⚾🥎👟 Spring Sports Are Approaching in Slater Nation!

Spring athletics are getting ready to begin at Fair Haven Union Middle & High School, and we’re excited to see our student-athletes back in action!

High School (Grades 9–12)

Baseball & Softball: Pitchers and Catchers report March 23

Regular season begins March 30

Track & Field: First practice March 30 at 3:30 PM

Middle School (Grades 7–8)

Track & Field, Baseball, and Softball will begin the week of March 30. Practice times and locations will be shared soon.

Track & Field Opportunity: Students in grades 5–8 are welcome to participate.

📄 Important Reminder: A current athletic physical must be on file with the school before participating.

For questions, families can contact:

Baseball: agreenlese@svuvt.org

Softball: jhayes@svuvt.org

Track & Field: jon.oakman@svuvt.org

MS Track & Field: sarah.robles@svuvt.org
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Slater Nation Spring Sports” with Slate Valley logo announcing FHUMHS spring sports start dates. High school baseball and softball pitchers and catchers report March 23 with season starting March 30; track and field begins March 30 at 3:30 PM. Middle school baseball, softball, and track start the week of March 30. Reminder that athletic physicals must be on file.
REMINDER: Tonight - 6:00 PM - Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
Please join the conversation!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge: What Changed… & What is Next?” promoting a community conversation on the revised FY27 budget. Meeting is March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the FHUMHS Library. Additional meetings: March 23 School Board Meeting and March 30 Budget Revote Information Meeting, both at 6:30 PM in the FHUMHS Band Room. Budget revote is Tuesday, March 31. Encourages community members to stay informed, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 13, 2026 https://mailchi.mp/d3800efaec74/slate-valley-district-news-march-13-update
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Banner graphic for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 13, 2026, featuring the headline “Professional Development” above an illustration of four educators collaborating around a table with lightbulb icons symbolizing ideas and learning.
1st Grade Making Waves!
We are making a huge splash in 1st grade this week! To wrap up our unit on the continents and oceans, our classroom turned into a laboratory for some serious wave-making. We watched the water turn a deep, chilly blue as we added ice and food coloring, learning that the darker the water gets, the colder it feels. The students absolutely loved creating their own "ocean in a jar" with oil and water to watch a tiny orca ride the waves! We even practiced being the wind by blowing through straws to see how ripples form across the open water. It was such a "fin-tastic" day of hands-on learning!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
A girl watches as three boys blow bubbles with straws into a bin of blue water on a classroom table.
Four children stand behind a table with cups of colored water during a classroom science activity.
Three boys blow bubbles into a tub of blue water with straws on a classroom table.
Two girls look up at an adult while one holds a jar of blue liquid on a colorful classroom rug.
A woman sits on a chair showing a small item with blue liquid to three boys sitting on a classroom rug.
Two children blow through straws into a container of blue water on a table in a sunlit classroom.
What happens when a global AI visionary meets the OVS Newspaper Club? Brilliant questions and big ideas!

We were honored to host Kay Firth-Butterfield this week. Our young reporters didn't hold back, asking about the impact of AI on society and how to write about tech responsibly. It’s not every day you get to pick the brain of a leading expert and author!

Keep an eye out for our upcoming issue—it’s going to be a must-read.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
A candid photograph taken inside a well-stocked school library. In the middle ground, an adult woman with reddish-brown hair, wearing a beige jacket and pink top, is seated at a large, rounded wooden table with four young girls. She appears to be speaking or interacting with them. The girls are engaged in writing or drawing on papers in front of them. One girl in the center wears a distinctive bright blue and teal hooded jacket, and another on the right wears a navy sweatshirt. They are seated on mint-green plastic chairs. The background is dominated by tall wooden bookshelves packed tightly with books. On the back wall, there is an American flag, a wall clock, a bulletin board with posters, and a doorway leading into another room. In the foreground, another unoccupied wooden table and several other green and white chairs are visible. The lighting is warm from overhead fluorescent lights.
📢 Reminder for Slate Valley Families

All Slate Valley schools will have an early release tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, followed by No School on Friday, March 13.

