🌸🎶 Cinco de Mayo Concert Concessions! 🎶🌸

Join us for a festive evening at the FHU Gym as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with delicious food and great music!
⏰Open during the concert. The concert begins at 6:30 pm
🗓 Tuesday, May 5th
📍 FHU Gym

🌮 Featuring Nachos!
Build your perfect plate with your choice of toppings:
Nacho cheese, taco meat, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

🥤 Plus Grab & Go Options:
Chips, sweets, and drinks available!

Come hungry, bring your friends, and enjoy the celebration! 🎉
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful Cinco de Mayo-themed flyer with bright flowers and decorative borders. The text reads: “Cinco de Mayo Concert Concession, Tuesday, May 5th, FHU Gym. Featuring nachos. Choose your toppings: nacho cheese, taco meat, salsa, guacamole, sour cream. Plus grab and go chips, sweets, drinks.”
☕💙 Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is off to a great start! 💙☕

We kicked off the week on Monday with a special visit to the incredible faculty and staff at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School! 🎉 Our Central Office team hit the halls bright and early, delivering fresh coffee, tea, and a delicious assortment of breakfast treats to help start the day right. 🍎🥐

From warm smiles to quick hallway chats, it was a wonderful way to say thank you to the educators and staff who make FHU such a special place for students each and every day.

And we’re not done yet! Tomorrow, the team will be visiting additional schools across the district to continue spreading appreciation and gratitude. 💫

It truly takes a village—and we are so lucky to have such a dedicated, caring one. 💙
11 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling staff member hands food to another while standing beside a table filled with pastries, fruit, and yogurt.
A woman smiles while pushing a cart with coffee containers down a school hallway, followed by another staff member pushing a cart with fruit and pastries.
Three staff members stand behind a table filled with breakfast items including apples, bananas, yogurt, and pastries as one serves herself.
A man and woman stand behind a green-covered table in a school hallway preparing coffee and tea, with creamers, stir sticks, and cups arranged neatly.
A staff member selects food from a table filled with pastries, fruit, and yogurt while holding a plate.
Two staff members serve themselves breakfast items from a table while others stand nearby in the hallway.
Staff gather around a mobile coffee and snack station in a hallway, smiling and chatting while preparing drinks.
A staff member serves himself from a tray of pastries while others stand nearby holding plates in a school hallway.
Several staff members gather around a coffee station in a hallway, pouring drinks and selecting breakfast items while chatting.
A decorative bulletin board reads “Thank you for all you do, we appreciate you” surrounded by blue and silver balloons.
🎶 FHUMHS Band Marches with Pride! 🎶

Yesterday, Sunday, May 3rd, the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band proudly took part in Rutland’s annual Loyalty Parade! 🇺🇸

Our talented musicians filled the streets with music, energy, and school spirit as they marched through downtown, representing our community with pride and excellence. The band delivered a fantastic performance for all in attendance.

👏 Thank you to our students, directors, and supporters for making this such a memorable experience—and for continuing this wonderful tradition!
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Members of the FHUMHS marching band, wearing navy jackets with “FHU Marching Band” on the back, walk down a street in formation during a parade, carrying instruments.
The FHUMHS marching band performs while marching through a downtown street, with students playing brass and woodwind instruments and a conductor leading in front of them.
🍎✨ Happy Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! ✨🍎

This week, we celebrate the incredible educators and staff who make Slate Valley such a special place to learn and grow. From classrooms to cafeterias, offices to buses—your dedication, compassion, and hard work shape the lives of our students every single day.

Thank you for the countless ways you support, inspire, and uplift our entire community. 💚

Join us in showing appreciation—leave a comment, send a note, or simply say thank you to the amazing people who make a difference every day!
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Colorful graphic celebrating Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week with confetti, school supplies, and bright borders. Text reads “In Celebration of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week – Thank You!” with the Slate Valley Vermont logo in the center. A message expresses gratitude for faculty and staff for their dedication and impact on students and the community. School names listed include Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, Orwell Village School, Fair Haven Grade School, and Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, with corresponding school logos along the bottom.
Meet Faculty & Staff Monday - May Spotlight

This month, we’re excited to feature Dan Fitzpatrick, Slate Valley’s Assistant Director of Finance—someone whose experience and perspective reach far beyond our region.

Dan has been part of the Slate Valley team for the past five years, supporting the district’s financial operations and helping ensure our schools run smoothly behind the scenes. Prior to joining Slate Valley, Dan spent six years working at the International School of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, West Africa—bringing a truly global perspective to his role.

His connection to West Africa goes even deeper. From 1997 to 1999, Dan served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, an experience that reflects his commitment to service and community.

Outside of work, Dan enjoys spending time on the golf course, working on landscaping projects, and being active in his church’s Men’s Club. He also values simple, meaningful moments—like playing UNO with his 11-year-old daughter, praying, and connecting with others.

