Sledding season has begun!
about 6 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of children gathered at the bottom of a snowy hill. Three are sitting on plastic sleds (one in black, one in pink/multi-color, one in beige), while a fourth person in a yellow and black jacket is leaning forward on the ground next to them.
Four children sledding down a gentle, snow-covered hill on plastic saucers and sleds. The background is a line of bare trees and a cloudy sky.
A group of children playing in the snow. A boy in a blue snowsuit and grey hat is sitting on a blue sled, holding the pull rope, while another boy in a yellow jacket and a girl in a pink hat kneel beside him.
Five children standing and sitting around plastic sleds (orange, green, and red) on a snow-covered area next to a building. The children are bundled up in winter gear and smiling. IMG_9589.jpg: Two girls sitting on a red plastic toboggan-style sled in the snow near a large concrete structure. The girl in front, wearing a pink snowsuit, is holding the rope and smiling, while the girl behind is sitting with her.
Two girls sitting on a red plastic toboggan-style sled in the snow near a large concrete structure. The girl in front, wearing a pink snowsuit, is holding the rope and smiling, while the girl behind is sitting with her.
Action based learning with Kinders and 6th Graders!
about 7 hours ago, Kelley Schultz
A large, brightly lit cafeteria or multi-purpose room with several students and adults seated at long folding tables. Two adults are helping four younger children with an activity that involves writing and small manipulatives on the tables.
A close-up view of a young girl in a green top and patterned pants tracing letters on a printed worksheet attached to a wall, while two older individuals (an adult and an older student) stand next to her, watching and holding a clipboard. The section of the wall is labeled "Third 3rd".
Two boys, one in a green holiday-themed sweater, are sitting across a brown cafeteria table from each other. They are engaged in an educational activity using colorful, magnetic letters laid out on a small metal tray. The boy on the right is writing on a clipboard.
Six students are in a large room, likely a gymnasium, participating in an activity. Four younger children are sitting or lying on the floor, writing on clipboards. Two older children are standing against a blue padded wall, also writing on clipboards.
n a gymnasium, two young girls are crawling along a long line of papers taped to the floor that have printed words or numbers on them. Two older students stand nearby, observing the activity and holding clipboards.
A group of six people, including adults and children, stand facing a green wall that has large printouts attached to it, labeled by grade levels (Second, Third, Fourth). The children are tracing or marking letters on the printouts, while the adults observe.
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!
about 10 hours 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! 🎂🎨✨
1 day 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.
1 day 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!
2 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!
2 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!
8 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.
8 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.
1st Graders each designed a custom turkey today, gobble gobble!
8 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of smiling elementary school children, possibly around kindergarten or first grade, are standing and kneeling in a bright, colorful room that appears to be a library or classroom. Many of them are wearing paper hats that they have decorated. Several children are holding up white boards or pieces of paper with letters or words written on them, while others are holding plain brown clipboards. The room features bookshelves filled with books, large windows, and a colorful rug with handprint patterns. The children are diverse in appearance and are all looking towards the camera with happy expressions.
Kindergarten has learned the entire alphabet and celebrated by going on a Safari adventure!
8 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young girl with a green headband sits on a colorful rug writing on a clipboard, practicing letters of the alphabet from a printed sheet. A small card with a letter 'V' is visible on the floor next to her.
A group of approximately ten young children, all wearing festive paper hats (some green, some light blue/white), pose for a photo in a library. They are holding clipboards with papers that have letters and symbols visible.
A young girl in a white dress with a pumpkin and leaf print stands next to a wooden bookshelf, using the shelf as a surface to write on a paper attached to a clipboard. She is wearing a green paper headband.
A young girl in a white dress with a pumpkin and leaf print stands next to a wooden bookshelf, using the shelf as a surface to write on a paper attached to a clipboard. She is wearing a green paper headband.
A young girl in a red shirt and a decorated paper hat stands next to a tall bookshelf, holding a pencil and pointing at a small card with a picture on it. She has a clipboard with a paper that has letters and symbols.
A young girl in a bright pink and blue star-patterned fleece jacket is seated at a yellow table, concentrating as she writes on a paper attached to a clipboard. A card with a letter 'H' is on the table next to her. IMG_4989.jpg: A young girl in a red shirt and a decorated paper hat stands next to a tall bookshelf, holding a pencil and pointing at a small card with a picture on it. She has a clipboard with a paper that has letters and symbols.
A young girl wearing a red shirt and a green paper headband leans over a bright yellow table, concentrating on writing letters and symbols on a paper attached to a clipboard. A card with the number '5' is on the table next to her.
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
8 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.
1st Grade was awarded the "Golden Trashcan" for having the cleanest classroom!
