Fair Haven Union Middle School

Dear Middle School Families,

Middle school is an exciting time filled with new opportunities, challenges, and experiences. One of the best ways for students to make the most of these years is by getting involved in extra-curricular activities. Whether it’s joining a sports team, participating in drama, joining the Fishing Club, helping out with Student Voice, or trying a new club, extra-curriculars provide benefits that go far beyond the classroom.

When students participate in extra-curricular activities, they discover new interests and develop talents they may not have known they had. Performing in a play, learning how to write an article for the student newspaper, The Occasional Slater, or practicing teamwork on the soccer field can boost confidence and teach valuable life skills such as communication, organization, and leadership.

Clubs and activities also give students a chance to meet new people and build friendships with peers who share similar interests. These positive connections help students feel more engaged in their school community and create a sense of belonging.

While academics are a big part of middle school, it’s also important for students to have a healthy balance in their lives. Extra-curricular activities provide a fun outlet for creativity, physical activity, and personal growth. They give students a chance to take a break from homework while still learning in meaningful ways.

Getting involved now sets students up for success later. High schools, colleges, and even future employers look for well-rounded individuals who have demonstrated commitment and teamwork through extra-curriculars. More importantly, students themselves gain experiences that shape their character and help them discover their passions.

Families can play an important role by encouraging students to explore different activities and supporting them in their choices. Sometimes it takes trying a few options before finding the right fit—and that’s part of the fun!

When a club is getting started, students hear about it on the Morning Announcements and see the signs up in the building. It can take a little remembering and initiative but there are many opportunities to get involved. If students have an idea for a club that doesn't yet exist, they can always come see me to propose a new idea!

At the end of the day, extra-curricular activities are about more than just filling time after school. They are opportunities to grow, connect, and shine. Encourage your student to take a chance and get involved—you never know what doors it might open.

Jennefer Paquette

FHUMHS Co-Principal

At all extra-curricular events to include: middle school, JV, varsity events, as well as clubs and dances, our middle school spectators are expected to follow the same safe, responsible, and respectful behavior that we value during the school day. This means using appropriate language, keeping hands to oneself, and treating others with kindness. It also means being there to watch or participate and enjoy the event—not to run around unsupervised. We love and appreciate strong Slater school spirit!! These expectations help make sure that Slater pride shines in the best way. Students who are unable to meet these expectations may lose the privilege of attending or may be required to attend only with parent/guardian supervision.

Vermont leaders are working on ways to strengthen our public education system, manage costs, and improve opportunities for all students. The Vermont Legislature will be considering how best to achieve this transformation over the next several months, and it will ultimately be up to it, with the assistance of the Commission on the Future of Public Education and the School District Redistricting Task Force, to make these decisions. To do this well, they want to hear directly from you.

You are invited to take 8-10 minutes to complete the following survey, as your voice and perspective will provide critical feedback to our elected leaders as the Legislature, the Commission on the Future of Public Education, and the School District Redistricting Task Force consider the best path forward. You’re welcome to answer as many questions as you’d like.

[Take the Survey Here]

The FHU Middle School PTO will be meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5pm in the FHU library. All Middle School parents are invited to join! The PTO fundraises in various ways to be able to support our Middle School in a variety of ways.

PTO Officers for the 25-26 School Year:

President: Amanda Crowningshield, galvin1110@yahoo.com

Vice President: Cailyn Genier, cailynskids802@gmail.com

Treasurer: Nicole Cota, nicole.rice1515@gmail.com

Secretary: Joann Austin, jojoca74@yahoo.com

The next meeting is October 14th at 5pm in the FHU Library.

Please note this update: The November meeting will be on the 18th, 5-6pm!

Academic Success is a program offered to all students. It is a supervised space after school where students can get school work done. This year it will be supervised by Chris DeSimone. It will be offered M-F from 3:15-4:00. Please note the 4:00 end time as this is a change that takes effect Monday, 9/29!

We provide numerous eligibility checks. These eligibility checks do not result in removal from an extra-curricular. However, if a student is failing (less than 2.5) two or more classes, at the time of the eligibility check, they will be expected to attend Academic Success for 8 days in order to continue participating in the extra-curricular. Our goal is to support student participation while placing a priority on academics. There is more information in the Athletic and Co-Curricular Handbook (linked below).

The dates of the Eligibility Checks are: Sept. 26th, Oct. 31st*, Dec. 12, Jan 23rd*, March 6th, April, 3rd*, May 8th and June 15th*. The four dates with asterisk's are the end of Quarter 1, 2, 3, and 4. You will receive a MS Report Card in the mail shortly after the end of a Quarter. We will remind you, and students, of these as they come up. However, it it important to get this on your radar early.

We want to help students develop the consistent habits and routines that allow them to maintain a steady level of success. We hope to avoid the "let it slip and then scramble' when an eligibility check is coming up.