🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Asher Oberkirch ✨🎓
🏃♀️🏃♂️ Looking for a fun way to stay active this summer?
The Slate Valley Efts Running Group is welcoming youth athletes interested in cross country or cross-training for other sports! No registration, no commitment—just drop in when you can.
Join local USATF SafeSport-certified coaches for age-appropriate workouts and group runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00–7:30 p.m., beginning June 16, at the R&H Rail Trail entrance on South Street in Castleton.
Whether you're training for a sport or simply enjoy running, come check it out!
Questions? Contact Dan Verrington at dan.verrington@svuvt.org
The Slate Valley Efts Running Group is welcoming youth athletes interested in cross country or cross-training for other sports! No registration, no commitment—just drop in when you can.
Join local USATF SafeSport-certified coaches for age-appropriate workouts and group runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00–7:30 p.m., beginning June 16, at the R&H Rail Trail entrance on South Street in Castleton.
Whether you're training for a sport or simply enjoy running, come check it out!
Questions? Contact Dan Verrington at dan.verrington@svuvt.org
🌲🚣 Current 7th & 8th Graders - Looking for an Adventure This Summer? Join GAP 2026! 🚣🌲
The Great Adventure Project (GAP) returns the week of June 22–26, and it's shaping up to be another unforgettable week of outdoor exploration!
For those unfamiliar with GAP, this is a week-long day camp based out of Fair Haven Union Middle & High School that gives current 7th & 8th grade students the opportunity to explore some of the best natural areas in our region—both on land and on water. Participants alternate between hiking and kayaking throughout the week while learning about the South Lake Champlain Drainage Basin and the impact humans have on the natural environment.
🥾 Hike scenic trails
🚣 Kayak local waterways
📊 Collect environmental data
📸 Document your discoveries
🌎 Explore, learn, and adventure with friends
This is an active program, so come prepared to work hard, get outside, and experience the outdoors in a whole new way!
⚠️ Space is limited to just 16 students due to the number of kayaks available, and spots are already filling quickly.
Interested? Connect with Mr. Clark as soon as possible to pick up a permission slip and reserve your spot.
The Great Adventure Project (GAP) returns the week of June 22–26, and it's shaping up to be another unforgettable week of outdoor exploration!
For those unfamiliar with GAP, this is a week-long day camp based out of Fair Haven Union Middle & High School that gives current 7th & 8th grade students the opportunity to explore some of the best natural areas in our region—both on land and on water. Participants alternate between hiking and kayaking throughout the week while learning about the South Lake Champlain Drainage Basin and the impact humans have on the natural environment.
🥾 Hike scenic trails
🚣 Kayak local waterways
📊 Collect environmental data
📸 Document your discoveries
🌎 Explore, learn, and adventure with friends
This is an active program, so come prepared to work hard, get outside, and experience the outdoors in a whole new way!
⚠️ Space is limited to just 16 students due to the number of kayaks available, and spots are already filling quickly.
Interested? Connect with Mr. Clark as soon as possible to pick up a permission slip and reserve your spot.
💙🧺 Community Kindness in Action! 🧺💙
A huge thank you to our incredible community for helping make the 4th Annual Blanket Drive a tremendous success!
Fair Haven Union High School seniors Riley and Theresa recently delivered more than 100 blankets to the Medical Oncology Unit at Rutland Regional Medical Center. Thanks to the generosity of students, staff, families, and community members, these donations will help provide comfort, warmth, and care to patients during difficult times.
Projects like this remind us of the power of coming together to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this meaningful effort. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on those who need it most.
❤️ Way to go, Riley and Theresa, for leading such a compassionate and successful community service project!
A huge thank you to our incredible community for helping make the 4th Annual Blanket Drive a tremendous success!
Fair Haven Union High School seniors Riley and Theresa recently delivered more than 100 blankets to the Medical Oncology Unit at Rutland Regional Medical Center. Thanks to the generosity of students, staff, families, and community members, these donations will help provide comfort, warmth, and care to patients during difficult times.
Projects like this remind us of the power of coming together to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported this meaningful effort. Your kindness will have a lasting impact on those who need it most.
❤️ Way to go, Riley and Theresa, for leading such a compassionate and successful community service project!
Where Are They Now Wednesday: June Alumni Feature - Jeffrey Jr. York, FHUHS Class of 2016
From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.
After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities.
Today, Jeffrey works at Doran brothers, and is enrolled in classes earning his CDL. Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him.
"He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."
Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.
When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."
Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."
We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
From the football field at Fair Haven Union High School to building a career and family-centered life, this month’s alumni spotlight features Jeffrey Jr. York, a proud member of the Class of 2016 whose journey highlights hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
During his time at FHUHS, Jeffrey participated in football and was also involved in the school’s work study program, an experience that helped prepare him for life beyond graduation. Looking back, those experiences helped provide practical skills and a foundation that carried into adulthood.
