Board Meeting - December 8, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Benson Village School Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zax-xtsz-dcp
Or dial: (US) +1 413-398-0531 PIN: 998 151 118#

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.
2 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic announcing the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting on December 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Benson Village School Gym. The design features the Slate Valley logo and a circular agenda box listing: Consent Agenda, Act 73 Discussion, and Committee Reports (Finance and Stafford RAB). The words “Please Join Us TONIGHT” appear prominently on the left.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Newsletter header for the Slate Valley Unified USD dated December 5, 2025, featuring the district logo and a decorative banner that reads ‘Hello December.’
Friday Focus: Falcon News at Fair Haven Grade School

For this month’s Friday Focus, we’re shining a light on one of Fair Haven Grade School’s most beloved traditions—their lively morning broadcast, Falcon News. This daily newscast is the creative brainchild of Principal Deb Infurna, who, more than four years ago, envisioned a way to bring the entire school community together each morning. Her idea took flight, and today Falcon News is a staple of FHGS culture.

Each morning, once students settle into their classrooms, teachers tune in to the live broadcast on their Smart TVs. Principal Infurna will kick things off, but the true stars of the show are the students themselves. Every month, a classroom teacher can sign up to have their students serve as the lead anchors, taking on important roles such as announcing birthdays, sharing the daily lunch menu, highlighting upcoming activities, delivering general announcements, and giving the local weather forecast. And of course—no episode is complete without the traditional joke of the day, a favorite among students and staff alike.

Falcon News is viewable only within the school, making it a safe, supportive environment for students to practice public speaking, build confidence, and take pride in contributing to their school community. The broadcast has become a point of excitement and accomplishment for students across all grade levels.

Principal Infurna’s vision has also inspired others. Her morning broadcast model has now taken root at two additional Slate Valley schools. Principal Paquette at FHUMS has created her own version of a morning show, and Principal Danyow has brought the tradition with him to Castleton Elementary School. Fittingly, both previously worked at FHGS—proof that great ideas often spread far and wide.

Falcon News is more than a broadcast—it’s a daily reminder of connection, belonging, and student voice. A big thank you to Principal Infurna for sparking an idea that continues to brighten many mornings across Slate Valley.
5 days ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic titled “Focus Friday – FHGS’s Falcon News.” The design features several photos of Fair Haven Grade School students participating in the morning broadcast. One large image shows Principal Infurna smiling and working with two students in front of a “Happy Thanksgiving” backdrop. Smaller photos show students at the news desk, including a weather segment labeled “FHGS Weather.” Decorative icons such as a microphone, a falcon, and weather symbols are included. Text reads: “Falcon News brings FHGS together each morning with student-led announcements, joyful traditions, and a shared sense of community sparked by Principal Infurna’s vision.” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the corner.
🏀🏃‍♀️‍➡️❄️ Throwback Thursday! ❄️🤼‍♂️📣
We’re kicking off our 2025–2026 winter sports season with a blast from the past — a look back 20 years to the unforgettable 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School winter teams!

From buzzer-beaters on the basketball court and powerful wrestling wins to high-flying cheer routines and standout indoor track achievements, our Slaters brought the energy all winter long!

Here’s to the athletes, coaches, and memories that built the foundation of today’s Slater pride — and to an amazing season ahead!
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring four black-and-white photos of Fair Haven Union High School winter sports teams from the 2005–2006 season. The top left shows the boys’ basketball team posing in uniforms. Below it is the wrestling team group photo. At the top center is an image of the winter cheer team performing a stunt. On the right side is the indoor track team posing with medals and trophies. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner. Text reads: ‘Throwback Thursday,’ ‘Basketball,’ ‘Winter Cheer,’ ‘Indoor Track,’ ‘Wrestling,’ and ‘2005–2006 FHUHS Winter Sports.’
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls varsity basketball team posing in uniform with basketballs.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys varsity basketball team posing in uniform.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School girls indoor track team posing with medals and a championship plaque.
Throwback Thursday graphic featuring the 2005–2006 Fair Haven Union High School boys indoor track team posing with medals and a trophy.
Throwback Thursday graphic showing a 2005–2006 Fair Haven cheer stunt group on the left and three Fair Haven wrestling athletes with their coach holding a banner on the right.
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Tim Rogers, Class of 1998

For this month’s Where Are They Now? feature, we’re excited to highlight Tim Rogers, a proud member of the FHUHS Class of 1998 whose life path is a testament to hard work, resilience, and following what you love.

