Fair Haven Graduate Emmet MacKay’s Nomination Earns Mr. Nathan Morris Yale Educator Award!
Slate Valley Unified USD and Fair Haven Union High School are proud to announce that math teacher and class of 2025 advisor Mr. Nathan Morris has been named a recipient of the 2025 Yale Educator Award, following a heartfelt nomination by Class of 2025 graduate Emmet MacKay. The Yale Educator Recognition Program honors outstanding teachers and counselors worldwide who inspire and support their students. Of this year’s 302 nominees from 38 states and 22 countries, 61 teachers and 26 counselors were selected for the award.
Emmet’s nomination captured the energy and dedication that set Mr. Morris apart:
“Mr. Morris is not just a teacher or class advisor. He is a force. He is the pulse of our school. He is the reason our class of 2025 had any chance at making senior year feel legendary. He planned our prom(s), found the deals that made our senior trip possible, organized fundraisers, and pushed every one of us to step up. He showed us how to lead by leading harder than anyone else. Every hallway knows his voice. Every classroom knows his presence. The man is said to have two volumes: loud, and louder.
There were days when he would emerge from a smoky room wearing a blue wig while Nirvana played at full blast (for science...). There were rallies where he would charge down the bleachers with a massive homemade hammer that looked like something out of a cartoon. That hammer became a symbol of our class, and so did his self-coined phrase, which he shouted at every rally and event: ‘Be the hammer, not the nail!’
But Mr. Morris is more than school spirit. He is the kind of teacher who shows up beside a desk when students forget to ask for help. He is the kind of advisor who gives you the guidance you did not even know you needed. When I told him I didn't really want to apply to Yale, he looked at me and told me to make my own story. That conversation changed me. I applied. I got in. I would not be here without him.
Mr. Morris is spirited, loyal, and legendary. He went to this school, grew up in this town, and has poured himself into building something better for the students who came after him. I will never forget what he gave us.”
Mr. Morris’ recognition is both a personal honor and a proud moment for SVUUSD and Fair Haven Union High School. His passion, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to students has left a lasting mark, and the entire community celebrates this well-deserved achievement.
Photo shows Nate Morris, pictured kneeling in front, with Emmet MacKay standing behind him holding the class sledgehammer, alongside fellow participants of a Class of 2025 5K fundraiser.
Slate Valley Unified USD and Fair Haven Union High School are proud to announce that math teacher and class of 2025 advisor Mr. Nathan Morris has been named a recipient of the 2025 Yale Educator Award, following a heartfelt nomination by Class of 2025 graduate Emmet MacKay. The Yale Educator Recognition Program honors outstanding teachers and counselors worldwide who inspire and support their students. Of this year’s 302 nominees from 38 states and 22 countries, 61 teachers and 26 counselors were selected for the award.
Emmet’s nomination captured the energy and dedication that set Mr. Morris apart:
“Mr. Morris is not just a teacher or class advisor. He is a force. He is the pulse of our school. He is the reason our class of 2025 had any chance at making senior year feel legendary. He planned our prom(s), found the deals that made our senior trip possible, organized fundraisers, and pushed every one of us to step up. He showed us how to lead by leading harder than anyone else. Every hallway knows his voice. Every classroom knows his presence. The man is said to have two volumes: loud, and louder.
There were days when he would emerge from a smoky room wearing a blue wig while Nirvana played at full blast (for science...). There were rallies where he would charge down the bleachers with a massive homemade hammer that looked like something out of a cartoon. That hammer became a symbol of our class, and so did his self-coined phrase, which he shouted at every rally and event: ‘Be the hammer, not the nail!’
But Mr. Morris is more than school spirit. He is the kind of teacher who shows up beside a desk when students forget to ask for help. He is the kind of advisor who gives you the guidance you did not even know you needed. When I told him I didn't really want to apply to Yale, he looked at me and told me to make my own story. That conversation changed me. I applied. I got in. I would not be here without him.
Mr. Morris is spirited, loyal, and legendary. He went to this school, grew up in this town, and has poured himself into building something better for the students who came after him. I will never forget what he gave us.”
Mr. Morris’ recognition is both a personal honor and a proud moment for SVUUSD and Fair Haven Union High School. His passion, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to students has left a lasting mark, and the entire community celebrates this well-deserved achievement.
Photo shows Nate Morris, pictured kneeling in front, with Emmet MacKay standing behind him holding the class sledgehammer, alongside fellow participants of a Class of 2025 5K fundraiser.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of September 12, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
Focus Friday: Slate Valley is celebrating our newest full-time students — our kindergarteners!
As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”
The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten
We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”
The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten
We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
ATTENTION: 7th Grade Rafting Trip has been postponed! Details have been emailed to parents and guardians.
☕✨ Coffee & Conversation is back! ✨☕
Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!
📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM
Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!
📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM
Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
Throwback Thursday!
Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!
This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.
Thankfully, times have changed!
Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!
This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.
Thankfully, times have changed!
Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
Remembering September 11
Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
New Year – New Dreams at FHUMS!
This colorful wall has been in the making since last June!
When 6th graders visited FHUMS for “Step-Up Day,” they were given a blank circle and asked to write down a hope or dream for their upcoming 7th-grade year. Our 7th and 8th graders also joined in, adding their own circles of dreams and goals.
The mural became a true team effort:
🎨 The figure was beautifully created by Ms. Casey Pelletier
🤝 Mrs. Kim Ezzo helped coordinate with our sending schools
✂️ And everyone pitched in to cut circles and bring it all together
Now the hallway is filled with student hopes, dreams, and creativity—a daily reminder that a new school year means new possibilities.
This colorful wall has been in the making since last June!
When 6th graders visited FHUMS for “Step-Up Day,” they were given a blank circle and asked to write down a hope or dream for their upcoming 7th-grade year. Our 7th and 8th graders also joined in, adding their own circles of dreams and goals.
The mural became a true team effort:
🎨 The figure was beautifully created by Ms. Casey Pelletier
🤝 Mrs. Kim Ezzo helped coordinate with our sending schools
✂️ And everyone pitched in to cut circles and bring it all together
Now the hallway is filled with student hopes, dreams, and creativity—a daily reminder that a new school year means new possibilities.
Where Are They Now?: Fair Haven Union High School Alumna Kylie Eagan
Fair Haven Union High School graduate Kylie Eagan, Class of 2015, has built an impressive career in the field of audiology while staying close to her Vermont roots.
After graduation, Kylie attended the University of Vermont from 2015 through the fall semester of 2018, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics. While studying, she discovered her passion for audiology, choosing that career path over speech-language pathology after realizing she preferred working with patients in the audiology field. Determined to reach her goal, Kylie took the GRE and applied to graduate school, ultimately attending Syracuse University. She spent three years there before completing her externship year at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In May 2023, she proudly graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).
Today, Kylie is back in Vermont, working at the University of Vermont Health Center–Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. For the past two years, she has dedicated her days to testing patients of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. She loves her work and plans to remain in this role for the foreseeable future.
Kylie credits some of her high school teachers with shaping her path to success. She recalls that Ms. Christensen, her math teacher, pushed her to persevere in a subject that never came easily to her. Through patience and encouragement, Ms. Christensen helped Kylie succeed in AP Calculus, earning her three college math credits before she even left high school. Kylie also remembers Mr. Ruby, who taught her the importance of outlining and organizing large amounts of information—a skill that proved invaluable during her demanding graduate studies.
While at FHUHS, Kylie was also a dedicated athlete, playing basketball all four years. That drive and determination carried through to her academic and professional life. She describes herself as someone who has always been determined, though not always patient. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie says she has learned that the best things in life often require both hard work and time. “Even if something does not come quickly or on the timeline you expect it, keep plugging away little by little,” she advises—wisdom she still reminds herself of often.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kylie is building a life rooted in family and community. She and her fiancé recently bought land on her family’s farm in Castleton, where they plan to build a home in the coming year. They share their lives with a two-year-old black lab named Ivy and are excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, this October.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s Slate Valley students, Kylie encourages them to remember that it is okay to take a different path. She recalls the challenges of graduate school, when many of her peers were already starting careers, buying homes, and raising families. Though she sometimes felt “behind,” she stayed the course. Now, with a doctorate and a career she loves, Kylie is grateful she trusted her own journey.
Fair Haven Union High School graduate Kylie Eagan, Class of 2015, has built an impressive career in the field of audiology while staying close to her Vermont roots.
After graduation, Kylie attended the University of Vermont from 2015 through the fall semester of 2018, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics. While studying, she discovered her passion for audiology, choosing that career path over speech-language pathology after realizing she preferred working with patients in the audiology field. Determined to reach her goal, Kylie took the GRE and applied to graduate school, ultimately attending Syracuse University. She spent three years there before completing her externship year at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In May 2023, she proudly graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).
Today, Kylie is back in Vermont, working at the University of Vermont Health Center–Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. For the past two years, she has dedicated her days to testing patients of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. She loves her work and plans to remain in this role for the foreseeable future.
Kylie credits some of her high school teachers with shaping her path to success. She recalls that Ms. Christensen, her math teacher, pushed her to persevere in a subject that never came easily to her. Through patience and encouragement, Ms. Christensen helped Kylie succeed in AP Calculus, earning her three college math credits before she even left high school. Kylie also remembers Mr. Ruby, who taught her the importance of outlining and organizing large amounts of information—a skill that proved invaluable during her demanding graduate studies.