After graduating Jeffrey entered the workforce and gained experience across several professions. Shortly after high school, he and his family welcomed their first daughter, Piper, while he worked in construction and explored different career opportunities.
Today, Jeffrey works at Doran brothers, and is enrolled in classes earning his CDL. Reflecting on the teachers who made a difference in his life, Jeffrey shared that choosing just one was difficult, but he credits Mr. Blackbird as someone who had a meaningful impact on him.
"He never treated anyone differently no matter the reason and always kept it straight with us no matter the situation. He also showed me that no matter what stands in your way, you can achieve what you want."
Outside of work, Jeffrey says his greatest joy comes from being a husband, father, and provider for his family. He is the proud father of three daughters and hopes they will one day enjoy the same experiences and memories at FHUHS that he did.
When asked for a favorite quote, Jeffrey shared words from Tupac Shakur that continue to inspire him:
"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep your head up... and handle it."
Jeffrey’s advice for today’s Slate Valley students is simple but meaningful:
"Focus — high school isn’t forever. Enjoy your time while you're there and absorb as much knowledge as possible. You’ll be surprised by how much you carry with you into the real world and how much the decisions you make now can impact your future."
We thank Jeffrey for sharing his story and wish him continued success in his career, family life, and future endeavors.
🎓 Trivia Tuesday – June Edition! 🎓
School is winding down, graduation celebrations are approaching, and we have an end of year question to test your knowledge!
Do you know?
Approximately how many days does a student spend in school from kindergarten through Grade 12?
Drop your guess in the comments below.
School is winding down, graduation celebrations are approaching, and we have an end of year question to test your knowledge!
Do you know?
Approximately how many days does a student spend in school from kindergarten through Grade 12?
Drop your guess in the comments below.
🎓 Congratulations to Our Stafford Technical Center Graduates! 🎓
On Friday, Fair Haven Union High School students who completed their studies at Stafford Technical Center were recognized during the annual Stafford Technical Center Awards Ceremony alongside graduates from all of the center’s sending schools.
Throughout their time at Stafford, these students gained valuable hands-on experience, industry-specific skills, certifications, and real-world learning opportunities.
We are proud of the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of each student and congratulate them on this important milestone. We look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future!
👏 Join us in celebrating these outstanding students and their achievements!
On Friday, Fair Haven Union High School students who completed their studies at Stafford Technical Center were recognized during the annual Stafford Technical Center Awards Ceremony alongside graduates from all of the center’s sending schools.
Throughout their time at Stafford, these students gained valuable hands-on experience, industry-specific skills, certifications, and real-world learning opportunities.
We are proud of the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of each student and congratulate them on this important milestone. We look forward to seeing all they achieve in the future!
👏 Join us in celebrating these outstanding students and their achievements!
🌱🍅 Free Plants for the Taking! 🍅🌱
Looking to add a few plants to your garden this season? FHUHS has you covered!
The Horticulture Program has a selection of free plants available outside the greenhouse, with mostly tomato plants ready for new homes.
Stop by, pick up a few plants, and give them a place to grow.
📍 Outside the FHUHS Greenhouse
🌱 Free and available while supplies last!
Happy planting! 🍅☀️
Looking to add a few plants to your garden this season? FHUHS has you covered!
The Horticulture Program has a selection of free plants available outside the greenhouse, with mostly tomato plants ready for new homes.
Stop by, pick up a few plants, and give them a place to grow.
📍 Outside the FHUHS Greenhouse
🌱 Free and available while supplies last!
Happy planting! 🍅☀️
🐾🔍 Students Get a Nose for Detection Work! 🔍🐾
On Friday, May 29, Law Enforcement and Career Exploration students had the opportunity to learn from a true canine professional when Kristie Adams and her dog, Stevie, visited campus.
Kristie shared insights into the world of dog training, with a special focus on nose work—the specialized training that teaches dogs to locate specific scents using their powerful sense of smell. Students learned about the dedication, patience, and partnership required to train working dogs for detection tasks.
After the presentation, Stevie put her skills on display, demonstrating how she searches for and identifies target scents. Students watched as she worked through scent-detection exercises, showcasing the focus, precision, and teamwork that make detection dogs such valuable partners.
Thank you to Kristie and Stevie for providing our students with an engaging, hands-on look at canine scent detection and the many career pathways that involve working with animals and public safety.
On Friday, May 29, Law Enforcement and Career Exploration students had the opportunity to learn from a true canine professional when Kristie Adams and her dog, Stevie, visited campus.