After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Tim entered the workforce immediately—an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and set him on a path of steady growth and accomplishment. He began his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing, where he worked in every department before eventually becoming the Parts and Inventory Manager. In 2010, he made the jump to GE Aerospace, where he has spent the past 15 years. Tim started as an L12 in the broaching area and worked his way into gage inspection, a highly technical role ensuring the accuracy and safety of components used in GE’s jet engines.

During his years in Slate Valley schools, Tim found encouragement from several teachers who made a lasting impact—especially Mr. Blodget (Science), Mr. Doran (Social Studies), Mr. Hier (Social Studies) and Mr. Patterson (Wood Shop). Their message of perseverance and goal-setting continues to guide him today: never give up and to never stop trying, set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Although Tim didn’t join school sports or clubs, he found his competitive outlet in local bowling leagues at Fairwood Lanes and Rutland Bowlerama. From 1996–1998, he earned numerous titles, including state champion in both teams and doubles competition. In 1998, he won a televised youth tournament on PEG-TV and later claimed the Junior USA Gold Tournament, qualifying for Reno to attempt to make the Junior Olympic team. He climbed as high as 50th place out of 350 competitors before an injury slowed him down—but not before leaving his mark.

Tim’s achievements extend beyond athletics and career. In 2003, he was featured on the reality TV show Monster Garage with Jesse James, where his team transformed a car into a functional log splitter using equipment he once helped build. The episode aired in March 2004 on the Discovery Channel.

In the last 15 years, Tim has also become a force in the competitive cooking world. He has competed in the Poultney Chili Cook-Off 11 times—winning an impressive 7 championships—and is part of the professional BBQ team UP-2 BBQ with teammate Curran LaFarge. Together, they have claimed multiple category wins, a Grand Championship, and a Reserve Grand Championship, becoming the first Vermont team in over 30 years to win a Masters division contest. Their Grand Championship earned them a spot in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Invitational BBQ in Tennessee (finishing 46th of 89 teams), followed by competition at The American Royal, the largest BBQ contest in the world.

On the personal side, Tim met the love of his life, Dainyell, in 2012, and the two married in 2015. They are proud parents to two daughters, Jiy and Jazzlyn, who attend Castleton Elementary School, along with their much-loved Saint Bernard, Marcus.

Tim’s Advice to Today’s Slate Valley Students:
“Make goals that are obtainable. Obtain them and make new ones. If you never quit, you never fail. And if you do fall down, get back up and keep fighting.”

Thank you, Tim, for sharing your journey and for reminding us all what determination, passion, and hard work can achieve. Your Slate Valley family is proud of you!
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now Wednesday” featuring Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Tim Rogers, Class of 1998. It lists his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing and GE Aerospace, mentions influential teachers Mr. Blodget, Mr. Doran, and Mr. Hier, and highlights achievements in bowling, BBQ, and chili competitions. It notes he appeared on Monster Garage in 2004 and lives with his wife, two children, and a Saint Bernard. His favorite quote reads, “Never trust a skinny cook.”
🎨 Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?

Did you know that December 2nd is the birthday of Georges Seurat, the French painter who revolutionized art with a technique made entirely of tiny dots?

Seurat, born December 2, 1859, is best known for developing Pointillism, where thousands of precise dots of pure color blend together in the viewer’s eye to create a full image. His most famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” shown here, is one of the best examples of this technique — and one of the most recognizable works in art history.

