FHUHS Administration

The faculty of FHU spent the day last Wednesday continuing work on mapping our entire curriculum. Soon all of our courses will be in our computer system (using the software from Curriculum Mapper). The benefits of such work are many. By imputing the content, skills and assessment of each course we have data that allows us to document when certain skills are covered, how often and by what means we are assessing learning. The faculty are able to use this tool as one more piece of evidence for direct and meaningful discussions on student performance. It is only one element in our always ongoing improvement plans, but one that will pay dividends for our students. I welcome any questions or thoughts on this, or any of our improvement efforts so feel free to contact me. I will continue to try and update the community on the many (and time consuming!) efforts that the entire FHU faculty regularly work on outside of the normal teaching day to improve student performance.

Mrs. Fran LaPlaca, who is continually on the move in this building and throughout the district assisting students with all sorts of musical endeavors, gave me some interesting information on the 1948 Fair Haven High School Graduates that participates in her Community/Alumni Chorus on Monday evenings at FHU.

Last week she informed me that the class recently celebrated their 60th class reunion and took up a collection to donate to a worthy cause at FHUHS. There are only 12 remaining class members and 6 attended the dinner event. Last week Mrs. LaPlaca was presented with $ 120.00 to donate to the FHUHS Thomas E. LaPlaca Goodwill Fund. As she rightfully informed me, this is an example of the quality of individuals that we graduate from our high school.

A number of students toured two employers in Rutland, as part of Job Shadow/Mentoring day on Wednesday, October 15. This is an annual event that connects students in a job shadow and career exploration format with area recruiters and supervisors. On Wednesday, the students toured Casellas Recycling and Rutland Regional Medical Center. The students attending were: Justin Harney, Jon Brooks, Devin Lowell, Bryan Boyington, William Fortier, Caitlin Sears, Jay Watkins, Ryan Adams, and Ethan Lewis. The event was sponsored by the Rutland County Business Advisory Council and the state office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

On October 17, 2008, 21 students from grade 9-12 attended a peer leadership conference at CSC. They also attended with 20 students from Poultney High School. The students were introduced to the Six Pillars of leadership by Dr. Bergen’s Community Service Class. The students from FHUHS also participate in skill building activities with the PHS students. This group of students from FHUHS will be involved in the Peer Leadership Program on Fridays, starting on Halloween. They will meet during fifth period and the goal of this group is to become more positive leaders in their school and community. Mrs. Ericka Valente, along with Deputy Elrick and Mr. Brian Bombard all said it was a great day and great fun.

Mrs. Valente also informed that FHUHS Freshman, Shannon Moriarity shot a 574 lb. bull moose in the Northeast Kingdom.

Todd Kitchin placed 3rd in the Vermont Division II State XC Championships held Saturday in Thetford. Todd’s rise to the top of elite Vermont runners is nothing short of amazing, considering he is only in his 2nd year of competing in the sport. His season continues on November 8th when he will travel to Manchester, NH to compete in the New England Championships.

Post Season All League Awards have been announced, and several Slaters have been recognized for their efforts on the field.

All MVL Field Hockey: Jenna Jakubowski

All MVL Girl’s Soccer: Emily McIntyre, Ali Mancuso & Jenna Charron

All State Girl’s Soccer: Emily McIntyre

All MVL Boy’s Soccer: Nolan Link All State Boy’s Soccer: Nolan Link

Selected to participate in the Senior Classic: Ali Mancuso & Nolan Link

All MVL & All State Cross Country: Todd Kitchin

Chosen to Play in North/South Senior Football Game:

• Heath Genier
• Todd Savage
• Andrew Patch
• Lucas Caballero

Congratulations on honors well deserved!

Have a great Halloween,

Brett C. Blanchard, Fair Haven Union High School Principal