On Friday, students tackled a hands-on budgeting simulation using the 50/30/20 rule to manage expenses and savings. Each student received a scenario card outlining their monthly income, loans, household members, and expenses—then had to make tough decisions about housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, groceries, and more.

The challenge? Balancing it all and setting aside money for savings, retirement, or investments.

The struggle was real—but these students rose to the challenge, proving they’re well on their way to mastering the art of “adulting”!
5 days ago, Slate Valley
A student holds a pencil and reviews a printed packet titled “Rogue Credit Union Budget Expense Project” while seated at a classroom desk.
Three students work together at a desk on a budgeting worksheet, using a calculator and discussing their answers, with other students working in the background.
Four students collaborate at a classroom table, using calculators and worksheets for a financial literacy activity. One student points at the paper while another checks figures on a phone.
A student in a gray hoodie uses a phone calculator to fill out a budgeting worksheet as another student stands beside, observing the work.
Two students seated at a desk use calculators and fill in a “Rogue Credit Union” worksheet. A water bottle and snack bag are on the table.
A student wearing a camouflage hat writes on a budgeting worksheet at a desk, focusing on the assignment during class.
On Friday, October 24th, our grades 7–12 students attended an inspiring assembly with Sweethearts & Heroes, an organization dedicated to empowering young people with messages of kindness, empathy, and hope.

The event, organized by our amazing SEL Team — Kaycee Eastman, Tarah Turner, Jess Adams, and Raquel O’Brien — encouraged students to recognize their strengths, build resilience, and make a positive impact in their school community.

Throughout the day, smaller group sessions helped students dive deeper into how they can be both sweethearts and heroes in everyday life.

Our students represented Slate Valley beautifully — respectful, engaged, and full of heart.

Families can learn more about the program at sweetheartsandheroes.com.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Five adults standing in front of a paper “kindness tree” decorated with colorful leaves. Two people wear orange shirts with kindness messages, and others wear neutral or black tops. The backdrop displays large letters spelling “SLATE.”
The speaker stands mid-presentation on the gym floor, addressing students seated in the bleachers under a “Slater Nation” banner.
A man wearing a “Free Hugs” shirt stands in the gym with two students on either side, all smiling and flexing their arms for a photo. One student wears a black shirt, the other a Fair Haven Slaters soccer shirt.
A group of students takes a selfie with the “Free Hugs” speaker in the gym. Everyone is laughing and making playful expressions while holding up their phones.
The speaker, wearing a pink dress shirt, places a colander-style helmet on a smiling student’s head during a gym presentation. Audience members in the bleachers laugh and watch.
The presenter interacts with two students wearing green capes in the gym as a crowd of students watches and smiles from the bleachers.
A presenter crouches in front of a student holding a tall stick on the gym floor, with the word “Perspective” projected on a screen behind them.
A presenter speaks in front of a large projected image showing before-and-after photos of a man’s recovery from burn injuries. Students sit in the bleachers, watching attentively.
A man with visible burn scars, wearing a black polo shirt, speaks with two people—including a student with a backpack—inside the gym.
The “Free Hugs” presenter stands with a group of smiling students in the gym, holding up a camera for a selfie. The words “Slater Nation” are visible on the wall behind them.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 24, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/6e5e2878b6d7/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-24-2025
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated October 24, 2025. The header includes the Slate Valley logo with the words “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a photo of five school mascots standing together: a cougar in a red “Be the ‘I’ in KIND” shirt, a bobcat, a lynx, a miner wearing a “Slater Pride” shirt, and an eagle with yellow wings. The section headline reads “Slate Valley’s PreK Program: Continuing Strong into 2026–2027,” followed by text summarizing the school board’s decision to maintain current preschool sites and schedules for the 2026–2027 school year.
🏑 Slater Field Hockey Advances! 🏑
Congratulations to the Slater Field Hockey team for advancing to the next round of the postseason after an exciting 2–1 victory over Missisquoi on Wednesday!

Next up is the Division III Semifinal Match:
Monday, October 27
#5 Slater Field Hockey vs. #1 Montpelier
Burr & Burton Academy – Friendship Field
5:00 PM start time

Come cheer on our Slaters as they battle for a spot in the championship!

Please note:
No admission charge for this game
No artificial noisemakers
No pets allowed at the game site

The game WILL BE streamed on NFHS

Parking Information for Field Hockey at Burr & Burton Academy:
Spectator parking is available in Lots 31, 30, 32, and 29.

Lot 31 is reserved for handicapped parking or those with limited mobility.

Once Lot 30 is full, please park in Lots 29 or 32 (accessible via Franklin Rd).

No parking along the road except in designated spaces.

If all designated lots are full, additional parking is available in the back lot of the Equinox Hotel.

Please do not park in the Upper Circle 12 or Lot 33.

