🌊☀️ Spirit Week Wednesday: Beach Day! ☀️🌊
Slater Nation brought the sunshine inside yesterday with Beach Day vibes! 🏖️ From Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses to flip-flops and beach towels, students filled the halls with summer spirit—even on a gloomy, rainy September day. 🌴😎
Slater Nation brought the sunshine inside yesterday with Beach Day vibes! 🏖️ From Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses to flip-flops and beach towels, students filled the halls with summer spirit—even on a gloomy, rainy September day. 🌴😎
👯♀️Twin Day!👬
Tuesday’s Homecoming Spirit Week theme brought out double the fun! From matching outfits to look-alike smiles, our halls were filled with dynamic duos (and a few trios!).
Tuesday’s Homecoming Spirit Week theme brought out double the fun! From matching outfits to look-alike smiles, our halls were filled with dynamic duos (and a few trios!).
☕️💬 Join Us for Coffee & Conversation!
Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!
Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
Community members are warmly invited to our next Coffee & Conversation on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Orwell Free Library.
Come share your questions, ideas, and feedback with district leadership in a relaxed, friendly setting. We value your voice and look forward to the conversation!
When: Friday, Sept. 26, 2025 · 9:00 AM
Where: Orwell Free Library
Who: All community members—everyone’s welcome!
Bring a friend, grab a cup, and let’s talk. ☕️
Let’s not overlook the awesome decorated hallways in our Middle School! Over the weekend, the amazing Middle School PTO teamed up with students to show off their Slater pride.
The theme—voted on by students themselves—was “Celebrate Slaters” with plenty of blue, white, and sport motifs filling the halls.
Thank you to our PTO and students for bringing the energy and creativity to Homecoming Spirit Week!
Monday's Spirit Week Theme: 🤠Country🚜 vs. ⛳Country Club🎾
From cowboy boots to polos and Peds, today’s theme had Slaters showing off their best Country and Country Club style!
The hallways were full of flannel, hats, and western vibes on one side—and preppy plaid, tennis looks on the other.
It’s all part of the fun as we count down to Homecoming—way to bring the spirit, Slater Nation!
From cowboy boots to polos and Peds, today’s theme had Slaters showing off their best Country and Country Club style!
The hallways were full of flannel, hats, and western vibes on one side—and preppy plaid, tennis looks on the other.
It’s all part of the fun as we count down to Homecoming—way to bring the spirit, Slater Nation!
And last, but not least... The freshmen took us straight into Candyland with their colorful, sugary-sweet hallway transformation! From gumdrops to lollipops, their creativity exemplifies Slater spirit!
Way to kick off your first Homecoming Spirit Week, Class of 2029—you’ve set the bar deliciously high!
Way to kick off your first Homecoming Spirit Week, Class of 2029—you’ve set the bar deliciously high!
Ready for a tropical luau? The Sophomore's are! This fun Hawaiian Homecoming Spirit Week Hallway was created by the Class of 2028.
Welcome to the Jungle!!! Here's our next Homecoming Spirit Week Hallway, brought to you by the Junior Class of 2027!
🎉 💙🩶Homecoming Spirit Week is Here!💙🩶 🎉
We kicked off the week in true Slater style with students arriving to theme-decorated class hallways—transformed over the weekend by our amazing students and class advisors. 👏✨
First up: the Senior Hallway 🎓 … complete with a magical Disney Theme! 🏰🐭 From classic characters to enchanted details, our seniors brought the magic to life and set the tone for a spirited week ahead. 🌟
Stay tuned as we share more creative hallways and all the fun of Homecoming Spirit Week!
We kicked off the week in true Slater style with students arriving to theme-decorated class hallways—transformed over the weekend by our amazing students and class advisors. 👏✨
First up: the Senior Hallway 🎓 … complete with a magical Disney Theme! 🏰🐭 From classic characters to enchanted details, our seniors brought the magic to life and set the tone for a spirited week ahead. 🌟
Stay tuned as we share more creative hallways and all the fun of Homecoming Spirit Week!
🏈 A few of our JV Slaters got some playing time under the Friday night lights—gaining experience and showing us the bright future of Slater football! 🌟 The JV team is back in action tonight at 4 PM at home—come out and cheer them on! 📣⚡️
Big thanks to the Slater fan who submitted these shots through our Slater Sport Photo Submission Form! 📸
Big thanks to the Slater fan who submitted these shots through our Slater Sport Photo Submission Form! 📸
Board Meeting - September 22, 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/asz-bujx-ixw
Or dial: (US) +1 218-301-2538 PIN: 630 332 195#
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/asz-bujx-ixw
Or dial: (US) +1 218-301-2538 PIN: 630 332 195#
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.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 19, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/4bee6898ba67/slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-september-19-2025
https://mailchi.mp/4bee6898ba67/slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-september-19-2025
📸 Slater Nation – We Need Your Photos! 🏈⚽⛳🏑
Have a great shot of your athlete in action at a Fair Haven Union Middle or High School game? We’d love to share it!
It’s easy:
1️⃣ Snap your best sports photos
2️⃣ Scan the QR code or go to: https://forms.gle/VVBaDmx22iDJSozM6
3️⃣ Submit your pictures to be featured on our website and social media!
Your photos help us celebrate our Slater athletes and capture the spirit of every game. Thank you for being part of the team behind the team!
🍎✨ From Orchard to Applesauce! ✨🍎
Mr. Merolle’s Horticulture class got a real taste of fall today! After collecting apples straight from the school orchard, students rolled up their sleeves and turned their harvest into fresh, homemade applesauce.
Mr. Merolle’s Horticulture class got a real taste of fall today! After collecting apples straight from the school orchard, students rolled up their sleeves and turned their harvest into fresh, homemade applesauce.
Fair Haven Graduate Emmet MacKay’s Nomination Earns Mr. Nathan Morris Yale Educator Award!
Slate Valley Unified USD and Fair Haven Union High School are proud to announce that math teacher and class of 2025 advisor Mr. Nathan Morris has been named a recipient of the 2025 Yale Educator Award, following a heartfelt nomination by Class of 2025 graduate Emmet MacKay. The Yale Educator Recognition Program honors outstanding teachers and counselors worldwide who inspire and support their students. Of this year’s 302 nominees from 38 states and 22 countries, 61 teachers and 26 counselors were selected for the award.
Emmet’s nomination captured the energy and dedication that set Mr. Morris apart:
“Mr. Morris is not just a teacher or class advisor. He is a force. He is the pulse of our school. He is the reason our class of 2025 had any chance at making senior year feel legendary. He planned our prom(s), found the deals that made our senior trip possible, organized fundraisers, and pushed every one of us to step up. He showed us how to lead by leading harder than anyone else. Every hallway knows his voice. Every classroom knows his presence. The man is said to have two volumes: loud, and louder.
There were days when he would emerge from a smoky room wearing a blue wig while Nirvana played at full blast (for science...). There were rallies where he would charge down the bleachers with a massive homemade hammer that looked like something out of a cartoon. That hammer became a symbol of our class, and so did his self-coined phrase, which he shouted at every rally and event: ‘Be the hammer, not the nail!’
But Mr. Morris is more than school spirit. He is the kind of teacher who shows up beside a desk when students forget to ask for help. He is the kind of advisor who gives you the guidance you did not even know you needed. When I told him I didn't really want to apply to Yale, he looked at me and told me to make my own story. That conversation changed me. I applied. I got in. I would not be here without him.
Mr. Morris is spirited, loyal, and legendary. He went to this school, grew up in this town, and has poured himself into building something better for the students who came after him. I will never forget what he gave us.”
Mr. Morris’ recognition is both a personal honor and a proud moment for SVUUSD and Fair Haven Union High School. His passion, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to students has left a lasting mark, and the entire community celebrates this well-deserved achievement.
Photo shows Nate Morris, pictured kneeling in front, with Emmet MacKay standing behind him holding the class sledgehammer, alongside fellow participants of a Class of 2025 5K fundraiser.