8 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A group of elementary school children, some kneeling and some standing, smile at the camera in a colorful classroom. In the foreground, a tall, golden trash can with a plastic liner sits on a wooden stool. The floor is covered with a whimsical rug featuring irregular splatters of red, blue, green, and orange. On the left, five girls are arranged: two kneeling in front and three standing behind. The girl on the far left wears a black shirt with colorful graphics, while next to her, a girl in a light purple shirt makes a peace sign. Another girl in a pink and white tie-dye shirt kneels with a peace sign, and beside her, a girl in a pink long-sleeved shirt laughs with her hands near her face. Behind them, a girl in a white top smiles. On the right side of the photo, four boys stand in a row. From left to right, they wear a grey t-shirt, a white t-shirt with graphics, a dark green polo shirt, and a blue long-sleeved shirt. The classroom walls are adorned with various educational posters. A large black bulletin board in the center has the title "TALKING about MATH" at the top and features charts and papers, some with a space theme. To the right of the bulletin board, another board displays colorful shapes and text. On the far left, a white board shows illustrations of what appear to be organs. A yellow clock and a stack of colorful bins are visible on a small table on the left.
⚽ 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! ⚽✨
9 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.
Mrs. Schuyler's science class completed their cell models today.
9 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A smiling girl holding a colorful, 3D model of a cell made from clay or dough on a brown paper bag base."
"A clearly labeled, 2D paper model of a plant cell, showing organelles such as the Nucleus, Chloroplasts, Vacuole, Cell Wall, and Cell Membrane."
"A composite photo of two students, a girl and a boy, smiling while holding their 3D, brightly colored cell models on brown paper bags.
A composite photo of two students, a girl and a boy, each holding a round, blue 3D cell model labeled with small flags.
"A composite photo of two students, a girl and a boy, smiling while holding their 3D, brightly colored cell models on brown paper bags."
Workplace games on a Monday morning bring smiles to Kinder bears!
9 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A young boy wearing a camouflage shirt and jeans sits on a brightly colored rug patterned with large handprints, smiling at the camera. In front of him are two red bins filled with colorful pattern blocks, with a partially completed geometric design visible on the rug.
A young girl with long blonde hair lies on her stomach on a brightly colored rug patterned with large handprints, smiling at the camera. In front of her is a large arrangement of yellow and blue pattern blocks, with a red bin of additional colorful pattern blocks nearby.
A young girl with dark hair sits at a yellow table, looking surprised with her mouth open and hands held up, holding a white marker. On the table are various papers, markers, and a tray of colored pencils.
A young girl with long blonde hair smiles while sitting on a blue rug decorated with colorful fish. She is playing with green and yellow interlocking square blocks, with a red bin full of colorful blocks next to her.
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.
9 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.”
Slate Valley Distict Newsletter: November 21, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/a1cd4fd44227/slate-valley-district-newsletter-november-21-2025
12 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.
Students in Mrs. Schuyler's class are building plant and animal cell models out of salt dough. Next week they'll be able to paint and label each part
12 days ago, Kelley Schultz
A smiling girl with long dark hair and a pink headband sits at a round table in a classroom, flattening a large piece of dough on a dark tray. A lump of dough is next to the tray, and an open laptop is also on the table.
Two smiling students, a boy and a girl, stand at a round table in a classroom, each with a flattened piece of dough in front of them, seemingly for a project. They are surrounded by laptops and classroom supplies.
Two students working together to mix ingredients in a large silver bowl on a classroom table. The student on the left is using a whisk, while the student on the right is pouring something from a container. There are various measuring cups and ingredients on the table.
: Close-up of a detailed model made of dough, shaped like a circular cell, with toothpicks and raised dough structures representing different organelles. The dough model rests on a piece of brown paper.
Close-up of a student pouring a white ingredient from a canister into a red mixing bowl containing flour and other ingredients, using a measuring scoop. The student is wearing a red and blue striped shirt, and the counter and shirt are dusted with flour.
6th Graders are learning about equivalent ratios throughout the process of making Kool-aid. Through a taste test, students learned that doubling each ingredient the taste remained the same.
12 days ago, Kelley Schultz
Three students stand around a desk participating in a hands-on activity. The student on the left, wearing a black hoodie, points or gestures toward a white container of powdered drink mix. The student in the middle (maroon shirt) and the student on the right (navy shirt over black shirt) are looking down and handling clear measuring cups labeled 'C' and 'A', which contain red liquid (the drink mixture). An open workbook is visible on the desk.
A clear close-up image of a smartboard displaying the math activity titled "Powdered Drink Mix." The screen shows three diagrams labeled A, B, and C, representing mixtures. The Key is visible: a white square equals "1 teaspoon drink mix," and a blue square equals "1 cup water." Diagram A has 4 drink mix squares and 1 water square. Diagram B has 4 drink mix squares and 1 water square. Diagram C has 8 drink mix squares and 2 water squares.
A boy in a black and camouflage jacket sits at a round table, taking a sip from a paper cup while looking down at a workbook or textbook open on the desk. In the background, another student (the girl from IMG_9209) sits near the smartboard, which displays the "Powdered Drink Mix" activity.
.jpg: A smiling student, a girl with her hair tied back and wearing a black hoodie, holds up a small paper cup containing a drink mixture. Behind her is a smartboard displaying a math activity tick atled "Powdered Drink Mix," which uses diagrams (A, B, C) to represent mixtures of drink mix (white squares) and water (blue squares).
A student with dark hair and wearing a black hoodie is seated at a wooden table, looking off-camera with a wide-open, excited expression while holding a paper cup. A workbook, headphones, and a clear water bottle are on the table in front of them. A colorful poster in the background reads, "WE ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS."