🌟 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! 💙
2 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
2 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!
2 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!
2 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!
2 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

2 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! 💙
2 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! 💙
2 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.
2 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?
2 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! 💙⚡
2 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.
2 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.
2 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.
🎉 Congratulations to Emily O’Rourke! 🎉

Emily is today’s Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner for November 4th! ⚡

She’s taking home:
💳 $25 Gift Card for Durfee’s
💳 $50 Gift Card for The Wheel Inn

Way to go, Emily and thank you for supporting FHUMS! 👏

Keep an eye out for our next raffle drawing — more winners coming soon! 🎟️✨
2 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
A dark gray graphic with light rays radiating from the center announces a raffle winner. At the top, white text reads “November 4th Congratulations to:” followed by large glowing turquoise and white text that says “Emily O’Rourke.” Below, smaller white text reads, “Winner of: $25 – Durfee’s Gift Card and $50 – The Wheel Inn Gift Card.” Blue neon lightning bolts flank the winner’s name, and the borders contain vertical text that reads “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.”
Trivia Tuesday: 💡Did You Know?
As part of Act 73, Vermont’s sweeping education law passed earlier this year, the School District Redistricting Task Force is charged with reshaping how our state’s schools are organized. The Task Force will present three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025, outlining options to consolidate Vermont’s 119 school districts (within 52 supervisory unions) into just 10 to 25 larger districts.
Under the law, each new district would oversee between 4,000 and 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12 — “to the extent practical.”
Learn more about Act 73 and the redistricting process here: https://vtnea.org/act73
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Trivia Tuesday – Did You Know?” featuring text about Vermont’s Act 73. It explains that the School District Redistricting Task Force is responsible for reshaping how the state’s schools are organized and will present up to three proposed redistricting maps by December 1, 2025. The image includes a green outline of Vermont with “Act 73” written inside and the Slate Valley Vermont logo in the bottom right corner.
Hello Slate Valley Families,

We want to ensure every family has access to support when needed. If your household could benefit from community resources, particularly with food assistance, please use the link below to find local food shelf and meal site locations through the Vermont Foodbank.

If you have questions or would like help accessing resources, please reach out to our Home–School Liaison, Carrieann Wolcott — she is here to help!

📧 Email: cwolcott@svuvt.org
📱 Cell: 802-265-0676
☎️ School Office: 802-265-3883 ext. 7068

🔗 Vermont Foodbank Food Shelf & Meal Site Locator:
https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/

No family should face challenges alone — we are here to support you.
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Informational graphic with the Slate Valley logo that reads: “No family should face challenges alone…” followed by text encouraging households to find community food resources through the Vermont Foodbank. It includes a QR code and the link “https://www.vtfoodbank.org/access-food/find-a-food-shelf/.” The image shows a person in a green coat receiving food from volunteers and illustrations of canned goods.
Congratulations to our Slater Football team on their quarterfinal win over U-32 this past weekend! The Slaters are moving on to the Division II Semifinal and will travel to take on #1 seed Hartford this Friday, November 7th at 7:00 PM.

🎟️ Admission (VPA Rates):
$10 per adult | $5 for students & senior citizens
Purchase tickets online here: https://gofan.co/event/5241042?schoolId=VT15089

📺 Livestream:
Hartford anticipates the game will be available on the NFHS Network — we’ll share details once confirmed.

🚫 Reminder: No pets or artificial noisemakers are permitted.

Let’s show our Slater Pride and cheer on the team as they fight for a spot in the D2 Championship! 💙🏈🔥
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Promotional graphic for the VPA Division 2 Football Semi-Final Game featuring Fair Haven Union High School Slaters. The image shows seven Fair Haven players in navy and white uniforms standing in front of the FHU Slaters logo. Text reads: “VPA D2 Football Semi-Final Game. #5 Fair Haven @ #1 Hartford. Friday, November 7, 2025. Game time 7:00 PM. Winner will advance to the D2 Championship the following weekend.” Blue and gold confetti and party poppers decorate the design.
🎉 Spirit Week Results Are In! 🎉

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s Spirit Week, sponsored by Student Voice! The energy, creativity, and school spirit were incredible — and it was a very close race between several TAs!