So today, on December 2nd, we celebrate Seurat’s artistic genius and the colorful impact he left on the world! 🎂🎨✨
8 days ago, Slate Valley
A “Trivia Tuesday: Did You Know?” graphic featuring Georges Seurat. On the left is a black-and-white portrait of Seurat wearing a colorful illustrated birthday hat and a badge that reads “166th Birthday.” To the right is his famous pointillist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte showing people relaxing by a river. Text reads: “December 2nd is the birthday of Georges Seurat! Georges Seurat is the French painter who revolutionized art with a technique made entirely of tiny dots, called Pointillism. His most famous painting, ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’ (shown here) is one of the best examples of this technique.”
‼️ School Closure Notice – Tuesday, December 2, 2025 ❄️ Due to the impending weather, all schools in the Slate Valley School District will be closed today, Tuesday, December 2, 2025. All classes and after-school activities are canceled for the day.
8 days ago, Slate Valley
graphic image announcing school is closed due to bad weather
Friendly Reminder: Our next CAC Meeting is tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:45 PM in the Central Office Conference Room. Find the Agenda Here: https://aptg.co/KXGrlg
All are welcome, hope to see you there!
9 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing the next Slate Valley Community Advisory Council meeting. The Slate Valley logo appears at the center surrounded by green and blue abstract figures forming a circle. Text reads: “Next Meeting: December 2, 2025 – 5:45 PM. Central Office Conference Room – Located in FHUHS.”
🎶 Meet Faculty & Staff Monday! 🎶
This month we are excited to highlight Cynthia Hutchins, a familiar and spirited presence at Fair Haven Grade School.

Cynthia is celebrating her 10th year as part of FHGS. Before stepping into her full-time role, she spent the 2018–2019 school year teaching music at Wells Village School and Middletown Springs Elementary on alternating days with FHGS. From 2019 until its closure in 2022, she also shared her talents with students at Castleton Village School. Today, she teaches general music, band, and chorus, and she leads the school’s drama club, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to every performance and rehearsal.

Before joining Slate Valley, Cynthia gained valuable experience during her first year of teaching as a long-term substitute at Mettawee Community School, Rutland Intermediate School, and Beeman Academy, and later as the music teacher at Grafton Elementary.

Outside of school, Cynthia continues to keep music at the heart of her life. During the summer, she plays bassoon with the Poultney/Granville Town Band and sings with the Granville Area Chorus. When she’s not making music, she enjoys spending time with her three children. Together, they love camping, exploring Vermont’s beauty, and occasionally escaping to the beaches of Maine.

Her favorite quote—“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams”—perfectly captures her passion for sparking imagination, creativity, and joy in her students each day.

We’re grateful to have Cynthia Hutchins inspiring our young musicians and performers across Slate Valley!
9 days ago, Slate Valley
A “Meet Slate Valley Faculty & Staff Monday” graphic featuring Cynthia Hutchins, Fair Haven Grade School music teacher. On the left is a photo of Cynthia smiling while wearing a pink “Fair Haven Falcons” shirt and swim goggles with a snorkel on her head. On the right, bullet points highlight her 10 years at FHGS, previous roles at multiple schools, the subjects and drama club she teaches, her musical involvement in community bands and chorus, her hobbies with her three children, and her favorite quote. Her name and title appear at the bottom.
Thank you, Slate Valley community!

Your generosity helped make our Stuff an Ambulance fundraiser—hosted in partnership with the Fair Haven Rescue Squad—an incredible success!

Together, we collected:
$1,744.05 in cash donations
1,451.15 pounds of food donations

All contributions directly support Slate Valley Cares, helping families right here in our district.

