Fair Haven Union Middle School

Good evening Middle School Families,

As we move into the final stretch of March, it’s hard not to notice the subtle shift toward spring—longer days, renewed energy, and a sense of forward momentum in our school community. This time of year is always busy, but it is also incredibly rewarding as we see the growth our students have made both academically and personally.

I also want to take a moment to follow up on the recent email regarding VTCAP state testing. These assessments are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning and for us to better understand how we can continue to support their growth. Attendance on testing days is essential, as it allows students to participate in a consistent and supportive environment alongside their peers. More broadly, consistent attendance every day plays a critical role in student success, helping to build routines, maintain continuity in learning, and strengthen connections within the school community. We appreciate your support in ensuring students are present and ready to engage.

As we look ahead, here are some important end-of-year dates to get on your calendar (there may be additions to this list - we will continue to update you):

• April 14th and 15th - 8th Grade to Community College of VT
• May 4–8: Staff Appreciation Week
• May 15, May 29, June 4: Spring Session of Lifetime Activities (afternoons only)
• June 5 (7:00–9:00 PM): Middle School Dance
• June 11: 8th Grade Trip (more details to come)
• June 15: 8th Grade Celebration, 6pm ~ Under the Tent

There also MAY be a 7th Grade trip to pull invasive species, POSSIBLY an 8th grade trip related to Social Studies. These trips/dates are not finalized - we will communicate them once they are final. We are tentatively planning Green-Up activities for May 1.

Planning for the future of our school is a shared responsibility, and one meaningful way our community participates in that process is through the school budget vote. I want to encourage all eligible voters to take part. Supporting our schools is not about politics—it’s about investing in our students, our staff, and the strength of our community. In some of our communities, only about 25% of registered voters are participating in school budget votes. With that level of turnout, it becomes very difficult to fully reflect the range of community perspectives or make adjustments that truly represent the collective voice. Your participation matters. Please be an active and engaged citizen and take the opportunity to use your voice.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership and support. We are fortunate to be part of a community that values education and works together on behalf of our students.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable transition into the spring season.

Warmly,
Jennefer Paquette
Middle School Principal

Here is a reminder of our upcoming music events (one of which is mandatory).

• Friday April 3rd 6:30pm to 8:30pm: BEAT music and art fundraiser (MS not required)
• Tuesday May 5th 6:30pm: Spring Concert! REQUIRED
• Saturday and Sunday May 23rd and 24th- Memorial Day Parades in Castleton, Fair Haven, and Orwell (MS not required)
• Friday June 5th All Day: High Notes Festival at Great Escape Six Flags

Middle School Yearbook is hosting two fundraisers in hopes of covering the printing costs for all middle school yearbooks. If we raise enough money, each 7th and 8th grader will be given a yearbook at no cost to them/their individual family! Our "Made in Vermont" raffle is currently underway. Tickets are $10 each or 3 tickets for $25. (Cash or Check made out to SVUUSD.) All prizes are Vermont made products and we have a little bit of everything from food items, to art, jewelry, furniture and more. Winning tickets will be drawn at our Pampered Chef Bingo event on Friday, March 27th. You do not need to be present at Bingo to win anything in our "Made in Vermont" raffle, but Bingo promises to be a fun night as well! Doors will open for Bingo at 5:30pm and Bingo games will begin at 6:00pm in the high school cafeteria. There is a $20 entry fee, per person. Your $20 will buy you a booklet of 10 sheets for 10 rounds of Bingo. Each sheet has 3 different game squares on it, so you have 3 chances to win per round. Each round will end with the winner receiving a fabulous Pampered Chef item or items. Door prizes will be given out throughout the night. 50/50 tickets and refreshments will also be available for purchase. (For anyone willing to donate refreshment items, be on the lookout for a Signup Genius Form to be shared soon.) This is a fun, family-friendly event. We hope to see many of you there!

Project Build continues to serve a dual purpose. First, students get a hands on learning experience in an area they otherwise would not in middle school - planning, preparing and building a woodworking project from start to finish. Second, Christopher Stanton, works with each of the school buildings to ensure that students are building a project that has meaning and serves a purpose. FHUMS was happy to be the recipient of the latest project - 2 shelves that sit outside of our MS multipurpose space where MS PE classes are held. Students were leaving their belongings on the floor. This provides the students in PE class a safe place to place their belongings respectfully. Thank you, Mr Stanton and Project Build Students! We are grateful!

There is an eligibility check coming up! Talk with your child and check PowerSchool! Don't let it wait for the last minute. They should all know how to log on to their PowerSchool account.

There is an eligibility check coming. Quarter 3 ends April 3rd. While grades close and the Quarter ends on Friday, April 3, we will actually pull grades and reach out to students/families we are concerned about the following Thursday, April 9th.

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 (sports and clubs). 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 remaining Eligibility Checks are: 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.

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 April 7th at 5:30 pm in the FHU Library - this is a change in date/time for April.

Camps & Hands-on Learning Experiences | Norwich University

Cyber Immersion Camp(s)

A hands-on exploration of cybersecurity fundamentals, tools, and techniques including Python, Digital Forensics, Artificial Intelligence, Ethical Hacking, Information Warfare, and more!

• High School Session: June 21–26, 2026 — $1,200, $200 deposit; scholarships up to $1,000
• Middle School Session: June 28–July 3, 2026 — $500, $100 deposit; scholarships up to $400

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy

An academy exploring machine learning, robotics, and AI-driven systems. Students build AI models, prototype devices, and complete capstone projects.

• Dates: June 28–July 3, 2026
• For: Grades 9–12
• Cost: $1,200, with scholarships up to $1,000

OSINT Academy (Open-Source Intelligence)

Students will learn OSINT research methodologies, social media and digital footprint analysis, Geolocation, image verification, and metadata basics, Ethical and legal frameworks for intelligence work and Real-world investigative challenges.

• Dates: July 12 – 17, 2026
• For: Grades 10–12
• Cost: $1,200, with scholarships up to $1,000

All camps are residential and include afternoon wellness activities, team challenges, and an end-of-week carnival & BBQ. Shuttles are available to and from the BTV airport and the Montpelier Amtrack Station.

Scholarships are provided through the The Department of Defense Cyber Institute (U.S Citizenship required)

Why These Camps Matter

• Hands-on, career-aligned learning
• Instruction from Norwich faculty and industry experts
• Access to university-level labs, tools, and facilities
• Strong national designations in cybersecurity and forensics
• Scholarship opportunities for eligible U.S. students
• Balanced academic + outdoor/recreational activities

Contact: cybercamps@norwich.edu

Norwich University, home of the Cadets and birthplace of ROTC

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 new electronic location for our school menus. There is a website and an app you can put on your phone. The directions are below. The link at the end of the newsletter is updated and the monthly March breakfast and lunch menus are also at the end of this newsletter.