🏆 1st Place: Stevens TA — 89 points
🥈 2nd Place: Chang/Gram TA — 87 points
🥉 3rd Place (tie): Alexander TA & Van Der Kern TA — 74 points

The Stevens TA took home the top spot (and the door decorating contest win!) thanks to their outstanding participation and creativity. Their prize? 🍩 Donuts and 🧃 juice during TA!

Great job to everyone who showed their Slater spirit — and congrats again to our winners! 💙
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Door decorated with a Peanuts “Great Pumpkin” theme, featuring Snoopy, Linus, and pumpkins under a night sky of stars.
A man in a blue sweatshirt judges a fall-themed classroom door decorated with leaves, pumpkins, and straw.
A woman with a clipboard judges a Halloween-themed classroom door covered in ghosts, pumpkins, and skulls.
A person stands in front of a classroom door decorated with a scarecrow and pumpkins labeled “Space Dogs Pumpkin Planet.”
Two green classroom doors decorated with pumpkins and dinosaurs; one door features a volcano and flying pterodactyls.
A green door decorated with Minion-themed pumpkins, stars, spider webs, and paper cutouts.
Double library doors decorated with orange checkered and polka-dot paper, pumpkins, and fall-themed cutouts.
Door with a black background decorated with fall leaves, pumpkins, and a moon; labeled “Salinas & McMahon Advisories.”
Door decorated with orange background, paper bats, pumpkins, and colorful leaves labeled “Briggs TA.”
Brightly colored fall-themed door labeled “Alderman TA,” featuring paper pumpkins, leaves, a skeleton, and a wreath.
🎶 Support the Slater Music Program! 🎭

The FHU Music Department has two great ways for you to show your Slater spirit and support the upcoming band trip!

🎺 1️⃣ The Online Slater Music Store is OPEN!
Grab your music-themed gear and show your support — all proceeds help fund the band’s trip!
🛍️ Shop here: https://fhmusic.itemorder.com/shop/home/

🍝 2️⃣ Dinner Theater — Friday, November 14th
Join us for a spaghetti dinner (5:00–6:45 PM) followed by the Slater Theater’s performance of “Murder Ahoy” at 7:00 PM!
🎟️ Tickets: $10 per person or $30 for a group of four
All proceeds benefit the FHU Band Trip!

Come for the food, stay for the show, and help our talented student musicians reach their goal! 💙🎶
3 months ago, Slate Valley
Display of FHU Music apparel including navy hooded sweatshirts, full-zip hoodies, short sleeve tees, and long sleeve shirts, each labeled with prices and product names.
Collection of FHU Music accessories including two navy blankets, a knit beanie, and a baseball cap, each shown with prices and item details.
Poster for Murder Ahoy by Michael Druce featuring a cruise ship on ocean waves. Text announces a dinner theater event on November 14, 2025, at Fair Haven Union Middle and High School, with dinner and show details and proceeds supporting the FHUMHS Band.
🎉 Congratulations, Beth Molinero! 🎉

Beth is the third winner in our Middle School Gift Card Raffle for the month of November! 🏆

She’s taking home a $40 gift card to Avanti Hair Salon 💇‍♀️💅 — enjoy a little pampering, Beth, you’ve earned it!

Keep up the excitement, everyone — more raffles and prizes are coming soon! 🎟️✨
3 months ago, Fair Haven Union Middle SChool
Graphic announcement with a dark gray radial background and neon blue highlights. Text reads: “November 3rd. Congratulations to: Beth Molinero. Winner of: $40 Avanti Hair Salon Gift Card.” Along the sides, the text repeats: “Middle School Gift Card Raffle Winner.” Blue lightning bolt graphics flank the name “Beth Molinero,” which is displayed prominently in glowing teal and white letters.