Slate Valley Unified School District

As we continue with our new staff introductions, please join us in welcoming: Clay Williams (BVS Custodian) My name is Clay Williams and I live in Fair Haven. My wife (Tammy) and I moved to Vermont in 2016 from Pennsylvania. I have worked in the school system as a maintenance/custodian for around 32 years. My favorite pastime is remodeling our 150-year-old house and spending time with our granddaughters. We like to camp and try to spend any free time in our fifth wheel. Emily Ray (BVS Instructional Assistant) Hello, my name is Emily! I use she and her pronouns. This is my first year working in the school as an Instructors Assistant and I am very excited to start a new adventure with the students. This will be my second year working in Benson with the Boys and Girls Club. Looking forward to creating fun programs and activities for your children to enjoy and learn something new about themselves. I love being outdoors, so let's talk about trees! Ask me what my favorite is! Some fun trivia facts about myself: my favorite color is green, my dog is named Buckley, and I like to sing and dance like nobody's watching. Let's have a great school year! Grayson Peters (OVS Grade 6 Teacher) I am proud to introduce to you our new sixth-grade teacher for next year Grayson Peters. Grayson is a highly recommended graduate of the University of Vermont’s Middle-Level Education Program with a Major in Education and a Minor in Special Education. Grayson is a solid, independent, and caring educator with a growth mindset and is fully committed to the success of all of his students. Grayson cultivates a trauma-sensitive classroom with a focus on social justice and restorative practices. We welcome Grayson to the Orwell Village School family and wish Courtney Robinson well in her new role at Fair Haven Grade School. Amy Torrey (OVS Grade 2 Teacher) Amy Torrey joins the Orwell Village School family as our new second-grade teacher next year and comes to us most recently from West Rutland School where she was an Instructional Coach and Math Interventionist. Amy brings fifteen years of teaching experience to OVS in a variety of grade levels. Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree from Castleton State College in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in Social Studies and Education. She has earned her Master's degree from Union Institute & the University of Vermont College in Education with a major concentration in Curriculum & Instruction. Amy enjoys the challenge that each group of learners poses for her. She strives to ensure that all of her students are provided a rigorous academic experience as well as a safe social and emotional environment. We welcome Amy to the Orwell Village School family and wish Dana Smith the best in the Hartland School District.

As we continue with our new staff introductions, please join us in welcoming: Jessica Ransom (FHUMHS Special Educator) Jessica has been teaching Science for the last 6 years and is very excited to transition into Special Education at Fair Haven Union High School in the fall. She loves spending time with her family, fishing, gardening, and going to as many concerts as possible. Jessica is a Fair Haven native and is very excited to be a Slater again! Heidi Manns (FHUMHS Instructional Assistant) Heidi will be an Instructional Assistant at the Fair Haven Union High School. She is a Florida native! Heidi is committed to lifelong learning and personal development, which she loves to share with others. Heidi is an equestrian athlete and a pilates enthusiast. She loves her dog, Jupiter! Welcome, Heidi! Scott Dorf (FHUMHS Long-Term Substitute Social Studies Teacher) Scott Dorf will fill a long-term substitute teacher position for high school social studies. Scott has 37 years of experience working in financial markets on Wall Street. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Duke University and is currently seeking a Master’s Degree at Middlebury College. Scott wrote a weekly column for Bloomberg News and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Mideast - where he was responsible for keeping up with global political, economic, and financial market trends. Welcome, Scott!

