🍎☀️ Free Summer Meals for Kids & Teens!

Slate Valley is proud to offer the 2026 Summer Food Service Program at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria!

All children and teens 18 and under can enjoy free breakfast and lunch this summer—no registration required.

📅 Dates: June 29 – August 14
⏰ Times:
• Breakfast: 8:30–9:30 AM
• Lunch: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM

Please note: Meals must be eaten on-site in the cafeteria.

Help us spread the word so every child has access to healthy, nutritious meals all summer long!

🔎 Find more locations at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
about 9 hours ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program featuring images of school meals on green trays and a stack of pancakes. Text explains that free breakfast and lunch are available for anyone 18 and under at the Fair Haven Grade School Cafeteria from June 29 to August 14, with breakfast served from 8:30–9:30 AM and lunch from 11:30 AM–12:30 PM. It notes meals must be eaten on-site and includes a link to find additional locations.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 17, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/8852b597100f/district-newsletter-april-10-13836492
4 days ago, Slate Valley
Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter header dated April 17, 2026, featuring a central Vermont-themed logo surrounded by a collage of student photos including outdoor learning, graduation, classroom activities, and performances, with the slogan “Our Schools, Your Future.”
Kinders and 1st Graders going on a nature walk and a scavenger hunt for Earth Day!
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Three children walk down a school hallway. A girl in a purple jacket in the foreground looks through homemade binoculars made from cardboard tubes. Behind her, a girl wears a tall decorated paper hat and a boy holds up his scavenger hunt clipboard.
A group of smiling children posing in a school hallway. A girl in a denim jacket and purple dress stands in the center holding a clipboard, with yellow cardboard binoculars hanging from her neck. Behind them is a bulletin board decorated with student artwork and colorful paper hearts. IMG_3270.jpg: Two children walk toward the camera in a hallway. A girl on the left wears a tall white paper hat and orange jacket, holding a scavenger hunt sheet and green binoculars. A boy behind her peeks through his own cardboard binoculars.
Two children walk toward the camera in a hallway. A girl on the left wears a tall white paper hat and orange jacket, holding a scavenger hunt sheet and green binoculars. A boy behind her peeks through his own cardboard binoculars.
A line of elementary-aged children walking down a school hallway. Several children are holding clipboards with "Earth Day Scavenger Hunt" worksheets. One boy in the foreground wears a blue shirt and has homemade cardboard tube binoculars hanging around his neck.
A group of children standing in a hallway near a doorway labeled "IA Office #102." A girl in a yellow hoodie and silver glitter boots holds a pencil up in the air. A female teacher or staff member stands in the doorway smiling at the group.
A close-up shot of a young boy holding a clipboard. The clipboard holds a "Earth Day Scavenger Hunt" coloring sheet featuring a large recycling symbol in the center surrounded by icons of nature and sustainable items like flowers, pinecones, and water taps.
Kindergarten flowers after reading "The Flower Thief"
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Bulletin Board Display A vibrant, classroom bulletin board themed after the book "The Flower Thief." * Centerpiece: A large, stylized tree made of brown construction paper strips stands in the middle. Hand-shaped cutouts in dark green act as "leaves" on the branches. Bottom Section: A row of colorful, hand-drawn paper flowers with green stems "grows" along the bottom of the board. The flowers are brightly colored in shades of blue, pink, yellow, and orange. Decorative Elements: Oversized, decorative paper pencils and bright stars are scattered across the white-plank patterned background. Book Reference: A printout of the book cover for The Flower Thief by Alice Hemming is pinned directly to the trunk of the paper tree. Border: The entire board is framed by a colorful border featuring a pattern of vertical, multi-colored pencils.
Book Cover Close-up A close-up shot of a printed book cover for "The Flower Thief" by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater. Characters: The illustration features a whimsical, bright orange squirrel with large, expressive eyes looking toward a small, yellow and blue bird perched on a tree stump. Setting: They are in a lush green meadow under a bright blue sky, framed by two large trees with green leaves and small yellow fruit or flowers. Text: The title "the FLOWER THIEF" is written in bold, blue playful lettering at the top. At the bottom, it reads: "By the New York Times bestselling creators of The Leaf Thief, ALICE HEMMING & NICOLA SLATER."
3rd Graders watching Winn-Dixie after reading the book.
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
