Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🌊🏖️
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach! Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant Ms. Madison Belden recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Wells Beach, Maine with her twin sister and friends.
The trip was the perfect opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and make lasting summer memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer adventure with us, Ms. Belden! We hope your beach getaway was filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of time to recharge before another great school year.
Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach! Fair Haven Grade School Instructional Assistant Ms. Madison Belden recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway to Wells Beach, Maine with her twin sister and friends.
The trip was the perfect opportunity to unwind, spend quality time together, and make lasting summer memories.
Thank you for sharing your summer adventure with us, Ms. Belden! We hope your beach getaway was filled with sunshine, laughter, and plenty of time to recharge before another great school year.
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🇺🇸🎉⛳
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Today's Summer Happenings features Castleton Elementary School 6th Grade Teacher Mr. Tom DeMatties, whose summer has been filled with family, celebration, and hometown pride!
The Fourth of July was especially meaningful this year as the DeMatties family gathered to celebrate Mr. DeMatties' father, Ernie, on his 90th birthday. Family traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Alaska, and across Vermont to celebrate the milestone together. The festivities included a one-of-a-kind nine-hole indoor miniature golf course, games, and plenty of time making memories with loved ones.
The celebration was even more special considering that Mr. DeMatties' father has been alive for more than one-third of our nation's 250-year history—a remarkable milestone worthy of celebration.
Adding to an already memorable Independence Day, Mr. DeMatties and his wife rode in the Poultney Fourth of July Parade in recognition of Mr. DeMatties being named Poultney's Citizen of the Year. The recognition carried special meaning because his father had also received the same honor 20 years earlier, making it a memorable family legacy.
Congratulations, Mr. DeMatties, on a summer filled with milestones, family traditions, and well-deserved recognition. Thank you for sharing your summer with the Slate Valley community!
Slate Valley Summer Happenings 🏔️🛳️❄️
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Our Slate Valley Summer Happenings series continues with Castleton Elementary School Instructional Assistant Ms. Eileen Hurlburt, who spent part of her summer exploring the breathtaking beauty of Alaska!
From towering glaciers and incredible wildlife to unforgettable scenery, Alaska provided an adventure of a lifetime. We hope Ms. Hurlburt returned home with wonderful memories, amazing photos, and plenty of stories to share.
Thank you, Ms. Hurlburt, for sharing your Alaskan adventure with the Slate Valley community! We love seeing where your summer took you. 🏔️💙
Slate Valley Summer Happenings ☀️🎷🎣🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
Summer is in full swing for Fair Haven Union High School Special Educator Mr. Michael Lenox, and he's making the most of every minute outdoors and on stage!
When he's not in the classroom, you'll likely find Mr. Lenox casting a line in search of the next big catch, exploring the woods for wild mushrooms, or sharing his love of music with the Enerjazz Big Band as a saxophonist.
If you'd like to hear Mr. Lenox perform, be sure to mark your calendar! The Enerjazz Big Band will take the stage during the Fair Haven Concerts in the Park series on Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. It's sure to be a fantastic evening of live music in the park.
Thanks for sharing your summer adventures with us, Mr. Lenox! We hope the fish keep biting, the mushrooms keep popping up, and the music keeps swinging! 🎶🐟🍄
⚽ Grades 5/6 Soccer Registration is Now Open! ⚽
Calling all future soccer stars! Registration for Slate Valley Grades 5/6 Soccer is now open through the Arbiter Registration platform.
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
📅 Fall Informational Meeting
Thursday, August 27
6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Gym
📋 A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participation.
🏃 Planning to run cross country instead? Students in grades 5/6 interested in cross country should register under the Middle School Grades 5–8 Cross Country section.
Don't wait—register today and get ready for a great fall season! ⚽💙💚
Calling all future soccer stars! Registration for Slate Valley Grades 5/6 Soccer is now open through the Arbiter Registration platform.
Registration Link:
https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/athletic-registration-sy26-27
📅 Fall Informational Meeting
Thursday, August 27
6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Gym
📋 A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participation.
🏃 Planning to run cross country instead? Students in grades 5/6 interested in cross country should register under the Middle School Grades 5–8 Cross Country section.
