⚡ Congratulations to Linda McCuen — today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner! 🎉

Linda has won a $25 McDonald’s Gift Card, generously donated by A+ Child Care LLC. 🍟🍔

Way to go, Linda! Stay tuned for our next raffle winner announcement! 🏆
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing a middle school gift card raffle winner. The background is dark gray with light rays radiating from the center. At the top, white text reads “November 12th Congratulations to:”. In the center, large glowing blue and white text says “Linda McCuen.” Blue lightning bolts appear on each side of the name. Below, white text reads: “Winner of: $25 – McDonald’s Gift Card *Donated by A+ Child Care LLC.” Along the left and right sides, vertical text reads “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
⚡️Congratulations to Jessika Barlow — our November 11th Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉

Jessika has won a Gilmore Home Center Propane Refill ($20 value) and a $20 gift card to The Bomoseen Diner!

Way to go, Jessika! 🙌 More winning announcements coming your way tomorrow! 💙
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 11th. The background is dark gray with light rays radiating from the center. Text reads: “November 11th. Congratulations to: Jessika Barlow.” Below, it says “Winner of: Gilmore Home Center Propane Refill ($20 value) and $20 - The Bomoseen Diner Gift Card.” Two bright blue lightning bolts appear on either side of the name, with neon-style accents in the corners.
🇺🇸 “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent. Today, we honor those who have served and those who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and sacrifice.”

To all veterans—students, staff, families, community members, and alumni—thank you.
Your service protects our freedoms, and your dedication inspires us each day.

We are grateful. We remember. We honor. 🇺🇸

#VeteransDay #WeAreSlateValley#ThankYouVeterans
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic honoring Veterans Day. The background features a slightly faded American flag. Large white text reads, “THANK YOU, VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICE.” To the right, a small box shows “11 NOV.” Silhouettes of military figures appear at the bottom—one saluting and two soldiers helping each other. Additional text reads: “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.”
FHUHS Newsletter: Week of November 7, 2025
https://app.smore.com/n/srvt2
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the “Slater Nation Newsletter,” the official Fair Haven Union High School newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The header has a dark green background with teal text reading “SLATER NATION NEWSLETTER.” Below, a section titled “Principal’s Peek at the Week” includes a message about upcoming events: no school on November 11th for Veterans Day, a visit from Stafford Technical Center on November 13th for sophomores, and the theater and band’s “Murder Ahoy” dinner theater performance on November 14th. On the right side is the FHU Slaters logo featuring a stylized Slater mascot. Further down is a section titled “Slater Theater,” encouraging support for student performers.
⚡️Congratulations to Chandra Savage! ⚡️

Chandra is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner and has won a $40 TJ Maxx Gift Card! 🎉🛍️

Way to go, Chandra — enjoy your shopping spree! Stay tuned for more raffle winners coming soon! 💙
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The background is dark gray with light rays radiating from the center. At the top, white text reads “November 10th Congratulations to:”. In the center, large glowing text says “Chandra Savage,” with blue lightning bolts on each side. At the bottom, white text reads “Winner of: $40 – TJ Maxx Gift Card.” The corners have blue glowing lines and the sides read “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
🏈💙 SLATERS ARE HEADING TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! 💙🏈

The #5 seed Fair Haven Slaters have DONE IT — advancing to the Division II State Championship after defeating previously undefeated #1-seed Hartford, 14–13, in an incredible semifinal battle! 🔥

Next stop:
📍 South Burlington High School
🗓 Saturday, November 15
⏰ 11:00 AM
Opponent: #3 Colchester High School Lakers

Our Slaters now have the chance to DEFEND THEIR 2024 STATE TITLE — and we can't wait to bring the Slater pride to the championship field!

As soon as we receive ticket and parking details from the VPA, we will share them on our Athletics webpage and here on social media.

Let’s pack the stands and cheer loud —
GO SLATERS! 🏈💙🔥
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcement featuring a large group photo of the Fair Haven Union Slaters football team posing on the field in their uniforms at night, celebrating their win. Above the photo, confetti graphics and the text “CONGRATULATIONS” arc over the FHU Slaters logo. Below the team photo, bold text reads: “YOU'RE HEADING TO THE D2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! #5 Fair Haven Slaters vs #3 Colchester Lakers. Saturday, November 15, 2025. Game time 11:00 AM at South Burlington High School.” The design uses blue, gold, and white with fun celebratory elements.
🎉 A big shoutout to Lisa Bowen, our Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 9th! 💥

Lisa is taking home a $50 Curtis Lumber Gift Card — perfect for any home project or DIY idea! 🪚🪵

