🏆 Saddle up for a huge congratulations to Maddy Helm as she wraps up an incredible high school rodeo career filled with determination, talent, and unforgettable accomplishments!

Maddy and her horse, Eddie, rode their way to being named the 2025–2026 Barrel Race Champions, while Zack finished 4th overall in the Goat Tying standings. Together, Eddie and Zack helped Maddy qualify for Nationals — an accomplishment reserved for only the top four competitors in the standings.

As a testament to her hard work and dedication, Maddy also earned two separate scholarships, opening even more doors for her future.

Maddy has chosen not to attend Nationals this year as she shifts her focus to competing on the APRA rodeo circuit throughout the Northeast before heading off to college this fall.

Congratulations, Maddy! We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where the next ride takes you. 🤠🐎💙
about 2 hours ago, Slate Valley
A smiling student wearing a white cowboy hat and denim shirt stands behind a decorated championship saddle while holding an award plaque and belt buckle display. The saddle is engraved with “Champion High School Barrel Racer,” recognizing a rodeo accomplishment. The photo was taken indoors against a wooden wall backdrop.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Taylor Lesan✨🎓
about 2 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 graduate Taylor Lesan. The graphic features a senior portrait of Taylor sitting on a large rock beside a pond or stream, wearing a burgundy sweater, jeans, and sneakers, with trees and autumn colors in the background. Text states that Taylor plans to attend Vermont State University–Castleton. FHU Slaters, Vermont State University–Castleton, and Slate Valley logos are included in the design.
Congratulations to legendary Slaters Track & Field coach Dave Heitkamp! Dave was inducted into the VPA Hall of Fame on Friday evening at the Delta Marriott in South Burlington. He is the 9th Slater to be honored in the VPA Hall. (List of previous inducted Slaters below).

2007-Thomas LaPlaca
2007-Fran LaPlaca
2008-Bill Ryan
2009-Ralph Kehoe
2014-Robert " Squeak" Gregory
2014-Scott Reed
2020-Tom Blackbird
2024-Bob Prenevost
2026-Dave Heitkamp

For more information visit https://vpaonline.org/athletics/vpa-hall-of-fame/
about 3 hours ago, Slate Valley
Two men stand side by side indoors holding a framed certificate and smiling for a photo during an awards presentation. One man is presenting the certificate while the recipient wears a boutonniere.
A group of award recipients and honorees pose for a group photo in front of a banner at an indoor recognition event. Several individuals are seated in the front row while others stand behind them, many wearing boutonnieres or corsages.
Session 2 of Middle School Lifetime Activities kicked off to a great start last Friday! Students jumped right into hands-on experiences and new adventures, from testing their balance and teamwork on outdoor ropes activities to learning climbing skills and spending time with horses.

These experiences build confidence, encourage students to try something new, and create memories that last far beyond the classroom. We can’t wait to see what the rest of Session 2 has in store! 🧗🐎🌲
about 4 hours ago, Slate Valley
Students participate in an outdoor ropes challenge in a wooded area, balancing and holding ropes while navigating the activity course.
group of students stands together in a wooded area during an outdoor learning activity, listening and exploring the surroundings.
Students at an indoor climbing gym learn rope and harness techniques while an instructor points and provides guidance.
A student climbs a bright green indoor rock wall while wearing a harness and climbing shoes.
A student climbs a blue indoor rock wall while another student watches from below.
A student brushes a horse inside a stable while another person stands nearby.
A student stands beside a light-colored horse in a stable aisle holding the reins and smiling for a photo.
A student rides a white horse in an indoor arena while an instructor walks beside them and other riders practice in the background.
A student rides a white horse in an indoor arena while an instructor walks beside them and other riders practice in the background.
A student rides a horse in an indoor riding arena while wearing a helmet and holding the reins.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Olivia Paige ✨🎓
about 7 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 graduate Olivia Paige. The graphic features a senior portrait of Olivia standing on a bridge, smiling with one hand on her hip while wearing a green patterned top and light blue ripped jeans. Text states that she plans to attend the University of New England to study Nursing. FHU Slaters, University of New England, and Slate Valley logos are included in the design.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Victoria Kelly ✨🎓
about 21 hours ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 graduate Victoria Kelly. The graphic features a senior portrait of Victoria standing outdoors near a lake with mountains in the background, smiling while holding a strand of her long blonde hair. Text states that she plans to attend Keene State College, where she will study Sports Management and play Basketball. FHU Slaters, Keene State, and Slate Valley logos are included in the design.
For many years, Slate Valley Unified Union School District has proudly participated in the USDA Summer Food Service Program, providing free, nutritious meals to children throughout our community during the summer months. As we begin planning for Summer 2026, we want to hear from you!