As we continue with our new staff introductions, please join us in welcoming: Gwen Hagenbarth (FHUMHS Assistant Principal) Gwen Hagenbarth will be the newest Administrative team member at FHUMHS. She has had a long and successful career as a middle and high school math teacher and has earned a Master’s Degree in school administration. Gwen served as the Student Dean at Woodstock Union Middle and High School and the Virtual Learning Site Coordinator and Advisory and Engagement Coordinator at Rutland High School. She brings experience and strength in restorative practices, equity, trauma-informed teaching, and social and emotional learning. Welcome, Gwen! Cheryl Niedzwiecki (FHUMHS Workplace and Entrepreneurship Teacher) Chery Niedzwiecki will bring her passion for business and entrepreneurship to her role as the Workplace & Entrepreneurship Teacher at FHUMHS. Cheryl has 30 years of experience in the hospitality and business field. She has been a business owner and has supervised school-based businesses, campus stores, and a restaurant. Cheryl holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She has taught within the Rutland and Burlington Technical Centers for many years (where she was recently recognized as a UVM Teacher of the Year). Welcome, Cheryl! Jin-A Chang (FHUMHS Digital Arts Teacher) Jin-A Chang brings 11 years of art, fashion, and digital design to her new role as the FHUMHS Digital Arts Teacher. Jin-A graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design and brings a passion for hands-on and project-based learning. She won the Virginia Department of Education’s 2019 Creating Excellence Award for Fashion Careers and was nominated for the Virginia Teacher of the Year in 2020. Welcome, Jin-A! Jenni-Lynn Fuocco (FHUMHS School-Based Clinician - MS Alt Program) Jenni comes to us from the Rutland Mental Health Crisis team, where she provided a wide variety of interventions and supports for adolescents. She also worked closely with children and their families during times of crisis so that they can access recommended treatments and supports. Jenni utilizes trauma-informed responses and a team-centered approach to meet the unique needs of each student she works with. Welcome, Jenni!

As we continue with our new staff introductions, please join us in welcoming: Tracey Cross-Baker (FHUMHS School Counselor) Tracey brings decades of experience as a school counselor and also in career services at several colleges and universities. Most recently, Tracey has provided extensive social-emotional and academic support to students in the Boquet Valley CSD. She is passionate about building relationships with students and sharing her expertise in post-secondary planning. Welcome, Tracey! Sean Ruck (High School Alternative Program Instructor) Sean Ruck comes to FHUMHS with 20 years of public relations, marketing, and communications experience. Sean holds a Master's Degree in English. He has worked as an editor for the Rutland Herald and Times Argus, DOTmed HealthCare Business News, and as the Communication Coordinator at the Mill River School District. Sean also comes with coaching experience and excitement to work with our ANNEX students. Welcome, Sean! Madison Alderman (High School Science Teacher) Madison Alderman will join the FHU Science Department, bringing her extensive mathematical and scientific knowledge base. She has worked extensively through the education program at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science and has tutored students at the college level. Welcome, Madison! Allison Irons (FHUMHS Instructional Assistant) Allison will be joining the middle school. She holds a BA in Journalism from Northern Vermont University-Johnson '21. Allison also works part-time as a photographer as well as an independent sports journalist.

As we continue with our new staff introductions, please join us in welcoming: Emma Wagner (FHGS Grade 4 Teacher) Hi! My name is Emma Wagner. I’m from New Jersey. However, I spent a large part of my childhood here in Vermont, a place that I truly love. I moved to Vermont after my high school graduation and attended Castleton University! Even though I was born in NJ I’m a Vermonter at heart and have been a part of my local community here ever since. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my dogs. In my free time I enjoy hiking, skiing and kayaking. Teaching has always been a passion of mine. Since I was a little girl, playing teacher with my younger sister was a favorite activity that we did together. While doing my observations at many local schools, I have seen the importance of education and understand the struggles that students may have. I have realized education is more than academics, it's also about the emotional and social aspects of the classroom environment. Making sure students feel comfortable in the classroom is important. Students realizing that they have a safe space to go to and people who respect and care for them is critical to their success. It’s essential for students to learn how they can use their voice to stand up for what they believe in. I am excited to see the difference that I can make in the classroom, school, and the greater community. I am beyond excited to be welcomed into the Slate Valley Unified School District and to begin teaching fourth grade at Fair Haven Grade School! Molly Durling (FHGS Grade 6 Teacher) Hi all! I am Molly Durling. I am so excited to start working with students, families, and the Slate Valley District this year as a first year teacher. I graduated magna cum laude from Castleton University with a license in Secondary Education and a BA in History. I have always loved helping and educating others about the world around them so teaching felt like a natural choice for me. One of my professional goals is to earn my masters in Curriculum and Instruction and work closely with teachers and families to support students. Outside of the classroom I like to spend time outdoors whether that be on a pair of skis, gardening, hiking, or relaxing in a hammock. My other passions include traveling, archeology, reading, and art. I hope to pass these skills and passions on to my students and inspire them to try new things everyday. I also hope to incorporate my love of traveling in the classroom through various learning opportunities whether through virtual field trips to places or museums or implementing exploratory lessons in geography, culture, and history from all over the world! Morgan O’Dell (FHGS Grade 2-3 Looping Teacher) Hello, my name is Morgan O’Dell. I will be teaching 2nd grade at Fair Haven Grade School this school year. I recently graduated from Castleton University with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies and an endorsement in Special Education. It has always been my dream to teach in a small community close to home. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year and I'm very excited to begin my career as an educator at Fair Haven. I reside in Whitehall, NY where I grew up. I appreciate the small town feel Fair Haven offers as well as the community support throughout the district. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love traveling, shopping, and spending time outdoors; especially on the beach.