Congratulations, Lisa! Thank you to everyone who’s been participating — we can’t wait to announce our next winner! 💙
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 9th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The text reads: “November 9th. Congratulations to: Lisa Bowen. Winner of: $50 – Curtis Lumber Gift Card.” The design features a dark gray starburst background with glowing blue and white text, two blue lightning bolt graphics on each side of the name, and neon blue corner accents framing the edges.
🌟 Congratulations to Lindsay Zeitler — our Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 8th! ⚡

Lindsay has won a $25 Everyday Flowers Gift Card 💐 and a $10 McDonald’s Gift Card! 🍔🎉

Way to go, Lindsay! Keep your fingers crossed for your chance to win in our November raffle — more winners will be announced soon! 💙
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 8th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The text reads: “November 8th. Congratulations to: Lindsay Zeitler. Winner of: $25 – Everyday Flowers Gift Card and $10 – McDonald’s Gift Card.” The design features a dark gray starburst background with glowing blue and white text, two blue lightning bolt graphics on each side of the name, and neon blue corner accents framing the edges.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: November 7, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/735816e9b547/november-7-2025-slate-valley-district-newsletter
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Screenshot of the top section of the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated November 7, 2025. The Slate Valley logo appears at the top, featuring a green and blue hexagon with the word “Vermont” inside and the tagline “A Unified Focus on Learning.” Below the title is a Veterans Day banner with silhouettes of saluting service members in front of an abstract American flag, along with messages that read “Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served” and “Thank You for Protecting Us.” The first article headline reads: “Slate Valley Leaders Attend Vermont Statewide Strategic Planning Retreat,” followed by a paragraph describing district leaders attending the retreat hosted by the Vermont Agency of Education.
In Mr. Merolle’s horticulture class, students have been learning all about bees and honey production! 🐝🍯

From understanding how a hive functions to watching bees collect nectar, students explored the entire journey from flower to finished product. They learned each step of the extraction process — removing frames from the supers, separating wax from honey, spinning the frames in the extractor, and finally bottling the honey. They even used fresh honey to sweeten their mint tea!
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Three students wearing white beekeeping suits and veiled hoods stand in a grassy area, examining a beehive frame partially hidden behind a group of shrubs.
A group of students gathers around a teacher or instructor outside near the beekeeping equipment. A hive box and supplies are on the ground while students watch and listen.
A close-up of several honeycomb frames inside a wooden hive box resting on a spool. A red brush lies across the frames.
Two students are outdoors scraping beeswax from wooden honey frames placed on top of a wooden spool. Buckets and tools are scattered around them on the grass, and a school building is visible in the background.
A student wearing a tie-dye shirt and hat holds a honey frame above a hive box while using a brush to remove beeswax. Another student stands nearby holding equipment.
A group of students gathers in a sunny grassy area near a school building, watching the honey-extracting process. Cars are parked in the lot beyond them.
Students work together outside to spin honey using a stainless-steel honey extractor. One student turns the handle while another steadies the extractor, with buckets placed beneath it.
🎭🚢 SHOW WEEK IS NEAR — Murder Ahoy! 🚢🎭

Our FHUMHS theater students are hard at work rehearsing for next week’s Dinner Theater performance of Murder Ahoy by Michael Druce — a hilarious, mysterious, and interactive show set aboard an ocean liner! 🕵️‍♂️⚓️

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 14th, 2025 at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School.

🍝 Dinner & a Show!
Enjoy a spaghetti dinner served from 5:00–6:45 PM in the cafeteria, followed by the performance at 7:00 PM.

🎟️ Tickets:
$10 per person
OR $30 for a family of 4 or more

All proceeds support the FHU Band’s upcoming trip — so not only are you in for a great night of entertainment, you’re also supporting our incredible music program!

Our student actors have been giving it their all — learning lines, practicing timing, blocking scenes, and bringing characters to life. We can’t wait for you to see the hard work and talent on display!

Thank you for supporting the arts at Slate Valley!
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Poster advertising a school theater and music program production titled “Murder Ahoy” by Michael Druce: A Dinner Theater Murder Mystery. The poster features an illustration of a large white cruise ship on blue ocean waves. Text below lists the event details, including spaghetti dinner and show time information.
Two students stand in a school gymnasium rehearsing a scene. One student holds a script while the other gestures dramatically. Large letters spelling “SLATERS” are displayed on the wall behind them.
Three students rehearse a scene in a school gym. One student wears a captain’s hat and gloves while speaking to two students standing nearby. Other students and props are visible in the background.
Our Middle School Project Build students have done it again! Their most recent creation has officially been delivered to Mrs. Quinn and Ms. Wagner at Fair Haven Grade School, and we couldn’t be more proud.