📅 Thursday, March 12 – Early Release Day
📅 Friday, March 13 – No School
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic announcing an early release for Slate Valley schools on Thursday, March 12 and no school on Friday, March 13. The image shows cartoon children jumping and celebrating, with bold text reading “Early Release Thursday, March 12” and “No School Friday, March 13,” along with the Slate Valley Vermont logo.
🎨 Celebrating Youth Art Month in Fair Haven!

Throughout the month of March, student artwork from Slate Valley schools is on display at the Fair Haven Welcome Center as part of a regional Youth Art Month exhibition featuring talented artists from several surrounding districts.

Visitors are invited to explore the building and discover student artwork displayed throughout the space. The pieces are thoughtfully placed among the center’s maps, books, and displays—almost like a safari for art, where each turn reveals another creative work from a talented young artist.

👏 Congratulations to our Slater student artists and to all the area students whose work was selected for display. And a special thank you to the dedicated art teachers across our region who inspire creativity and help nurture these incredible talents every day.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Fair Haven Welcome Center and take the journey to find these amazing works of art! 🎨
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
The entrance of the 'FAIR HAVEN' welcome center, built with light-colored wood siding and grey slate-stone, featuring a large gabled entryway and a green state seal sign on a sunny day.
A monochrome blue acrylic painting depicting a solitary woman in a flowing dress within a wintery, bare-tree forest and several deer, with a label for 'Shira Hertzberg' below.
Two distinct student sculptures: a symmetrical blue and green origami radial design by Lexi Tursi, and a brown paper pop art piece with the text "BFDI" by Colton King.
A framed student artwork of a fish labeled 'Kess Hunter' hangs above a colorful, hand-beaded purse with the text "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE" on a wooden display.
Two student art projects: a pink and white dragon egg on cotton with flowers by Jiy Rogers, and a blue and black dragon egg with green paint and LED lights by Waylon Hutchins.
Two student paper collage artworks: one depicts a mountain landscape with trees by Niyah Brown, and the other is a multi-layered, abstract vertical composition by Oak Jutz.
Two student art pieces: a mixed-media portrait of a woman with a butterfly tattoo on a polka-dot background by Nicole Hathaway, and a blue clay vessel featuring a detailed orange octopus by Olivia Hutchins.
Two student paintings, one featuring a skeleton animal figure by Brynn Otto and Irie Swinington, and the other a field of red tulips under a blue sky by Maya Volpe.
Two framed student drawings of fish displayed on a wooden shelf; the top artwork shows a Rock Bass and the bottom a Silverhorse Fish.
Two framed student drawings of fish on a wooden shelf; the top is a stylized Darter Fish and the bottom is a textured Cutlip Minnow.
⚾🥎Spring Sports Registration is Now Open!🏃‍♂️🎾

Student-athletes interested in participating in spring sports should register as soon as possible.

🖥 Register online:
Visit formreleaf.com or click the “Registration” link on the athletics page of your school’s website and select your sport.

📋 Important Reminder:
All athletes must have an updated sports physical on file at school in order to participate.

Spring sports are just around the corner—don’t miss your chance to get involved and represent the Slaters this season!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic with the headline “Time to Register for Spring Sports!” directing students to register at formreleaf.com or through the registration link on the athletics webpage and choose their sport. The graphic also reminds athletes that an updated sports physical must be on file at the school. Blue arrows and bold text highlight the registration information.

📣 Slate Valley Budget Challenge: What Changed & What’s Next?

Community members are invited to join us for an open conversation about the revised FY27 school budget.

📅 Monday, March 16
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Fair Haven Union Middle & High School Library
🗣️This meeting will be held in person only, with no virtual option available.

This Executive Committee meeting will include an open forum with community members to discuss revisions to the FY27 budget and answer questions ahead of the upcoming revote.

Upcoming Meetings
• March 23 – School Board Meeting – 6:30 PM
• March 30 – Budget Revote Information Meeting – 6:30 PM

🗳 Budget Revote: Tuesday, March 31

Your voice matters. Join the conversation.

