Dear FVS Families, 

Commencement is just over a month away, and I’m writing with what I believe is great news that will enable our senior families and the other members of our community to move forward with planning so that we may all come together in person to celebrate the Class of 2021. 

Commencement is truly a community event, and in a typical year, this capstone ceremony is attended by all students and faculty, who are joined by the families of the graduates. We are excited to celebrate our seniors, and it is our hope and intention at this point to hold Commencement and Baccalaureate in person with as many people in attendance as safely possible. Senior families should be on the lookout for a survey to be completed this week to indicate their plans for attendance, and if unable to attend, please know that both Baccalaureate and Commencement will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel. 

The landscape and guidance we have received has changed almost daily, and we have been working closely with the El Paso County Department of Health to gain approval of our plans. We are required to and will follow all directives from our state and local health departments, which dictate the requirements for large gatherings. 

At this point, we are confident that we will be able to hold Commencement and Baccalaureate in person, and that all those who might typically attend will be able to do so. What remains to be seen is whether we will be under a tent, or outside, and where on campus the event will take place given the physical distancing requirements. We expect to have greater clarity about the logistical details in the next 1-2 weeks following announcements that we believe are forthcoming from the Governor’s Office. 

With the finish line in sight, it is critical that we maintain our commitment to the FVS community. While many of our faculty and staff are fully vaccinated, and some of our students have completed the first round, the vast majority of our students remain vulnerable. It has been wonderful to see our students and faculty enjoying expanded freedoms to venture off campus and connect with those outside our community. However, COVID incidence and rates of positivity have recently risen in El Paso County, and we must maintain vigilance and keep our eyes on the prize. The fight against COVID is by no means done, and we want nothing more than to have all of our students finish a wonderful spring of learning in person, and for our seniors and their families to be able to be together in person in celebration of all that they have accomplished in their time at FVS. 

It has been a long 14 months for all of us, and I am acutely aware of waning levels of patience as we near the close of this school year. I want to reiterate my gratitude and appreciation to each of you for your partnership and support as we have navigated this unprecedented moment in recent history together. I have no doubt that, together, we will finish this school year strong and be afforded the opportunity to look back in due time with a sense of accomplishment and pride in the writing of this 91st year of FVS history. Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, in support of this great school and community. Take good care, stay safe, and be well.  

Sincerely, 

William Webb 

Head of School

Fountain Valley School

6155 Fountain Valley School Road 

Colorado Springs, CO 80911