FHUHS Administration

Friday’s Slaterbration Pep Rally was a big success, with the crowd becoming tremendously excited with my talk about NECAP testing next month. The rest of the rally was secondary, I am sure, to the sea of Slater blue that filled the bleachers. With hundreds of students and faculty wearing their Slater Nation shirts and the majority of others wearing similar colors, the emotionally charged gym also had a festive look.

We have some students who participated in the Crop Walk Sunday. Mr. Richard Coley will give me more details about the event.

Mrs. Lynn Merritt, who has been an excellent addition to our first-rate Special Services Department, sent me some newsworthy information. She informed me that, “[she would like] to let [me] know about some of the good things happening in the classroom. First, I would like to advise you that both Joann Bowen and Sandra Jordan have really stepped up to the plate. They have taken initiative within the class. If their student needs work or isn’t present, they will come ask if they can create it or ask how they may help out. As a case manager that needs to hand create a lot of material, this has been a godsend for me. I appreciate everything they do. I have also had the privilege to witness our students, helping out one another, being a true friend to other students, and being genuinely caring towards one another no matter how severe their disability. These students include William “Eli” Albaitis, Tyler Disorda, Tyler Lavin, Jeff Bowen, Lindsey Ball, and Kate-Lynn Oldenburg. The Special Services team in this school works very well together. They have a great sense of humor and collaborate well together. As a new teacher to FHUHS, I have been impressed with helpfulness of the entire staff. There are many acts of random kindness that happen throughout the day both from students and staff. It says a lot about the FHUHS community.” I concur with all Mrs. Merritt said.

When visiting Ms. Kaye Sanders’ math class this week, we spoke of how the math department, in an effort to better prepare students for upcoming NECAPs and other math tests, has been doing a formal review of NECAP-type problems and the language needed to understand them. As a big part of success on these new state tests is understanding the language used, this review should help our students on next month’s tests.

Mrs. Phyllis Burlette, as part of the Homework Success Program, conducted our first monthly after- school Book Talk, where students and adults share a book/s that they have read during the month. Seven students and two adults shared books, which included The Green Mile by Stephen King, The Dilbert Future: Thriving on Stupidity in the 21st Century by Scott Adams, Crank and Glass by Ellen Hopkins, Touching Spirit Bear and Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, Sunshine by Robin McKinley, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Peeled by Joan Bauer, The Revolutionary War in Bennington County: A History and Guide, by Richard B. Smith, John Adams by David McCullough, and The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2000 Years by Bernard Lewis. Mrs. Burlette applauded the manner in which the students conducted themselves. Their presentations were very impressive. Though the setting was informal, the students articulated very professionally and captivated the interest of all. Great discussion followed each book sharing. We hope to see more students and adults join us next month on Wednesday, October 29th, in the library at 4 p.m.

The Guidance Office would like to thank those parents completing surveys at both the Open House and the Senior Parent Night. This information will be beneficial for us to help families and students with a variety of services throughout this year. We will be developing workshops and compiling information based on the comments and suggestions. Any further questions or suggestions can be directed to the school counselors at 265-3636.

Deputy Elrick has organized an Apple Pie / Apple Crisp Contest for Monday, October 6th, in the FHU Conference Room. It will be held between 7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. The cost to enter is $1; cost to judge is also $1. All money will go to SADD/TVLSP to help send a FHUHS student to the National Conference in July 2009. Faculty / Staff Bake – Faculty / Staff & Students Judge! 2 winners (1 from each category) will be announced at 12:48 p.m. on 10/6. See Deputy Elrick (in person or e-mail) if you are interested in entering.

Mrs. Trish Doran’s tenth grade English classes (periods 2, 5, and 6) are editing their poetry and prose to create class anthologies. Each student is to submit four pieces to be published. They will each receive a book with a class photo as the cover. Perhaps at an upcoming assembly, we can hear some of their work.

I hope most all is well with everyone,

Brett C. Blanchard, Fair Haven Union High School Principal