VPA D2 Girls Quarterfinal Basketball Game!
Friday February 27th…7pm at Fair Haven UMHS
#4 Fair Haven vs #5 Middlebury
*Middlebury Shootaround at 5:40pm
*Fair Haven Shootaround at 6pm.
Ticket Prices:
$10 Adults / $5 Students & Senior Citizens
Tickets go on sale at 6pm.
Fair Haven season ticket holders and students will go to the cafeteria / General admission will go to the lobby and main hallway.
Doors to the gym will open at 6:30
*FHU Season passes not valid for VPA playoffs.
Friday February 27th…7pm at Fair Haven UMHS
#4 Fair Haven vs #5 Middlebury
*Middlebury Shootaround at 5:40pm
*Fair Haven Shootaround at 6pm.
Ticket Prices:
$10 Adults / $5 Students & Senior Citizens
Tickets go on sale at 6pm.
Fair Haven season ticket holders and students will go to the cafeteria / General admission will go to the lobby and main hallway.
Doors to the gym will open at 6:30
*FHU Season passes not valid for VPA playoffs.
🏆🎳🤼♂️ Good luck Slaters!
FHU student-athletes are heading into the VPA Tournament Championships this week!
🎳 Bowling
📍 Barre’s Twin City Lanes
🗓️ February 28
🤼 Wrestling
📍 Champlain Valley Union High School
🗓️ February 27 & 28
Let’s cheer on our Slaters as they compete at the championship level — we’re proud of you! 💙
🎟️ Tickets: https://gofan.co/app/school/vpa
FHU student-athletes are heading into the VPA Tournament Championships this week!
🎳 Bowling
📍 Barre’s Twin City Lanes
🗓️ February 28
🤼 Wrestling
📍 Champlain Valley Union High School
🗓️ February 27 & 28
Let’s cheer on our Slaters as they compete at the championship level — we’re proud of you! 💙
🎟️ Tickets: https://gofan.co/app/school/vpa
Please join us for Coffee and Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy!
Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome to join Senator Ruth Hardy for a casual breakfast conversation.
📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library
Come hear updates from the current legislative session and learn more about Act 73, with time for questions and discussion. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share perspectives, and connect with your local senator.
Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.
We hope to see you there!
Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome to join Senator Ruth Hardy for a casual breakfast conversation.
📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library
Come hear updates from the current legislative session and learn more about Act 73, with time for questions and discussion. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share perspectives, and connect with your local senator.
Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.
We hope to see you there!
☘️Lucky Lotto Raffle!☘️ A FHU Band Fundraiser! To purchase tickets, see a band member or their family!
We Are Slate Valley highlights the heart of our district—our students. In this video, Slate Valley students chose words they believe best describe who we are as a district, sharing their voices and perspectives. Together, their reflections celebrate the opportunities, growth, and strong sense of belonging that define Slate Valley. From classrooms to activities, see how our schools support every learner and help students discover who they are and who they can become. See the video at: https://youtu.be/jGoplAjolPU
Slater Bowlers Dominate State Individual Championship Tournament: Goyette continues his Magical Season
The Vermont High School Bowling Association held the 2026 Individual Championship Tournament on Sunday Feb 22nd at the Rutland Bowlerama. Six Slater bowlers were seeded into the field of 32, with three finishing the day in the top 10.
Aiden Goyette, who bowled a perfect game for the Slaters back in January, entered the day as the #4 seed and advanced through the ladder format all the way to the championship match, where he met his Slater teammate and the #1 seed, George Stamp, for all the marbles. Aiden was able to string together five consecutive strikes in the middle frames to hold off a rally by George, to win the 2026 Vermont Individual Bowling Championship 242-214. Both bowlers were extraordinary in the final, with Aiden rolling nine strikes to George’s seven. Slater junior Eli Donaldson had a solid day as well, coming from the #22 seed to finish 9th in the event.
Next week the Slaters will look to defend their state team championship at the VPA Vermont Bowling Championships at Twin City Lanes in Barre, VT.
The Vermont High School Bowling Association held the 2026 Individual Championship Tournament on Sunday Feb 22nd at the Rutland Bowlerama. Six Slater bowlers were seeded into the field of 32, with three finishing the day in the top 10.