We are gathering feedback about the SFSP non-congregate meal program, which offers free multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under. Each box includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, can be picked up by a parent or guardian, and requires no application or income qualification.

We are especially hoping to connect with families whose children are not enrolled in the Castleton Recreation Camp or the Boys and Girls Club camp at Castleton Elementary School, as those programs will continue providing free summer meals on site.

Please take a few moments to complete this anonymous survey—
https://bit.ly/SVSummerMeals2026Survey

your feedback will help us make the program as accessible and convenient as possible for Slate Valley families. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us better serve our community. Please complete one survey per household.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Megan Wetmore✨🎓
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 graduate Megan Wetmore. The graphic features a senior portrait of Megan standing outdoors in a grassy field, smiling over her shoulder while wearing a blue top and light blue ripped jeans. Text states that she plans to attend Vermont State University–Castleton, where she will study Nursing and play Field Hockey. FHU Slaters, Castleton, and Slate Valley logos are also included in the design.
Special Board Meeting - May 18, 2026 - Notice Earlier Start
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in 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/mcd-hhri-num
Or dial: (US) +1 470-839-8350 PIN: 521 928 888#


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.
1 day ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Special Board Meeting. The graphic features teal and green text on a light gray background with the Vermont Slate Valley logo. Text reads: “Please Join Us Tonight,” “Special Board Meeting,” and lists agenda items including consent agenda, executive session for a student matter, continuous improvement planning, end-of-year goal sharing, elementary reorganization committee formation, Stafford update, committee reports, and public comment. Meeting details at the bottom read: “May 18, 2026 – 6:00 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Isabella Zellars ✨🎓
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 graduate Isabella Zellars. The graphic features a portrait of Isabella seated in front of a brick wall, smiling at the camera and wearing pink glasses, a black cardigan, and a pink patterned dress. Text reads “Congratulations Class of 2026” and “Isabella Zellars – Entering Workforce.” The FHU Slaters logo, graduation cap with blue and silver balloons, and Slate Valley logo are also included in the design.
FHUHS Newsletter: May 15, 2026
https://app.smore.com/n/pg1wej
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for the “Slater Nation Newsletter,” the official Fair Haven Union High School newsletter. The design features large teal outlined lettering on a dark green background with the subtitle: “The Official FHU High School Newsletter – May 8, 2026.” A faint image of a school building appears behind the banner.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 15, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d52b3bb6eed0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-2026
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 15, 2026. The top of the graphic features the title “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” in large dark teal lettering with the date centered below. The lower portion includes the Slate Valley logo surrounded by hexagon-shaped school icons representing schools across the district. Decorative spring flowers and green leaves frame the sides, with the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future” in the bottom right corner.
From Athletic Director Eric Ramey: Today's MS games have been postponed. The fields at VTSU are unplayable for games.
Both teams will practice at FHGS at 3:45-5:30PM on whatever dry spots they can find.
The late bus should arrive at 5:35PM for those needing it.
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic from Fair Haven Union High School Slaters announcing changes for middle school sports teams on May 15th. The red, blue, gray, and white graphic states that today’s middle school games have been postponed because the fields at Vermont State University are unplayable. Both teams will practice at Fair Haven Grade School from 3:45–5:30 p.m. on available dry areas, and the late bus is expected to arrive at 5:35 p.m. Decorative stars and the FHU Slaters logo appear at the top.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Camdyn Clark ✨🎓
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Camdyn Clark from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the Community College of Vermont logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Camdyn plans to attend the Community College of Vermont to study Nursing. The graphic features a photo of Camdyn lying in a green field wearing a black shirt, jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat while smiling at the camera.
The Start of a New Tradition! 🎓✨

On June 10, the Fair Haven Union High School Class of 2026 will return to their former grade schools for the annual “Walk the Halls” celebration. Seniors will visit students and staff in their caps and gowns, inspiring the next generation while celebrating how far they’ve come.