Kristie shared insights into the world of dog training, with a special focus on nose work—the specialized training that teaches dogs to locate specific scents using their powerful sense of smell. Students learned about the dedication, patience, and partnership required to train working dogs for detection tasks.
After the presentation, Stevie put her skills on display, demonstrating how she searches for and identifies target scents. Students watched as she worked through scent-detection exercises, showcasing the focus, precision, and teamwork that make detection dogs such valuable partners.
Thank you to Kristie and Stevie for providing our students with an engaging, hands-on look at canine scent detection and the many career pathways that involve working with animals and public safety.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday: June Spotlight
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who truly represents dedication and commitment within Slate Valley—Ann Pelkey, our Payroll Specialist and the district’s longest-serving employee with an incredible 44 years of service!
For more than four decades, Ann has been an essential part of the Slate Valley family, beginning her career shortly after graduating from Castleton State College with a degree in Business Administration. Forty-four years is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the care, consistency, and heart she brings to her work every day.
While many people may not realize it, Ann’s role impacts every employee across the district. In fact, if you work in Slate Valley and haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Ann personally, you’ve certainly benefited from her hard work behind the scenes. Every time a paycheck arrives accurately and on time, Ann makes that happen — and that’s definitely something worth being thankful for!
Outside of work, Ann enjoys karaoke, reading, mini golf, and spending time with family and friends. She loves going for walks and rides with her loyal and friendly dog, Belle. She is a volunteer at the Fair Haven American Legion, and also serves as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Fair Haven Unit 49.
Ann’s favorite saying perfectly reflects her fun spirit and sense of humor: “It’s never late till midnight — it’s early after that.”
When asked to share anything else, Ann simply said, “I so enjoy working and being a part of the Slate Valley family.” After 44 years of dedication, we can confidently say that the feeling is mutual.
Thank you, Ann, for your years of service, your commitment to the district, and for helping keep everything running behind the scenes. Slate Valley is fortunate to have you!
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who truly represents dedication and commitment within Slate Valley—Ann Pelkey, our Payroll Specialist and the district’s longest-serving employee with an incredible 44 years of service!
For more than four decades, Ann has been an essential part of the Slate Valley family, beginning her career shortly after graduating from Castleton State College with a degree in Business Administration. Forty-four years is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the care, consistency, and heart she brings to her work every day.
While many people may not realize it, Ann’s role impacts every employee across the district. In fact, if you work in Slate Valley and haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting Ann personally, you’ve certainly benefited from her hard work behind the scenes. Every time a paycheck arrives accurately and on time, Ann makes that happen — and that’s definitely something worth being thankful for!
Outside of work, Ann enjoys karaoke, reading, mini golf, and spending time with family and friends. She loves going for walks and rides with her loyal and friendly dog, Belle. She is a volunteer at the Fair Haven American Legion, and also serves as secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary Fair Haven Unit 49.
Ann’s favorite saying perfectly reflects her fun spirit and sense of humor: “It’s never late till midnight — it’s early after that.”
When asked to share anything else, Ann simply said, “I so enjoy working and being a part of the Slate Valley family.” After 44 years of dedication, we can confidently say that the feeling is mutual.
Thank you, Ann, for your years of service, your commitment to the district, and for helping keep everything running behind the scenes. Slate Valley is fortunate to have you!
NOTICE: Today's MS Baseball game at Christ the King has been cancelled.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: May 29, 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/3636bf31d624/slate-valley-district-newsletter-may-15-13836785
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Erica Stoliker ✨🎓
🎓✨ Senior Spotlight: Bella Manley ✨🎓
⚾🎓 Senior Night Celebration! 🎓⚾
Last night, Fair Haven Union High School proudly celebrated our senior baseball players: Mason Gutel, Cody Adams, and Caleb Long!
These student-athletes have dedicated countless hours to the game, their teammates, and the Slater baseball program. Their leadership, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact both on and off the field.
Thank you for representing FHU with pride throughout your baseball careers. We wish each of you the very best as you finish your senior year and take on your next adventures! 💙🤍
Congratulations, Mason, Cody, and Caleb! Once a Slater, always a Slater! ⚾👏
Last night, Fair Haven Union High School proudly celebrated our senior baseball players: Mason Gutel, Cody Adams, and Caleb Long!
These student-athletes have dedicated countless hours to the game, their teammates, and the Slater baseball program. Their leadership, hard work, and commitment have made a lasting impact both on and off the field.
Thank you for representing FHU with pride throughout your baseball careers. We wish each of you the very best as you finish your senior year and take on your next adventures! 💙🤍
Congratulations, Mason, Cody, and Caleb! Once a Slater, always a Slater! ⚾👏
🥎💙 Celebrating our FHUHS Softball Seniors! 💙🥎
Senior Night is always a special opportunity to recognize the dedication, leadership, and memories created over years on the field. Last night we celebrated five outstanding Slaters who have helped shape this program through their hard work, teamwork, and commitment.