Aiden Goyette, who bowled a perfect game for the Slaters back in January, entered the day as the #4 seed and advanced through the ladder format all the way to the championship match, where he met his Slater teammate and the #1 seed, George Stamp, for all the marbles. Aiden was able to string together five consecutive strikes in the middle frames to hold off a rally by George, to win the 2026 Vermont Individual Bowling Championship 242-214. Both bowlers were extraordinary in the final, with Aiden rolling nine strikes to George’s seven. Slater junior Eli Donaldson had a solid day as well, coming from the #22 seed to finish 9th in the event.
Next week the Slaters will look to defend their state team championship at the VPA Vermont Bowling Championships at Twin City Lanes in Barre, VT.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 20, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/7cc4725364fd/slate-valley-district-newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/7cc4725364fd/slate-valley-district-newsletter
🛠️ Engineering in Action!
Students in Mr. VanDerKern’s Design class have been hard at work putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test! Using only toothpicks, glue, and careful planning, students designed and constructed model bridges — all with one big question in mind: How much weight can they hold?
Throughout the project, students explored the engineering design process, experimented with structural supports, and collaborated to strengthen their builds. The real excitement comes during testing, when each bridge faces the ultimate challenge!
Great work to these young engineers for their focus, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
Students in Mr. VanDerKern’s Design class have been hard at work putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test! Using only toothpicks, glue, and careful planning, students designed and constructed model bridges — all with one big question in mind: How much weight can they hold?
Throughout the project, students explored the engineering design process, experimented with structural supports, and collaborated to strengthen their builds. The real excitement comes during testing, when each bridge faces the ultimate challenge!
Great work to these young engineers for their focus, teamwork, and innovative thinking.
“Made in Vermont” Raffle — Support Our Middle School Yearbooks! 📚
Fair Haven Union Middle School is excited to launch our “Made in Vermont” Raffle to help fund the printing of the 2025–2026 Middle School Yearbooks.
Our goal is simple: through raffle ticket sales and our Pampered Chef BINGO Night on Friday, March 27, we hope to fully cover yearbook printing costs so every 7th and 8th grader receives a yearbook at no cost to families. 💙
We’ve gathered an incredible variety of prizes — all proudly Made in Vermont — that are sure to appeal to many!
🎟 Tickets:
• $10 each
• 3 for $25
• Cash or check (payable to SVUUSD)
• Turn in tickets and money to the Middle School Office
🏆 Drawing:
Winners will be drawn at the Pampered Chef BINGO Event on Friday, March 27.
Winners do not need to be present, but we hope you’ll join us for a fun night of Bingo!
📩 Questions or need more tickets? Please reach out to any Middle School student or call the Middle School office— and thank you for supporting our students!
Fair Haven Union Middle School is excited to launch our “Made in Vermont” Raffle to help fund the printing of the 2025–2026 Middle School Yearbooks.
Our goal is simple: through raffle ticket sales and our Pampered Chef BINGO Night on Friday, March 27, we hope to fully cover yearbook printing costs so every 7th and 8th grader receives a yearbook at no cost to families. 💙
We’ve gathered an incredible variety of prizes — all proudly Made in Vermont — that are sure to appeal to many!
🎟 Tickets:
• $10 each
• 3 for $25
• Cash or check (payable to SVUUSD)
• Turn in tickets and money to the Middle School Office
🏆 Drawing:
Winners will be drawn at the Pampered Chef BINGO Event on Friday, March 27.
Winners do not need to be present, but we hope you’ll join us for a fun night of Bingo!
📩 Questions or need more tickets? Please reach out to any Middle School student or call the Middle School office— and thank you for supporting our students!
A Hall of Fame Family: David and Mary Heitkamp Honored in 2026
The Heitkamp legacy continues to shine as both David Heitkamp and his daughter Mary Heitkamp earn well-deserved recognition for their extraordinary impact on Fair Haven Union and Vermont track and field.
David Heitkamp, longtime Fair Haven Union coach, is headed to the VPA Hall of Fame Class of 2026. During his 25-year career, he led the Slaters’ indoor and outdoor track programs to an astounding 20 team state titles, plus two girls cross country championships, totaling 22 team titles. His athletes captured a remarkable 216 individual and relay state championships, reflecting the powerhouse program he built.
