Where Are They Now Wednesday: Derek Eagan, Class of 2018
This month’s Where Are They Now Wednesday spotlight features Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Derek Eagan, Class of 2018, who has turned his early interest in public safety into a meaningful and fast-paced career in emergency services.
While in High School, Derek pursued training through the Stafford Technical Center Public Safety/Criminal Justice program, building the skills that would launch him into the field. Today, he works full time at Community Health Brandon as a Medical Assistant and also serves per diem with Wallingford Rescue Squad, Brandon Area Rescue Squad, and Regional Ambulance Service. His work keeps him actively engaged in caring for and supporting people across the region when they need it most.
While at FHUHS, Derek was a member of the FHUHS Cadets, an experience that helped shape his career direction and commitment to service. He credits several educators with having a lasting influence on his success, including Mrs. Margret Hayward, Mrs. Sheila Nicholes, and Scott Alkinburgh, whose support and guidance helped him along the way.
Outside of his professional life, Derek stays busy with a wide range of interests. During the summer months, he spends time at Pond Hill Ranch and also enjoys fishing, hiking, and just being outdoors. He values time with family and friends—especially his high school best friend, Adam—and is excited to now be a first-time uncle. He has also developed a passion for photography and recently launched his own business, Derek Eagan Photography.
A quote that continues to motivate him is, “Getting back up is the only back up plan you need,” by Bailey Zimmerman.
His advice to today’s Slate Valley students is simple but heartfelt: Don’t rush your four years. Make friends, and take part in the clubs and sports that interest you.
Last night, Senator David Weeks, Representative William Canfield, and Representative Zachary Harvey joined community members at a Community Advisory Council meeting at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School for a forum focused on Act 73.
We appreciate our legislators taking the time to meet with the community, answer questions, and provide thoughtful, detailed explanations about Act 73 and its potential direction and impact on education in Vermont. Their openness and engagement helped make the discussion informative and productive for all who attended.
We appreciate our legislators taking the time to meet with the community, answer questions, and provide thoughtful, detailed explanations about Act 73 and its potential direction and impact on education in Vermont. Their openness and engagement helped make the discussion informative and productive for all who attended.
Belden Adds his Name to Another Banner!
Congratulations to Slater sophomore Cole Belden on becoming the 24th wrestler in Slater history to reach the 100 win mark! On Saturday, January 31st at the Mount Greylock Invitational, Cole ran the table to win the 138lb weight class championship, and to cap off the weekend, he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Congratulations to Cole and his family on this special achievement.
Congratulations to Slater sophomore Cole Belden on becoming the 24th wrestler in Slater history to reach the 100 win mark! On Saturday, January 31st at the Mount Greylock Invitational, Cole ran the table to win the 138lb weight class championship, and to cap off the weekend, he was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Congratulations to Cole and his family on this special achievement.
Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know? 📊
All information about Slate Valley’s Proposed FY27 Budget is available in one convenient place on our website. Community members can review the full set of resources, including:
• Proposed FY27 Budget Presentation
• 2025–2026 Annual Report
• Warning for the Annual Meeting
• FY27 Tax Rate Estimates
• Annual Meeting details — February 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
View everything here:
👉 https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
🗳️ Don’t forget: Please vote on Town Meeting Day — March 3, 2026 by Australian ballot, or vote early using an absentee ballot.
Stay informed and take part in the process!
All information about Slate Valley’s Proposed FY27 Budget is available in one convenient place on our website. Community members can review the full set of resources, including:
• Proposed FY27 Budget Presentation
• 2025–2026 Annual Report
• Warning for the Annual Meeting
• FY27 Tax Rate Estimates
• Annual Meeting details — February 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
View everything here:
👉 https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
🗳️ Don’t forget: Please vote on Town Meeting Day — March 3, 2026 by Australian ballot, or vote early using an absentee ballot.
Stay informed and take part in the process!
Reminder: Tonight - Act 73 Discussion with Local Legislators!
6:00 to 7:30 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
All are welcome!
6:00 to 7:30 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
All are welcome!
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday - February Spotlight
This month we’re excited to spotlight Bethany Link, a Grade 3 teacher at Benson Village School. This is Mrs. Link’s second year at BVS. Before joining the Benson community, she taught for six years at Randolph Elementary School, working with students in grades K–2.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Link enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures together. She also loves reading a good book, cooking and baking, getting outdoors, and a little shopping when she can fit it in.
Her classroom community is guided by this shared message:
“In this classroom, we respect each other, we never give up, we are kind, we laugh a lot, we make mistakes, we have big dreams, we are family!”
