Students in Mr. VanDerKern’s Middle School Design & Technology class recently completed their first engineering project using subtractive manufacturing and the GlowForge laser cutter.
After learning about light wavelengths, computer-aided design (CAD), and laser safety, students put their new skills to work by designing and fabricating their own recycled cup holders — practical creations to help prevent classroom beverage spills!
This hands-on project blended creativity, problem-solving, and real-world technology.
After learning about light wavelengths, computer-aided design (CAD), and laser safety, students put their new skills to work by designing and fabricating their own recycled cup holders — practical creations to help prevent classroom beverage spills!
This hands-on project blended creativity, problem-solving, and real-world technology.
Outdoor Pursuits Takes on Falls of Lana!
On Friday, October 24th, the Outdoor Pursuits students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Falls of Lana, where they spent the day rock climbing and building confidence on the cliffs. The experience was not only thrilling but also an incredible lesson in teamwork, skill development, and safety awareness.
Before the trip, students learned the fundamentals of climbing—from proper foot placement and secure handholds to efficient movement on the rock face. Once on-site, they put their skills into practice, climbing safely and confidently. One of the day’s highlights was learning to rappel, a skill that requires both focus and trust. Watching students cheer each other on as they descended was a powerful example of true collaboration and support.
Teamwork played a key role in the day’s success—whether belaying a partner, offering encouragement, or double-checking equipment, every student showed care, responsibility, and determination.
On Friday, October 24th, the Outdoor Pursuits students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to the Falls of Lana, where they spent the day rock climbing and building confidence on the cliffs. The experience was not only thrilling but also an incredible lesson in teamwork, skill development, and safety awareness.
Before the trip, students learned the fundamentals of climbing—from proper foot placement and secure handholds to efficient movement on the rock face. Once on-site, they put their skills into practice, climbing safely and confidently. One of the day’s highlights was learning to rappel, a skill that requires both focus and trust. Watching students cheer each other on as they descended was a powerful example of true collaboration and support.
Teamwork played a key role in the day’s success—whether belaying a partner, offering encouragement, or double-checking equipment, every student showed care, responsibility, and determination.
Autumn Spirit Week at FHUMS!
The Middle School Student Voice is keeping the fall fun alive with an Autumn Spirit Week and TA Door Decorating Contest!
As the fall weather settles in and the last of the foliage fades, students and staff are celebrating the season with daily spirit themes and creative door designs. Each TA is decorating their door with colorful pumpkin cutouts and festive fall décor — and every student and adult who participates in the daily theme earns points toward their TA’s total!
The TA with the most spirit and the winning door design will enjoy a sweet reward — donuts and juice for the whole TA!
The Middle School Student Voice is keeping the fall fun alive with an Autumn Spirit Week and TA Door Decorating Contest!
As the fall weather settles in and the last of the foliage fades, students and staff are celebrating the season with daily spirit themes and creative door designs. Each TA is decorating their door with colorful pumpkin cutouts and festive fall décor — and every student and adult who participates in the daily theme earns points toward their TA’s total!
The TA with the most spirit and the winning door design will enjoy a sweet reward — donuts and juice for the whole TA!
💵📘 Payday in Adulting 101! 📘💵
Today, students in the Adulting 101 business classroom received their first paychecks — and got a real-world lesson in financial literacy! With guidance from M&T Bank representatives Tara Buxton and Tanya Eaton, students learned how to track income and expenses in their own bank ledgers.
They also explored the importance of maintaining checking and savings accounts, how to read a paycheck, and the difference between gross and net wages.
Hands-on experiences like this help our students build the financial confidence and skills they’ll carry well beyond the classroom!
Today, students in the Adulting 101 business classroom received their first paychecks — and got a real-world lesson in financial literacy! With guidance from M&T Bank representatives Tara Buxton and Tanya Eaton, students learned how to track income and expenses in their own bank ledgers.
They also explored the importance of maintaining checking and savings accounts, how to read a paycheck, and the difference between gross and net wages.
Hands-on experiences like this help our students build the financial confidence and skills they’ll carry well beyond the classroom!
Be the Hero of the Day — Substitute with Slate Valley!
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is looking for substitute teachers! We’re seeking caring, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and supporting learning across our elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to have you on our team! Interested? Apply at slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
Slate Valley Unified Union School District is looking for substitute teachers! We’re seeking caring, flexible individuals who enjoy working with students and supporting learning across our elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re ready to make a difference and be part of a supportive school community, we’d love to have you on our team! Interested? Apply at slatevalleyunified.org/o/svusd/page/career-opportunities
This Saturday, November 1, our #5 Fair Haven Slaters hit the road to face #4 U-32 in the Division II Quarter Finals!
📍 Location: U-32 High School
🕖 Game Time: 7:00 PM
🚌 Team Departure: 3:00 PM
The winner advances to the D2 Semi-Finals next weekend! Let’s show our support and cheer on the Slaters as they fight for a spot in the next round!
