FHUHS Administration

As we wind down the first complete month of school, I am in awe of how much has been accomplished in so short of time. The obvious achievements are too often just seen in after-school events, such as with athletics. However, there has been such an abundance of Fair Haven Union High School happenings. It was hugely gratifying to see the large turnout last week of our Open House so that parents and community members could personally see some of what I hint at in my newsletters. Your participation in our students?Äô lives, and the life of the school are sincerely appreciated. The faculty and staff of FHU were also pleased to hear the many positive comments about our Open House. The Student Council was also on hand all night to assist our guests. I certainly was most pleased to have them available.

Mr. Michael Lenox and his Band students returned from the weekend festivities at the Big E. As mentioned last week, Mr. Lenox took his talented Band (I have heard them play several times already!) to march in the Mardi Gras Parade in front of nearly 100,000 fair attendees. They sounded great, marched in step and later enjoyed the fair. . Governor Douglas was on hand to meet our students after watching them perform. After the parade one of our multitalented sophomores, Randy Ettori, used his skill to win a motorbike. No wonder Senior David Brown said, ?Äúit was a blast?Äù with others telling me how awesome the day went.

Mr. Ben Worthing?Äôs FACT Physical Science classes had a great time competing in what is called the Egg Car Collision Contest. The goal was to build cars that held eggs. The cars were sent down a 20 foot ramp directly into a wall (after starting approximately 9 feet in the air). The car with the highest velocity, and a surviving egg, won the competition. The students were learning about velocity, acceleration, and force of impact (utilizing Newton’s 1st and 2nd laws of motion). The students said they had a great time while learning a great deal. The winners were: 1st place Nate Poczobut and Travis Daley, 2nd place Ryan Lewis and Jon Fortier (somewhat disputed since the class discussed whether brown eggs were stronger than white eggs!), and 3rd place to Brian Bird. Congratulations to all participants and to Mr. Worthing for creating a first-rate learning opportunity for his students.

Please welcome our new Technology Assistant, Melissa Verrill to the FHU community. Melissa will be working Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. She is a Computer Information Systems major at Castleton and loves to play basketball. Mr. Eric Snay is thrilled to have some assistance with his never ending quest of trouble-shooting, fixing, and upgrading our school?Äôs technology.

Crop Walk, the campaign to end hunger, was held last Sunday, September 23rd, in the park in Fair Haven, with many of our students doing their part to help out. The Community Service Club students solicited donators from our school community to sponsor them as they walked to help those in need. Once again, Mr. Richard Coley, FHU custodian, organized and fundraised for the 2007 campaign. Thanks to his efforts the 2007 Crop Walk was a success.

The Social Studies Department continues to get involved with educational opportunities outside the high school in order to improve both FHU and the larger Vermont educational system. Mr. Curt Hier has been appointed by Governor Douglas to serve on the State Licensing Hearing Panel for ?Äô07?Äì?Äô08. Mr. Mike Bruce, Mr. Kyle Ruby, and Ms. Beth Carini are participating in the Teaching American History seminar at Castleton State College for the fourth consecutive year. It is one more example of our faculty?Äôs consistent efforts to improve learning for our students.

Ms. Jessica DeCarolis and Mr. Hurley Cavacas have the Chess Club meeting every Wednesday after school in Room 213. Any one interested in participating or learning more, please see either advisor.

Slaterbration is coming the week of October 1st through the 6th. Please see last week?Äôs newsletter, or stop by the school for a schedule of events. We look forward to seeing the greater community during this festive week.

Mr. Brett Blanchard, Fair Haven Union High School Principal.