We are so grateful for every donation, every share, and every person who stopped by to lend a hand. This community always shows up—and we appreciate you! 💙🚑🛒

Thank you for making a real difference this holiday season!
15 days ago, Slate Valley
A bold community flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance – Thank You!” The top features a close-up of an ambulance with its blue emergency lights on and the word “AMBULANCE” in red letters across the front. Below, a large “Thank You!” message appears in white text. The center of the flyer shows the back of an ambulance filled with assorted donated food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and cooking oil. On the left is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo, and on the right is a star-of-life EMS symbol. A white box lists total contributions: “Cash Donations = $1744.05” and “Food Donations = 1,451.15 pounds.” The bottom text reads, “Sponsored by Slate Valley Unified USD & Fair Haven Rescue Squad – All to benefit Slate Valley Cares.”
🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Slate Valley!🦃
We are grateful for our students, families, staff, and community who make this district such a special place to learn and grow. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful holiday.
15 days ago, Slate Valley
A festive Thanksgiving-themed graphic featuring cartoon characters dressed as a Pilgrim boy on the left and a Pilgrim girl on the right. At the top is the Slate Valley Unified School District logo. Colorful fall leaves and banner decorations frame the image. The text reads: “Thanksgiving Break. School will be closed November 26–28. Wishing all of our Slate Valley families a restful and joyful holiday! School resumes Monday, December 1!” The bottom of the graphic is decorated with sunflowers and autumn foliage.
🎉 Congratulations to Tina Rampone! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Tina Rampone, Librarian at Castleton Elementary School and Orwell Village School, for being named the Rosen Publishing Northern New England School Librarian of the Month for November 2025!

This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding school librarians across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine who go above and beyond in supporting literacy, creativity, and student engagement. Tina exemplifies all of these qualities through her warm, inclusive library environments and her innovative blend of literacy and STEAM learning — from recycled cardboard engineering to 3D pens, circuits, and hands-on problem solving.

✨ About the Award:
Rosen Publishing Group is known for producing engaging print and digital books aligned to school curricula, as well as high-quality databases and interactive e-books. As part of this generous award, Tina will receive:

📚 A curated set of Rosen print titles for both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries
💻 One year of access to Rosen’s PowerKnowledge Science database, praised by the National Science Teachers’ Association as:
“Useful and kid-friendly… Provides the bridge between textbook, inquiry, and technology.”

This award not only honors Tina’s exceptional leadership, passion, and commitment to students — it directly enriches both the Castleton and Orwell school libraries and expands learning opportunities for all.

Please join us in giving Tina a huge Slater Nation congratulations!
15 days ago, Slate Valley
A portrait of a woman with short curly gray hair and red-framed glasses, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a floral top with orange and yellow flowers and small drop earrings, posed in front of a gray studio background.
Slater Nation Pre-season Practice Schedule for Winter Sports 2025-26

Here are the first two weeks of practices for the winter season. Basketball for the ⅚ grades teams will begin the week of December 8th.

Weekly schedules can be seen at: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HLdbraAGsBl4Vsajy-NUlWrh3wONrbBsKAi9Vx71gJk/edit?usp=sharing
15 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Pre-Season Practice Schedules” with the Slate Valley logo at the top. Includes illustrated sports icons such as a basketball, pom-poms, wrestling figures, running shoes, and bowling pins. Lists practice times for Indoor Track, Wrestling, Cheer, and Bowling, with dates from December 1–12. A QR code is shown in the bottom left corner for weekly schedules.
Graphic titled “FHU High School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Includes a two-week practice schedule grid for girls’ and boys’ varsity and JV basketball, with dates from November 30 to December 13. A basketball icon labeled “High School” appears in the bottom right corner, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the bottom left.
Graphic titled “FHU Middle School Basketball Practices – First Two Weeks.” Features a practice schedule grid for 7th and 8th grade boys’ and girls’ basketball from November 30 to December 13. Notes that practices and home games are at Fair Haven Grade School. A basketball icon labeled “Middle School” appears in the lower left, and the FHU Slaters logo is in the lower right.
⚽ Interested in Becoming a Soccer Referee?
Vermont’s 2026 First-Time Soccer Referee Clinic is coming up!