📍 Location: U-32 High School
🕖 Game Time: 7:00 PM
🚌 Team Departure: 3:00 PM
The winner advances to the D2 Semi-Finals next weekend! Let’s show our support and cheer on the Slaters as they fight for a spot in the next round!
VPA D3 Girls Soccer State Semi-Finals!
Come cheer on our #4 Fair Haven Slaters as they take on #8 Peoples Academy in the Division III State Semi-Finals!
📅 Wednesday, October 29
📍 LaPlaca Field, Fair Haven
🕟 Game Time: 4:30 PM
The winner advances to the D3 State Championship on Saturday, November 1 at Rutland High School’s Alumni Field — 11:00 AM kickoff!
Let’s pack the stands, show our Slater pride, and cheer our team all the way to the finals!
Come cheer on our #4 Fair Haven Slaters as they take on #8 Peoples Academy in the Division III State Semi-Finals!
📅 Wednesday, October 29
📍 LaPlaca Field, Fair Haven
🕟 Game Time: 4:30 PM
The winner advances to the D3 State Championship on Saturday, November 1 at Rutland High School’s Alumni Field — 11:00 AM kickoff!
Let’s pack the stands, show our Slater pride, and cheer our team all the way to the finals!
Congratulations to Moses Casey-Martin on his impressive 7th place finish at the Vermont Middle School Cross Country Championships on Sunday in St. Albans!
Teammate Emerson Robles also had a strong showing, finishing 32nd out of 210 competitors.
Great job, Moses and Emerson — you’ve made Slater Nation proud!
Teammate Emerson Robles also had a strong showing, finishing 32nd out of 210 competitors.
Great job, Moses and Emerson — you’ve made Slater Nation proud!
On Friday, students tackled a hands-on budgeting simulation using the 50/30/20 rule to manage expenses and savings. Each student received a scenario card outlining their monthly income, loans, household members, and expenses—then had to make tough decisions about housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, groceries, and more.
The challenge? Balancing it all and setting aside money for savings, retirement, or investments.
The struggle was real—but these students rose to the challenge, proving they’re well on their way to mastering the art of “adulting”!
The challenge? Balancing it all and setting aside money for savings, retirement, or investments.
The struggle was real—but these students rose to the challenge, proving they’re well on their way to mastering the art of “adulting”!
On Friday, October 24th, our grades 7–12 students attended an inspiring assembly with Sweethearts & Heroes, an organization dedicated to empowering young people with messages of kindness, empathy, and hope.
The event, organized by our amazing SEL Team — Kaycee Eastman, Tarah Turner, Jess Adams, and Raquel O’Brien — encouraged students to recognize their strengths, build resilience, and make a positive impact in their school community.
Throughout the day, smaller group sessions helped students dive deeper into how they can be both sweethearts and heroes in everyday life.
Our students represented Slate Valley beautifully — respectful, engaged, and full of heart.
Families can learn more about the program at sweetheartsandheroes.com.
The event, organized by our amazing SEL Team — Kaycee Eastman, Tarah Turner, Jess Adams, and Raquel O’Brien — encouraged students to recognize their strengths, build resilience, and make a positive impact in their school community.
Throughout the day, smaller group sessions helped students dive deeper into how they can be both sweethearts and heroes in everyday life.
Our students represented Slate Valley beautifully — respectful, engaged, and full of heart.
Families can learn more about the program at sweetheartsandheroes.com.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: October 24, 2025
https://mailchi.mp/6e5e2878b6d7/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-24-2025
https://mailchi.mp/6e5e2878b6d7/slate-valley-district-newsletter-october-24-2025
🏑 Slater Field Hockey Advances! 🏑
Congratulations to the Slater Field Hockey team for advancing to the next round of the postseason after an exciting 2–1 victory over Missisquoi on Wednesday!
Next up is the Division III Semifinal Match:
Monday, October 27
#5 Slater Field Hockey vs. #1 Montpelier
Burr & Burton Academy – Friendship Field
5:00 PM start time
Come cheer on our Slaters as they battle for a spot in the championship!
Please note:
No admission charge for this game
No artificial noisemakers
No pets allowed at the game site
The game WILL BE streamed on NFHS
Parking Information for Field Hockey at Burr & Burton Academy:
Spectator parking is available in Lots 31, 30, 32, and 29.
Lot 31 is reserved for handicapped parking or those with limited mobility.
Once Lot 30 is full, please park in Lots 29 or 32 (accessible via Franklin Rd).
No parking along the road except in designated spaces.
If all designated lots are full, additional parking is available in the back lot of the Equinox Hotel.
Please do not park in the Upper Circle 12 or Lot 33.
Let’s pack the sidelines and show our Slater pride!
Go Slaters!
Congratulations to the Slater Field Hockey team for advancing to the next round of the postseason after an exciting 2–1 victory over Missisquoi on Wednesday!
Next up is the Division III Semifinal Match:
Monday, October 27
#5 Slater Field Hockey vs. #1 Montpelier
Burr & Burton Academy – Friendship Field
5:00 PM start time
Come cheer on our Slaters as they battle for a spot in the championship!