From planning and building to sanding, and final assembly—these students poured their skills and creativity into a project made with purpose. Seeing their hard work go directly into a classroom where it will make a difference is what Project Build is all about!

A huge shout-out to our young builders and Mr. Stanton for their dedication, craftsmanship, and teamwork. Thank you to Mrs. Quinn and Ms. Wagner for welcoming their work into your space—collaboration like this makes our district stronger.

We can’t wait to see what Project Build creates next!
4 months ago, Slate Valley
A man and two students stand behind a pickup truck parked along a street. They are unloading a wooden bookshelf from the truck bed. Houses and autumn trees line the background.
Two students carry a wooden bookshelf up a school stairwell, each holding one end as they climb the stairs.
In a classroom, two students carefully place the wooden bookshelf on the floor while an adult stands in the doorway watching
A teacher stands beside two students next to the newly delivered wooden bookshelf in a classroom. A third student sits on the floor reading near a colorful rug.

🌟 Friday Focus on our Fabulous, Fantastic First Graders! 🌟

Our first-grade friends are flourishing!
They’re spelling like superstars, writing with wonder, and figuring out equations like future mathematicians.

And when it’s time to move? They’re all about ABL – Action Based Learning!
At ABL stations, our students learn and leap, solve and stretch, think and thrive—because movement makes mighty minds!

We love watching this phenomenal first-grade crew grow, explore, and shine each and every day.
Keep it up, super scholars — your future is brilliant! ✨

Watch the spotlight video at: https://youtu.be/VVfdm8F_D7E

4 months ago, Slate Valley
Collage of first graders working on activities—writing, reading, using laptops, jumping on gym markers, swinging, and playing on monkey bars—with the text “Focus Friday… Celebrating our Fantastic First Graders!” and the Slate Valley logo.
Young boy sitting at a classroom desk smiles while writing the word “yet” on a small whiteboard.
Girl wearing rainbow-colored glasses smiles at her desk with a whiteboard that has her name written on it.
Boy on the playground hangs from monkey bars with a determined expression.
Girl swings on a playground swing on a sunny day, looking toward the camera.
Girl jumps between circular floor markers during an activity in the school gym.
Two students kneel on the classroom floor and read a book together.
Girl writes the word “they” on large blue paper hanging on a classroom wall.
Student wearing headphones focuses on a laptop during classroom work; another student sits beside her.
Two students work together at a desk on a math worksheet, using a pencil and counting dice.
🎉 Congratulations to Stephanie Austin — our Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 7th! ⚡

Stephanie has won a $25 gift card to West Coast Tacos 2.0! 🌮👏

Enjoy a Taco Tuesday next summer, Stephanie! Thank you to everyone who continues to support FHU Middle Schoolers and participated in our November raffle! Keep an eye out for our next winner announcement! 💙
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the November 7th Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner. The text reads: “November 7th. Congratulations to: Stephanie Austin. Winner of: $25 – West Coast Tacos 2.0 Gift Card.” The design features a dark gray starburst background with glowing blue and white text, two blue lightning bolt graphics on each side of the name, and neon blue corner accents framing the edges.
⚡️Congratulations to Shelby Phillips!⚡️

Shelby is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner! 🎉
She’s won 5 Sol de Luna Yoga Studio classes ($60 value) — what an awesome prize! 🧘‍♀️✨

Way to go, Shelby! Keep an eye out for our next raffle winner announcement — 24 more prize announcements are on the way! 💙
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcement with a dark background and light rays radiating from the center. Text reads: “November 6th. Congratulations to: Shelby Phillips. Winner of: 5 Sol de Luna Yoga Studio Classes ($60 Value).” The words “Shelby Phillips” are large and glowing in aqua and white. Neon blue lightning bolts appear on both sides of the name. The borders include the repeated text “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
🎙️ New Educational Insights Podcast Episode! 🎧

In this episode, Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell and Director of Curriculum Casey O’Meara sit down with two active community members — Mr. Bob Crowley of Castleton and Ms. Rose Anne Van Lew of Fair Haven — for a thoughtful discussion on education in Slate Valley.