📅 February 28, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Burr and Burton Academy
57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT 05254

🔗 Register here:
https://learning.ussoccer.com/referee/courses/available/10000006/details/20009346

This clinic is perfect for anyone looking to get started officiating youth or amateur soccer. Participants will learn the Laws of the Game, referee responsibilities, and basic on-field mechanics.

To become certified, attendees must complete both the online coursework and the in-person field session.

👉 Note: Per U.S. Soccer requirements, all referees register through the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.
Adults (18+) must also complete a background check and SafeSport certification before receiving match assignments.

Get trained. Get certified. Get on the field! ⚽✨
16 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer for the “2026 Vermont First Time Soccer Referee Clinic.” The top features bold text with “Soccer Referee Clinic” in large white and yellow letters on a dark gray background. Below, the date “February 28, 2026” appears in a red box. On the right side is a cartoon referee blowing a whistle and holding up a red card. On the left is a large illustrated soccer ball with yellow motion streaks. Event details list the time (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) and location (Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Ave, Manchester, VT). A yellow arrow points to a QR code labeled “Scan Me!” The bottom includes a link for registration.
Board Meeting - November 24, 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/fuz-fkre-fci Or dial: (US) +1 929-260-4319 PIN: 220 871 860#

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.
16 days ago, Slate Valley
A graphic flyer announces the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. The design features green and blue text with circular decorative elements. It reads: “Please Join Us TONIGHT,” “Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting,” and lists the agenda items: “Consent Agenda, Cognia Results Presentation, Building & Grounds Committee Report.” The Slate Valley logo is displayed on the right. At the bottom, it states: “November 24, 2025 – 6:30 PM, Fair Haven Union Middle & High School – Band Room.”
19 days ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 21, 2025. The top features the Slate Valley logo, followed by a colorful ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ banner with cartoon turkeys, pumpkins, leaves, and fall decorations. Below is a decorative fall-themed border surrounding the heading ‘A Message of Gratitude from the Superintendent,’ with accompanying text expressing appreciation to the Slate Valley community.
FHUMS Students Support “Stuff an Ambulance!” 🚑💙

Our FHUMS students delivered bags full of food and household donations from their TA groups today to help Stuff an Ambulance at Fair Haven Shaw’s! A special shout out to Jacob Purdy, Noah Laramie, Jacob Jamieson, and Cole Belden!

The event runs today until 5 PM and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 AM–1 PM — all donations go directly to Slate Valley Cares, supporting families right here in our community.

Stop by, say hello to our Slater mascot, and help us fill that ambulance! 🥫❤️
Every can, box, and bottle makes a difference!
19 days ago, Slate Valley
A promotional flyer titled “Stuff an Ambulance” showing an ambulance with emergency lights and images of assorted food donations. Event details list times on November 21 and 22 at Fair Haven Shaw's, benefiting Slate Valley Cares.
Two middle school students sort food donations on a table inside the school office area. They are placing canned goods and boxed food items into large bags, surrounded by a variety of pantry items.
Two adults and a student stand beside the open back of a holiday-decorated ambulance filled with food and supply donations. Additional boxes and bags are arranged on the ground next to the ambulance.
A younger student holds a bright green “Fill the Ambulance – Slate Valley Cares” sign while standing beside the Slater mascot. A staff member in a winter hat smiles on the other side. They stand near the parking lot of Fair Haven Shaw’s.
Three people and the Slater mascot stand behind an open ambulance decorated with holiday banners. They hold a bright green sign that reads “Fill the Ambulance — Slate Valley Cares.” Boxes of donated items are stacked inside the ambulance.
A FHUMS student stands on a sidewalk holding a bright green poster that reads “Fill the Ambulance – Slate Valley Cares.” Next to him is the Slater mascot flexing a muscle and holding a foam hammer, standing against a backdrop of a roadside and cloudy sky.
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!
23 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.
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! 🎉🏆💙
25 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.
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
26 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.