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic flyer titled “FY27 Budget Challenge – What Changed & What is Next?” inviting community members to a conversation about the revised FY27 budget on March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Fair Haven Union Middle and High School Library. The flyer encourages community participation to ask questions and stay informed. Additional meetings listed include March 23 (School Board Meeting – approve warning) and March 30 (Budget Revote Information Meeting), with the budget revote scheduled for Tuesday, March 31.
MARCH MADNESS HAS ARRIVED AT OVS!

Forget the court—we’re taking it to the board! Today is all about the Expectations, the seeding, and the scouting. Tomorrow, the Games Begin. Who will be the 2026 OVS Champion?

Stay tuned as chess takes over the halls of OVS. Brackets are set, clocks are wound, and the hunt for checkmate is ON!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
A teacher stands at the front of a music classroom speaking to a group of students seated on the floor and in chairs while shelves of instruments and supplies line the wall behind them.
Students sit in folding chairs in a classroom, listening attentively to a speaker at the front of the room.
A teacher gestures while speaking to a group of students seated in chairs as a presentation appears on a screen at the front of the music classroom.
Students sit in rows of folding chairs watching a teacher speak beside a large screen displaying a document in a music classroom.
Students watch a video playing on a classroom screen while a teacher stands nearby observing.
Students sit in rows watching a video on a large screen at the front of the classroom while a teacher stands to the side.
Students sit on the floor and in chairs listening attentively during a classroom presentation while a teacher stands nearby.
Board Meeting - March 9, 2026
You’re invited to the Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Haven Grade School Library.
This meeting will be in person. Virtually connect by going to:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/stt-quca-xys
Or dial: (US) +1 551-444-6618 PIN: 289 694 801#
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.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic inviting the public to attend a Slate Valley Unified Union School District Board Meeting. Text reads: “Please Join Us Tonight.” Agenda items listed include Board Reorganization, Consent Agenda, Retirement, and Elevator Bids. The meeting will be held March 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Fair Haven Grade School Library. The Slate Valley Vermont logo appears on the right side.
Slate Valley District Newsletter: March 6, 2026
https://mailchi.mp/36c096fa758c/slate-valley-district-newsletter
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic header for the Slate Valley Unified USD Newsletter dated March 6, 2026, featuring the word “March” with seasonal imagery: a lion standing in a snowy winter scene on the left and a lamb in a spring landscape with flowers on the right, along with the Slate Valley logo and the phrase “Our School, Your Future.”
Thank you to Senator Ruth Hardy for taking the time to meet with community members this morning for Coffee and Conversation at the Orwell Free Library. We appreciate your willingness to share updates from the current legislative session and discuss Act 73 with those who attended.

A special thank you as well to the community members who joined us for a thoughtful and engaging discussion. Opportunities like these help strengthen the connection between our schools, our community, and our state leaders.

The event was held Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Orwell Free Library, and was offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified School District and the Orwell Town Library.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to come, listen, ask questions, and share perspectives.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Community members stand inside the Orwell Free Library listening to Senator Ruth Hardy speak during a Coffee and Conversation event. Bookshelves line the walls and people gather with coffee while the senator addresses the group near the front of the room.
Community members stand inside the Orwell Free Library listening to Senator Ruth Hardy speak during a Coffee and Conversation event. Bookshelves line the walls and people gather with coffee while the senator addresses the group near the front of the room.
Group of community members gathered inside the Orwell Free Library during a Coffee and Conversation event with Senator Ruth Hardy. Several people stand and sit near bookshelves while listening and participating in discussion. A coffee station with mugs and a coffee maker is visible in the foreground.

Friday Focus – March Spotlight: Work Based Learning at FHUHS

This month’s Friday Focus highlights the Work Based Learning (WBL) Program at Fair Haven Union High School, led by Ms. Eliza LeBrun. The program connects classroom learning with real-world experience by placing students in local businesses and organizations while they continue their academic studies.

Two students currently gaining valuable experience through the program are senior Kaidyn Runnells and junior Katie Bouzianis, both working with the Town of Fair Haven.

Kaidyn begins his day at 6:00 a.m. with Fair Haven Public Works, where he has become a paid member of the team. From plowing sidewalks to maintaining equipment, he is building hands-on skills and learning the responsibility that comes with serving the community.