While at FHUHS, Kylie was also a dedicated athlete, playing basketball all four years. That drive and determination carried through to her academic and professional life. She describes herself as someone who has always been determined, though not always patient. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie says she has learned that the best things in life often require both hard work and time. “Even if something does not come quickly or on the timeline you expect it, keep plugging away little by little,” she advises—wisdom she still reminds herself of often.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kylie is building a life rooted in family and community. She and her fiancé recently bought land on her family’s farm in Castleton, where they plan to build a home in the coming year. They share their lives with a two-year-old black lab named Ivy and are excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, this October.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s Slate Valley students, Kylie encourages them to remember that it is okay to take a different path. She recalls the challenges of graduate school, when many of her peers were already starting careers, buying homes, and raising families. Though she sometimes felt “behind,” she stayed the course. Now, with a doctorate and a career she loves, Kylie is grateful she trusted her own journey.
Trivia Tuesday: How many years has the Fair Haven community been celebrating AppleFest? 🍎 Drop your guesses in the comments!
Save the Date: AppleFest 2025 happens on Saturday, September 20 on the Fair Haven Green (rain date: Sunday, September 21).
AppleFest is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a beloved tradition that brings together Fair Haven Grade School, families, and our community year after year.
Save the Date: AppleFest 2025 happens on Saturday, September 20 on the Fair Haven Green (rain date: Sunday, September 21).
AppleFest is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a beloved tradition that brings together Fair Haven Grade School, families, and our community year after year.
Thank You, Slater Alumni! 🩵🩶💙
We are so grateful to the many Fair Haven Union High School alumni who responded so quickly to our call for this year’s “Where Are They Now?” Alumni Spotlights. The form was only open for a short time, but thanks to your incredible response, we now have enough stories to highlight throughout the entire 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
The form is now closed, and I’ll be reaching out by email to those who submitted to share next steps on how to take part.
We’ll put out another call in the future when we’re ready for more spotlights—so stay tuned!
Thank you again for your enthusiasm and support! #SlaterPride #WhereAreTheyNow #WeAreSlateValley #SlaterNation
We are so grateful to the many Fair Haven Union High School alumni who responded so quickly to our call for this year’s “Where Are They Now?” Alumni Spotlights. The form was only open for a short time, but thanks to your incredible response, we now have enough stories to highlight throughout the entire 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
The form is now closed, and I’ll be reaching out by email to those who submitted to share next steps on how to take part.
We’ll put out another call in the future when we’re ready for more spotlights—so stay tuned!
Thank you again for your enthusiasm and support! #SlaterPride #WhereAreTheyNow #WeAreSlateValley #SlaterNation
🎶💙🩶🩵 The Fair Haven Union Band, led by Junior Andrew Mingo, rocked the first home football game of the season! #GoSlaters #FridayNightLights #WeAreSlateValley #SlaterNation
Board Meeting Tonight- September 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#
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.
We’re excited to kick off the first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2025–2026 school year with Mrs. Becky Lanfear! Mrs. Lanfear has been part of the Slate Valley family for an incredible 26 years at Castleton Elementary School, where she has taught Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grade—inspiring countless students along the way.
Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.
One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!
We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!
Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.
One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!
We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 5, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025
🎶 Slate Valley Teachers Take the Stage! 🎶
Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.
📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students
Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!
Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.
📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students
Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!
🏈 Slater Football Season Kicks Off Tonight Under the Lights! ✨
📅 Friday, September 5th | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on your defending State Champions! 💙
🎟️ Admission:
Adults: $3
Students: $2
Senior Citizens (62+): $2
📅 Friday, September 5th | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on your defending State Champions! 💙
🎟️ Admission:
Adults: $3
Students: $2
Senior Citizens (62+): $2
Calling All Slater Alumni!
We are excited to continue the tradition of featuring Fair Haven Union High School graduates in our “Where Are They Now?” spotlights! These stories highlight the journeys, successes, and life experiences our alumni have built since graduation.
If you’re interested in being featured, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/SlatersWhereRTheyNow so our Communications Coordinator can connect with you, or email her directly at lcacciatore@svuvt.org.
Our community loves celebrating the amazing things our alumni are doing—please take part and share your story!
We are excited to continue the tradition of featuring Fair Haven Union High School graduates in our “Where Are They Now?” spotlights! These stories highlight the journeys, successes, and life experiences our alumni have built since graduation.
If you’re interested in being featured, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/SlatersWhereRTheyNow so our Communications Coordinator can connect with you, or email her directly at lcacciatore@svuvt.org.
Our community loves celebrating the amazing things our alumni are doing—please take part and share your story!
Building more than just support— Tony, our maintenance technician, and Ms. Ezzo, one of our school counselors recently teamed up to assemble a new table. Quite the dynamic duo!