Beyond the numbers, Dave — alongside his wife Linda — helped elevate track and field across Vermont through their leadership, sportsmanship, and deep commitment to student-athletes. In 2010, Fair Haven honored his impact by dedicating Heitkamp Track & Athletic Field, a tribute to a family that helped define an era of Slater excellence.
For more information and ticket pricing to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, go to: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/vpa-hall-of-fame/
Adding to the family’s historic year, Mary Heitkamp has been selected for induction into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
A high school All-American in the pentathlon and two-time Gatorade Vermont Athlete of the Year (2003, 2004), Mary compiled a then-record 23 individual Vermont state titles in cross country and track at Fair Haven Union. She was a New England champion in both the 600m and 800m and set multiple state records — including her legendary 1:33.39 indoor 600m, which still stands more than three seconds ahead of the next-fastest Vermont time.
Mary helped lead the Slaters to multiple team championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track before continuing her career as a Division I scholarship athlete at Boston College, competing in the ACC.
Together, David and Mary Heitkamp represent a family legacy built on excellence, humility, and a genuine love of the sport. Their combined achievements have left a lasting mark on Fair Haven Union, the Slater community, and track and field across Vermont.
Congratulations to the Heitkamp family on this incredible Hall of Fame honor!
The Heitkamp legacy continues to shine as both David Heitkamp and his daughter Mary Heitkamp earn well-deserved recognition for their extraordinary impact on Fair Haven Union and Vermont track and field.
David Heitkamp, longtime Fair Haven Union coach, is headed to the VPA Hall of Fame Class of 2026. During his 25-year career, he led the Slaters’ indoor and outdoor track programs to an astounding 20 team state titles, plus two girls cross country championships, totaling 22 team titles. His athletes captured a remarkable 216 individual and relay state championships, reflecting the powerhouse program he built.
Beyond the numbers, Dave — alongside his wife Linda — helped elevate track and field across Vermont through their leadership, sportsmanship, and deep commitment to student-athletes. In 2010, Fair Haven honored his impact by dedicating Heitkamp Track & Athletic Field, a tribute to a family that helped define an era of Slater excellence.
For more information and ticket pricing to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, go to: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/vpa-hall-of-fame/
Adding to the family’s historic year, Mary Heitkamp has been selected for induction into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
A high school All-American in the pentathlon and two-time Gatorade Vermont Athlete of the Year (2003, 2004), Mary compiled a then-record 23 individual Vermont state titles in cross country and track at Fair Haven Union. She was a New England champion in both the 600m and 800m and set multiple state records — including her legendary 1:33.39 indoor 600m, which still stands more than three seconds ahead of the next-fastest Vermont time.
Mary helped lead the Slaters to multiple team championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track before continuing her career as a Division I scholarship athlete at Boston College, competing in the ACC.
Together, David and Mary Heitkamp represent a family legacy built on excellence, humility, and a genuine love of the sport. Their combined achievements have left a lasting mark on Fair Haven Union, the Slater community, and track and field across Vermont.
Congratulations to the Heitkamp family on this incredible Hall of Fame honor!
VPA Post-Season Ticket Prices & Streaming
As the VPA playoff season nears, we want to inform our fans of the tournament game ticket prices, and the switch to the NFHS Streaming platform, and the subscription rate. Your NFHS subscription will allow you to watch not only any game in Vermont, but also games from every state. Reminder: this subscription will “auto-renew”, so you will need to cancel it when you have finished watching games of interest.
Adults: $10
Students / School-age children / Senior citizens: $5
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/
VPA Basketball tournament games will begin the week of February 23rd for the girls bracket, and the week of March 2nd on the boys side.
As the VPA playoff season nears, we want to inform our fans of the tournament game ticket prices, and the switch to the NFHS Streaming platform, and the subscription rate. Your NFHS subscription will allow you to watch not only any game in Vermont, but also games from every state. Reminder: this subscription will “auto-renew”, so you will need to cancel it when you have finished watching games of interest.
Adults: $10
Students / School-age children / Senior citizens: $5
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/
VPA Basketball tournament games will begin the week of February 23rd for the girls bracket, and the week of March 2nd on the boys side.