This is Part 1 of the conversation, where introductions are made and the group dives into an engaging discussion about Cognia Testing and its role in our schools.
https://youtu.be/SGOcUJeeys0

🎧 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue gathering valuable community perspectives on Slate Valley and the future of education in our district.
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Four people sit around a table with microphones recording a podcast in a classroom setting. The image is labeled “Educational Insights: Slate Valley Community Perspectives.” The participants appear engaged in conversation, with one person smiling and waving, and another speaking into a microphone. Framed artwork decorates the wall behind them.
Throwback Thursday: We’re heading back to 2002, when Castleton Elementary and Castleton Village School students — from kindergarten through 8th grade — took part in creating Capstone Learning Projects!

Every student chose a topic they were passionate about, conducted research, and shared what they learned through oral reports and hands-on demonstrations. Over the years, this project has evolved — once also known as PPPs (Personal Performance Projects) and most recently as PLPs (Personal Learning Projects) — but the goal remains the same: empowering students to explore their interests and show what they know in creative ways.

Pictured here: a Castleton Village School 8th grader who did his Capstone Project on the rodeo, complete with roping demonstrations!
Can anyone recognize this cowboy from 23 years ago?
4 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” featuring a young student dressed in a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans, holding a lasso. Text reads: “This eighth grade student, from Castleton Village School, did his Capstone project on the rodeo... Can you guess who he is?” The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and the bottom corner reads “2002 Capstone Learning Projects” alongside a silhouette of a cowboy roping a calf.
🎉 Congratulations to Tom DeMatties! 🎉

Tom is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 5th! 🏆

He’s taking home a $25 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, generously donated by A+ Child Care LLC. ☕🍩

Way to go, Tom! Keep an eye out for more winners throughout the month! 💙⚡
4 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcing the Middle School Gift Card Raffle winner for November 5th. The text reads: “Congratulations to: Tom DeMatties. Winner of: $25 – Dunkin Donuts Gift Card. *Donated by A+ Child Care LLC.” The design features glowing blue lightning bolts and a dark gray starburst background with the words “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner” along the sides.
Over the next week, FHUMHS will conduct an Options-Based Safety Drill. This drill helps students and staff practice how to respond safely and effectively in the event of an emergency at school. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
4 months ago, Ben Worthing
Where Are They Now Wednesday: Elizabeth Kyhill, Class of 1999

This month, we’re happy to feature Elizabeth Kyhill, a 1999 graduate of Fair Haven Union High School, whose journey from FHUHS student to healthcare leader is both inspiring and full of heart.

After graduation, Elizabeth attended St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003. She later went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management from Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, in 2015.
Elizabeth’s passion for healthcare began early and grew through years of dedication and learning. She started her career as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant while in college and joined Rutland Regional Medical Center in 2004. Over the years, she advanced through several clinical and leadership positions, leading to her current role as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services. In this role, she oversees the direction, leadership, and operations of all medical groups at the hospital.

When reflecting on her school days, Elizabeth shared:
“Every teacher influenced me in some way, but a few stand out. In 5th grade, Mr. Hubbard and
Mr. Lobdell helped me realize the importance of taking ownership of my learning to reach
higher-level classes. In high school, Mr. Mahar and Mrs. Pelletier, both excellent science
teachers, motivated me to work hard and sparked my interest in science. That interest
ultimately led me to nursing school, showing me that finding joy in what you learn makes it
easier to succeed.”

While at FHUHS, Elizabeth was an active participant in soccer, basketball, track, tennis, and the Nature Club.

Elizabeth’s favorite quote by Maya Angelou perfectly reflects her compassionate outlook:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget
how you made them feel.”

Family and community are at the heart of everything Elizabeth does. She shared,
“My family is the most important part of my life, with my community a close second. We have
built amazing friendships and connections here, and I know that none of my accomplishments
would be possible without strong family and community support.”

Elizabeth volunteers as a nurse at Rutland County Health Partners and serves on the board of Community Health Centers of the Rutland Region, giving back to the community that helped shape her.

Her advice for today’s Slate Valley students?
“Part of being a Slater is having GRIT. With hard work comes reward. Stay resilient—you can
achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Elizabeth Kyhill is a shining example of what it means to embody Slater pride, perseverance, and purpose.
4 months ago, Slate Valley
“Where Are They Now Wednesday” graphic featuring Elizabeth Kyhill, Fair Haven Union High School Class of 1999. The text highlights that she earned a B.S. in Nursing from St. Anselm College and an M.S. in Nursing Leadership & Management from Walden University. She serves as Vice President of Medical Group Operations, Provider Recruitment, and Medical Staff Services at Rutland Regional Medical Center, volunteers as a nurse and board member for local healthcare organizations, and values family, community, and service. The Slate Valley Unified School District logo appears in the top right corner, and a professional photo of Elizabeth Kyhill is on the right.