PARENT GUIDE TO GIVING AND PARTICIPATING ON THE PRAIRIE
Greetings from Fountain Valley School’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations Team! We want to thank you for sharing your student with us on their educational journey at Fountain Valley School. Our role at the School provides us with the unique opportunity and pleasure of engaging with your student(s) outside of the classroom. Often it is a conversation in the dining hall, celebration during All School, activities in the dorm or an off campus excursion, whatever the situation, we are witness to the growth of your student during their time at FVS. Educating your child involves extraordinary faculty and staff, an exceptional and diverse curriculum and the generous involvement of parents. Since 1930, each FVS family has played an important role in the school community and its educational and financial success. Fountain Valley School relies on the participation and support of all of our community members including, alumni, trustees, faculty and staff and especially our current parents. Whether you are in the area or live miles away, there are ways for you to become involved through volunteering opportunities and the Annual Fund efforts. Please reach out to one of the Development team members at your convenience. Thank you for supporting your student and the school during their time here on the prairie. We are extremely happy to have you and your student as members of our FVS Community.
Penny, Linda, Margie and Matt
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PARENT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AT FOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL Opportunities are easy and somewhat informal for parents who are interested in making a personal commitment to positively promote and represent Fountain Valley School. We have a variety of ways that you can engage with other prospective and/or current families at FVS. Be part of the movement by volunteering as a Parent Ambassador to bring awareness to our School’s activities within and around the community.
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Consider being a: Office of Development Parent Ambassador Parent Ambassadors assist the Development Team by acting as a liaison between the office and current FVS parents. Responsibilities may include: · Share your FVS Story within your circle of influence · Communication, solicitation, and stewardship of other parents · Partner and assist with parent receptions
Office of Admissions Parent Ambassador Parent Ambassadors work with the Admission Team to connect with prospective parents and guide them through the enrollment process at Fountain Valley School. Each new family will be assigned a parent ambassador for the summer months as they gear up for registration. As a member of the Admission Parent Ambassadors, some of the duties you may be asked to do include: · Attend Admission Events · Reach out to prospective families during the admission process by phone, email, and/or in-person meetings · Act as a summer contact for newly enrolled families · Host a reception for prospective families
Host Family Ambassador There are times throughout the school year when our FVS International Students need a family to stay with during school breaks and holidays. If you are interested in having a student(s) stay with your family, please contact: Margie Sherer at msherer@fvs.edu or (719) 391-5315 and she will inform the Deans’ Office and the International Student Advisors.
232
Enrollment:
students
21
21
FVS Students Represent
States and
Countries
WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND? The Annual Fund is an on-going show of financial support for Fountain Valley School. The Annual Fund is the only source of flexible and easily accessible income the School relies on to operate on a daily basis. Funds directly benefit virtually every aspect of Fountain Valley and are used to pay for immediate need costs that are incurred during the school year. Your participation is vital to the Annual Fund. Throughout the year the Development Team hosts challenges in support of the Annual Fund where parents can participate and earn fun incentives for their student(s). These friendly competitions correlate directly with parent participation.
The School’s emphasis is focused on parent participation in all grade levels and not on the size of the gift. p. 3
WHY CONTRIBUTE TO THE ANNUAL FUND? The Annual Fund covers costs associated with programs in the academics, arts and athletics, campus enhancements and unexpected expenditures that could arise during the school year. Additionally, gifts to the Annual Fund directly support the School’s ability to offer financial aid, a deciding factor for many prospective FVS families. In 2020-21, $2.9 million went to financial aid and with your continued support, a Fountain Valley School education will become available to even more deserving students.
GIVE TODAY! NEED TO KNOW DATES: Giving Tuesday: Current Parent Giving Day Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Colorado Gives Day: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 FVS Gives Day: Thursday, May 12, 2022 End of FVS Fiscal Year: Thursday, June 30, 2022
In 2020-21, there were
44
new families that gave a gift to the Annual Fund.
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Does my gift really benefit current students? Yes! Your gift to the Annual Fund makes all of this possible and goes to work immediately, impacting every student and every faculty, every day. p. 5
46% Last year,
of students received financial aid at FVS
64%
Parent Participation to the Annual Fund in 2020-2021
100%
Faculty/Staff and
100%
Board of Trustees contributed to the Annual Fund in 2020-2021
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WAYS TO GIVE Fountain Valley School’s fiscal year runs from July 1- June 30. Below is a list of the ways that you can make a gift to FVS. If you would like more information, please contact Margie Sherer, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at msherer@fvs.edu or (719) 391-5315 or Penny Immel, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations at pimmel@fvs.edu or (719) 391-5314. Gifts must be made on or before December 31, 2021, to receive tax credit for the 2021 year and on or before June 30, 2022 to receive credit for the School’s fiscal year for 2021-22. Make a Gift Online Fountain Valley School accepts all major credit cards. You can make a gift online by going to: fvs.edu/give Mail a Check Please make checks payable to Fountain Valley School and mail to: Fountain Valley School 6155 Fountain Valley School Road Colorado Springs, CO 80911 Matching Gift Programs: Many employers sponsor corporate matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions that their employees make. Matching gift programs can double or possibly triple your donation. Please contact your employer to see if they will match your gift to FVS. Wire Transfer of Cash, Stock or Bonds To make a wire transfer of cash, stock or bonds, please contact Linda Arguello, Donor Relations and Stewardship Manager at larguello@fvs.edu or (719) 391-5226. Planned Giving: Join the Elizabeth Sage Hare Society The Elizabeth Sage Hare Society honors individuals who have included Fountain Valley School in their estate plans. If you would like to include FVS in your estate plans, please contact Margie Sherer at msherer@fvs.edu or (719) 391-5315.
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Fountain Valley School truly embodies ‘Be your best self.’ Students have the opportunity to be leaders in many different ways. Students have the ability to grow and stretch themselves in so many ways. FVS is a very special place!
– Parent
“ There is no comparison between FVS and our local public school where the vast majority of kids get little to no attention. There is also no comparison to other private schools—the FVS people, place, and program are one of a kind, and terrific!” – Parent “ FVS is a supportive community in which faculty and staff care deeply about the students and go out of their way to provide an exceptional growth experience. The School is demanding without being too stressful, and assistance is always available if needed. The boarding environment provides opportunities for leadership and a step toward independence with lots of positive adult guidance. My daughters absolutely loved it!” – Parent p. 8
6155 Fountain Valley School Road Colorado Springs, CO 80911 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
THANK YOU TO OUR FVS PARENTS! It is because of you that we can continue to provide a one-of-a-kind, transformative experience for your students on the prairie. fvs.edu/give
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