Board Meeting - December 15, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yij-wmxa-hpe
Or dial: (US) +1 218-288-2598 PIN: 302 314 435#

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.
about 5 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The text reads: ‘Please Join Us TONIGHT. Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting.’ A circular design in the center lists the agenda items: ‘Consent Agenda, Literacy and Math Instruction PreK–6 Presentation, Committee Reports – Finance.’ The Slate Valley logo appears on the right. At the bottom, it states: ‘December 15, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.’ The background is white with green and teal design elements.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated December 12, 2025. The top of the page features the Slate Valley logo with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a winter-themed banner with three smiling snowmen wearing colorful hats and scarves, standing in a snowy forest scene. Further down is a section header on a tablet-shaped graphic titled “An Update on Cell Phone & Communication Policies in Slate Valley,” accompanied by social media reaction icons such as hearts, thumbs-up, and speech bubbles along the sides.
FHUHS Newsletter: December 12, 2025
https://app.smore.com/n/409ne
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the “Slater Nation Newsletter – The Official FHU High School Newsletter” dated December 12, 2025. The header features large teal text on a dark background. Below it, a section titled “Principal’s Peek at the Week” includes reminders about the upcoming Winter Concert on December 16 at 6:30 PM and the half-day schedule for December 19, listing periods 5 through 8 with their times. A small FHU Slaters logo appears to the right. The next section, labeled “Next Week’s Student Announcements,” explains that weekly high school announcements will now be shared in the family newsletter and posted on PowerSchool to help families plan for the week.
Mr. VDK’s middle school Design class is excited to showcase their Future City projects! Students combined creativity with real-world problem solving as they imagined what a city might look like 100 years from now. Using recycled and found materials—along with 3D printers and laser cutters—they designed and built innovative models centered around this year’s theme: “Farm to Table.”

These future-focused cities highlight sustainable food systems, inventive technology, and thoughtful community planning. Great work, designers of tomorrow!
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Two middle school students hold a cardboard model of their future city, featuring green-painted terrain, small structures, and a plastic bottle tower.
Two students proudly display a model city with roads, green spaces, bottle-cap buildings, and small red structures.
Groups of students work on their future city models in a classroom, using cardboard, paint, and craft materials spread across the tables.
A student in a turquoise sweatshirt adds pieces to a colorful model city made of paper columns and balloons.
A long display table filled with many student-built future city models featuring barns, gardens, green spaces, and small structures.
A model city with green-painted land, roads, tiny houses, a pond, trees, and a clear plastic greenhouse filled with miniature crops.
Close-up of several model structures including a red barn, clear greenhouse, brown domes, and a blue-roofed building with foil terrain.
A model farm scene on a cardboard base with small red buildings, foil-covered structures, a painted road, and a pond with green model frogs.
A model city layout with roads, a roundabout fountain, small white houses, and labeled buildings representing a hotel, market, and grill.
Multiple future city models displayed on tables, showing a variety of student-made structures, landscapes, and imaginative designs.
Gear-up visits FHUMS for a lunchtime meet and greet…with prizes!
3 days ago, Slate Valley
Students stand in line at a table covered with a purple cloth in a school gym, while a staff member leans over a laptop to help them sign in. A pink bin filled with pens sits on the table.
A staff member enters information on a laptop at a table while two students stand in front of a spinning prize wheel, waiting to participate. Other students are gathered in the background of the gym.
Elks Hoop Shoot: December 21, 2025
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A flyer for the “Elks Hoop Shoot,” sponsored by the Rutland Elks Lodge #345. The top left shows an illustration of a basketball going through a hoop, and the top right features the Elks Lodge emblem with an elk head and clock. The flyer announces that there is no charge to enter the contest, which is open to boys and girls ages 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13, based on age as of April 1, 2026. The event takes place Sunday, December 21, 2025. Registration is at 1:00 p.m. at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, 33 Mechanic St., Fair Haven, VT. For questions or more information, the flyer lists the Rutland Elks Lodge phone number 802-773-6266.
This morning, Emily Stockwell of Everyday Flowers in Poultney continued her beloved annual visit to FHUHS, guiding students in creating their very own floral arrangements. All flowers and decorations were generously donated by Emily, along with her valuable time, making this hands-on experience even more meaningful.

With her expertise and encouragement, students designed beautiful bouquets to bring home as heartfelt gifts for someone special.

We are so grateful for Emily’s ongoing partnership and the joy she brings to our students each year—helping them learn new skills, express creativity, and share kindness through the art of flowers.
3 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students and a staff member pose together holding their completed floral arrangements. Each student holds a red sleigh-shaped basket filled with bright holiday flowers and greenery. Everyone smiles proudly at the camera.
A student wearing glasses and a red shirt focuses intently while creating a floral arrangement. An adult standing beside him gives guidance. The red and pink carnations and greenery fill a red basket on the table.
A student in a red hoodie with blue noise-canceling headphones arranges flowers in a red basket while an adult in a gray knit hat stands nearby offering support. Carnations and greenery are spread out on the table.
A student with long blonde hair works on a holiday floral arrangement alongside an adult. The adult gently guides the student’s hand as they arrange red and pink carnations and evergreens in a red basket. The background shows a classroom setting.
A student wearing a black t-shirt arranges a large floral display of red and pink carnations and evergreen branches. The photo focuses on the flowers in the foreground with the student working behind them.
An adult in a green flannel shirt helps a student adjust flowers in a red basket arrangement. Evergreen branches and flower stems are scattered across the table as they work.
An adult wearing a blue vest smiles supportively while standing beside a student in a red hoodie with noise-canceling headphones. The student carefully places flowers into a holiday-themed arrangement.
A wide classroom view shows several students and staff working together at long tables to assemble festive floral arrangements. Red baskets filled with carnations and greenery are spread across the tables.
A smiling student proudly holds her finished holiday floral arrangement in a red basket sleigh. The background features winter-themed classroom decorations.
A close-up of a completed floral arrangement featuring red carnations, pink-tipped carnations, evergreen branches, and a small decorative figurine tucked among the flowers inside a red basket sleigh.
Hard work, teamwork, perseverance, and grit—these are just a few of the qualities our Outdoor Pursuits students put into practice every day.

In science, they’ve been studying the three types of heat transfer—convection, conduction, and radiation—and then taking their learning outdoors to apply it in real-world situations. Students put their skills to the test by mastering the challenge of building a one-match fire, which they’ll soon use for outdoor cooking.

They also braved the frigid temperatures to build a quinzee, a traditional snow shelter designed for warmth and protection.

We couldn’t be prouder of the determination, curiosity, and resilience these students have shown—proving that meaningful learning happens in every season, even the coldest ones! ❄️
5 days ago, Slate Valley
An igloo-shaped snow shelter on a snowy field with sticks poking out of the exterior. A person is crawling inside through the small entrance. Trees and a clear blue sky are visible in the background.
Three middle school boys outdoors in a snowy wooded area. One boy wearing a gray hoodie and baseball cap stands in the center, while another boy in a red hat kneels beside a small pile of leaves. A third boy in a green and black winter coat bends down toward the ground. Bare trees surround them in the background.
Due to the inclement weather, all after-school activities are cancelled for today, Wednesday, December 10th. This includes athletics, clubs, and any other school-sponsored events along with Boys and Girls Club.

Thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a sparkly snow background and the Slate Valley logo at the top. Large text reads: ‘Wednesday, December 10th. All Slate Valley After School Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled.’
Today, FHUHS welcomed Senator Brian Collamore to campus for an engaging and informative visit. He began by speaking with students in the Honors U.S. History class about his role in government and how the three branches work together to serve Vermonters.

Senator Collamore then joined the Career Exploration class, where he shared insights on what it takes to become a state senator, ways to get involved in local and state government, and the many public service positions available to those interested in making a difference.

A heartfelt thank you to Senator Collamore for spending time with our students, and to Ms. LeBrun for organizing this wonderful learning opportunity.
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Senator Brian Collamore stands at the front of a classroom speaking to high school students seated at desks, listening attentively.
Senator Collamore speaks at a podium in a classroom while students listen; a collage of photos and posters is visible on the wall behind him.
Students sit facing Senator Collamore as he speaks from the front of the classroom, viewed from behind one student in a gray hoodie.
Senator Collamore speaks to students seated in a classroom, standing near a screen and a wall of career-cluster posters.
Senator Collamore addresses a Career Exploration class seated in rows, with classroom posters and bookshelves in the background.
Today, our Middle Schoolers were treated to a well-earned celebration for their hard work selling raffle tickets during November’s Middle School Gift Card Fundraiser. After lunch, students enjoyed building their own ice cream sundaes—complete with a variety of fun toppings to choose from.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
A student smiles while a staff member drizzles caramel sauce over her ice cream in a busy school gathering area.
A staff member scoops chocolate ice cream from a large box while students line up at a toppings table in a school cafeteria space.
Students hold ice cream cups while a staff member adds whipped cream and toppings; a long line of students waits behind them.
A close-up of a hand topping a cup of ice cream with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and rainbow sprinkles.
A student stands at a table holding a cup of ice cream while staff members scoop ice cream and prepare toppings for students in a school gym.
FHUHS Newsletter: Week of December 5, 2025
https://app.smore.com/n/xh0gj
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the “Slater Nation Newsletter,” the official FHU High School newsletter dated December 5, 2025. The header features large teal text on a dark background. Below, a section titled “Principal’s Peek at the Week” includes reminders about the Winter Concert on December 16 and extracurricular eligibility on December 12, signed by Ben Worthing. A small FHU Slaters logo appears to the right. Another section titled “2026/2027 Program of Studies” introduces information about next year’s course offerings and graduation requirements.
Board Meeting - December 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Benson Village School Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zax-xtsz-dcp
Or dial: (US) +1 413-398-0531 PIN: 998 151 118#

