Last Thursday afternoon marked the conclusion of Parent-Teacher Conferences, and on Friday teachers across the district spent the day collaborating and learning during Professional Development.

Staff participated in collaborative sessions led by colleagues and district coaches, exploring topics such as OpenSciEd science instruction, Artificial Intelligence in education, teaching neurodivergent learners, vocabulary development, and school safety practices. Teachers rotated through short sessions, shared strategies, and engaged in professional learning rounds designed to strengthen instruction and support students.

Professional learning is an important part of keeping our classrooms innovative, supportive, and responsive to student needs. Thank you to all of our educators who continue to grow, collaborate, and bring new ideas back to their classrooms every day.
19 days ago, Slate Valley
An educator sits across from a parent in a classroom, smiling and talking during a conference with a laptop open on the table.
A teacher presents information on a laptop to two colleagues seated at a table during a small-group professional development discussion.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
A group of educators sit together at a table reviewing materials and discussing instructional resources during a collaborative professional learning session in a school library.
Instructional assistants sit in a circle of chairs in a gymnasium participating in a safety training discussion during professional development.
An instructor stands at the front of a classroom presenting a slide titled “Overstimulation – Tips” while educators listen and take notes during a professional development session.
A small group of teachers sit around a table discussing classroom strategies while a presentation about guiding student AI usage appears on a screen behind them.
Educators sit at tables in a school gymnasium listening to a presentation during a large-group professional development meeting.
A group of elementary teachers sit around a table with laptops, collaborating and discussing instructional planning during a professional learning session.
A teacher stands at the front of a classroom pointing to a projected slide while educators seated at tables listen and participate in a professional development workshop.
⚾🥎👟 Spring Sports Are Approaching in Slater Nation!

Spring athletics are getting ready to begin at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, and we’re excited to see our student-athletes back in action!

High School (Grades 9–12)

Baseball & Softball: Pitchers and Catchers report March 23

Regular season begins March 30

Track & Field: First practice March 30 at 3:30 PM

Middle School (Grades 7–8)

Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball will begin the week of March 30. Practice times and locations will be shared soon.

Track & Field Opportunity: Students in grades 5–8 are welcome to participate.

📄 Important Reminder: A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participating.

For questions, families can contact:

Baseball: agreenlese@svuvt.org

Softball: jhayes@svuvt.org

Track & Field: jon.oakman@svuvt.org

MS Track & Field: sarah.robles@svuvt.org
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Spring Sports” with Slate Valley logo announcing FHUMHS spring sports start dates. High school baseball and softball pitchers and catchers report March 23 with season starting March 30; track and field begins March 30 at 3:30 PM. Middle school baseball, softball, and track start the week of March 30. Reminder that athletic physicals must be on file.
FHUHS Newsletter: March 13, 2026 https://app.smore.com/n/wtvgq
19 days ago, Slate Valley
REMINDER: Tonight - 6:00 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
Please join the conversation!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge: What Changed… & What is Next?” promoting a community conversation on the revised FY27 budget. Meeting is March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the FHUMHS Library. Additional meetings: March 23 School Board Meeting and March 30 Budget Revote Information Meeting, both at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room. Budget revote is Tuesday, March 31. Encourages community members to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
Attention Middle School Families: Please read this letter from Principal J. Paquette. To see the PDF version, go to: https://aptg.co/LQ7_Gl
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Letter to families dated March 14, 2026 explaining the Vermont Comprehensive Assessment Program (VTCAP) for middle school students. Includes testing schedule: Math on March 24–25; English Language Arts on March 31, April 1, and April 2; and Grade 8 Science on April 7–8. The message emphasizes that assessments are only one measure of learning and encourages students to do their best.
Second page of a letter to families offering ways to support students during VTCAP testing, including prioritizing sleep, encouraging a healthy breakfast, promoting a positive mindset, and supporting perseverance. Concludes with a goal for students to feel prepared, calm, and supported, and is signed by Jennifer Paquette, FHUMHS Co-Principal.
22 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 13, 2026, featuring the headline “Professional Development” above an illustration of four educators collaborating around a table with lightbulb icons symbolizing ideas and learning.
⭐ A Proud Moment for Our Slater Students ⭐

Recently, Slate Valley students in grade 8 participated in NAEP testing, and we received a message afterward that was too special not to share.