A quote that guides Dan’s outlook comes from the Gospel of Mark: “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

We’re grateful for Dan’s dedication, global experiences, and the steady support he brings to Slate Valley each day.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday” featuring Dan Fitzpatrick, Assistant Director of Finance. On the left is a photo of Dan, a smiling man wearing glasses and a gray collared shirt with a Slate Valley lanyard, standing in an office setting. On the right is a teal background with bullet points highlighting his experience: 5 years with Slate Valley, 6 years at the International School of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, and service as a Peace Corps volunteer from 1997–1999. Additional points note his interests in golf and landscaping, involvement in a church men’s group, and enjoying time with his daughter, especially playing UNO. A favorite quote is included: “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23. The Slate Valley logo appears, along with his name and title at the bottom.
Board Meeting - Tonight - May 4, 2026

You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xcd-vvjm-pvi
Or dial: (US) +1 402-796-1093 PIN: 677 846 861#

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
Flyer inviting the public to a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on May 4, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Castleton Elementary School cafeteria. Agenda includes consent agenda, contracts (action), legislative update, and committee reports (finance). Design features green figures around a table and the Vermont logo.
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated May 1, 2026. The design features colorful flowers, a butterfly, and a bee surrounding the phrase “Happy May Day” in playful lettering. Slate Valley branding appears in the corners with the message “Our school, your future.”
Congratulations to our Fair Haven Union High School Students of the Marking Period!

These students have demonstrated outstanding effort, dedication, and commitment to their learning. Their hard work inside and outside the classroom truly sets them apart—and we are so proud of all they’ve accomplished!

Keep up the amazing work, Slaters!
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Group of high school students stand in a gym in front of a blue wall with large “Slaters” lettering, each holding a certificate recognizing them as Students of the Marking Period.
Today, the Career Exploration class traveled to Burlington for an inside look at WCAX-TV Channel 3 News. The group was welcomed by Jay Barton, who led a personalized tour of the station and offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how a newsroom operates.

The visit concluded with a special backstage opportunity to watch a live broadcast of The News at Noon, featuring John McMahon and Allison Finch. Following the broadcast, students engaged in a Q&A session with the journalist and meteorologist, learning about their career paths, how news and weather are gathered, and the unique challenges of delivering live television in an ever-changing environment.

To top it off, students had the chance to step onto the WCAX set themselves—trying out the weather screen and experiencing firsthand the art of broadcasting.
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Students and news staff pose together behind a news desk in a television studio with a WCAX Channel 3 display on the front.
Television control room with a technician wearing a headset operating multiple monitors showing live feeds, graphics, and video controls.
Two news anchors stand behind a desk in a TV studio set, preparing for a broadcast with screens and lighting in the background.
Group of students and adults observe a live TV studio from behind as a presenter gestures near a teleprompter under studio lights and equipment.
🎓 Calling All Seniors – We Want to Celebrate YOU! 🎉

Hey Class of 2026—this is your moment to shine! ✨
We’re putting the spotlight on YOU by featuring seniors on our website and social media—and we don’t want to miss anyone!

📣 Share your plans.
📝 It’s quick and easy—just fill out the form:
🔗 https://bit.ly/FHUClassof2026

📅 Deadline: May 27

You can also scan the QR code on the flyer to get started!

We are so proud of everything you’ve achieved and can’t wait to celebrate your journey.
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic reads “Calling All Seniors—We Want to Celebrate You!” inviting Class of 2026 students to be featured on the school website and social media. Includes a link (https://bit.ly/FHUClassof2026 ), a QR code labeled “Scan Me,” and a deadline of May 27 for submissions. Background includes graduation caps and a spotlight design.
ALL games today are postponed, at home and at Middlebury.
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a baseball glove and ball reads: “All games today are POSTPONED at home and at Middlebury.”
New edition of The Occasional Slater: Read it at https://aptg.co/gQBqVv
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner for a publication titled “The Occasional Slater.” It reads Volume 5, No. 1, April 2026 Edition, with the tagline “Some of the News, Some of the Time.”
🚨 Boil Water Advisory – Fair Haven 🚨

A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of Fair Haven, including Fair Haven Grade School and Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.
🏫 There will be school tomorrow as scheduled.
💧 Students are encouraged to bring their own drinking water from home if possible.
We will continue to keep our community updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with bold red headline reading “Boil Water Advisory for Fair Haven Grade School and Fair Haven Union Middle & High School.” Below is an illustration of a large pot of water boiling over a flame. At the bottom, red text states, “There will be school tomorrow as scheduled.”
🌷 A Blooming Reminder 🌷

For the past two years, Tarah Turner has partnered with Mr. Merolle’s horticulture class to plant red tulips during Red Ribbon Week—and now they’re in full bloom!

Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide campaign that promotes healthy, drug-free lifestyles and encourages youth to make positive choices. These vibrant red tulips are more than just a sign of spring—they’re a lasting symbol of that commitment.