: A wide-angle shot of a classroom during a movie screening. Several elementary-aged students are sitting or lying on colorful yoga mats and blankets spread across the floor. A teacher sits at a desk in the background, and a large screen at the front of the room displays a night scene from a film. The room is decorated with educational posters and an alphabet strip.
A wide-angle shot of a classroom during a movie screening. Several elementary-aged students are sitting or lying on colorful yoga mats and blankets spread across the floor. A teacher sits at a desk in the background, and a large screen at the front of the room displays a night scene from a film. The room is decorated with educational posters and an alphabet strip.
A close-up of a large wall-mounted television in a classroom. The screen shows a scene from a movie featuring an adult man and a young girl sitting together on a couch. Below the TV, colorful student-made posters are taped to the wall, and the top of a student's head is visible in the foreground as they watch.
Bird Feeders!
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young boy in a classroom wears a tall, hand-decorated paper crown and holds a red plastic cup with blue yarn threaded through it. Other children and classroom shelves filled with books are visible in the background.
A wide shot of a classroom where several children are showing off their "cup and string" crafts. A girl in an orange jacket smiles at the camera, while another girl in a purple hat holds up her red cup in the background.
A young girl in a black "Princess Peach" T-shirt holds a red plastic cup with blue yarn and a wooden stick inside. She is smiling at the camera, and another girl in a red vest is visible in the background.
A young girl with wavy brown hair wearing a light green long-sleeved shirt smiles while standing on a colorful rug featuring large handprints. The classroom background includes a yellow table and a door with student decorations.
Two young girls work on their crafts. One girl in a pink shirt and a paper crown focuses on threading yellow string, while the girl next to her in an orange jacket holds her completed red cup craft.
A teacher in a light green T-shirt leans down to talk to a young girl in a classroom. They are standing near a counter where a "Candy Land" board game and a hot glue gun are visible.
A close-up of a young girl with blonde hair wearing a gold and red tiara and a shiny red vest. She is smiling broadly while holding a red plastic cup with blue yarn attached to it. I
A young girl wearing a purple "Bass Pro Shops" hat and a pink dress holds up a red plastic cup by a long blue string. She is standing in front of a gray classroom counter.
K, 1st & 2nd doing all sorts of crafts to celebrate Earth Day!
5 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Two young girls working on an art project. The girl in the foreground smiles at the camera, wearing a teal dress with a watermelon print and a sparkling gold tiara. Behind her, another girl in a blue floral dress is focused on cutting a piece of purple construction paper. A television in the background displays a colorful video game interface.
A medium shot of a young girl with a missing front tooth wearing a pink t-shirt and a dark baseball cap with a bow. She is standing behind a wooden table cluttered with colorful construction paper, scissors in a blue basket, and a reference photo of a craft project involving decorated cardboard tubes.
a young girl in a red cable-knit sweater stands at a craft table covered in supplies like paint, glue, and cardboard tubes. Another girl in a denim jacket and floral dress walks nearby. In the background, there is a colorful "handprint" rug and a white board that reads, "Today is Friday, April 17th, 2026."
A medium shot of a young girl with a missing front tooth wearing a pink t-shirt and a dark baseball cap with a bow. She is standing behind a wooden table cluttered with colorful construction paper, scissors in a blue basket, and a reference photo of a craft project involving decorated cardboard tubes.
A young girl with a pink bow in her hair sits cross-legged on a colorful "handprint" patterned rug. In front of her are several coffee filters being decorated with colorful markers and a small spray bottle used to create a tie-dye effect.
A high-angle shot of several coffee filters spread out on plastic sheets over a classroom rug. The filters show vibrant, bleeding patterns of blue, purple, yellow, and red ink. The legs of a child in a floral dress stand among the art. Paper Crafting & Drawing
A wide view of a classroom where children are working on various art projects. One child is drawing on a long strip of paper on the floor, while others work at wooden tables with supplies like red cups, pencils, and scissors.
A close-up of a young girl in a white t-shirt holding a sheet of colorful star stickers. On the table in front of her is a white paper crown decorated with green grass and a crab sticker, along with a sheet of bird stickers.
A boy in a blue long-sleeve shirt holds up a finished white paper crown featuring green scribbles and a crab sticker. In the background, another student stands near a shelf filled with books and colorful storage bins.
A young boy wearing a Pokémon-themed fleece jacket and a "Canopy" baseball cap smiles while sitting at a desk. He is coloring a long, horizontal strip of paper with green and orange pencils.
📣 Reminder for Slate Valley Families!

