Remembering September 11
Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
Today, we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001. On this day, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped forward, and the strength of communities who came together in the face of tragedy.
New Year – New Dreams at FHUMS!
This colorful wall has been in the making since last June!
When 6th graders visited FHUMS for “Step-Up Day,” they were given a blank circle and asked to write down a hope or dream for their upcoming 7th-grade year. Our 7th and 8th graders also joined in, adding their own circles of dreams and goals.
The mural became a true team effort:
🎨 The figure was beautifully created by Ms. Casey Pelletier
🤝 Mrs. Kim Ezzo helped coordinate with our sending schools
✂️ And everyone pitched in to cut circles and bring it all together
Now the hallway is filled with student hopes, dreams, and creativity—a daily reminder that a new school year means new possibilities.
This colorful wall has been in the making since last June!
When 6th graders visited FHUMS for “Step-Up Day,” they were given a blank circle and asked to write down a hope or dream for their upcoming 7th-grade year. Our 7th and 8th graders also joined in, adding their own circles of dreams and goals.
The mural became a true team effort:
🎨 The figure was beautifully created by Ms. Casey Pelletier
🤝 Mrs. Kim Ezzo helped coordinate with our sending schools
✂️ And everyone pitched in to cut circles and bring it all together
Now the hallway is filled with student hopes, dreams, and creativity—a daily reminder that a new school year means new possibilities.
Where Are They Now?: Fair Haven Union High School Alumna Kylie Eagan
Fair Haven Union High School graduate Kylie Eagan, Class of 2015, has built an impressive career in the field of audiology while staying close to her Vermont roots.
After graduation, Kylie attended the University of Vermont from 2015 through the fall semester of 2018, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics. While studying, she discovered her passion for audiology, choosing that career path over speech-language pathology after realizing she preferred working with patients in the audiology field. Determined to reach her goal, Kylie took the GRE and applied to graduate school, ultimately attending Syracuse University. She spent three years there before completing her externship year at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In May 2023, she proudly graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).
Today, Kylie is back in Vermont, working at the University of Vermont Health Center–Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. For the past two years, she has dedicated her days to testing patients of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. She loves her work and plans to remain in this role for the foreseeable future.
Kylie credits some of her high school teachers with shaping her path to success. She recalls that Ms. Christensen, her math teacher, pushed her to persevere in a subject that never came easily to her. Through patience and encouragement, Ms. Christensen helped Kylie succeed in AP Calculus, earning her three college math credits before she even left high school. Kylie also remembers Mr. Ruby, who taught her the importance of outlining and organizing large amounts of information—a skill that proved invaluable during her demanding graduate studies.
While at FHUHS, Kylie was also a dedicated athlete, playing basketball all four years. That drive and determination carried through to her academic and professional life. She describes herself as someone who has always been determined, though not always patient. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie says she has learned that the best things in life often require both hard work and time. “Even if something does not come quickly or on the timeline you expect it, keep plugging away little by little,” she advises—wisdom she still reminds herself of often.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kylie is building a life rooted in family and community. She and her fiancé recently bought land on her family’s farm in Castleton, where they plan to build a home in the coming year. They share their lives with a two-year-old black lab named Ivy and are excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, this October.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s Slate Valley students, Kylie encourages them to remember that it is okay to take a different path. She recalls the challenges of graduate school, when many of her peers were already starting careers, buying homes, and raising families. Though she sometimes felt “behind,” she stayed the course. Now, with a doctorate and a career she loves, Kylie is grateful she trusted her own journey.
Fair Haven Union High School graduate Kylie Eagan, Class of 2015, has built an impressive career in the field of audiology while staying close to her Vermont roots.
After graduation, Kylie attended the University of Vermont from 2015 through the fall semester of 2018, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Linguistics. While studying, she discovered her passion for audiology, choosing that career path over speech-language pathology after realizing she preferred working with patients in the audiology field. Determined to reach her goal, Kylie took the GRE and applied to graduate school, ultimately attending Syracuse University. She spent three years there before completing her externship year at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In May 2023, she proudly graduated with her Doctorate in Audiology (AuD).
Today, Kylie is back in Vermont, working at the University of Vermont Health Center–Porter Medical Center in Middlebury. For the past two years, she has dedicated her days to testing patients of all ages and fitting them with hearing aids. She loves her work and plans to remain in this role for the foreseeable future.