Jennifer Gellar, the lead NAEP tester, who spent 25 years as a high school teacher and administrator in Rhode Island, reached out after her visit to share how impressed she was with our students.

In her message to principal Paquette she wrote:

“I was sorry to have missed you because I wanted to say in person how much I loved your students. When I left, I actually stood in the parking lot for a couple of minutes because I was kind of sad to go. If they tell you I said they are my favorite school, it is true!”

Jennifer travels throughout New England visiting schools of all sizes—urban and rural— and her kind words were a powerful reminder of something we already know:

Our students are truly remarkable.

👏 Great job, Slaters!
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic from FHU Middle School reading “Kudos 8th Grade!” featuring a quote from NAEP lead tester Jennifer Gellar praising the students and saying they are her favorite school. The message is addressed to Principal Jennefer Paquette.
📢 Reminder for Slate Valley Families

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, followed by No School on Friday, March 13.

📅 Thursday, March 12 – Early Release Day
📅 Friday, March 13 – No School
24 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing an early release for Slate Valley schools on Thursday, March 12 and no school on Friday, March 13. The image shows cartoon children jumping and celebrating, with bold text reading “Early Release Thursday, March 12” and “No School Friday, March 13,” along with the Slate Valley Vermont logo.
🎨 Celebrating Youth Art Month in Fair Haven!

Throughout the month of March, student artwork from Slate Valley schools is on display at the Fair Haven Welcome Center as part of a regional Youth Art Month exhibition featuring talented artists from several surrounding districts.

Visitors are invited to explore the building and discover student artwork displayed throughout the space. The pieces are thoughtfully placed among the center’s maps, books, and displays—almost like a safari for art, where each turn reveals another creative work from a talented young artist.

👏 Congratulations to our Slater student artists and to all the area students whose work was selected for display. And a special thank you to the dedicated art teachers across our region who inspire creativity and help nurture these incredible talents every day.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Fair Haven Welcome Center and take the journey to find these amazing works of art! 🎨
25 days ago, Slate Valley
The entrance of the 'FAIR HAVEN' welcome center, built with light-colored wood siding and grey slate-stone, featuring a large gabled entryway and a green state seal sign on a sunny day.
A monochrome blue acrylic painting depicting a solitary woman in a flowing dress within a wintery, bare-tree forest and several deer, with a label for 'Shira Hertzberg' below.
Two distinct student sculptures: a symmetrical blue and green origami radial design by Lexi Tursi, and a brown paper pop art piece with the text "BFDI" by Colton King.
A framed student artwork of a fish labeled 'Kess Hunter' hangs above a colorful, hand-beaded purse with the text "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" on a wooden display.
Two student art projects: a pink and white dragon egg on cotton with flowers by Jiy Rogers, and a blue and black dragon egg with green paint and LED lights by Waylon Hutchins.
Two student paper collage artworks: one depicts a mountain landscape with trees by Niyah Brown, and the other is a multi-layered, abstract vertical composition by Oak Jutz.
Two student art pieces: a mixed-media portrait of a woman with a butterfly tattoo on a polka-dot background by Nicole Hathaway, and a blue clay vessel featuring a detailed orange octopus by Olivia Hutchins.
Two student paintings, one featuring a skeleton animal figure by Brynn Otto and Irie Swinington, and the other a field of red tulips under a blue sky by Maya Volpe.
Two framed student drawings of fish displayed on a wooden shelf; the top artwork shows a Rock Bass and the bottom a Silverhorse Fish.
Two framed student drawings of fish on a wooden shelf; the top is a stylized Darter Fish and the bottom is a textured Cutlip Minnow.
⚾🥎Spring Sports Registration is Now Open!🏃‍♂️🎾

Student-athletes interested in participating in spring sports should register as soon as possible.

🖥 Register online:
Visit formreleaf.com or click the “Registration” link on the athletics page of your school’s website and select your sport.

📋 Important Reminder:
All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school in order to participate.

