A Hall of Fame Family: David and Mary Heitkamp Honored in 2026
The Heitkamp legacy continues to shine as both David Heitkamp and his daughter Mary Heitkamp earn well-deserved recognition for their extraordinary impact on Fair Haven Union and Vermont track and field.
David Heitkamp, longtime Fair Haven Union coach, is headed to the VPA Hall of Fame Class of 2026. During his 25-year career, he led the Slaters’ indoor and outdoor track programs to an astounding 20 team state titles, plus two girls cross country championships, totaling 22 team titles. His athletes captured a remarkable 216 individual and relay state championships, reflecting the powerhouse program he built.
Beyond the numbers, Dave — alongside his wife Linda — helped elevate track and field across Vermont through their leadership, sportsmanship, and deep commitment to student-athletes. In 2010, Fair Haven honored his impact by dedicating Heitkamp Track & Athletic Field, a tribute to a family that helped define an era of Slater excellence.
For more information and ticket pricing to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, go to: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/vpa-hall-of-fame/
Adding to the family’s historic year, Mary Heitkamp has been selected for induction into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
A high school All-American in the pentathlon and two-time Gatorade Vermont Athlete of the Year (2003, 2004), Mary compiled a then-record 23 individual Vermont state titles in cross country and track at Fair Haven Union. She was a New England champion in both the 600m and 800m and set multiple state records — including her legendary 1:33.39 indoor 600m, which still stands more than three seconds ahead of the next-fastest Vermont time.
Mary helped lead the Slaters to multiple team championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track before continuing her career as a Division I scholarship athlete at Boston College, competing in the ACC.
Together, David and Mary Heitkamp represent a family legacy built on excellence, humility, and a genuine love of the sport. Their combined achievements have left a lasting mark on Fair Haven Union, the Slater community, and track and field across Vermont.
Congratulations to the Heitkamp family on this incredible Hall of Fame honor!
The Heitkamp legacy continues to shine as both David Heitkamp and his daughter Mary Heitkamp earn well-deserved recognition for their extraordinary impact on Fair Haven Union and Vermont track and field.
David Heitkamp, longtime Fair Haven Union coach, is headed to the VPA Hall of Fame Class of 2026. During his 25-year career, he led the Slaters’ indoor and outdoor track programs to an astounding 20 team state titles, plus two girls cross country championships, totaling 22 team titles. His athletes captured a remarkable 216 individual and relay state championships, reflecting the powerhouse program he built.
Beyond the numbers, Dave — alongside his wife Linda — helped elevate track and field across Vermont through their leadership, sportsmanship, and deep commitment to student-athletes. In 2010, Fair Haven honored his impact by dedicating Heitkamp Track & Athletic Field, a tribute to a family that helped define an era of Slater excellence.
For more information and ticket pricing to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, go to: https://vpaonline.org/athletics/vpa-hall-of-fame/
Adding to the family’s historic year, Mary Heitkamp has been selected for induction into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
A high school All-American in the pentathlon and two-time Gatorade Vermont Athlete of the Year (2003, 2004), Mary compiled a then-record 23 individual Vermont state titles in cross country and track at Fair Haven Union. She was a New England champion in both the 600m and 800m and set multiple state records — including her legendary 1:33.39 indoor 600m, which still stands more than three seconds ahead of the next-fastest Vermont time.
Mary helped lead the Slaters to multiple team championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track before continuing her career as a Division I scholarship athlete at Boston College, competing in the ACC.
Together, David and Mary Heitkamp represent a family legacy built on excellence, humility, and a genuine love of the sport. Their combined achievements have left a lasting mark on Fair Haven Union, the Slater community, and track and field across Vermont.
Congratulations to the Heitkamp family on this incredible Hall of Fame honor!
VPA Post-Season Ticket Prices & Streaming
As the VPA playoff season nears, we want to inform our fans of the tournament game ticket prices, and the switch to the NFHS Streaming platform, and the subscription rate. Your NFHS subscription will allow you to watch not only any game in Vermont, but also games from every state. Reminder: this subscription will “auto-renew”, so you will need to cancel it when you have finished watching games of interest.
Adults: $10
Students / School-age children / Senior citizens: $5
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/
VPA Basketball tournament games will begin the week of February 23rd for the girls bracket, and the week of March 2nd on the boys side.