Kylie credits some of her high school teachers with shaping her path to success. She recalls that Ms. Christensen, her math teacher, pushed her to persevere in a subject that never came easily to her. Through patience and encouragement, Ms. Christensen helped Kylie succeed in AP Calculus, earning her three college math credits before she even left high school. Kylie also remembers Mr. Ruby, who taught her the importance of outlining and organizing large amounts of information—a skill that proved invaluable during her demanding graduate studies.
While at FHUHS, Kylie was also a dedicated athlete, playing basketball all four years. That drive and determination carried through to her academic and professional life. She describes herself as someone who has always been determined, though not always patient. Reflecting on her journey, Kylie says she has learned that the best things in life often require both hard work and time. “Even if something does not come quickly or on the timeline you expect it, keep plugging away little by little,” she advises—wisdom she still reminds herself of often.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kylie is building a life rooted in family and community. She and her fiancé recently bought land on her family’s farm in Castleton, where they plan to build a home in the coming year. They share their lives with a two-year-old black lab named Ivy and are excited to welcome their first child, a baby boy, this October.
When asked what advice she would give to today’s Slate Valley students, Kylie encourages them to remember that it is okay to take a different path. She recalls the challenges of graduate school, when many of her peers were already starting careers, buying homes, and raising families. Though she sometimes felt “behind,” she stayed the course. Now, with a doctorate and a career she loves, Kylie is grateful she trusted her own journey.
Trivia Tuesday: How many years has the Fair Haven community been celebrating AppleFest? 🍎 Drop your guesses in the comments!
Save the Date: AppleFest 2025 happens on Saturday, September 20 on the Fair Haven Green (rain date: Sunday, September 21).
AppleFest is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a beloved tradition that brings together Fair Haven Grade School, families, and our community year after year.
Save the Date: AppleFest 2025 happens on Saturday, September 20 on the Fair Haven Green (rain date: Sunday, September 21).
AppleFest is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a beloved tradition that brings together Fair Haven Grade School, families, and our community year after year.
Thank You, Slater Alumni! 🩵🩶💙
We are so grateful to the many Fair Haven Union High School alumni who responded so quickly to our call for this year’s “Where Are They Now?” Alumni Spotlights. The form was only open for a short time, but thanks to your incredible response, we now have enough stories to highlight throughout the entire 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
The form is now closed, and I’ll be reaching out by email to those who submitted to share next steps on how to take part.
We’ll put out another call in the future when we’re ready for more spotlights—so stay tuned!
Thank you again for your enthusiasm and support! #SlaterPride #WhereAreTheyNow #WeAreSlateValley #SlaterNation
We are so grateful to the many Fair Haven Union High School alumni who responded so quickly to our call for this year’s “Where Are They Now?” Alumni Spotlights. The form was only open for a short time, but thanks to your incredible response, we now have enough stories to highlight throughout the entire 2025–2026 school year! 🎉
The form is now closed, and I’ll be reaching out by email to those who submitted to share next steps on how to take part.
We’ll put out another call in the future when we’re ready for more spotlights—so stay tuned!
Thank you again for your enthusiasm and support! #SlaterPride #WhereAreTheyNow #WeAreSlateValley #SlaterNation
🎶💙🩶🩵 The Fair Haven Union Band, led by Junior Andrew Mingo, rocked the first home football game of the season! #GoSlaters #FridayNightLights #WeAreSlateValley #SlaterNation
Board Meeting Tonight- September 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#
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 Castleton Elementary School Cafeteria
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hiu-sarz-pgi
Or dial: (US) +1 417-772-3887 PIN: 667 977 361#
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.
We’re excited to kick off the first Meet Faculty & Staff Monday of the 2025–2026 school year with Mrs. Becky Lanfear! Mrs. Lanfear has been part of the Slate Valley family for an incredible 26 years at Castleton Elementary School, where she has taught Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third Grade—inspiring countless students along the way.
Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.
One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!
We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!
Before joining CES, Becky worked at VAC in Rutland in their Pre-K program, and her passion for early education has been evident ever since.
Outside of school, Becky enjoys playing board and dice games like Clue, Yahtzee, and Farkle, baking, and cheering on her favorite sports—football, softball, soccer, and basketball.