🎉 Support the Junior Class of 2027! 🎉
The FHU Junior Class is hosting a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser—and you won’t want to miss your chance to win! 📅✨
For just $5 per ticket (or 5 tickets for $20), you’ll be entered for daily prizes throughout March and April, featuring great local favorites and gift cards. 🎁 From Dunkin’ and Starbucks to Amazon, Chipotle, and more—there are LOTS of chances to win!
✅ Multiple chances to win
✅ Winners drawn daily as listed
✅ Support our Junior Class of 2027
📌 All tickets must be turned in by March 13.
💬 See a member of the Class of 2027 to purchase tickets.
Checks payable to SVUUSD.
Grab your tickets and help support our students while having some fun!
The FHU Junior Class is hosting a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser—and you won’t want to miss your chance to win! 📅✨
For just $5 per ticket (or 5 tickets for $20), you’ll be entered for daily prizes throughout March and April, featuring great local favorites and gift cards. 🎁 From Dunkin’ and Starbucks to Amazon, Chipotle, and more—there are LOTS of chances to win!
✅ Multiple chances to win
✅ Winners drawn daily as listed
✅ Support our Junior Class of 2027
📌 All tickets must be turned in by March 13.
💬 See a member of the Class of 2027 to purchase tickets.
Checks payable to SVUUSD.
Grab your tickets and help support our students while having some fun!
🚨 Tonight — SVUUSD Annual Meeting 🚨
Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.
🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM
Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj
📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#
We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.
🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM
Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj
📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#
We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
Join us for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Annual Meeting on the FY27 School Budget 📘
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.
For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.
For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
On Friday, February 13, Slate Valley students proudly represented our district at the Green Mountain Music District V Festival. 🎶 Students from multiple schools participated in chorus, band, and jazz, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented their schools.
Festival Participants were:
Middle School Chorus
Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley
Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink
High School Band — FHUMHS
Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott
Middle School Jazz
Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla
Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
Festival Participants were:
Middle School Chorus
Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley
Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink
High School Band — FHUMHS
Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott
Middle School Jazz
Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla
Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
Winter Carnival Spirit Week is off to a high-energy start! ❄️🎉 Each morning this week begins with a fun spirit game in the gym, and yesterday’s kickoff event had students laughing, and cheering in a balloon challenge.
Congratulations to Maddy Hayes, who took the top spot as our first Spirit Game Champion of the week! 🏆 We can’t wait to see what the rest of Spirit Week brings!
Congratulations to Maddy Hayes, who took the top spot as our first Spirit Game Champion of the week! 🏆 We can’t wait to see what the rest of Spirit Week brings!
Big hearts made a big impact at the Middle School! ❤️🐾
Through the Hearts for Paws fundraising drive, each TA collected donations for the Rutland County Humane Society—and the results were incredible. In total, students donated 156 items to support local animals in need.
A huge congratulations to Kerry Stevens’ 8th grade TA, who brought in the most donations and earned a special reward: a visit from the Caring Canines of Southern Vermont. Therapy dogs Tony and Cody stopped by to help students kick off their Monday with smiles, calm moments, and plenty of tail wags.
Thank you to Student Voice for organizing this effort and to all of our middle school students and families for their generosity and compassion for animals in our community. 🐶💙
Through the Hearts for Paws fundraising drive, each TA collected donations for the Rutland County Humane Society—and the results were incredible. In total, students donated 156 items to support local animals in need.
A huge congratulations to Kerry Stevens’ 8th grade TA, who brought in the most donations and earned a special reward: a visit from the Caring Canines of Southern Vermont. Therapy dogs Tony and Cody stopped by to help students kick off their Monday with smiles, calm moments, and plenty of tail wags.
Thank you to Student Voice for organizing this effort and to all of our middle school students and families for their generosity and compassion for animals in our community. 🐶💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
Middle School Shenanigans... or is it?
Mr. Merrill’s middle school TA started the day with focus and positivity! 🧘 Students took a few minutes to practice yoga and tai chi together, using mindful movement and breathing to get centered and ready to learn. Building calm, balance, and self-awareness is a great way to set the tone for a successful day. 💙
Mr. Merrill’s middle school TA started the day with focus and positivity! 🧘 Students took a few minutes to practice yoga and tai chi together, using mindful movement and breathing to get centered and ready to learn. Building calm, balance, and self-awareness is a great way to set the tone for a successful day. 💙
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