As the VPA playoff season nears, we want to inform our fans of the tournament game ticket prices, and the switch to the NFHS Streaming platform, and the subscription rate. Your NFHS subscription will allow you to watch not only any game in Vermont, but also games from every state. Reminder: this subscription will “auto-renew”, so you will need to cancel it when you have finished watching games of interest.
Adults: $10
Students / School-age children / Senior citizens: $5
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/
VPA Basketball tournament games will begin the week of February 23rd for the girls bracket, and the week of March 2nd on the boys side.
🎉 Support the Junior Class of 2027! 🎉
The FHU Junior Class is hosting a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser—and you won’t want to miss your chance to win! 📅✨
For just $5 per ticket (or 5 tickets for $20), you’ll be entered for daily prizes throughout March and April, featuring great local favorites and gift cards. 🎁 From Dunkin’ and Starbucks to Amazon, Chipotle, and more—there are LOTS of chances to win!
✅ Multiple chances to win
✅ Winners drawn daily as listed
✅ Support our Junior Class of 2027
📌 All tickets must be turned in by March 13.
💬 See a member of the Class of 2027 to purchase tickets.
Checks payable to SVUUSD.
Grab your tickets and help support our students while having some fun!
The FHU Junior Class is hosting a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser—and you won’t want to miss your chance to win! 📅✨
For just $5 per ticket (or 5 tickets for $20), you’ll be entered for daily prizes throughout March and April, featuring great local favorites and gift cards. 🎁 From Dunkin’ and Starbucks to Amazon, Chipotle, and more—there are LOTS of chances to win!
✅ Multiple chances to win
✅ Winners drawn daily as listed
✅ Support our Junior Class of 2027
📌 All tickets must be turned in by March 13.
💬 See a member of the Class of 2027 to purchase tickets.
Checks payable to SVUUSD.
Grab your tickets and help support our students while having some fun!
🚨 Tonight — SVUUSD Annual Meeting 🚨
Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.
🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM
Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj
📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#
We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
Join the Slate Valley Unified Union School District for the Annual Meeting on the FY27 school budget. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed budget, hear important updates, and ask questions about how it supports our students, staff, and schools.
🗓 Tonight — Thursday, February 19, 2026
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
🕡 6:30 PM
Can’t attend in person? Join virtually:
🎥 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oiu-geoi-eaj
📞 Or dial (US): +1 816-425-1778
PIN: 657 919 832#
We hope you can join us and be part of the conversation. Your voice matters!
Join us for the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Annual Meeting on the FY27 School Budget 📘
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.
For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
🗓 Thursday, February 19, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room
Community members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions, and better understand how it supports our students and schools. Your participation matters, and we hope to see you there.
For full details and budget information, visit:
https://www.slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/fy27-budget
On Friday, February 13, Slate Valley students proudly represented our district at the Green Mountain Music District V Festival. 🎶 Students from multiple schools participated in chorus, band, and jazz, showcasing their talent, preparation, and dedication to music. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the way they represented their schools.
Festival Participants were:
Middle School Chorus
Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley
Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink
High School Band — FHUMHS
Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott
Middle School Jazz
Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla
Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
Festival Participants were:
Middle School Chorus
Castleton Elementary School (CES): Madelyn Stygles, Amos Adamski, Erin Taylor, Anital Crowley
Fair Haven Grade School (FHGS): Neva Randell
Fair Haven Union Middle & High School (FHUMHS): Laila New, Azalea Rehm, Grant Parrott, Emerson Robles (selected), Avery Zeitler, Ember Bentley, Izabella West, Hannah Brink
High School Band — FHUMHS
Maya Volpe, Avery Audent, Shira Hertzberg, Hannah Allard, Elaina Allard, Abigail Young, Henry Young, Libby Rockwell, Ollie Benson, Averie Parrott
Middle School Jazz
Orwell Village School (OVS): Will Scarpulla
Congratulations to all of our student musicians for this outstanding accomplishment! 👏🎼
Winter Carnival Spirit Week is off to a high-energy start! ❄️🎉 Each morning this week begins with a fun spirit game in the gym, and yesterday’s kickoff event had students laughing, and cheering in a balloon challenge.
Congratulations to Maddy Hayes, who took the top spot as our first Spirit Game Champion of the week! 🏆 We can’t wait to see what the rest of Spirit Week brings!
Congratulations to Maddy Hayes, who took the top spot as our first Spirit Game Champion of the week! 🏆 We can’t wait to see what the rest of Spirit Week brings!
Big hearts made a big impact at the Middle School! ❤️🐾
Through the Hearts for Paws fundraising drive, each TA collected donations for the Rutland County Humane Society—and the results were incredible. In total, students donated 156 items to support local animals in need.
A huge congratulations to Kerry Stevens’ 8th grade TA, who brought in the most donations and earned a special reward: a visit from the Caring Canines of Southern Vermont. Therapy dogs Tony and Cody stopped by to help students kick off their Monday with smiles, calm moments, and plenty of tail wags.
Thank you to Student Voice for organizing this effort and to all of our middle school students and families for their generosity and compassion for animals in our community. 🐶💙
Through the Hearts for Paws fundraising drive, each TA collected donations for the Rutland County Humane Society—and the results were incredible. In total, students donated 156 items to support local animals in need.
A huge congratulations to Kerry Stevens’ 8th grade TA, who brought in the most donations and earned a special reward: a visit from the Caring Canines of Southern Vermont. Therapy dogs Tony and Cody stopped by to help students kick off their Monday with smiles, calm moments, and plenty of tail wags.
Thank you to Student Voice for organizing this effort and to all of our middle school students and families for their generosity and compassion for animals in our community. 🐶💙
Slate Valley District Newsletter: February 13, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
https://mailchi.mp/d1e32e42eac9/district-newsletter-february-13-2026
Middle School Shenanigans... or is it?
Mr. Merrill’s middle school TA started the day with focus and positivity! 🧘 Students took a few minutes to practice yoga and tai chi together, using mindful movement and breathing to get centered and ready to learn. Building calm, balance, and self-awareness is a great way to set the tone for a successful day. 💙
Mr. Merrill’s middle school TA started the day with focus and positivity! 🧘 Students took a few minutes to practice yoga and tai chi together, using mindful movement and breathing to get centered and ready to learn. Building calm, balance, and self-awareness is a great way to set the tone for a successful day. 💙
Today's Rutland Herald: Scan the QR Code in the photo or go to https://bit.ly/SVULTA to see the accompanying video.
The Slater Theater Company is at it again! Here's a sneak peek during one of their One-Act Play rehearsals.
🚨 All Slate Valley Afterschool Activities & Athletics Are Cancelled – Tuesday, February 10, 2026 🌨️
Due to the impending weather, all afterschool activities and athletics are cancelled today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This also includes Boys & Girls Club programs.
Please plan for students to go home at regular dismissal time. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Due to the impending weather, all afterschool activities and athletics are cancelled today, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This also includes Boys & Girls Club programs.
Please plan for students to go home at regular dismissal time. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.
Szabo Breaks Slaters Wrestling All-Time Wins Record
Slater Nation is proud to recognize junior wrestler Anthony Szabo for breaking the school’s all-time record for career victories over the weekend at the Plymouth Invitational in Plymouth, NH. With his first victory of the day, Anthony broke Dylan Lee’s record of 146 wins from 2020.
Congratulations to Anthony and his family on the amazing achievement, and we are excited to see this number climb throughout the remainder of your high school career. Well done Ant! Keep racking up the W’s!
Slater Nation is proud to recognize junior wrestler Anthony Szabo for breaking the school’s all-time record for career victories over the weekend at the Plymouth Invitational in Plymouth, NH. With his first victory of the day, Anthony broke Dylan Lee’s record of 146 wins from 2020.
Congratulations to Anthony and his family on the amazing achievement, and we are excited to see this number climb throughout the remainder of your high school career. Well done Ant! Keep racking up the W’s!
ATTENTION: Tonight’s School Board meeting has been moved to the Orwell Village School library.
Board Meeting - February 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School – Town Hall/Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fxz-sazi-cds
Or dial: (US) +1 567-234-0136 PIN: 731 443 207#
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.
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Orwell Village School – Town Hall/Gym.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/fxz-sazi-cds
Or dial: (US) +1 567-234-0136 PIN: 731 443 207#
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.