Don't wait—register today and get ready for a great fall season! ⚽💙💚
☀️ Summer Happenings Kickoff! ☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
We're kicking off our 2026 Slate Valley Summer Happenings series with the Fair Haven Grade School Girls on the Run team, who had a fantastic time participating in the Poultney 4th of July Parade! 🇺🇸
The team proudly completed the 2.75-mile parade route while spreading smiles, handing out candy, and sharing plenty of red, white, and blue patriotism with parade-goers along the way. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit were on full display from start to finish!
Way to represent FHGS and Girls on the Run with pride, and thank you to Mrs. Haley for sending in our first submission!❤️🤍💙
Throughout the summer, we'll be highlighting what our amazing Slate Valley faculty and staff are up to outside the classroom. Here's to a summer full of fun, learning, and making memories! ❤️🤍💙☀️
*REMINDER: EVERY TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH AUGUST 18*
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley joins our community in celebrating 250 years of history, freedom, resilience, and the American spirit.
As we honor this milestone, we also celebrate the people, stories, and communities that continue to shape our nation’s future—including right here in Slate Valley.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful celebration! ❤️🤍💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: June 19, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/4fa4cf530e17/final-slate-valley-district-newsletter-for-2025-26-school-year
😎🚌 School’s Out for Summer! ☀️🎉
The Fair Haven Grade School staff made sure students headed into summer break with smiles on their faces! Sporting some fun and colorful sunglasses at dismissal, staff members lined up to wave, cheer, and wish students a safe, relaxing, and adventure-filled summer.
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for another fantastic school year. Enjoy every moment of summer—we can't wait to welcome everyone back in the fall! 🌞📚❤️
The Fair Haven Grade School staff made sure students headed into summer break with smiles on their faces! Sporting some fun and colorful sunglasses at dismissal, staff members lined up to wave, cheer, and wish students a safe, relaxing, and adventure-filled summer.
Thank you to our students, families, and staff for another fantastic school year. Enjoy every moment of summer—we can't wait to welcome everyone back in the fall! 🌞📚❤️
🌻🎉 Congratulations to Diane Roberts on her retirement! 🎉🌻
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
After three years of dedicated service as an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Diane is beginning a well-earned retirement.
Thank you, Diane, for the support, encouragement, and care you provided to students and staff each day. Your positive impact on our school community is greatly appreciated.
Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!
Please join us in congratulating Kelley Schultz on her retirement from Slate Valley Unified Union School District!
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
For the past three years, Kelley has served as the Administrative Assistant at Benson Village School, where she has been a welcoming presence for students, families, staff, and visitors alike. Her dedication, kindness, and support have helped keep the school running smoothly each day.
Thank you, Kelley, for your service to the Benson Village School community. We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter and hope your retirement is filled with happiness, relaxation, and new adventures!
💜 Happy Retirement, Kelley! 💜
Getting Ready for the Next Chapter!
As part of their Move Up Day experience, FHGS fourth graders had the opportunity to visit with the teachers who will be guiding them next year in fifth grade.
Students spent time learning about classroom expectations, asking questions, and getting a glimpse of what next year will look like. Move Up Day helps ease the transition to a new grade level while building excitement and confidence for the year ahead.
We hope our fourth graders enjoyed meeting new teachers, exploring new classrooms, and taking the next step in their educational journey. Fifth grade is just around the corner!
As part of their Move Up Day experience, FHGS fourth graders had the opportunity to visit with the teachers who will be guiding them next year in fifth grade.
Students spent time learning about classroom expectations, asking questions, and getting a glimpse of what next year will look like. Move Up Day helps ease the transition to a new grade level while building excitement and confidence for the year ahead.
We hope our fourth graders enjoyed meeting new teachers, exploring new classrooms, and taking the next step in their educational journey. Fifth grade is just around the corner!
🥪☀️ Free Summer Meal Box Program Notification! ☀️🥪
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Slate Valley families can pick up FREE multi-day meal boxes for children 18 and under this summer!
Each box includes:
🍎 7 breakfasts
🥪 7 lunches
📍 Pickup Location: Fair Haven Grade School parking lot
🗓️ Pickup Day: Every Tuesday during the summer
⏰ Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
📅 First Pickup: Tuesday, June 30
📅 Last Pickup: Tuesday, August 18
Eligibility Requirements:
✔️ Meals are for children 18 and under
✔️ The child is not receiving meals from another Free Summer Meal Program
✔️ The person picking up the meal box is the child’s parent or guardian
Help us spread the word so every child in our community has access to nutritious meals throughout the summer! 💚
Submitted by Ms. O'Dell: What a fantastic way to wrap up Year 2 of Spring Olympics!