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.
7 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic announcing the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on December 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Benson Village School Gym. The design features the Slate Valley logo and a circular agenda box listing: Consent Agenda, Act 73 Discussion, and Committee Reports (Finance and Stafford RAB). The words “Please Join Us TONIGHT” appear prominently on the left.
Students in the Adulting 101 class took part in a hands-on financial literacy activity using the game Monopoly. Through play, they practiced real-world skills such as budgeting, decision-making, risk management, and understanding the impact of financial choices—all in a fun and engaging way.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of students gathered around a Monopoly board, sorting money and cards while playing the game.
A group of students seated at a table in a classroom playing Monopoly together, with game pieces and money spread out.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated December 5, 2025, featuring the district logo and a decorative banner that reads ‘Hello December.’
Friday Focus: Falcon News at Fair Haven Grade School

For this month’s Friday Focus, we’re shining a light on one of Fair Haven Grade School’s most beloved traditions—their lively morning broadcast, Falcon News. This daily newscast is the creative brainchild of Principal Deb Infurna, who, more than four years ago, envisioned a way to bring the entire school community together each morning. Her idea took flight, and today Falcon News is a staple of FHGS culture.

Each morning, once students settle into their classrooms, teachers tune in to the live broadcast on their Smart TVs. Principal Infurna will kick things off, but the true stars of the show are the students themselves. Every month, a classroom teacher can sign up to have their students serve as the lead anchors, taking on important roles such as announcing birthdays, sharing the daily lunch menu, highlighting upcoming activities, delivering general announcements, and giving the local weather forecast. And of course—no episode is complete without the traditional joke of the day, a favorite among students and staff alike.

Falcon News is viewable only within the school, making it a safe, supportive environment for students to practice public speaking, build confidence, and take pride in contributing to their school community. The broadcast has become a point of excitement and accomplishment for students across all grade levels.

Principal Infurna’s vision has also inspired others. Her morning broadcast model has now taken root at two additional Slate Valley schools. Principal Paquette at FHUMS has created her own version of a morning show, and Principal Danyow has brought the tradition with him to Castleton Elementary School. Fittingly, both previously worked at FHGS—proof that great ideas often spread far and wide.

Falcon News is more than a broadcast—it’s a daily reminder of connection, belonging, and student voice. A big thank you to Principal Infurna for sparking an idea that continues to brighten many mornings across Slate Valley.
10 days ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic titled “Focus Friday – FHGS’s Falcon News.” The design features several photos of Fair Haven Grade School students participating in the morning broadcast. One large image shows Principal Infurna smiling and working with two students in front of a “Happy Thanksgiving” backdrop. Smaller photos show students at the news desk, including a weather segment labeled “FHGS Weather.” Decorative icons such as a microphone, a falcon, and weather symbols are included. Text reads: “Falcon News brings FHGS together each morning with student-led announcements, joyful traditions, and a shared sense of community sparked by Principal Infurna’s vision.” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the corner.
Submitted by Ms. LeBrun: Chief Wendi Fitzgerald of the Fair Haven Rescue Squad visited one of the Exploration classes at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School today. Chief Fitzgerald shared valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of emergency medical professionals, the training required to become an EMT, and what it’s like to respond to real-life emergencies. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.

Students also had the exciting opportunity to tour the ambulance, explore the equipment inside, and learn how EMTs use these tools during emergency calls. The visit provided a hands-on, engaging introduction to careers in emergency medicine and helped students understand how EMS providers serve the local community.
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Students stand inside an ambulance listening to a Fair Haven Rescue Squad EMT explain equipment, with a student seated beside a bright green medical pack.
A Fair Haven Rescue Squad ambulance parked outside on a snowy day.
Students sit and stand inside an ambulance as a Fair Haven Rescue Squad EMT explains the medical bag on the stretcher.
FHUMS December Newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/3zu0m
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Newsletter header for Fair Haven Union Middle School dated December 2, 2025. The top banner shows a close-up photo of a steaming mug wrapped in a knitted blanket. Below, the newsletter begins with a “Principal’s Note” addressed to Middle School families, discussing recent events, student activities, fall sports highlights, the December Gift Card Fundraiser, Student Voice initiatives, and participation rates from Student-Led Conferences.
🏀🏃‍♀️‍➡️❄️ Throwback Thursday! ❄️🤼‍♂️📣
We’re kicking off our 2025–2026 winter sports season with a blast from the past — a look back 20 years to the unforgettable 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School winter teams!