Long after Red Ribbon Week has passed, the tulips continue to grow and bloom, serving as a daily reminder of the importance of making safe and healthy choices. 🌱❤️
17 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students and staff gather outdoors around a flowering tree and a circular bed of bright red tulips on school grounds, posing together on a sunny day.
A stone sign reading “Welcome to Fair Haven Union High School, Home of the Slaters” is surrounded by blooming red tulips in a landscaped bed in front of the school.
💙 Thank You, Lion’s Club! 💙

We are incredibly grateful to the Lion’s Club for their generous donation to the Slate Valley Unified School District.

This support helps ensure our students have what they need, when they need it most. Funds are often used to provide winter essentials like coats, snowpants, and boots. They also help students attend camp with confidence—providing items such as bathing suits, new outfits, and shoes.

Your kindness makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. Thank you for helping us take care of our community! 🦁
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Three adults stand indoors holding a large ceremonial check made out to the Slate Valley Unified School District for $1,500. Two American flags hang on the wall behind them. A table with refreshments is visible to the side.
✨ Prom Night 2026 ✨

Fair Haven Union High School students—get ready for an unforgettable night! 💃🕺

📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
🎓 Grand March: 5:30 PM (FHU Gymnasium)
🎉 Prom: 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Wedding Barn, Benson, VT

🎟 Tickets: $25 each
Tickets will be sold during TA and BOTH lunch blocks starting Wednesday, April 29 through May 12.

If those times don’t work, please see or email Mrs. Doran or Mrs. Clement to make arrangements.

Let’s make it a night to remember! ✨
18 days ago, Slate Valley
Black and gold prom flyer for Fair Haven Union High School Prom Night 2026. Event is Saturday, May 16, 2026. Grand March begins at 5:30 PM in the FHU gymnasium, with students arriving at 5:00 PM. Prom runs 6:00–9:00 PM at The Wedding Barn in Benson, Vermont. Tickets cost $25 each and are sold April 29 through May 13 during lunch or before school in the lobby. Contact information for Tricia Doran and Jess Adams is included. Decorative gold balloons and confetti frame the design.
🌎💚 Happy Earth Day from Slate Valley! 💚🌎

Before heading into Spring Break, FHGS second graders in Ms. Bruno’s class took time to learn about caring for our planet by creating their own Earth Day crafts. We’re always proud to celebrate the ways our learners are thinking about protecting and appreciating the world around them.

Wishing our entire Slate Valley community a joyful and meaningful Earth Day! 🌍💙
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Earth Day graphic with floral and nature-themed background and the words “Earth Day” at the top. In the center, a group of second grade students pose in a classroom holding handmade Earth crafts, with a globe displayed on a screen behind them. A Vermont logo appears at the bottom.
🍎☀️ Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens!

Slate Valley is proud to offer the 2026 Summer Food Service Program at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria!

All children and teens 18 and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer—no registration required.

📅 Dates: June 29 – August 14
⏰ Times:
• Breakfast: 8:30–9:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site in the cafeteria.

Help us spread the word so every child has access to healthy, nutritious meals all summer long!

🔎 Find more locations at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program featuring images of school meals on green trays and a stack of pancakes. Text explains that free breakfast and lunch are available for anyone 18 and under at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria from June 29 to August 14, with breakfast served from 8:30–9:30 AM and lunch from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM. It notes meals must be eaten on-site and includes a link to find additional locations.
🎓College Visit Spotlight!

On Monday, April 20th, VTSU Upward Bound students visited Yale University and were greeted by FHU Alumni Emmett McKay! Emmett gave a fantastic tour of campus and shared some helpful college advice—along with a reminder that college life comes with a lot of homework! 📚

Thank you, Emmett, for taking the time to inspire our students and give them a glimpse into life at Yale!
25 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of students stand smiling in front of a large inflatable bulldog mascot with a Yale collar, posing outside a historic brick campus building during a college visit.

🐾🦖 Hungry, Hungry Critter Challenge! 🦇🐾

Fair Haven Middle School 7th graders wrapped up the week with an unforgettable TA showdown! Each team transformed a simple laundry basket into a creative “critter”—from dinosaurs to bats to even a naked mole rat! 🧺✨

Then the action began… One teammate zoomed across the floor on a scooter board while others cheered them on, racing to scoop up as many plastic balls as possible—just like a real-life Hungry, Hungry Hippo!

TAs were judged on creativity, team spirit, and those over-the-top costumes and posters that brought the energy to the next level. After two exciting heats, the top teams faced off in a final round to crown the ultimate champion—based on who collected the most “food”! 🏆

Special awards were also given for Best Team Spirit and Best Overall Basket—and the competition was fierce!

What a fun, high-energy way to head into spring break!

See the video at: https://youtu.be/Ap4f1f6jw24

25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic for Fair Haven Union Middle School event. Text reads “FHU Middle School Hungry, Hungry Critter Challenge,” “Grade 7 Water Team,” and “April 17, 2026.” Includes a photo of students in a gym racing on scooter boards to collect balls with decorated bins while classmates watch.