For the past six weeks, our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students have been participating in Spring Olympics, building teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and school spirit along the way.
After weeks of competition and fun, the final results are in:
🥉 Bronze Medal – Ms.Manning's Team: Royal Rage
🥈 Silver Medal – Ms. Quinn's Team: The Blueberries
🥇 Gold Medal – Ms.O'Dell's Team: Black Attack
In addition to earning team medals, each team selected a 4th-grade student who demonstrated outstanding leadership, encouragement, and teamwork throughout the competition. We are so proud of these students for setting a positive example for their teammates and helping make this event a success.
Congratulations to all of our participants for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes. What a great way to celebrate the end of another successful school year!
For the past six weeks, our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students have been participating in Spring Olympics, building teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, and school spirit along the way.
After weeks of competition and fun, the final results are in:
🥉 Bronze Medal – Ms.Manning's Team: Royal Rage
🥈 Silver Medal – Ms. Quinn's Team: The Blueberries
🥇 Gold Medal – Ms.O'Dell's Team: Black Attack
In addition to earning team medals, each team selected a 4th-grade student who demonstrated outstanding leadership, encouragement, and teamwork throughout the competition. We are so proud of these students for setting a positive example for their teammates and helping make this event a success.
Congratulations to all of our participants for their hard work, dedication, and positive attitudes. What a great way to celebrate the end of another successful school year!
🌸🎉 Congratulations, Joann Higgins, on Your Retirement! 🎉🌸
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
Please join us in celebrating Joann Higgins as she retires after five years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District.
As an Instructional Assistant at Fair Haven Grade School, Joann has made a lasting impact on the students, staff, and families she has worked alongside. Through her patience, kindness, encouragement, and commitment to helping students succeed, she has helped create a positive and supportive learning environment for countless children.
The relationships she built and the care she showed every day have made a difference that extends far beyond the classroom. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart she brought to her role and to the Fair Haven Grade School community.
Thank you, Joann, for your years of service and dedication. We wish you a retirement filled with happiness, relaxation, new adventures, and many wonderful moments with family and friends.
Congratulations and best wishes on this exciting new chapter!
Round 2 of Falcon Fest pictures!!! So much fun has been had by all.
Falcon Fest Day 2 has provided great water fun for all!! From slip-and-slides to water relay games, splash relay, water balloon dodgeball, sponge relay and pin down. Having fun together has been a wonderful way to bring closure to a great year of learning together!!!
🔧🎉 Congratulations, Tony Greene, on Your Retirement! 🎉🔧
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
After 10 years of dedicated service to Slate Valley Unified Union School District, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Tony Greene as he begins his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, Tony has played an important role in keeping our buildings safe, functional, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. While much of his work happened behind the scenes, its impact was felt every day by everyone who walked through our doors.
Tony’s commitment, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand have been greatly appreciated throughout his time with the district. We are grateful for the care and expertise he brought to his work and for the many contributions he made over the past decade.
Please join us in thanking Tony for his years of service and wishing him all the best in this exciting new chapter. May your retirement be filled with happiness, relaxation, and plenty of time to enjoy the things you love most!
Congratulations, Tony!
🏛️ FREE Vermont Historic Sites Pass for 4th Graders! 🏛️
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
Explore Vermont History Where It Happened!
Attention Vermont 4th Grade Families!
The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation is offering a FREE Historic Sites Pass for all Vermont students who have completed 4th grade during the 2025–2026 school year.
With this special pass, students and one accompanying adult receive free admission to all Vermont state-owned historic sites throughout the 2026 season (through October 2026).
🌟 Visit These Historic Vermont Destinations
📍 Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site
📍 Chimney Point State Historic Site
📍 Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
📍 Mount Independence State Historic Site
📍 President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
📍 President Chester A. Arthur State Historic Site
🎟️ How It Works
✅ Print the 4th Grade Pass Letter
✅ Bring the letter to any participating historic site
✅ Present it to site staff for free admission
No registration required!
🌐 Learn More
For site information, hours, and directions, visit:
HistoricSites.Vermont.gov
❓Questions?
Joshua Bell
Director of State Historic Sites
📞 802-505-8592
📧 Joshua.Bell@vermont.gov