Slate Valley Unified USD and Fair Haven Union High School are proud to announce that math teacher and class of 2025 advisor Mr. Nathan Morris has been named a recipient of the 2025 Yale Educator Award, following a heartfelt nomination by Class of 2025 graduate Emmet MacKay. The Yale Educator Recognition Program honors outstanding teachers and counselors worldwide who inspire and support their students. Of this year’s 302 nominees from 38 states and 22 countries, 61 teachers and 26 counselors were selected for the award.
Emmet’s nomination captured the energy and dedication that set Mr. Morris apart:
“Mr. Morris is not just a teacher or class advisor. He is a force. He is the pulse of our school. He is the reason our class of 2025 had any chance at making senior year feel legendary. He planned our prom(s), found the deals that made our senior trip possible, organized fundraisers, and pushed every one of us to step up. He showed us how to lead by leading harder than anyone else. Every hallway knows his voice. Every classroom knows his presence. The man is said to have two volumes: loud, and louder.
There were days when he would emerge from a smoky room wearing a blue wig while Nirvana played at full blast (for science...). There were rallies where he would charge down the bleachers with a massive homemade hammer that looked like something out of a cartoon. That hammer became a symbol of our class, and so did his self-coined phrase, which he shouted at every rally and event: ‘Be the hammer, not the nail!’
But Mr. Morris is more than school spirit. He is the kind of teacher who shows up beside a desk when students forget to ask for help. He is the kind of advisor who gives you the guidance you did not even know you needed. When I told him I didn't really want to apply to Yale, he looked at me and told me to make my own story. That conversation changed me. I applied. I got in. I would not be here without him.
Mr. Morris is spirited, loyal, and legendary. He went to this school, grew up in this town, and has poured himself into building something better for the students who came after him. I will never forget what he gave us.”
Mr. Morris’ recognition is both a personal honor and a proud moment for SVUUSD and Fair Haven Union High School. His passion, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to students has left a lasting mark, and the entire community celebrates this well-deserved achievement.
Photo shows Nate Morris, pictured kneeling in front, with Emmet MacKay standing behind him holding the class sledgehammer, alongside fellow participants of a Class of 2025 5K fundraiser.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: Week of September 12, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
https://mailchi.mp/3e7c8316491f/district-newsletter-september-12-2025
Focus Friday: Slate Valley is celebrating our newest full-time students — our kindergarteners!
As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”
The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten
We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
As a fun project, all kindergarteners from Orwell Village School, Benson Village School, Castleton Elementary School, and Fair Haven Grade School came together to create a joyful video, “On the 12th Day of Kindergarten.”
The video can be seen at https://bit.ly/12thDayofKindergarten
We are so proud of our youngest learners — they’ve jumped right into their Slate Valley journey, and they’re already off to a wonderful start!
ATTENTION: 7th Grade Rafting Trip has been postponed! Details have been emailed to parents and guardians.
☕✨ Coffee & Conversation is back! ✨☕
Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!
📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM
Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
Join Slate Valley school board members and administrators for a cup of coffee on us and a chance to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Topics include the FY27 Budget, Act 73, and the upcoming school year — but all voices and perspectives are welcome!
📍 Upcoming Dates & Locations:
September 19, 2025 | Castleton Free Library | 10:00–11:00 AM
September 26, 2025 | Orwell Free Library | 9:00–10:30 AM
October 7, 2025 | Fair Haven – Wooden Soldier | 8:00–9:30 AM
October 9, 2025 | Benson Town Hall | 8:00–9:30 AM
Come enjoy community, connection, and coffee — we’d love to hear from you!
Throwback Thursday!
Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!
This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.
Thankfully, times have changed!
Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
Throwing it back to 1967, when a couple of our local one-room schoolhouses in Hubbardton and West Haven were still using outhouses and had no running water!
This Rutland Daily Herald clipping from October 5, 1967 highlights how teachers carried water into classrooms each day, and students relied on outdoor privies instead of indoor bathrooms.
Thankfully, times have changed!
Who remembers stories from parents or grandparents about the “old schoolhouse days”? Share them below—we’d love to hear! 👇