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release day on Friday, April 17, 2026.

This will be followed by Spring Break from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24. 🌸

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved break!
Classes will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.
6 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with a spring-themed background featuring flowers and leaves. At the top is a Vermont emblem above a red banner that reads “REMINDER.” The text states: “Early Release Day for All Slate Valley Schools, Friday - April 17, 2026.” Below, it reads: “Followed by Spring Break, Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24.” At the bottom: “Classes Resume Monday, April 27, 2026.”
Second graders, exploring length with plinks! Linking 1000 together and then talking about what might be shorter or longer
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A medium shot of a young boy with blonde hair holding up a tangled bunch of red and blue plastic chains. He is wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and jeans. To his left, another boy in a red Under Armour shirt smiles at the camera while standing against a purple bulletin board.
) In a school hallway, an adult with curly blonde hair leans over to help a young boy in a tan outfit connect sections of a red and blue plastic chain. Other children are visible sitting along the walls in the background.
Three young boys stand against a hallway wall next to a purple bulletin board, each holding or playing with lengths of red and blue plastic chains. The boy in the foreground, wearing a dark teal shirt, is focused on gathering the chain in his hands.
A wide, long-distance shot down a bright school hallway. A very long chain of red and blue plastic links stretches down the center of the floor, extending toward the far end of the hall. Several students and staff members are scattered along the sides of the hallway, watching or participating in the activity.
A top-down, vertical shot of a long chain made of interlocking red and blue plastic links lying straight on a speckled grey tiled floor. The chain alternates colors in small sections.
Friday, April 17th is Hat Day!
6 days ago, Kelley Schultz
An image featuring a purple bucket hat centered against a solid vibrant blue background. Below the hat, white text reads, "Friday, April 18th is Hat Day!".
🌱💚 FHUMHS Students Giving Back for Green-Up Day! 💚🌱

On May 1st, students from Fair Haven Union Middle & High School will be out in the community celebrating Green-Up Day—and they’re ready to lend a helping hand!

From spring yard clean-ups to other small outdoor tasks, our students are excited to support members of the Slate Valley community. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, give back, and make a positive impact together.

If you or someone you know could use a little extra help this spring, please fill out the quick form below, or contact Jackie Phillips (email: jphillips@svuvt.org or phone: 802-265-4966). FHUMHS principals and assistant principals will review submissions and follow up directly.

👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHYQ48U-NIH-q2A1cECoC8cBXMl0eQSxBGHs8ZvZqpa98wow/viewform