A quote that inspires her personally is:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Mrs. Link began the school year on maternity leave after welcoming a baby boy, Thomas Calvin Link, named in honor of both of his grandfathers. We’re so glad to have her back at Benson Village School and deeply appreciate the warmth, care, and positive energy she brings to her students each day.
This month we’re excited to spotlight Bethany Link, a Grade 3 teacher at Benson Village School. This is Mrs. Link’s second year at BVS. Before joining the Benson community, she taught for six years at Randolph Elementary School, working with students in grades K–2.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Link enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures together. She also loves reading a good book, cooking and baking, getting outdoors, and a little shopping when she can fit it in.
Her classroom community is guided by this shared message:
“In this classroom, we respect each other, we never give up, we are kind, we laugh a lot, we make mistakes, we have big dreams, we are family!”
A quote that inspires her personally is:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Mrs. Link began the school year on maternity leave after welcoming a baby boy, Thomas Calvin Link, named in honor of both of his grandfathers. We’re so glad to have her back at Benson Village School and deeply appreciate the warmth, care, and positive energy she brings to her students each day.
District Newsletter: January 30, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/82c6c6cc4bc0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-30-2026
https://mailchi.mp/82c6c6cc4bc0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-30-2026
Join Us for our next Community Advisory Council Meeting — Monday, February 2!
We hope you’ll join us for the next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Library at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
We’ll be welcoming our local legislators for an important conversation and updates on Act 73. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share your perspective as we work together to support our schools and community.
🗓 Monday, February 2, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 FHUMHS Library
Come be part of the conversation — we’d love to see you there!
We hope you’ll join us for the next Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Library at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
We’ll be welcoming our local legislators for an important conversation and updates on Act 73. This is a great opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and share your perspective as we work together to support our schools and community.
🗓 Monday, February 2, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 FHUMHS Library
Come be part of the conversation — we’d love to see you there!
What a way to wrap up this round of Lifetime Activities! ❄️ Despite the super chilly temps, our Frisbee golf and ice fishing groups bundled up, braved the cold, and made the most of their final day together—proving that a little winter weather can’t stop the fun.
To top it all off, Principal Jen Paquette surprised both groups with hot chocolate and donuts, which were a huge hit and very much appreciated on such a cold day!
We also want to share a sincere thank you from Ms. Paquette to everyone for their patience and understanding when the trip ended with a small hiccup—a bus breakdown that required a later return than planned. Students, staff, and families were incredibly supportive and flexible while we waited for a replacement bus, and that teamwork truly reflects the strength of our school community.
Cold hands, warm drinks, and great memories—now that’s a Lifetime Activities day to remember!
To top it all off, Principal Jen Paquette surprised both groups with hot chocolate and donuts, which were a huge hit and very much appreciated on such a cold day!
We also want to share a sincere thank you from Ms. Paquette to everyone for their patience and understanding when the trip ended with a small hiccup—a bus breakdown that required a later return than planned. Students, staff, and families were incredibly supportive and flexible while we waited for a replacement bus, and that teamwork truly reflects the strength of our school community.
Cold hands, warm drinks, and great memories—now that’s a Lifetime Activities day to remember!
🥶 Bundle Up—Thursday's Our Final LTA Day! ❄️
Tomorrow wraps up the final week of this session of Lifetime Activities, and winter is reminding us it’s in full swing!
Students in Ice Fishing and Frisbee Golf will be heading to Lake St. Catherine, while Yoga and Baking groups will take short walks to alternate locations around town. Please be sure students dress warmly and appropriately for cold outdoor conditions—layers, hats, gloves, warm socks, and winter footwear are a must!
🧤 Cold-Weather Safety Measures in Place:
• Hand warmers provided for all students
• Regular communication with families
• A bus will remain on site at outdoor locations
• Students will rewarm every 45 minutes
• Advisors will closely monitor hands, feet, noses, ears, and overall comfort
• Advisors and administration will stay in close contact and will call it early if conditions require
We’re excited to wrap up a great LTA session—just don’t be “that one guy.” Dress warm! 😄❄️
Tomorrow wraps up the final week of this session of Lifetime Activities, and winter is reminding us it’s in full swing!
Students in Ice Fishing and Frisbee Golf will be heading to Lake St. Catherine, while Yoga and Baking groups will take short walks to alternate locations around town. Please be sure students dress warmly and appropriately for cold outdoor conditions—layers, hats, gloves, warm socks, and winter footwear are a must!