From buzzer-beaters on the basketball court and powerful wrestling wins to high-flying cheer routines and standout indoor track achievements, our Slaters brought the energy all winter long!

Here’s to the athletes, coaches, and memories that built the foundation of today’s Slater pride — and to an amazing season ahead!
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring four black-and-white photos of Fair Haven Union High School winter sports teams from the 2005–2006 season. The top left shows the boys’ basketball team posing in uniforms. Below it is the wrestling team group photo. At the top center is an image of the winter cheer team performing a stunt. On the right side is the indoor track team posing with medals and trophies. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner. Text reads: ‘Throwback Thursday,’ ‘Basketball,’ ‘Winter Cheer,’ ‘Indoor Track,’ ‘Wrestling,’ and ‘2005–2006 FHUHS Winter Sports.’
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls varsity basketball team posing in uniform with basketballs.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys varsity basketball team posing in uniform.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls indoor track team posing with medals and a championship plaque.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys indoor track team posing with medals and a trophy.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing a 2005–2006 Fair Haven cheer stunt group on the left and three Fair Haven wrestling athletes with their coach holding a banner on the right.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Tim Rogers, Class of 1998

For this month’s Where Are They Now? feature, we’re excited to highlight Tim Rogers, a proud member of the FHUHS Class of 1998 whose life path is a testament to hard work, resilience, and following what you love.

After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Tim entered the workforce immediately—an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and set him on a path of steady growth and accomplishment. He began his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing, where he worked in every department before eventually becoming the Parts and Inventory Manager. In 2010, he made the jump to GE Aerospace, where he has spent the past 15 years. Tim started as an L12 in the broaching area and worked his way into gage inspection, a highly technical role ensuring the accuracy and safety of components used in GE’s jet engines.

During his years in Slate Valley schools, Tim found encouragement from several teachers who made a lasting impact—especially Mr. Blodget (Science), Mr. Doran (Social Studies), Mr. Hier (Social Studies) and Mr. Patterson (Wood Shop). Their message of perseverance and goal-setting continues to guide him today: never give up and to never stop trying, set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Although Tim didn’t join school sports or clubs, he found his competitive outlet in local bowling leagues at Fairwood Lanes and Rutland Bowlerama. From 1996–1998, he earned numerous titles, including state champion in both teams and doubles competition. In 1998, he won a televised youth tournament on PEG-TV and later claimed the Junior USA Gold Tournament, qualifying for Reno to attempt to make the Junior Olympic team. He climbed as high as 50th place out of 350 competitors before an injury slowed him down—but not before leaving his mark.

Tim’s achievements extend beyond athletics and career. In 2003, he was featured on the reality TV show Monster Garage with Jesse James, where his team transformed a car into a functional log splitter using equipment he once helped build. The episode aired in March 2004 on the Discovery Channel.

In the last 15 years, Tim has also become a force in the competitive cooking world. He has competed in the Poultney Chili Cook-Off 11 times—winning an impressive 7 championships—and is part of the professional BBQ team UP-2 BBQ with teammate Curran LaFarge. Together, they have claimed multiple category wins, a Grand Championship, and a Reserve Grand Championship, becoming the first Vermont team in over 30 years to win a Masters division contest. Their Grand Championship earned them a spot in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Invitational BBQ in Tennessee (finishing 46th of 89 teams), followed by competition at The American Royal, the largest BBQ contest in the world.

On the personal side, Tim met the love of his life, Dainyell, in 2012, and the two married in 2015. They are proud parents to two daughters, Jiy and Jazzlyn, who attend Castleton Elementary School, along with their much-loved Saint Bernard, Marcus.

Tim’s Advice to Today’s Slate Valley Students:
“Make goals that are obtainable. Obtain them and make new ones. If you never quit, you never fail. And if you do fall down, get back up and keep fighting.”

Thank you, Tim, for sharing your journey and for reminding us all what determination, passion, and hard work can achieve. Your Slate Valley family is proud of you!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now Wednesday” featuring Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Tim Rogers, Class of 1998. It lists his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing and GE Aerospace, mentions influential teachers Mr. Blodget, Mr. Doran, and Mr. Hier, and highlights achievements in bowling, BBQ, and chili competitions. It notes he appeared on Monster Garage in 2004 and lives with his wife, two children, and a Saint Bernard. His favorite quote reads, “Never trust a skinny cook.”