Spring sports are just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to get involved and represent the Slaters this season!
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the headline “Time to Register for Spring Sports!” directing students to register at formreleaf.com or through the registration link on the athletics webpage and choose their sport. The graphic also reminds athletes that an updated sports physical must be on file at the school. Blue arrows and bold text highlight the registration information.
📣 REMINDER: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences are this week!
🗓️ Conferences will be held:
• Evening of March 11, 2026
• Afternoon of March 12, 2026
📧 Teacher invitations were emailed last week.
We look forward to connecting with you to support student success!
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic showing Fair Haven Union Middle and High School with text announcing Parent-Teacher Conferences. Dates listed as the evening of March 11, 2026, and the afternoon of March 12, 2026. Note states teacher invitations were emailed.
Class of 2026 Project Graduation Fundraiser
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer announcing a Basket Raffle on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Fair Haven Union High School. Doors open at 11 a.m. and drawings begin at 1 p.m. Entry is $5 and includes one sheet of tickets; additional ticket sheets are $2 each. The event includes special raffle items, 50/50 tickets, and concessions. Proceeds benefit the Class of 2026 Project Graduation event.
🎭 Drama Rehearsals Underway!

Our student performers have been hard at work rehearsing as they prepare for their upcoming performances. These behind-the-scenes photos capture moments from recent practice as the cast continues to bring their characters and scenes to life.

Students will perform for the school on March 20, followed by their competitive performance on March 21. We’re proud of the time, creativity, and teamwork our students are putting into this production and look forward to seeing it all come together on stage.

Break a leg to the cast and crew! 👏🎭
25 days ago, Slate Valley
Four students stand around a table during a drama rehearsal scene while speaking to one another in a school multipurpose room.
Several students rehearse a dramatic scene with chairs and a table as props while one student gestures while speaking to the group.

📣 Slate Valley Budget Challenge: What Changed & What’s Next?

Community members are invited to join us for an open conversation about the revised FY27 school budget.

📅 Monday, March 16
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
🗣️This meeting will be held in person only, with no virtual option available.

This Executive Committee meeting will include an open forum with community members to discuss revisions to the FY27 budget and answer questions ahead of the upcoming revote.

Upcoming Meetings
• March 23 – School Board Meeting – 6:30 PM
• March 30 – Budget Revote Information Meeting – 6:30 PM

🗳 Budget Revote: Tuesday, March 31

Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

25 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge – What Changed & What is Next?” inviting community members to a conversation about the revised FY27 budget on March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Library. The flyer encourages community participation to ask questions and stay informed. Additional meetings listed include March 23 (School Board Meeting – approve warning) and March 30 (Budget Revote Information Meeting), with the budget revote scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.
🏀🔥 Slaters are Returning to the Aud 🔥🏀

The Fair Haven Slaters Boys Basketball Team is headed to the Division II Semifinals!

📍 Barre Auditorium
📅 March 11, 2026
⏰ 7:30 PM

#3 Fair Haven will face #2 Lamoille in an exciting semifinal matchup. Let’s pack the stands and support the Slaters!

🎟 Tickets:
Adults $10 | Seniors $5 | Students $5
Purchase online at https://gofan.co
or buy tickets at the door on game day.

📺 Streaming:
Watch live at www.nfhsnetwork.com

Student fans should sit in the second bleacher section and up, and remember—no artificial noise makers.

Let’s show our Slater pride!
Be Loud! Be Proud! Be Respectful!
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting the Division II Boys Basketball Semifinals. The flyer reads: “DII Boys Basketball Semi Finals.” The game features #3 Fair Haven vs. #2 Lamoille at Barre Auditorium on March 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased online at gofan.co or at the door on game day. The game will also be streamed at www.nfhsnetwork.com . The flyer includes a Slaters mascot graphic and a QR code for additional information. It also reminds fans: “Be Loud! Be Proud! Be Respectful!” and notes that student fans should sit in the second bleacher section and up with no artificial noise makers allowed.
Explore Your Passion This Summer with the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont!

Vermont students entering 9th, 10th, and 11th grade have an incredible opportunity to spend part of their summer on a college campus, diving deep into subjects they care about while learning alongside curious and motivated peers from across the state.