Congratulations to our seniors:
⭐ Riley Babbie
⭐ Olivia Paige
⭐ Emma Surething
⭐ Victoria Genier
⭐ Savannah Wilkinson
Thank you for the countless practices, games, laughs, and memories you've given to FHUHS Softball. Your impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard, and we are excited to see where your next chapters take you.
Join us in celebrating these seniors and wishing them the very best! 🥎🎓
Senior Night is always a special opportunity to recognize the dedication, leadership, and memories created over years on the field. Last night we celebrated five outstanding Slaters who have helped shape this program through their hard work, teamwork, and commitment.
Congratulations to our seniors:
⭐ Riley Babbie
⭐ Olivia Paige
⭐ Emma Surething
⭐ Victoria Genier
⭐ Savannah Wilkinson
Thank you for the countless practices, games, laughs, and memories you've given to FHUHS Softball. Your impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard, and we are excited to see where your next chapters take you.
Join us in celebrating these seniors and wishing them the very best! 🥎🎓
📣 Community members are invited to attend the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting!
The Community Advisory Council provides an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations that help support and strengthen our Slate Valley schools.
📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕔 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
This meeting will also serve as the final Community Advisory Council meeting of the 2025–26 school year. Thank you to everyone who has participated and shared ideas throughout the year. Your voices, perspectives, and collaboration help make our Slate Valley community stronger.
We hope you’ll join us as we wrap up another great year together!
The Community Advisory Council provides an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to collaborate, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations that help support and strengthen our Slate Valley schools.
📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕔 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Central Office Conference Room
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School
This meeting will also serve as the final Community Advisory Council meeting of the 2025–26 school year. Thank you to everyone who has participated and shared ideas throughout the year. Your voices, perspectives, and collaboration help make our Slate Valley community stronger.
We hope you’ll join us as we wrap up another great year together!
🎓✨ Calling All Seniors — We Want to Celebrate YOU! ✨🎓
Graduation is right around the corner, and we want to help share your next chapter with the Slate Valley community! Whether you’re heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, pursuing a trade, taking a gap year, or following another exciting path, we want to hear your story.
Our communities love celebrating the many unique journeys our graduates take, and there is no better way to showcase the incredible accomplishments and future plans of the Class of 2026.
Please take a few moments to complete the form and help us spotlight your achievements and what comes next!
📅 Submit by May 27
🔗 Complete the form here: https://bit.ly/FHUClassof2026
📱 Or simply scan the QR code on the flyer.
We’re incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished and cannot wait to celebrate the amazing places life takes you.
Graduation is right around the corner, and we want to help share your next chapter with the Slate Valley community! Whether you’re heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, pursuing a trade, taking a gap year, or following another exciting path, we want to hear your story.
Our communities love celebrating the many unique journeys our graduates take, and there is no better way to showcase the incredible accomplishments and future plans of the Class of 2026.
Please take a few moments to complete the form and help us spotlight your achievements and what comes next!
📅 Submit by May 27
🔗 Complete the form here: https://bit.ly/FHUClassof2026
📱 Or simply scan the QR code on the flyer.
We’re incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished and cannot wait to celebrate the amazing places life takes you.
🏫➡️💙 Preparing for the next chapter!
On Friday, May 22, members of our middle school team hit the road for a special Traveling Road Show, visiting all four Slate Valley elementary schools to meet with current 6th grade students and help ease the transition to middle school.
Kim Ezzo, Archie Clark, Alex Chirgwin, and Principal Paquette spent time answering questions, sharing what students can expect, and helping future middle schoolers feel excited and confident about the move ahead.
Transitioning to a new school is a big milestone, and these visits are an important opportunity to help students learn more about middle school life, build connections, and begin seeing themselves as part of the FHU Middle School community.
On Friday, May 22, members of our middle school team hit the road for a special Traveling Road Show, visiting all four Slate Valley elementary schools to meet with current 6th grade students and help ease the transition to middle school.
Kim Ezzo, Archie Clark, Alex Chirgwin, and Principal Paquette spent time answering questions, sharing what students can expect, and helping future middle schoolers feel excited and confident about the move ahead.
Transitioning to a new school is a big milestone, and these visits are an important opportunity to help students learn more about middle school life, build connections, and begin seeing themselves as part of the FHU Middle School community.
Over the next several days, students and staff at FHUMHS will participate in the school’s final “Options-Based” safety drill of the year. This drill provides an important opportunity for our school community to review and practice safety procedures as we continue working to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment at FHU.