Katie is exploring a future in law enforcement, spending her afternoons at the Fair Haven Police Department after completing her morning classes. She assists with administrative tasks, documentation, and court preparation while also gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a police department.

Recently, Town Manager Joseph Gunter even placed an impromptu call to Superintendent Brooke Olsen-Farrell to share how impressed the town has been with both students and the program—recognizing their work ethic and the positive impact they are making.

A big thank you to the Town of Fair Haven and our community partners who help make opportunities like this possible.

Local businesses interested in mentoring a student through Work Based Learning are encouraged to reach out to Principal Ben Worthing (bworthing@svuvt.org) or Ms. Eliza LeBrun (elebrun@svuvt.org) at 802-265-4966.

Through the leadership of Ms. LeBrun and the support of community partners, students like Kaidyn and Katie are not only learning about careers—they are stepping into them.

about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic promoting Fair Haven Union High School’s Work Based Learning Program. The design features photos of senior Kaidyn Runnells operating a snowplow for the Fair Haven Public Works Department and junior Katie Bouzianis working at a desk inside the Fair Haven Police Department. Text reads “Focus Friday – FHU Senior Kaidyn Runnells & FHU Junior Katie Bouzianis” and “WBL – Work Based Learning Program,” along with the Slate Valley Unified School District logo.
Senior Kaidyn Runnells smiles while seated in the cab of a municipal snowplow, wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket and baseball cap as part of his Work Based Learning placement with the Fair Haven Public Works Department.
Fair Haven Union High School senior Kaidyn Runnells sits inside a bright orange sidewalk snowplow vehicle at the Fair Haven Public Works Department yard on a winter day. Snow and municipal vehicles are visible in the background near a brick building.
Junior Katie Bouzianis sits at a desk in an office at the Fair Haven Police Department, smiling toward the camera while working at a computer. Office shelves, paperwork, and a bulletin board are visible behind her.
View through a glass window labeled “Police Dept.” showing the front office area of the Fair Haven Police Department. Junior Katie Bouzianis is visible behind the service counter working at a computer, with informational flyers and office materials displayed nearby.
Today, Friday, March 6, 2026, all Slate Valley schools are on a 2 hour delay due to the weather.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
snowy graphic with the words “2 Hour Delay! Friday, March 6th” written in green and blue
Students in K-4th grade read the book A Tulip in Winter by Kathy Stinson in library class. Mrs. Rampone traveled to Nova Scotia last summer to learn about this fascinating folk artist. She even saw her whole house on display in the Nova Scotia Gallery of Art!

Maud Lewis was a folk art painter who lived in Nova Scotia from 1901-1970. She enjoyed painting scenes from her rural community. Her paintings included farm and ocean scenes. Maud loved to paint flowers, cats and other animals. She even painted items in her house such as cookie tins, breadboxes, the woodstove and even her stairs! Our students colored vases and made tissue paper flowers, paper plates, placemats and “cookie tins” in the style of Maud Lewis.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Student artwork displayed on a table by a classroom window, featuring decorated paper vases filled with colorful tissue paper flowers. In front of the vases are drawings, small folded paper crafts, and paper plates with student artwork.
A long hallway display table lined with student-created paper vases filled with colorful tissue paper flowers. Each place setting includes drawings, paper plates, and small paper crafts, forming a student art exhibit along the windows.
Three student-decorated paper vases filled with bright tissue paper flowers displayed on a table near a window. In front of the vases are student drawings and a small folded paper craft.
A table display of student art projects featuring decorated paper vases with tissue paper flowers. Beneath the table are posters showing artwork and information about folk artist Maud Lewis.
Close-up view of a hallway art display with multiple student-made paper vases topped with colorful tissue paper flowers. Drawings, paper plates with artwork, and small paper crafts are arranged on the table.
Student art display featuring decorated paper vases with tissue paper flowers arranged across a table. Beneath the display are posters and images highlighting the life and artwork of Maud Lewis.
A row of student-decorated paper vases with bright tissue paper flowers arranged on a table. Paper plates with drawings and student artwork are placed in front of each vase.
Another section of the student art exhibit showing decorated paper vases with colorful tissue paper flowers, student drawings, and paper crafts displayed on a table with posters about Maud Lewis’s artwork and biography.
Reminder: Coffee & Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy Tomorrow Morning ☕

Community members are invited to join Senator Ruth Hardy tomorrow for a casual Coffee and Conversation gathering.