Seniors should report to FHU by 8:45 a.m. before departing for the schools at 9:00 a.m.

We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 throughout Slate Valley!
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Black and gold graduation-themed flyer for Fair Haven Union High School’s “Walk the Halls” event for the Class of 2026. The flyer features a photo of a graduate in a cap and gown walking down a sidewalk. Text explains that FHU seniors will visit grade schools in their caps and gowns on June 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Seniors are instructed to be at FHU by 8:45 a.m. Decorative gold leaf accents and elegant typography frame the design.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Mia Felion ✨🎓
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Mia Felion from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Mia plans to enter the workforce after graduation. The graphic features a photo of Mia sitting outdoors near a lakeshore with mountains and water in the background, smiling toward the camera. A graduation cap and blue-and-white balloon graphic appear on the left side.

🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Enrri Calvo-Mendez ✨🎓

5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Enrri Calvo Mendeza from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Enrri plans to pursue Carpentry or Construction after graduation. The graphic features a photo of Enrri standing outdoors in front of a large tree wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. Decorative construction-themed graphics, including tools and a hard hat, appear on the left side.
Join us for an important Community Continuous Improvement Meeting on Tuesday, May 20, from 3:30–4:00 p.m. in the Slate Valley Conference Room at FHUMHS.

Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara will lead a conversation focused on teaching and learning at FHUMHS, including instructional supports, academic and behavioral systems, assessment practices, community connections, and college & career readiness. There will also be time for questions and discussion.

Parent/Guardian Title I & Act 1 Policy and Procedures conversations, along with Continuous Improvement Planning, will also be included.

We welcome families, staff, and community members to attend and be part of the conversation.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for a Slate Valley Continuous Improvement Meeting featuring the Slate Valley Vermont logo and information about a discussion led by Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara on teaching and learning at FHUMHS. Topics include instructional strategies, academic and behavioral systems, assessment, community connections, college and career readiness, and time for questions. The meeting will take place May 20 from 3:30–4:00 p.m. in the Slate Valley Conference Room at FHUMHS. The flyer uses teal, green, and cream colors with curved graphic accents.
From Athletic Director - Mr. Eric Ramey:
All games scheduled for today have been postponed.
Practices will be at the following times:
Varsity Track-3:30-5:30
MS Track-Off
Varsity Softball-Gym 3:30-5pm
JV Softball-Off
MS Softball-Off
Varsity Baseball-4:15-6:30 Inside
JV Baseball-4pm-6pm Inside
MS Baseball-Off

Thanks for your patience...Eric
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic from Fair Haven Union High School Slaters announcing sports schedule changes for May 14th. The graphic states that all games scheduled for the day have been postponed. Practice schedule updates include: Varsity Track from 3:30–5:30 p.m.; Middle School Track off; Varsity Softball in the gym from 3:30–5 p.m.; JV and Middle School Softball off; Varsity Baseball indoors from 4:15–6:30 p.m.; JV Baseball indoors from 4–6 p.m.; and Middle School Baseball off. The graphic features blue and gray wavy borders with FHU Slaters branding and yellow star accents.
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Emma Surething ✨🎓
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating Fair Haven Union High School senior Emma Surething from the Class of 2026. The design includes FHU Slaters branding, the Vermont State University Castleton logo, and Slate Valley branding. Text states that Emma plans to attend Vermont State University–Castleton to study Nursing. The graphic features a black-and-white photo of Emma lying in the grass outdoors, smiling with her chin resting in her hands.