As we prepare to welcome students back to school, we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce our new staff members. Over the next several days, we will be highlighting new staff members on Facebook and our website's live feed. Please join us in welcoming: Sarah Winter (FHGS Special Educator) I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Sarah Winter. I’m returning to Slate Valley after a year's hiatus. I began at Slate Valley in 2014 as a special educator at Fair Haven Grade School. During the 2018-19 school year, I taught abroad in Songshan Lake in the Guangdong Province of China. This opportunity enabled me to travel widely and experience many different cultures across Southeast Asia. I brought this knowledge back to the States and use it to enrich my students’ learning. I am from Warrensburg, New York, a hamlet in the Adirondack Park, and live there today with my husband, son, and two dogs. I studied education at Green Mountain College and am currently pursuing my master’s degree at Castleton University. I enjoy hiking, quilting, and letterboxing with my family. I’m happy to be back in Slate Valley and look forward to the new school year and getting to know new students and their families. Megan Mead (FHGS Grade 2-3 Looping Teacher) Hi, my name is Megan Mead and I am a Second Grade/Third Grade looping teacher at Fair Haven Grade School. I received my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Potsdam and my Masters Degree in Childhood Development from SNHU. I have been teaching for 11 year. After living in New Hampshire for a few years, I moved back to Granville, where I grew up. I currently live in Granville with my husband, Jason, and my two children Owen and Ella. Owen is 11 years old and enjoys playing soccer, swimming, and anything to do with animals. Ella is 6 years old and enjoys karate and gymnastics. They both keep me busy! When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, traveling, any activities outdoors and spending time with family. Courtney Donovan (FHGS Special Educator) Hey everyone! I was born and raised just over the border in Whitehall NY. I have 3 siblings, and 2 dogs (Herbie and Jack) that keep me very busy. Jack has been with me since he was a puppy but I adopted Herbie following a field trip to the SPCA where I took students to read to the animals. I just couldn’t leave the poor guy there, and he’s been loving country life ever since. I love to keep busy and can often be found hiking, hanging out at Lake Bomoseen, and exploring the area. I am no stranger to Fair Haven. My father is a Fair Haven High alumni and my grandparents owned Donovan's Pharmacy where I spent my early childhood days. If you’ve lived in town long enough I’m sure you have run into me at Shaws which was one of my first jobs during high school (no I will not be saying how many years ago that was now). I am also often in town with my brothers, both of whom have Autism. This summer we have enjoyed the story walks and the concerts in the park being back in full swing! I am excited to be joining the FHGS team, it’s going to be a great school year!

New staff orientation is off to a great start this morning!

Tonight - August 22, 2022 You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Castleton Elementary School. This meeting will be in person or virtually connect by going to https://meet.google.com/ich-kbgn-vgg or by calling (US) +1 470-228-6084 PIN: 918 548 530# Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/1gkqe Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/1fv5z Next Board Meeting: Monday, September 12, 2022 – FHUMHS – 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Title I Parent and Family Engagement Meetings: Castleton Elementary School, August 29 at 5:00 p.m. Fair Haven Grade School, August 30 at 5:30 p.m. Benson Village School, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. Orwell Village School, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. For more information about the meeting, we invite you to read the informational sheet https://5il.co/1g786 and look through the slide presentation https://5il.co/1g784. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tonight - August 8, 2022 You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School. This meeting will be in person or virtually connect by going to https://meet.google.com/hks-quyi-pkf or by calling (US) +1 915-308-1834 PIN: 371 730 156#. Tonight’s Agenda: https://5il.co/1fo7a Previous Meeting Minutes: https://5il.co/1caki Next Board Meeting: August 22, 2022 - Castleton Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.