Thank you for being part of our community—and for helping our students make a difference! 🌎✨
7 days ago, Slate Valley
Flyer for Fair Haven Union High School “Green Up Day” on Friday, May 1, 2026. It invites community members who need help with yardwork or small projects to connect with student volunteers. Services include raking, picking up debris, and general yard cleanup. Contact information is provided for Jackie Phillips (jphillips@svuvt.org , 802-265-4966) or via QR code. The offer is open to residents of Benson, Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, Orwell, and West Haven. Graphics include leaves, a paintbrush, hammer, rake, and yard tools.
Kinder bouquets!
7 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl in a pink ribbed shirt and black leggings stands in a wide green field, holding her dandelion craft directly in front of her face. The white card shows four yellow dandelions "planted" in a hand-drawn vase. In the background, purple yoga mats are spread out on the grass.
A high-angle shot of a young girl with light brown hair wearing a black "Always" butterfly shirt and bright pink leggings. She is carefully adjusting yellow dandelions on a white card with a vase drawing while standing in a grassy field. Yoga mats and water bottles are visible in the background.
A young girl with reddish-brown hair in a striped shirt stands in a grassy area next to a building. She is looking down thoughtfully at a small white card she is holding, which features a hand-drawn vase with two yellow dandelions poked through it to look like a bouquet.
: A smiling girl with blonde hair tied in a small top-knot stands in a doorway, proudly holding up her artwork. Her white card shows a drawing of a vase holding three bright yellow dandelions. She is wearing a grey t-shirt with a floral graphic and patterned pink leggings.
A young girl with long brown hair and a playful, scrunchy-faced expression holds her dandelion art close to the camera. Her card features a wavy-lined vase with three dandelions. She is wearing a white long-sleeved shirt with butterfly patterns and colorful patterned leggings.
Kindergarteners blasting off into space to orbit the moon!
9 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young child with light brown hair lies on a colorful rug featuring large, bright handprints. The child is resting their back against the seat of a blue chair that has been tipped backward, with their legs extending toward the camera.
A young boy with a joyful smile lies on a handprint-patterned rug. He is leaning back against a tipped school chair, wearing brown pants and green sneakers, looking directly at the camera.
A wide shot of a classroom where several children are lying on their backs with their legs propped up against blue chairs, facing a television screen. The TV shows a simulation of a rocket launch. The room has a colorful rug, a bookshelf, and a chandelier.
A similar wide shot to the previous image, showing the group of children in their "launch positions" on the floor. The classroom is dimly lit by a crystal chandelier, and backpacks hang on the wall beneath the TV screen.
Two young girls lie on their backs on a grey carpeted floor, smiling at the camera. In the background, other children are positioned upside-down on blue school chairs, with their legs in the air, mimicking a rocket launch position. IMG_3214.jpg A young child with light brown hair lies on a colorful rug featuring large, bright handprints. The child is resting their back against the seat of a blue chair that has been tipped backward, with their legs extending toward the camera.
A side profile of an adult smiling while wearing a white astronaut helmet with a gold-tinted visor. They are standing in a classroom or library setting next to a tall bookshelf filled with children's books.
A close-up of a television screen displaying the title "LAUNCH OF NASA'S ARTEMIS II: VIEWS FROM THE MOON ROCKET." Below the screen, the top of a person’s head is visible wearing a white and gold astronaut helmet with a NASA logo.
A perfect day to build and fly kites!
9 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Large Field Activities Top Photo: A young girl in a tie-dye hoodie runs across a dry, grassy field while flying a small white kite with a long red ribbon tail. Another girl stands in the distance holding the kite string reel. Bottom Photo: A group of children and adults gathered on a field near a soccer goal. Several children are actively flying kites, including one kite with a long red streamer soaring high in the air. Image 2: Individual Kite Flyers Top Left: A girl in a patterned teal hoodie stands on a gravel path, holding up a green kite string handle. Her white kite with a red tail rests on the ground behind her. Top Right: A girl in a black hoodie and blue jeans stands on a gravel area, holding a kite string. In the background, a white kite with a red ribbon is caught on top of a playground structure. Bottom Left: A girl in a bright orange long-sleeve shirt smiles while holding a kite string high above her head. A dark SUV and an open field are visible in the background. Bottom Right: A close-up of a smiling girl in a purple graphic T-shirt holding a kite string. Behind her is a large metal geodesic dome climbing structure decorated with blue and green accents.
Large Field Activities Top Photo: A young girl in a tie-dye hoodie runs across a dry, grassy field while flying a small white kite with a long red ribbon tail. Another girl stands in the distance holding the kite string reel. Bottom Photo: A group of children and adults gathered on a field near a soccer goal. Several children are actively flying kites, including one kite with a long red streamer soaring high in the air.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: April 10, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/5722f5802f0b/district-newsletter-april-10-2026
11 days ago, Slate Valley
Banner reading “Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter” with the date April 10, 2026, featuring the district logo in the center and school mascots on both sides against a blue and green background.
📚✨ Friday Focus: Smiles & “i before e”… or is it? ✨📚

This week, our Friday Focus shines on our amazing 2nd and 3rd graders across Slate Valley!

Traveling from school to school, it was impossible to miss the smiles, laughter, and joy of learning happening in every classroom and hallway. Whether students were tackling their Cognia assessments, heading out for recess or lunch, diving into a good book, or puzzling over tricky spelling rules like “ei” and “ie,” their curiosity and energy were on full display.

It’s moments like these that remind us how special our schools are—filled with students who are growing, learning, and supporting one another every single day.

Keep shining, Slate Valley! 🌟
12 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Focus Friday – Spotlighting our smiling second & third graders” with Slate Valley logo, featuring a collage of photos of elementary students smiling, playing outside, reading, and working in classrooms.
🎨🎶 Thank You, Benson Community! 🎶🎨

A heartfelt thank you to all the families and community members who joined us last night for Benson Village School’s Night of the Arts and Celebration of Learning!
The evening was filled with creativity and pride as student artwork transformed the gym into a beautiful gallery, and our talented students took the stage to share the music they’ve been working so hard on—both through singing and band performances. 🎵

Guests also had the opportunity to visit classrooms and see the incredible learning happening every day at BVS.