Orwell residents are especially encouraged to attend, and all Slate Valley community members are warmly welcome.

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
🕘 9:00–10:00 AM
📍 Orwell Free Library

Senator Hardy will share updates from the current legislative session and discuss Act 73, with time for questions and conversation with community members.

This is a great opportunity to stay informed, share your perspectives, and connect with your local senator.

Offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Town Library.

We hope to see you tomorrow morning!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Flyer inviting the community to “Coffee & Conversation with Senator Ruth Hardy.” Event is Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Orwell Free Library from 9:00–10:00 AM. Graphic shows a steaming coffee mug and a muffin with the Slate Valley logo. Text notes the event is offered in partnership with Slate Valley Unified USD and the Orwell Free Library.
Portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a blazer and red blouse, posed in front of a blue background featuring the Vermont state seal and gold stars.
Principal Walters spent time with our 5th graders reading "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park. It was incredible to watch the students so locked in—some jotting down reflections, others sketching out the journey of Salva and Nya. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do: building empathy, one chapter at a time.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Students sit in a circle around a classroom while an adult reads aloud from a book. Students listen from chairs, beanbags, and the floor, with a digital display and classroom materials visible behind them.
A man seated in a classroom chair reads a book aloud to students seated around him while a teacher sits nearby. A large screen behind them displays an image related to the reading.
A student sits in a beanbag chair and writes or draws on a small piece of paper with a pink pencil while listening during a classroom reading activity.
Several students sit in beanbag chairs and on stools along the classroom wall, holding paper and pencils while listening and working during a read-aloud activity.
A man reads from a book while students sit around the classroom taking notes or drawing on small papers during a group reading lesson.
A student sits at a desk drawing on paper with markers while a classroom read-aloud takes place in the background with students seated around the room.
The OVS Chess Club took our game on the road to CES this week. We didn't go for the sights—we went for the seats across the table. There’s no better way to test your preparation than sitting down against a complete stranger with a totally different playstyle. We faced some incredible new opponents and pushed our calculation to the limit. Coming home with sharper tactics and the hunger for the next match.
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Wide view of a school cafeteria filled with students seated at long tables playing chess. Multiple games are underway while adults and students observe and walk between tables under a basketball hoop and American flag.
Four elementary-aged students sit around two cafeteria tables playing chess. Two students concentrate on a game in the foreground while another student moves a piece on the board behind them.
Several students sit around a wooden cafeteria table playing chess in pairs. One student reaches to move a piece while the others watch the board and consider their next moves.
A teacher leans over a cafeteria table giving guidance as several students play chess. The students focus on their boards while snacks and chess pieces sit on the table.
Two students face each other at a cafeteria table during a chess game while other students play games at nearby tables. Snack bags and drinks sit beside the chess boards.
Students sit at long cafeteria tables playing multiple chess games while a staff member stands nearby observing. An American flag hangs on the wall behind them in the school cafeteria.
Throwback Thursday 🕰️📚

Let’s rewind about 50 years to a very different classroom! In 1976, tools like pull-down maps, film projectors, card catalogs, and manual typewriters were everyday staples for students and teachers. Many of these once-essential items have now been replaced by today’s digital technology.

How many of these classroom classics did you recognize? 👀
Drop in the comments other “old school” classroom items you remember seeing that are no longer used today!
about 1 month ago, Slate Valley
Graphic titled “Throwback Thursday” with Slate Valley logo. The image shows several classroom tools commonly used around 1976, including a pull-down U.S. map, slide carousel projector, overhead projector, card catalog drawer, globe, reel-to-reel film projector, stack of books, manual typewriter, and a set of encyclopedias. Text asks, “How many items can you identify?” and reads “1976 Frequently Used Classroom Tools.”