Let’s pack the sidelines and show our Slater pride!
Go Slaters!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing the Fair Haven Union Slater Field Hockey semifinal game. Text reads: “Monday, October 27! #5 FHU Slater Field Hockey vs. #1 Montpelier. 5:00 pm Game Start at Burr & Burton Academy. No charge. Livestream for this game on the NFHS Network. Come one, come all! Go Slaters!!!!!” The background features blue and gold rays with a silhouette of a field hockey player wearing an FHU Slaters uniform.
Congratulations, Slater Girls Soccer! ⚽️
The Girls Soccer team is moving on to the next round of postseason play after an impressive 6–0 victory over Randolph on Wednesday!

Come cheer them on in the Division III Quarterfinal Match tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, as #4 Slater Girls Soccer hosts #13 BFA Fairfax at 12:00 PM on LaPlaca Field.

This game will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Please note:
No admission charge for this game
No artificial noisemakers
No pets allowed on the field

Let’s fill the sidelines and show our Slater pride!
8 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing the Fair Haven Union Girls Soccer playoff game. Text reads: “Saturday, October 25th! #4 FHU Girls Soccer vs. #13 BFA Fairfax. Saturday, October 25, 12:00 pm on LaPlaca Field at FHUMHS. No charge. Live stream will be through NFHS at https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/fair-haven-union-high-school-fair-haven-vt . Please note there is a fee for the NFHS subscription. No artificial noisemakers. No pets. Come one, come all! Go Slaters!!!!!” Background features a soccer ball on a grassy field with the FHU Slaters logo in the corner.
Yesterday, middle and high school students spent time during advisory filling out colorful leaves with positive messages, led by our SEL Team to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Unity Day is a time to come together and take a stand against bullying. The Unity Tree Project serves as a powerful, hands-on symbol of our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive school community—one kind message at a time.
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Completed “Kindness Tree” display made of brown paper with branches and leaves containing uplifting messages, set up in a school hallway with artwork spelling “SLATER” above it.
Two people work on drawing and assembling the base of a large paper tree on the floor, surrounded by markers, paper leaves, and supplies.
Five colorful paper leaves on a table with handwritten affirmations such as “You are worthy!” “Be kind,” and “Great job.”
Four staff members stand smiling in front of a large paper tree decorated with colorful leaves featuring positive messages at the entrance of the school.
TOMORROW... with the option to participate in person or virtually!
Public Hearing Notice: Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force

The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to attend one of its public hearings to share perspectives and priorities that will help shape proposals for Vermont’s future school district boundaries. The hearing closest to us is:

Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rutland High School, in Rutland.

These hearings are a chance to learn about the Task Force’s purpose and process, share your ideas and concerns, and offer public testimony (2 minutes per speaker; written comments welcome if time runs short).

Your voice matters—help guide the future of Vermont’s schools!

To Participate Virtually Go To: https://bit.ly/vtredistrictingpublichearing

Meeting ID: 288 958 397 374 5 Passcode: Be2vw7j5
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic showing two speakers at a podium before an audience with red curtains. Text reads: “Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force Hearing – Wednesday, October 22nd, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Rutland High School, Rutland, VT.
Slater Success on the Course!

Congratulations to Moses Casey-Martin for winning the Southern Vermont League Boys Cross Country Individual Championship on Friday! Moses conquered the 2500M course in 10:01, finishing 11 seconds ahead of the next competitor.

Also finishing strong were Emerson Robles, who placed 7th with a time of 11:01, and Liam Quesnel, who finished in the top 20.

Way to go, Slaters—you’ve made us proud!
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic celebrating the 2025 Southern Vermont League Boys Cross Country Meet. The image features a runner crossing the finish line and lists winners: Moses Casey-Martin (Winner), Emerson Robles (7th Place), and Liam Quesnel (Top 20). The text congratulates them for their strong finishes and ends with ‘Way to go, Slaters!’ under the FHU Slaters logo.
Big news from Benson! 🎥 WPTZ NBC 5 is bringing "Weather at Your School" to Benson Village School this Friday, October 24th!
Tune in between 5–8 AM to catch live weather broadcasts featuring our amazing faculty, staff, and—of course—students!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing NBC5 First Warning Weather’s ‘Weather at Your School’ live broadcast at Benson Village School on Friday, October 24th. The design features clouds, sun, and weather icons around the border with the word ‘LIVE’ highlighted in red
Over the next school week, FHUMHS students will be practicing a "Relocation Drill." This drill helps students and staff learn how to manage a scenario that requires a full-school evacuation to an off-site location. The drill was rescheduled from last week due to rain.
12 days ago, Ben Worthing
Board Meeting - October 20, 2025
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/omx-yjby-qea
Or dial: (US) +1 636-888-0147 PIN: 204 052 260#

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.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on October 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School band room. Agenda includes a Pre-K presentation, Act 73 discussion, and committee reports.
Reminder: This Wednesday...
Public Hearing Notice: Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force

The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to attend one of its public hearings to share perspectives and priorities that will help shape proposals for Vermont’s future school district boundaries. The hearing closest to us is:

Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rutland High School, in Rutland.

