FHUHS Administration

Before getting to the news from the past week (or so), I would like to give thanks to the faculty/staff of Fair Haven Union High School and especially to the students for a great first week of school. Freshman Transition Day was a big success thanks in large part to the assistance of our Student Council, class officers and the new Slater Council. These students led freshman groups around the building, helped with class orientation and offered advice to our new students. Our building and grounds are in fabulous shape due to the efforts and talent of Lance Coltey and his staff of Mark Cassidy, Richard Coley, Tom Bogart, Dick Steele, Nancy Ward and Stuart Senecal. The athletic schedules were on the web site with practice times organized last month thanks to Eric Ramey, and the Guidance Department of Brian Bombard, Kelly Doherty, Debby Pelkey and Doreen Anderson made sure academic schedules were finalized with very few needing adjustments of any sort. Walking into Guidance on the second day of school and finding only one student in need of assistance was a comforting feeling.

This summer Michael Lenox, FHU Band and Music teacher, conducted the Orwell Town Band. The band featured several FHUHS students:

• Nick Montello
• Vincent Montello
• Jonathan Kuehne
• Alec Sanderson
• Peter Laramie
• Grace Kuehne

Carla Ochs, a FHUHS faculty member, played the Baritone Saxophone in the band.

FACT parents who wish to purchase a copy of the book Snakes, Skinks, Frogs, and Efts…finding nature at The Buckner Preserve in West Haven, Vermont may do so by calling Mrs. Kuehn at extension 238. A limited number of books will be ordered at the greatly reduced price of $5.00 per book. The book documents the work of FACT students as they took part in “The Classroom Around Us” program in May, 2007.

Natalie Young, a junior, spent two weeks in Japan this summer with the People to People program. Natalie is one of several FHU students to spend summer abroad. Natalie is the daughter of Ms. MaryAnn Young.

The FHUHS Outdoor Bleacher Project Phase II continues to move forward with their first fundraiser for this school year. A Coin Drop will be held Saturday, October 6th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Washington Street in front of Shaw’s. Athletic Teams and Community Service students will again be assisting. For those individuals who generously donated $300 or more to the fund, your engraved plaques have been ordered through Initial Ideas and will be arriving soon. Thanks to all those who have donated and to everyone who soon will be. Any questions may be directed to Mrs. LaPlaca at 265-4966, extension 254.

Speaking of Mrs. LaPlaca, the Fair Haven Union High School Community and Alumni Chorus schedule is set. Mrs. LaPlaca would like to let everyone know that:

• One hour weekly rehearsals will begin Monday evening Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the FHUHS Chorus room.
• Everyone in the area is invited to participate and all voice parts are needed.
• The Winter Chorus Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5th, @ 7:30 p.m. The snow date is Thursday, December 6th.
• The Community /Alumni Chorus will combine with FHUHS Chorus to perform a variety of selections.
• Rehearsal Cassette Tapes will be available for distance commuters.
• For additional information, call the FHUHS Music Dept at ext. 254.

VSAC Peer Tutoring is available again this year at FHUHS. This is a voluntary and free program that allows students who need assistance to access student tutors during study hall or after school in the After School Homework Success Program. Students and/or parents with questions can contact Jess DeCarolis ?Äì Ext. 241 or Guidance ?Äì Ext. 205.

Football camp at the Kehoe Conservation Camp proved to be a big success for the players and coaching staff. Aside from a few football related injuries, the week was beneficial to everyone in terms of developing team chemistry and becoming a better football team. The facility was top notch, and each player’s family was able see it when camp concluded with a barbeque on the final evening. The staff deserves a lot of credit for organizing the camp, and the kids deserve the same for being fine representatives of FHU athletics.

The first 200 SLATER NATION t-shirts have SOLD OUT! More are on order, and should be in by Thursday. Support has been AWESOME, so let?Äôs keep the momentum rolling. It was terrific to see nearly 200 of our faculty/staff and students wearing the shirts last Friday. Imagine 400 SLATER NATION shirts at the next Friday home game!

Last weekend Mr. Hier, FHU History teacher, debate coach and golf coach won the club championship at Lake St. Catherine. Congratulations on an impressive accomplishment, and it is great to see leadership by example.

The athletic season is underway with some early impressive achievements by our student athletes. The field hockey team is off to a 2-0 start. As a relative newcomer to the sport, I find the team?Äôs play energetic and exciting to watch. The girls?Äô soccer team played into the championship game of the John Werner Invitational before meeting defeat. I am proud to announce that the Sportsmanship Award went to our girls for their efforts in the tournament. The boys?Äô soccer squad looks to Thursday?Äôs game against Woodstock to get back on track after a closely fought defeat at the hands of Division I Mount Anthony.

Thanks again to everyone involved with our school for helping produce such a positive start to the school year.

Brett C. Blanchard, Principal Fair Haven Union High School