Slate Valley Unified School District is holding a Fall Sports Kickoff Meeting for all athletes in FHUHS, FHUMS and Slate Valley 5/6 on Wednesday, August 31 at 5:30 p.m. Where: FHUHS at the football field/tower -Please bring your updated physical forms. -Register your athlete on http://www.Formreleaf.com

Last week, we finished up our summer transition camps as we welcomed Slate Valley’s 7th grade students to our FHUMHS campus!

Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County is looking to fill the following positions:

Congratulations to FHGS Principal Deborah Infurna who was honored last night as the John Winton Vermont Middle Level Principal of the Year at the Annual Vermont Principals' Association Conference!

Today, we wrapped up our second successful week of summer transition camp! Our incoming 8th grade students participated in a wide variety of team-building activities and WCAX stopped by to do a report this week. If you missed their coverage, you can view it here: https://www.wcax.com/2022/07/20/slate-valley-district-middle-schoolers-prepare-move-new-campus/ Next week, we’re looking forward to welcoming Slate Valley’s 7th grade students! As in previous weeks, families are invited to participate in some end of the week fun on Friday!

Our first week of summer transition camp, High School Prep, was a huge success! Incoming ninth graders participated in team-building activities, produced art for the local community, completed community service projects, and participated in the Vermont Outdoor Adventure Program at Lake Bomoseen. We’re looking forward to welcoming Slate Valley’s eighth grade students at next week’s camp! Also, remember families are invited to join us on Fridays to see what we’ve been up to all week…and participate in some Friday fun!

Athletics for 2022-2023 Registration is open on http://formreleaf.com/ FHU Fall Offerings: 9-12th Football, Golf, Cheer (8-12th) , Bass Fishing, B/G Soccer, Cross Country and Field Hockey 7/8th Offerings: 7/8 Boys soccer, 7/8 Girls Soccer, Cross Country (6-8th) Slate Valley 5/6th Offerings: 5/6 Boys Soccer, 5/6 Girls Soccer, Cross Country (6th) Please register your athletes soon! Yearly physicals are required, either upload your athlete's physical form on Formreleaf.com or email to Kalexander@svuvt.org. Remember if you have registered your athlete before, you only need to autofill, unless there are changes to be made. Please register incoming 7th, 8th and 9-12th on the FHUHS site (5/6th are still under SLATE VALLEY). If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Have a wonderful summer! I will be sending out information on the Fall opening meeting. All my best, Kim

Coming soon! In anticipation of the opening of Fair Haven Union Middle School, we have launched a Fair Haven Union Middle School Facebook page. We invite you to “like” the page https://www.facebook.com/FHUMS and engage with us as we prepare to welcome the district’s middle school students in August!

Coming soon! In anticipation of the opening of Fair Haven Union Middle School, we have launched a Fair Haven Union Middle School Facebook page. We invite you to “like” the page https://www.facebook.com/FHUMS and engage with us as we prepare to welcome the district’s middle school students in August!

Retirement Spotlight: Karon Chanski Karon has been teaching at Castleton Village School (CVS) for 25 years. She studied English and education at Green Mountain College after graduating from Fair Haven Union High School. Karon received her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Castleton University in 2011. During her time at CVS, Karon developed the personal investigation project for eighth-grade students that is now used throughout the Slate Valley School District. Karon has been an advocate and supporter of the therapy dogs program at our school, she has served as a mentor and curriculum developer. She has also done service work with students to honor veterans and active duty service men and women. She has organized a number of fundraisers for Tatum’s Totes, a non-profit organization that provides foster families with cribs, beds, strollers, car seats, and more. A certified bowling coach, Ms. Chanski was honored by Rutland Bowlerama for the work she has done coaching CVS student bowlers through the lifetime activities program. After retirement, Karon is very excited to move into her new home in North Carolina and to spend her days with her grandchildren.