Slate Valley District Newsletter for February 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/1a88fa7ae27d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-262026
https://mailchi.mp/1a88fa7ae27d/slate-valley-district-newsletter-262026
💍 Help Us Find a Lost Ring — Please Share 💍
A diamond ring was lost on Tuesday night, February 3 in the hallway outside the gym at Fair Haven Union High School. The ring is extremely sentimental to its owner.
Description:
• Small round diamond
• Six-prong setting
• Yellow gold band
If you happen to find it, please return it to the FHUHS Main Office.
Please help spread the word by sharing this post. Let’s get this special ring back on the finger it has adorned for so long. 🙏
A diamond ring was lost on Tuesday night, February 3 in the hallway outside the gym at Fair Haven Union High School. The ring is extremely sentimental to its owner.
Description:
• Small round diamond
• Six-prong setting
• Yellow gold band
If you happen to find it, please return it to the FHUHS Main Office.
Please help spread the word by sharing this post. Let’s get this special ring back on the finger it has adorned for so long. 🙏
🌟 Friday Focus: Celebrating Our School Board 🌟
Happy Friday, Slate Valley! This month’s Friday Focus is dedicated to a very special group of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. February is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the members of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board.
Our board members are more than just policy-makers; they are dedicated volunteers, parents, and neighbors who invest countless hours to ensure every student in our community has the tools they need to succeed. From navigating complex budgets to championing innovative programs, their leadership keeps our district moving forward.
To our Board Members: Thank you for your time, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. We appreciate everything you do!
Happy Friday, Slate Valley! This month’s Friday Focus is dedicated to a very special group of people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. February is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the members of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board.
Our board members are more than just policy-makers; they are dedicated volunteers, parents, and neighbors who invest countless hours to ensure every student in our community has the tools they need to succeed. From navigating complex budgets to championing innovative programs, their leadership keeps our district moving forward.
To our Board Members: Thank you for your time, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. We appreciate everything you do!
🏛️✨ Throwback Thursday — Going Back to 2016! ✨🏛️
This week we’re heading back 10 years to 2016 to celebrate an impressive student achievement from Castleton Village School. Students in Ms. White’s 7th–8th grade JUMP enrichment group — a cross-grade period where middle schoolers collaborated on special projects — competed in the 3D Vermont Olympiad, a statewide, project-based learning competition combining local history, research, design, and engineering.
As part of the Olympiad, students researched historic buildings in their town, studied their historical significance, created multimedia reports, and constructed detailed, to-scale 3D models for judging and presentation.
That year, CVS students formed two teams. One group focused on the Federated Church of Castleton, while the other researched the Castleton Medical College Chapel. Both teams performed phenomenally at the state competition, showcasing outstanding research, craftsmanship, and presentation skills. The Medical College Chapel team earned first place statewide — an incredible accomplishment.
Experiences like the 3D Vermont Olympiad highlighted how hands-on, place-based learning helps students connect history, creativity, and problem-solving.
👀 Throwback bonus question: Do you recognize one of our district’s current second grade teachers in this group?
See a video recap of the Olympiad at: https://youtu.be/8lwxrfgUJSI
This week we’re heading back 10 years to 2016 to celebrate an impressive student achievement from Castleton Village School. Students in Ms. White’s 7th–8th grade JUMP enrichment group — a cross-grade period where middle schoolers collaborated on special projects — competed in the 3D Vermont Olympiad, a statewide, project-based learning competition combining local history, research, design, and engineering.
As part of the Olympiad, students researched historic buildings in their town, studied their historical significance, created multimedia reports, and constructed detailed, to-scale 3D models for judging and presentation.
That year, CVS students formed two teams. One group focused on the Federated Church of Castleton, while the other researched the Castleton Medical College Chapel. Both teams performed phenomenally at the state competition, showcasing outstanding research, craftsmanship, and presentation skills. The Medical College Chapel team earned first place statewide — an incredible accomplishment.
Experiences like the 3D Vermont Olympiad highlighted how hands-on, place-based learning helps students connect history, creativity, and problem-solving.
👀 Throwback bonus question: Do you recognize one of our district’s current second grade teachers in this group?
See a video recap of the Olympiad at: https://youtu.be/8lwxrfgUJSI
