🏀❄️ Winter Sports Season Is Almost Here! ❄️🤼‍♂️

The winter sports season will officially begin the week of December 1st!
A few important reminders:

✔️ All athletes must be registered on FormReLeaf
✔️ All athletes must have an up-to-date physical on file at their school

📅 Practice schedules for middle and high school teams will be posted the week of Thanksgiving.
🏀 Grades 5 & 6 basketball practices will begin the week of December 8th.

Winter Sports Offered by Slate Valley / Fair Haven Union MHS
Indoor Track
Bowling
Competition Cheer
Wrestling — Middle & High School
Middle school wrestlers will practice at FHUMHS with the high school team
Girls Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Boys Basketball — Middle School, JV & Varsity
Middle school basketball practices and home games will be held at FHGS
Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5 & 6

(Four teams anticipated)
🏀 Practices begin the week of December 8
📍 Practices and home games will take place at Castleton Elementary School

Teams:
Castleton / Orwell Girls
Castleton / Orwell Boys
Fair Haven / Benson Girls
Fair Haven / Benson Boys
17 days ago, Slate Valley
A promotional graphic for Slate Valley’s 2025 Winter Sports Tip-Off Week, starting December 1st. The top features bold blue text reading “Slate Valley 2025 Winter Sports Tip Off Week – December 1st!” Below it, red text says “Not registered yet? Go to: FormReleaf.com.” Small illustrations of wrestlers, pom-poms, running shoes, a bowling ball and pins, and a basketball appear throughout. The flyer lists winter sports offered at Slate Valley/Fair Haven Union Middle & High School: Indoor Track, Bowling, Competition Cheer, Middle & High School Wrestling, Girls Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), Boys Basketball (Middle School, JV, Varsity), and Slate Valley Basketball for Grades 5–6 with practices and games at CES. It also notes Castleton/Orwell and Fair Haven/Benson team groupings. A blue banner at the bottom reads, “All athletes need an updated sports physical on file at school.”
🎉 Congratulations to today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner — Charlene Bouzianis! ⚡️

Charlene is the lucky recipient of a $25 Sugar & Spice Gift Card and a $25 Jones’ Donuts Gift Card! 🍩✨

Great job, Charlene, and thank you to everyone who continues to support our raffle. Stay tuned for our next winner! 🎟️💙
18 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
“Graphic announcing the Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 18th. The background is dark gray with radiating light streaks. At the top, white text reads ‘November 18th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, the winner’s name ‘Charlene Bouzianis’ appears in large glowing blue and white letters, with two neon blue lightning bolt outlines on each side. Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.’ At the bottom, white text states: ‘Winner of: $25 – Sugar & Spice Gift Card – and – $25 – Jones’ Donuts Gift Card,’ with small neon corner accents in each corner.”
The 45th Vermont Outstanding Educator Awards were held on October 27th, and we are proud to share that two Slate Valley educators were honored! Mr. Kyle Ruby, FHUHS Social Studies teacher and Ms. Amanda Eddy, Special Educator at Benson Village School.

Although Amanda was unable to attend, FHUMHS Co-Principal Mr. Ben Worthing was there to join Mr. Ruby in representing Slate Valley at the ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding educators for their dedication, passion, and the positive impact they make every day in our schools!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Kyle Ruby smiles while holding his Certificate of Recognition, standing beside a colleague at an indoor awards reception with other attendees in the background.
Kyle Ruby stands onstage holding his Certificate of Recognition, posed with three award presenters in formal attire in front of a black curtain.
A framed Vermont Outstanding Educator Award honoring Kyle Ruby, featuring his portrait and a written tribute to his work at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School.
A framed Vermont Outstanding Educator Award honoring Amanda Eddy, featuring her portrait and a written tribute to her work at Benson Village School.
🎉⚡ Big shoutout to Kazim and Noor Hussnane! ⚡🎉
They’ve been selected as our November 17th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winners!

They’re taking home a $50 Kinney Drugs gift card —congratulations! 🙌

Thanks to all our students for their enthusiasm and participation in selling tickets to family, friends, and community members.

💙💙💙 Stay tuned… more names will be drawn soon! 💙💙💙
19 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
A dark gray graphic with a radiant burst pattern in the background announces a raffle winner. At the top, white text reads “November 17th – Congratulations to:”. In the center, neon-style turquoise text says “Kazim and Noor,” and large glowing white text below reads “Hussnane.” On each side of the name is a bright blue lightning bolt illustration. Along all four edges of the graphic, rotated white text reads “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.” At the bottom, white text states “Winner of: $50 – Kinney Drugs Gift Card.”
Anchors up and curtains down!
Congratulations to the Slater Theater cast of Murder Ahoy, who performed Friday night. This talented group delivered a fun, energetic, and entertaining show—full of personality, teamwork, and great laughs.

Huge shout-out to the entire cast and crew for their hard work and dedication! ⚓🎭💙
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of high school theater students pose on risers in a gymnasium for a cast photo. Some students are dressed in dark clothing, others in Hawaiian shirts, dresses, or casual wear, reflecting their characters from the play Murder Ahoy. They stand and sit in two rows, smiling calmly at the camera. Colorful handmade signs labeled “Class of ’25” are attached to the risers. Banners and a scoreboard hang on the gym wall behind them.
The same cast of high school theater students pose again in the gymnasium, but this time they are laughing, cheering, hugging, and striking playful poses. Students on the front row throw peace signs, while those on the risers celebrate with raised arms and dramatic expressions. The scene is energetic and joyful, showing the cast’s personality and camaraderie.
🎉 Congratulations to our November 16th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉

A big shoutout to Brian Tursi, today’s lucky winner!
🍕 Brian has won 2 Large Pizzas from Castleton Pizza Place & Deli — a $50 value!

Way to go, Brian! Keep an eye out—tomorrow might be your turn to win! 🙌
20 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing a Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The background is dark gray with radiating light rays from the center. At the top, text reads “November 16th – Congratulations to:” followed by the name “Brian Tursi” in large glowing teal and white letters. Below, text states “Winner of: 2 Large Pizzas from Castleton Pizza Place & Deli ($50 Value).” Neon-style lightning bolt graphics appear on both sides of the name, and the borders include vertical text that reads “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
From Band Teacher, Ms. Sam Adams:
🎭 What a Night! Our First Dinner Theater Was a Huge Success! 🍝🎶

A massive thank you to everyone who cooked, donated, served, decorated, and supported our very first Slater Dinner Theater! We could not have pulled off this incredible evening without the amazing teamwork of our families, students, and staff.

👏 Parents: Thank you for giving your time, energy, and resources. Your generosity made this event truly special.
👏 Students: You shined just as brightly behind the scenes as you do on stage! Your helpfulness, excellent manners, and Slater Music Pride were noticed and appreciated by all.

Thanks to the community’s support, we raised $876 for the FHU Music Program—an incredible start for our first year hosting this event!

We’re so proud of our musicians and theater students, and we cannot wait to build on this success.
💙🎶 Here’s to many more performances and celebrations ahead!
21 days ago, Slate Valley
Two students stand behind buffet dishes labeled “Pasta,” smiling as they help serve the dinner. They are positioned in front of a cafeteria serving station.
Two students stand behind a large salad bowl at the dinner event, smiling while holding salad dressing containers. A row of dressings and bowls is arranged on the table in front of them.
Two middle school students stand behind a dessert table covered with cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. They are posing playfully with peace signs. A refrigerated case labeled “Slater Nation” is visible behind them.
A cafeteria decorated for a dinner event with long tables covered in white tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and wooden lanterns. Buffet tables line the back wall, and a few students and adults are preparing food.
A group of students and a few adults gather around buffet tables in a cafeteria as the dinner event begins. Decorated tables with flowers and lanterns fill the room.
Students sit at a long decorated table eating spaghetti, cupcakes, and brownies during the dinner event. Other students can be seen eating at tables in the background.
A large group of middle school students sit together at a long table enjoying their spaghetti dinner. They smile at the camera, and the table is decorated with greenery and flowers.
Two students sit at a decorated cafeteria table, posing and smiling while eating spaghetti. One student leans in and playfully bites a spaghetti noodle.
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans Through Music 🎶

On Tuesday, November 11th, the FHU Marching Band proudly participated in the American Legion Post 49 Veterans Day Program. Our talented musicians marched while beautifully performing “The National Anthem” and “America the Beautiful.”

We are grateful for the opportunity to honor our veterans and thank the American Legion Post 49 for inviting our students to be part of this meaningful event.

#VeteransDay #FHUMarchingBand #SlaterPride #HonoringOurHeroes #WeAreSlateValley
21 days ago, Slate Valley
A veterans’ color guard carrying American and service flags leads the parade with the FHU marching band following behind.
FHU marching band students walk in formation through town, playing instruments while passing brick buildings.
FHU marching band students play brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments as they march down the street.
The FHU marching band walks toward downtown buildings, following the veterans’ color guard in the parade.
Students in FHU marching band uniforms walk down a street in a parade on a cold, overcast day, carrying instruments and following the color guard.
FHU marching band percussion and brass players stand in formation during the parade on a snowy day.
FHU marching band students march in formation along a snowy residential street while playing instruments.
FHU marching band members stand on the road with instruments as the veterans’ color guard walks ahead of them.
Our Slater Football team hit the road to South Burlington this morning—with some extra special wishes packed along for the ride! 🚌🏈💙

Mrs. Mingo’s FHGS first graders were thrilled to learn the team is playing in this weekend’s Championship game. To show their Slater pride, students created colorful “Good Luck” signs filled with drawings and motivating messages like:

✨ “We believe in you!”
✨ “Hope you win!”
✨ “Keep working hard!”
✨ “You’ve got this!”

These heartfelt creations were shared with our high school athletes before they headed out, giving them an extra boost of encouragement as they gear up for the big game.

Good luck, Slaters—your entire Slate Valley community is cheering for you! 🎉🏆💙
21 days ago, Slate Valley
A large group of high school football players sit and stand together in a team room, each holding up a handmade good-luck poster created by younger students. The posters feature drawings of a Slaters football player and encouraging messages like “Good luck!”, “You’ve got this!”, and “Go Slaters!” The players smile proudly as they display the artwork on the tables and in their hands.
🎉 Congratulations to our November 15th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Mary Buxton, who won today’s prizes:
💙 $25 Michelle’s Sweet Creations Gift Card
-AND-
💙 $25 VT Country Store Gift Card

Great job, Mary, and thank you to everyone participating in our November raffle! Stay tuned for more daily winners! 🙌
21 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing a Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams from the center. At the top, text reads “November 15th – Congratulations to:” followed by the name “Mary Buxton” in large glowing teal and white letters. Below, text reads “Winner of: $25 – Michelle’s Sweet Creations Gift Card and $25 – VT Country Store Gift Card.” Neon-style lightning bolt graphics appear on each side of the name, and the borders contain the repeated vertical text “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
A November District Drive Through Slate Valley
It was a spontaneous drive to visit all Slate Valley schools—no special events, just everyday learning on full display. From music and art to math, reading, and a lively P.E. kickball game, students were engaged everywhere I went. Lunchtime smiles, hallway hellos, and even a few photo poses made the day even better.
Fun fact: the only screens seen all day were in the digital arts class—proof that hands-on learning is thriving in Slate Valley!
📽️ Check out the video recap here: https://youtube.com/shorts/g09yDudmgi8?feature=share
22 days ago, Slate Valley
A smiling elementary student sits at a desk writing in a notebook with a pencil. He is wearing a red hoodie and looking up at the camera. A large red play button icon is overlaid in the center, indicating a video preview. A small illustrated car graphic appears at the bottom right corner, and the video duration “2:25” is shown in the lower corner.
💙🏈🩵Good Luck, Slaters!🩵🏈💙

Our Slater Football team is headed to the D2 Championship TOMORROW, and we couldn’t be more excited! The whole school came together this afternoon for a high-energy pep rally to send the team off in true Slater style!

Let’s bring home that title, Slaters! We’re behind you all the way!
22 days ago, Slate Valley
High school football players wearing white Slaters jerseys walk in a line through the gym during a pep rally as students seated on the bleachers clap and cheer. Banners, a basketball hoop, and the Slaters logo are visible in the background.
Football players in Slaters jerseys stand together facing a raised stage while a large crowd of students fills the bleachers behind them. Staff members on stage cheer and clap during the pep rally in the school gym, decorated with championship banners.
A staff member wearing a bright blue wig runs playfully across the gym floor holding a large prop hammer as students and football players cheer and clap around him. The bleachers are filled with students standing and watching the pep rally.
A large group of high school students gathers tightly in a circle on the gym floor with their fists raised in the air, cheering together. Several football players in Slaters jerseys are visible in the crowd, and additional students sit on the bleachers behind them.
FHUHS Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://app.smore.com/n/nfrdq
22 days ago, Slate Valley
A newsletter banner reading “Slater Nation Newsletter – The Official FHU High School Newsletter, November 14, 2025” in large teal lettering on a dark background. Below it is a section titled “Principal’s Peek at the Week” with a message from the principal on the left and the FHU Slaters logo—a blue and white arm holding a hammer—on the right. Further down is a section titled “Slater Theater” introducing the school’s theater performance, displayed above an illustration of a large white cruise ship on blue ocean waves.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 14, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/c124059bdba8/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-14-2025
22 days ago, Slate Valley
A newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated November 14, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, a green and blue hexagon emblem with the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below it is an illustrated banner showing a white car with the Slate Valley logo driving through a colorful neighborhood with houses, trees, and clouds. The section title “A November District Drive” appears underneath.
🎉 Congratulations to our November 14th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner — Helen Reed! ⚡️

Helen is the lucky recipient of a $25 Emily’s Hair Lair Gift Card! 💇‍♀️✨

Great job, Helen, and thank you to everyone who continues to participate. Stay tuned — more winners will be announced throughout the month! 🎁👏
22 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing a middle school gift card raffle winner. The background is dark gray with radiating light beams from the center. At the top, white text reads ‘November 14th – Congratulations to:’. In the center, the name ‘Helen’ appears in large glowing teal letters above the last name ‘Reed’ in large glowing white letters. On both sides of the name are neon-style blue lightning bolt illustrations. Along the left and right edges, vertical text reads ‘Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.’ At the bottom, white text reads ‘Winner of: $25 – Emily’s Hair Lair Gift Card.’ Four neon blue corner accents frame the graphic.
🎙️ Educational Insights: Community Perspectives — Part 2

In this continuation of our Educational Insights podcast series, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara continue discussion with active community members Bob Crowley of Castleton and Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven.

In Part 2, the conversation dives deeper into important topics such as school-to-community communication, how Vermont’s education system is funded, and the fiscal challenges surrounding the upcoming FY27 budget. The group also discusses the value and impact of Slate Valley’s Community Advisory Council, highlighting how community voices help guide district priorities and build understanding around education in our region.

Tune in to hear genuine perspectives, thoughtful discussion, and shared ideas about how Slate Valley can continue strengthening its partnership with the community. https://youtu.be/e5JYVkgrUNQ
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Title slide for Slate Valley’s podcast, showing the Slate Valley logo in the center with animated soundwave graphics on a black background. Text reads “Episode #18” at the top and “Part 2” at the bottom.
⚡ Congratulations to Dan Desforges — our November 13th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner! 🎉

Dan has won a $50 Bomoseen Lodge Gift Card — what an awesome prize! 🏞️✨

We hope you enjoy a great dinner, Dan! Stay tuned for more raffle winners coming soon! 🎟️
23 days ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing a middle school gift card raffle winner. The background is dark gray with light rays radiating from the center. At the top, white text reads “November 13th Congratulations to:”. In the center, large glowing blue and white text says “Dan Desforges.” Blue lightning bolts appear on each side of the name. Below, white text reads: “Winner of: $50 – Bomoseen Lodge Gift Card.” Along the left and right sides, vertical text reads “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
🎭 All aboard for an unforgettable night of mystery and music!

The Slater Theater Company has been hard at work rehearsing for their big performance tomorrow night — Friday, November 14th! Join us at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School for Murder Ahoy by Michael Druce — a dinner theater murder mystery presented by our talented theater and music programs.

🍝 Spaghetti Dinner: 5:00–6:45 PM in the cafeteria
🎭 Showtime: 7:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per person or $30 for a family of four or more
(All proceeds support the FHUMHS Band!)

Come support our incredible student performers and enjoy a night filled with suspense, laughter, and Slater pride! ⚓🎶
23 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic poster for the Slater Theater and Music Programs production of Murder Ahoy by Michael Druce. The design features an illustrated cruise ship on ocean waves with event details about the November 14, 2025 dinner theater performance and spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
Two students stand on stage rehearsing a scene; one wears a gray shirt and athletic shorts, and the other wears a floral Hawaiian shirt.
Three students rehearse on stage; one shakes hands with a student dressed as a ship captain while another stands nearby holding a clipboard.
Two students stand in the foreground during a rehearsal, one with arms crossed and the other speaking; a third student in a Hawaiian shirt stands behind them.
Three students rehearse a scene on stage; one student gestures with both hands while speaking to two others listening.
A student dressed as a ship captain faces another student in an oversized coat, acting out a dramatic confrontation on stage.
A student opens a long coat to reveal a colorful Hawaiian shirt while rehearsing with another student dressed as a ship captain.
Students rehearse Murder Ahoy on a raised stage in the gym, seated and standing around tables and a podium while practicing a scene.
The Vermont State Athletic Directors Association held its annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference on November 10–11 at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in South Burlington.

Representing Fair Haven were juniors Madi Hayes, Chloe Marsden, Brody Little, and Brody Doran, along with sophomores Quinn Murphy, Jacob Jamieson, and Cole Belden.

This two-day event brought together more than 230 of Vermont’s top student-athlete leaders to learn from nationally recognized trainers in athletic leadership, collaborate with peers from across the state, and strengthen their skills both on and off the field. The conference provided a meaningful opportunity for students to share their successes, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections through sportsmanship and teamwork.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A group of seven students stand side by side in a hotel conference room, smiling for a photo. They are dressed in semi-formal attire, with a mix of collared shirts, sweaters, and dresses, standing against a beige textured wall with a blue and gray patterned carpet.
Our Social-Emotional Learning focus this month is “Noble November.” We are launching a schoolwide Food Drive Competition to support local families in need. This initiative offers a meaningful way for students to demonstrate compassion, teamwork, and civic responsibility which are all core components of our SEL framework.

In light of recent news about rising food insecurity across the country, this is a timely opportunity to help students connect classroom learning with real-world impact. Many families in our own communities are facing difficult choices, and even small contributions can make a big difference.

The food drive will begin on Monday 11/10 and will end on Wednesday 12/17. This will give us a large window to collect and donate on two separate occasions to Slate Valley Cares.

Thank you for helping our students turn kindness into action this November. With your support, we can make this “Noble November” a meaningful reminder of empathy, generosity, and community strength.
23 days ago, Slate Valley
A classroom bulletin board titled “Noble November Food Drive Competition” with colorful graphics representing grade levels — an apple for 11th grade, a can for 10th grade, and a slice of bread for 9th grade — each labeled with a progress chart. A note reads, “Wild card seniors can help any grade.”
A display of food drive donations, including stacked cans of mixed vegetables, jars of pasta sauce, and boxes of linguine, arranged neatly on a carpeted floor.