These hearings are a chance to learn about the Task Force’s purpose and process, share your ideas and concerns, and offer public testimony (2 minutes per speaker; written comments welcome if time runs short).

Your voice matters—help guide the future of Vermont’s schools!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic showing two speakers at a podium before an audience with red curtains. Text reads: “Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force Hearing – Wednesday, October 22nd, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Rutland High School, Rutland, VT.”
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 17, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/d574ac7a76a0/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-17-2025
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated October 17, 2025, featuring the Slate Valley logo and a fall-themed banner with a green vintage truck carrying pumpkins, sunflowers, and autumn leaves. Headline reads ‘Slate Valley Hosts the Vermont State Board of Education.'
Yesterday, October 16th, FHUMS students attended the Rutland Area STEM Fair at the Vermont State University–Castleton Campus! Students explored a variety of exhibits, experimenting, discovering, and learning through hands-on science activities.

They had the freedom to roam the fair, diving into exhibits that sparked their curiosity, before finishing the day with a guided campus tour.

It was an inspiring day of exploration, innovation, and fun.
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Students use drills and clamps on wooden projects during an outdoor workshop.
Two students control small blue coding robots using a tablet at a booth.
Two students work with metal stamping tools at a table with drills and key rings.
A student uses a wood-burning tool to etch on a wooden block at a workshop table.
Two students explore a table of colorful science materials at a career fair.
A student in safety goggles drills a piece of wood while another observes closely.
Students interact with a wall display of clear tubing and airflow mechanisms.
Students talk with U.S. Army representatives at a STEM fair booth.
A student practices suturing on a medical training pad at a green-covered table.
A student rides a stationary bike that powers an inflatable tube display at a fair.
The Slater Theater cast is hard at work preparing for their upcoming Dinner Theatre Murder Mystery — Murder Ahoy!

Join us on November 14, 2025, for an evening of suspense, laughter, and great food as our talented students bring this thrilling performance to life.

This is one show you won’t want to miss!
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Students perform a classroom skit in the gymnasium, standing and sitting at tables in front of a “Slaters” wall backdrop.
A group of students act out a scene at tables in the gym, with one student sitting in the foreground watching the performance.

On Wednesday, October 15th, Slate Valley UUSD had the great honor of hosting the Vermont State Board of Education Meeting — a first for our district!

Among those in attendance were Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders, State Board Attorney and Slater alum Sarah Buxton, Esq., and Board Member Lyle Jepson, who many will remember as the FHUHS Principal in the 1990s.

The day began with a tour of Fair Haven Union Middle and High School, led by building administrators, followed by a presentation from Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and faculty members who showcased the innovative and unique classes offered throughout Slate Valley.

It was a busy, exciting, and truly proud day for our district—highlighting the incredible learning, collaboration, and community that define Slate Valley.

16 days ago, Slate Valley
Administrators and visitors walk down a hallway lined with lockers during a school tour.
School administrators and visitors stand at the front of a classroom speaking with students during a visit.
A principal leads a group of visitors through a school hallway, discussing programs and facilities.
Visitors observe equipment in a classroom featuring 3D printers and safety gear on display.
Two students work on a science experiment while a visitor smiles and engages with them.
Attendees sit in rows facing a presentation area during a Vermont State of Education school board meeting.
A presentation titled “Our School, Your Future – Slate Valley Style” is projected behind panelists at a district meeting.
Two presenters at a school board meeting share updates while smiling, with instruments in the background.
Presenters speak at a meeting table with FHU Slaters banners while attendees and equipment are visible behind them.
Three presenters sit at a table with microphones and laptops at a meeting marked with FHU Slaters logos.
Just a reminder - picture retake day is tomorrow, Friday October 17th for both the middle and high school.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic sharing tomorrow, October 17th is photo retake day for both the middle and High school, there is an image of a camera and the FHU Slater Logo above the date
Junior Varsity Football Game Change:

The Slaters JV football team will be playing at Bellows Falls on Monday Oct 13. Game time is 4pm. Bus departure will be at 1:30pm.
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 10, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/412ddc0cb9f9/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-10-2025
22 days ago, Slate Valley
First page of Slate Valley District Newsletter for October 10, 2025. Click to see the complete newsletter
Public Hearing Notice: Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force

The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to attend one of its public hearings to share perspectives and priorities that will help shape proposals for Vermont’s future school district boundaries. The hearing closest to us is:

Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rutland High School, in Rutland.

These hearings are a chance to learn about the Task Force’s purpose and process, share your ideas and concerns, and offer public testimony (2 minutes per speaker; written comments welcome if time runs short).

Your voice matters—help guide the future of Vermont’s schools!
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic showing two speakers at a podium before an audience with red curtains. Text reads: “Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force Hearing – Wednesday, October 22nd, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Rutland High School, Rutland, VT.”