Each Governor’s Institute of Vermont (GIV) offers hands-on, experiential learning led by industry professionals, along with the chance to experience campus life and build lasting connections.

This year’s Institutes include:
• Arts
• Engineering
• Entrepreneurship*
• Global Issues & Youth Action
• Health & Medicine
• Mathematical Sciences*
• Technology & Design*
• Weather & Climate Science*

📅 Applications are open now through March 31, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://giv.org
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Poster promoting the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont summer programs for students entering grades 9–11. The graphic highlights experiential learning programs held on Vermont college campuses and lists institute options including Arts, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Global Issues & Youth Action, Health & Medicine, Mathematical Sciences, Technology & Design, and Weather & Climate Science. It notes sliding scale tuition starting at $10 and includes the website GIV.org and a QR code for more information. Colorful hexagon photos show students participating in activities such as science experiments, performing arts, engineering projects, and collaboration with peers.
Board Meeting - March 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/stt-quca-xys
Or dial: (US) +1 551-444-6618 PIN: 289 694 801#
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.
26 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic inviting the public to attend a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads: “Please Join Us Tonight.” Agenda items listed include Board Reorganization, Consent Agenda, Retirement, and Elevator Bids. The meeting will be held March 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Grade School Library. The Slate Valley Vermont logo appears on the right side.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/36c096fa758c/slate-valley-district-newsletter
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 6, 2026, featuring the word “March” with seasonal imagery: a lion standing in a snowy winter scene on the left and a lamb in a spring landscape with flowers on the right, along with the Slate Valley logo and the phrase “Our School, Your Future.”
🎨 Celebrating Our Student Artists! 🎨

The Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Visual Arts Program is proud to recognize students whose artwork is being featured in two exciting regional exhibitions this month.

🖼 Chaffee Annual Student Exhibit
📅 Opening Reception: Saturday, March 7 | 12–2 PM
📍 Chaffee Art Center
🗓 On display: March 7 – April 2

Sixteen talented FHU students have work selected for this annual exhibit, representing both our middle and high school art programs.

Participating students:
Payton Colburn, Britton Farwell, Bailey Fowler, Edie Grossarth, Nicole Hathaway, Shira Hertzberg, Giaunna McKinzie, Jazmine McLaren, Averie Parrot, Elizabeth Purdy, Azalea Rehm, Cooper Shaw, Maya Volpe, Izabellah West, Avery Zeitler, and Jack Zsido.

🎨 Youth Art Month Display
📍 Fair Haven Welcome Center
🗓 On display: March 1 – March 29

Eight FHU students are also being featured in the Youth Art Month exhibit, celebrating creativity and student artists throughout the region.

Participating students:
Nicole Hathaway, Shira Hertzberg, Olivia Hutchins, Brynn Otto, Averie Parrott, Azalea Rehm, and Irie Swinington.

We are incredibly proud of these students and the creativity, dedication, and talent they bring to the visual arts program. If you have the opportunity, stop by and support our student artists by viewing their work on display! 👏🎨

More photos from the Chaffee reception will be shared soon.
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Chaffee Annual Student Exhibit” announcing an opening reception on March 7 from 12–2 pm and exhibit dates March 7 through April 2, 2026. The graphic lists participating Fair Haven Union Middle and High School students and is surrounded by examples of colorful student artwork including paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces.
Graphic titled “Youth Art Month” announcing an exhibit on display from March 1 through March 28, 2026 at the Fair Haven Welcome Center. The graphic lists participating Fair Haven Union students and displays several examples of student artwork including paintings, drawings, sculpture, and beadwork.
Today's schedule due to the 2 hour delay.
29 days ago, Slate Valley
Schedule graphic for middle and high school showing the following periods and times: Period 1 from 10:10–10:30, Period 7 from 10:33–11:23, Period 5 with lunch from 11:26–12:36 (Lunch A 11:26–11:46, Lunch B 12:16–12:36), Period 8 from 12:39–1:29, Period 2 from 1:32–2:22, and Period 3 from 2:25–3:15.