🧤 Cold-Weather Safety Measures in Place:
• Hand warmers provided for all students
• Regular communication with families
• A bus will remain on site at outdoor locations
• Students will rewarm every 45 minutes
• Advisors will closely monitor hands, feet, noses, ears, and overall comfort
• Advisors and administration will stay in close contact and will call it early if conditions require
We’re excited to wrap up a great LTA session—just don’t be “that one guy.” Dress warm! 😄❄️
Project Build students are at it again! 🛠️📚
This time, they’re putting their skills to work by building outdoor Little Library Book Boxes for the local park. From careful measuring to drilling and assembly, students are gaining hands-on experience while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. We love seeing learning, craftsmanship, and community connection come together—nice work, students!
This time, they’re putting their skills to work by building outdoor Little Library Book Boxes for the local park. From careful measuring to drilling and assembly, students are gaining hands-on experience while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. We love seeing learning, craftsmanship, and community connection come together—nice work, students!
“Tell me you live in Vermont without telling me…”
Two FHUHS seniors, Porter and Logan, arrived at school by snowmobile today—because of course they did! Staff shared that about a decade ago, this was actually a common sight, with 8–9 sleds regularly parked outside by the greenhouse.
Some traditions never really disappear… they just wait for the right snowfall. Stay warm and safe, Slaters!
Two FHUHS seniors, Porter and Logan, arrived at school by snowmobile today—because of course they did! Staff shared that about a decade ago, this was actually a common sight, with 8–9 sleds regularly parked outside by the greenhouse.
Some traditions never really disappear… they just wait for the right snowfall. Stay warm and safe, Slaters!
🏀🌟 State Champion Alert! 🌟🏀
On Saturday at Spaulding High School, FHU Middle School student Jaden earned the title of Vermont State Champion in the 12/13-year-old boys division of the Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest! Jaden sank an incredible 23 out of 25 free throws to secure the win.
This victory follows an impressive run—winning at the Rutland County level, then Sectionals in Springfield, and now States. Next up: Regionals in Portland, Maine this March, where Jaden will compete against the top shooters from each New England state for a chance to advance to Nationals in Chicago.
We are so proud of Jaden’s hard work, focus, and determination. Way to represent FHU—keep shooting for the stars! 🌟
On Saturday at Spaulding High School, FHU Middle School student Jaden earned the title of Vermont State Champion in the 12/13-year-old boys division of the Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest! Jaden sank an incredible 23 out of 25 free throws to secure the win.
This victory follows an impressive run—winning at the Rutland County level, then Sectionals in Springfield, and now States. Next up: Regionals in Portland, Maine this March, where Jaden will compete against the top shooters from each New England state for a chance to advance to Nationals in Chicago.
We are so proud of Jaden’s hard work, focus, and determination. Way to represent FHU—keep shooting for the stars! 🌟
Reminder: Friday, January 30, 2026 is a half day for students.
Here is the 1/2 day Student Schedule:
Period 1 - 8:10 to 9:01
Period 2 - 9:04 to 9:55
Period 3 - 9:58 to 10:49
Period 4 - 10:52 to 11:45
Here is the 1/2 day Student Schedule:
Period 1 - 8:10 to 9:01
Period 2 - 9:04 to 9:55
Period 3 - 9:58 to 10:49
Period 4 - 10:52 to 11:45
Board Meeting Tonight- January 26, 2026
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/zjf-fize-oet
Or dial: (US) +1 413-779-5205 PIN: 549 283 171#
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 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/zjf-fize-oet
Or dial: (US) +1 413-779-5205 PIN: 549 283 171#
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.
Good Afternoon,
All Slate Valley Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the weather conditions. Stay safe and have a great day!
Best,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
All Slate Valley Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the weather conditions. Stay safe and have a great day!
Best,
Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Superintendent
Slate Valley District Newsletter for January 23, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/df08e8fadaac/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-16-13835994
https://mailchi.mp/df08e8fadaac/slate-valley-district-newsletter-january-16-13835994
🎤✨ Night of the Elephant Talent Show ✨🎤
What an incredible afternoon at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School for our Night of the Elephant Talent Show!
We are so impressed and proud of our students who showed courage, confidence, and creativity by sharing their talents on stage.
A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who made this event a success—especially the students who helped plan and run the show, our behind-the-scenes stage crew, our dedicated judges, and Mrs. Adams, emcee extraordinaire, who kept the show moving and the crowd engaged.
Keep reaching for the stars—you were amazing! 🌟
What an incredible afternoon at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School for our Night of the Elephant Talent Show!
We are so impressed and proud of our students who showed courage, confidence, and creativity by sharing their talents on stage.
A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who made this event a success—especially the students who helped plan and run the show, our behind-the-scenes stage crew, our dedicated judges, and Mrs. Adams, emcee extraordinaire, who kept the show moving and the crowd engaged.
Keep reaching for the stars—you were amazing! 🌟