One of her favorite quotes is from Benjamin Franklin:
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
Becky also has strong ties to our community—both of her children attended Castleton Elementary and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School. She and her family are proud to be part of Slater Nation!
We are so grateful to Becky for her 26 years of dedication, passion, and care in teaching Slate Valley students. Thank you for all you do!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: September 5, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025
https://mailchi.mp/1f6fa26075e3/slate-valley-district-newsletter-september-5-2025
🎶 Slate Valley Teachers Take the Stage! 🎶
Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.
📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students
Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!
Did you know our district’s music teachers share their talents beyond the classroom? This Saturday, Ms. Sam Adams (High School Band Teacher, bass clarinet) and Mrs. Cynthia Hutchins (FHGS Music Teacher, bassoon) will be performing in the New York - Vermont Wind Orchestra—an ensemble made up mostly of teachers and hosted by Castleton University.
📅 Saturday at 2:00 PM
📍 Castleton University
🎟️ Free admission for all students
Come enjoy an afternoon of incredible music and celebrate our teachers sharing their passion with the community!
🏈 Slater Football Season Kicks Off Tonight Under the Lights! ✨
📅 Friday, September 5th | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on your defending State Champions! 💙
🎟️ Admission:
Adults: $3
Students: $2
Senior Citizens (62+): $2
📅 Friday, September 5th | 7:00 PM
Come cheer on your defending State Champions! 💙
🎟️ Admission:
Adults: $3
Students: $2
Senior Citizens (62+): $2
Calling All Slater Alumni!
We are excited to continue the tradition of featuring Fair Haven Union High School graduates in our “Where Are They Now?” spotlights! These stories highlight the journeys, successes, and life experiences our alumni have built since graduation.
If you’re interested in being featured, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/SlatersWhereRTheyNow so our Communications Coordinator can connect with you, or email her directly at lcacciatore@svuvt.org.
Our community loves celebrating the amazing things our alumni are doing—please take part and share your story!
We are excited to continue the tradition of featuring Fair Haven Union High School graduates in our “Where Are They Now?” spotlights! These stories highlight the journeys, successes, and life experiences our alumni have built since graduation.
If you’re interested in being featured, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/SlatersWhereRTheyNow so our Communications Coordinator can connect with you, or email her directly at lcacciatore@svuvt.org.
Our community loves celebrating the amazing things our alumni are doing—please take part and share your story!
Building more than just support— Tony, our maintenance technician, and Ms. Ezzo, one of our school counselors recently teamed up to assemble a new table. Quite the dynamic duo!
💙Slater Pride was out in full force this morning at Fair Haven Union Middle School!
Both 7th and 8th graders, along with all faculty and staff, sported custom-made FH Slater t-shirts and headed out to the football field for a big team-building activity. Together, they formed the letters FHUMS—with staff making not one, but TWO exclamation points (!!). The sun was shining, spirits were high, and the bleachers later held everyone for an awesome group photo.
These shirts were made possible through a VSAC/GEAR UP Grant. Thanks to this program, we’re fortunate to have outreach counselor Rachel Casey (a proud FHU graduate!) in our school four days a week. Rachel supports our middle schoolers with monthly workshops focused on college and career readiness.
Major kudos to Mrs. Erin Haley for organizing this big endeavor, and a huge shoutout as well to Mr. Eugene Fox, one of our incredible custodians, who came in on his time off to capture the day with his drone—thank you for giving us such a memorable view of this special moment! 🙌
To see some video footage, go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/173kfUmymV/
In Mrs. Clement’s fashion design class, students got creative with a sweet twist—using frosting to explore the art of color mixing! 🎨🍰
📢 Reminder: Please join us tonight for the first Community Advisory Council (CAC) Meeting of the school year!
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is starting and our hopes moving forward.
We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
🕔 Time: 5:45–7:00 PM
📍 Location: Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Central Office Conference Room
This is a great opportunity to connect with district administration, share community concerns, and hear updates on Act 73 as well as how the school year is starting and our hopes moving forward.
We look forward to seeing you there! 💙
📢 Reminder: There will be no school this Monday in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend, and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday!
Slate Valley District Newsletter: August 29, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a3352b4ace47/slate-valley-back-to-school-newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/a3352b4ace47/slate-valley-back-to-school-newsletter
NOTICE: Middle School Girls Soccer is cancelled for today, Friday, August 29th.