Please note:
No admission charge for this game
No artificial noisemakers
No pets allowed at the game site
The game WILL BE streamed on NFHS
Parking Information for Field Hockey at Burr & Burton Academy:
Spectator parking is available in Lots 31, 30, 32, and 29.
Lot 31 is reserved for handicapped parking or those with limited mobility.
Once Lot 30 is full, please park in Lots 29 or 32 (accessible via Franklin Rd).
No parking along the road except in designated spaces.
If all designated lots are full, additional parking is available in the back lot of the Equinox Hotel.
Please do not park in the Upper Circle 12 or Lot 33.
Let’s pack the sidelines and show our Slater pride!
Go Slaters!
Congratulations, Slater Girls Soccer! ⚽️
The Girls Soccer team is moving on to the next round of postseason play after an impressive 6–0 victory over Randolph on Wednesday!
Come cheer them on in the Division III Quarterfinal Match tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, as #4 Slater Girls Soccer hosts #13 BFA Fairfax at 12:00 PM on LaPlaca Field.
This game will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Please note:
No admission charge for this game
No artificial noisemakers
No pets allowed on the field
Let’s fill the sidelines and show our Slater pride!
The Girls Soccer team is moving on to the next round of postseason play after an impressive 6–0 victory over Randolph on Wednesday!
Come cheer them on in the Division III Quarterfinal Match tomorrow, Saturday, October 25, as #4 Slater Girls Soccer hosts #13 BFA Fairfax at 12:00 PM on LaPlaca Field.
This game will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Please note:
No admission charge for this game
No artificial noisemakers
No pets allowed on the field
Let’s fill the sidelines and show our Slater pride!
Yesterday, middle and high school students spent time during advisory filling out colorful leaves with positive messages, led by our SEL Team to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Unity Day is a time to come together and take a stand against bullying. The Unity Tree Project serves as a powerful, hands-on symbol of our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive school community—one kind message at a time.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and Unity Day is a time to come together and take a stand against bullying. The Unity Tree Project serves as a powerful, hands-on symbol of our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive school community—one kind message at a time.
TOMORROW... with the option to participate in person or virtually!
Public Hearing Notice: Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force
The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to attend one of its public hearings to share perspectives and priorities that will help shape proposals for Vermont’s future school district boundaries. The hearing closest to us is:
Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rutland High School, in Rutland.
These hearings are a chance to learn about the Task Force’s purpose and process, share your ideas and concerns, and offer public testimony (2 minutes per speaker; written comments welcome if time runs short).
Your voice matters—help guide the future of Vermont’s schools!
To Participate Virtually Go To: https://bit.ly/vtredistrictingpublichearing
Meeting ID: 288 958 397 374 5 Passcode: Be2vw7j5
Public Hearing Notice: Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force
The Vermont School District Redistricting Task Force invites community members to attend one of its public hearings to share perspectives and priorities that will help shape proposals for Vermont’s future school district boundaries. The hearing closest to us is:
Wednesday, October 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM at Rutland High School, in Rutland.
These hearings are a chance to learn about the Task Force’s purpose and process, share your ideas and concerns, and offer public testimony (2 minutes per speaker; written comments welcome if time runs short).
Your voice matters—help guide the future of Vermont’s schools!
To Participate Virtually Go To: https://bit.ly/vtredistrictingpublichearing
Meeting ID: 288 958 397 374 5 Passcode: Be2vw7j5
Slater Success on the Course!
Congratulations to Moses Casey-Martin for winning the Southern Vermont League Boys Cross Country Individual Championship on Friday! Moses conquered the 2500M course in 10:01, finishing 11 seconds ahead of the next competitor.
Also finishing strong were Emerson Robles, who placed 7th with a time of 11:01, and Liam Quesnel, who finished in the top 20.
Way to go, Slaters—you’ve made us proud!
Congratulations to Moses Casey-Martin for winning the Southern Vermont League Boys Cross Country Individual Championship on Friday! Moses conquered the 2500M course in 10:01, finishing 11 seconds ahead of the next competitor.
Also finishing strong were Emerson Robles, who placed 7th with a time of 11:01, and Liam Quesnel, who finished in the top 20.
Way to go, Slaters—you’ve made us proud!
Big news from Benson! 🎥 WPTZ NBC 5 is bringing "Weather at Your School" to Benson Village School this Friday, October 24th!
Tune in between 5–8 AM to catch live weather broadcasts featuring our amazing faculty, staff, and—of course—students!
Tune in between 5–8 AM to catch live weather broadcasts featuring our amazing faculty, staff, and—of course—students!
Over the next school week, FHUMHS students will be practicing a "Relocation Drill." This drill helps students and staff learn how to manage a scenario that requires a full-school evacuation to an off-site location. The drill was rescheduled from last week due to rain.
Board Meeting - October 20, 2025
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/omx-yjby-qea
Or dial: (US) +1 636-888-0147 PIN: 204 052 260#
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 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Band Room.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/omx-yjby-qea
Or dial: (US) +1 636-888-0147 PIN: 204 052 260#
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.