A special thank you to Art Teacher Mrs. Darcie Parrott and Music Teacher Ms. Francine Broughton for their dedication and for helping make this event such a success.
12 days ago, Slate Valley
A young student looks closely at a display board of colorful kindergarten “Color Monster” drawings.
A student stands beside a teacher holding a report about Snowflake Bentley, smiling in front of a classroom display.
Adults, students, and families walk through a school gym viewing colorful student artwork displayed on panels.
A teacher leans over two students reviewing a drawing and worksheet together at a desk in a classroom.
Students perform in a school band seated in a gym while families and community members watch from around the room.
📚✨Throwback Thursday✨📚

We’re taking it back to the 1976 FHUHS Yearbook, where this creative drawing introduced “Ogg,” a proposed Slater mascot designed by a sophomore with the initials K.C.

The student shared their vision of building a mascot for games—complete with blue and white hair and a large rubber nose!

Here’s the fun part…
👀 Do you know who K.C. is?

Hint: This talented artist went on to become a long-time teacher right here in Slate Valley!

Drop your guesses in the comments—we can’t wait to see who remembers! 👇
13 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring Slate Valley branding and a 1976 FHUHS yearbook throwback. Includes a student-drawn Slater mascot named “Ogg,” a typed description of the mascot concept, a small yearbook-style student photo, and the prompt “Who is K.C.?” alongside “1976 FHUHS Yearbook.”
Where Are They Now Wednesday: April Spotlight - Marty Vinci, Class of 1970

This month, we’re proud to highlight Fair Haven Union High School alumnus Marty Vinci, a member of the Class of 1970 whose journey reflects dedication, hard work, and a lifelong connection to his roots.

Following graduation, Marty pursued specialized training at Meat Cutting School in Toledo, Ohio—launching a career that would span four decades. He worked as a meat cutter throughout Vermont and upstate New York, building a reputation for skill and consistency in his trade.

In 2007, Marty took his experience to the next level, beginning a new chapter with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Meat Inspector in Atlanta, Georgia. After three years, he transferred to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he continued his work for an additional 15 years. Marty officially retired on January 1, 2025, concluding an impressive career dedicated to food safety and public service.

Retirement hasn’t slowed him down. Today, Marty enjoys working part-time in the pro shop at a local golf course in the Hilton Head area—staying active and connected within his community.

During his time at Fair Haven, Marty was a two-sport athlete, participating in football, and baseball. He served as captain of the football team his senior year, demonstrating leadership both on and off the field. One of his most memorable moments came on the baseball diamond, when he delivered a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 14th inning to defeat rival Poultney—a moment that still stands out decades later.
Marty also credits Coach Tom LaPlaca as a meaningful influence during his high school years. Their close relationship helped keep him motivated and focused, leaving a lasting impact that extended well beyond graduation.

From standout student-athlete to a long and successful career, Marty Vinci’s story is one of perseverance, pride, and community—qualities that continue to define Slater alumni.
14 days ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Where Are They Now Wednesday” featuring FH Union High School Class of 1970 alumnus Marty Vinci, with a photo of him and text highlighting his career as a meat cutter and USDA inspector, his retirement in 2025, and his current work at a golf course, along with a baseball representing a game-winning hit.
Creativity & Imagination runs wild during choice time!
14 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Three children collaborate on a large wooden marble run over a fish-themed rug. One boy stands while two girls sit nearby; they appear to be testing the track with marbles and discussing the construction.
: Overhead view of a girl with colorful butterfly clips in her hair sitting cross-legged on a splatter-patterned rug. She is focused on coloring a picture of Minnie Mouse in a coloring book with a blue colored pencil.
A young boy with brown hair kneels on a blue rug decorated with numbered fish. He is focused on building a tall, intricate marble run using light-colored wooden blocks and tracks.
High-angle shot of a young girl with pigtails standing at a blue table. She is using a yellow pencil to carefully trace or mark a white piece of paper that is layered over colorful cards and craft sticks. A pair of green safety scissors lies nearby.
Three children engage in imaginative play at a yellow table. They are using colorful silicone cupcake liners, plastic pots, pans, and small pom-poms to simulate cooking or sorting.