermont at the National SkillsUSA Competition in Atlanta, GA this June—best of luck on the national stage! 🇺🇸✨
4 days ago, Slate Valley
A student smiles while holding a SkillsUSA banner that reads “State Champion Job Skill Demonstration A 2026,” wearing a medal around their neck.
A student stands indoors wearing a medal and holding a SkillsUSA banner that reads “State Champion Motorcycle Service Technology 2026.”
Two students stand together; one wears a medal and the other holds a SkillsUSA banner reading “State Champion Action Skills 2026.”
Two students stand side by side; one holds a SkillsUSA banner reading “State Champion Nurse Assisting 2026,” while the other wears a medal.
🎓 College Visit Day!

Today, some of our juniors had the opportunity to explore their futures with visits to Franklin Pierce University and Keene State College!

Students participated in informative sessions and guided campus tours, gaining valuable insight into college life, academic programs, and campus communities. Experiences like these help our students begin to envision their next steps beyond high school.

Thank you to both campuses for welcoming our students and providing such engaging visits!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of high school students stands on a college campus walkway as a guide gestures toward buildings while speaking, with trees and a large brick academic building in the background.
Students pose together under the Keene State College entrance arch, standing between two brick pillars on a campus walkway.
Students gather outdoors near a campus building as a guide speaks to them, with a large house-style building and open lawn in the background.
Students sit in rows of chairs indoors watching a presentation on a large screen displaying Franklin Pierce University campus information, with windows and lounge seating behind them.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 10, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/5722f5802f0b/district-newsletter-april-10-2026
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner reading “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” with the date April 10, 2026, featuring the district logo in the center and school mascots on both sides against a blue and green background.
🧵 Farm to Fiber in Action! 🐑

Our 7th & 8th grade students in Mr. VanDerKern’s Design class have been getting hands-on with history, science, and creativity through their Farm to Fiber unit!

Students explored how textiles are made from start to finish—creating cordage from flax, spinning their own yarn, and designing unique projects including felted animals, potholders, and bracelets. 🧶✨

This engaging, real-world learning experience was made possible in part thanks to a $500 grant from National Agriculture in the Classroom and the continued support of Mountain Heart Farm in Danby.

We’re proud of the creativity, craftsmanship, and curiosity our students demonstrated every step of the way!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Close-up of wool roving and two drop spindles resting on a wooden table, used for spinning yarn.
Middle school students in a classroom carefully working with plant fibers, twisting strands to create cordage.
Student using a drop spindle to spin white wool into yarn during a hands-on fiber arts activity.
Student concentrating while twisting thin plant fibers together to form cordage at a classroom table.
Student using a small loom to weave colorful loops into a textile project on a classroom workbench.
Student following instructions on a laptop while assembling fiber materials for a weaving or cordage project.
Finished needle-felted creations, including a small animal figure and a flower, displayed with wool and felting tools.
Close-up of a small, colorful needle-felted owl with blue, pink, and brown wool details.
Two students seated at a table weaving on small looms, focusing on their textile projects.
Group of students using felting needles to shape wool into small figures while seated around a classroom table.
📚✨ Friday Focus: Smiles & “i before e”… or is it? ✨📚

This week, our Friday Focus shines on our amazing 2nd and 3rd graders across Slate Valley!

Traveling from school to school, it was impossible to miss the smiles, laughter, and joy of learning happening in every classroom and hallway. Whether students were tackling their Cognia assessments, heading out for recess or lunch, diving into a good book, or puzzling over tricky spelling rules like “ei” and “ie,” their curiosity and energy were on full display.

It’s moments like these that remind us how special our schools are—filled with students who are growing, learning, and supporting one another every single day.

Keep shining, Slate Valley! 🌟
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday – Spotlighting our smiling second & third graders” with Slate Valley logo, featuring a collage of photos of elementary students smiling, playing outside, reading, and working in classrooms.
👏 Congratulations to our Fair Haven Union High School students who were recognized by Stafford Technical Center as 2025–26 3rd Quarter Students of the Marking Period!

We are proud to celebrate Dante Morse, Eli Donaldson, Brianna Gebo, Aden Wilkins, Alias Paquette, Leyton Noel, and Jocelyn Renninger for their hard work, dedication, and achievement in their technical and academic programs.

Your commitment to learning, skill development, and excellence represents the very best of FHU and the Slater community. Keep up the outstanding work! 💙
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School students honored by Stafford Technical Center as 2025–26 third quarter Students of the Marking Period. Featured students are Dante Morse, Eli Donaldson, Brianna Gebo, Aden Wilkins, Alias Paquette, Leyton Noel, and Jocelyn Renninger, with FHU Slaters logo and “Honored” text.
Congratulations, Mr. Kelson!
https://www.rutlandherald.com/news/local/fair-haven-physical-education-teacher-wins-shape-vermont-award/article_47fb8ba0-d85f-429c-ac50-fd76d849eb3c.html
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of a local news article featuring a portrait of Trevor Kelson beside the headline, “Fair Haven physical education teacher wins SHAPE Vermont award.”
📚✨Throwback Thursday✨📚

We’re taking it back to the 1976 FHUHS Yearbook, where this creative drawing introduced “Ogg,” a proposed Slater mascot designed by a sophomore with the initials K.C.

The student shared their vision of building a mascot for games—complete with blue and white hair and a large rubber nose!

Here’s the fun part…
👀 Do you know who K.C. is?

Hint: This talented artist went on to become a long-time teacher right here in Slate Valley!

Drop your guesses in the comments—we can’t wait to see who remembers! 👇
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring Slate Valley branding and a 1976 FHUHS yearbook throwback. Includes a student-drawn Slater mascot named “Ogg,” a typed description of the mascot concept, a small yearbook-style student photo, and the prompt “Who is K.C.?” alongside “1976 FHUHS Yearbook.”