Looking Back at Fall 2020

Looking Back at Fall 2020

As the semester comes to an end, it only seems appropriate to look back on the many blessings Valor students, faculty and staff enjoyed during an unprecedented fall 2020. The start of this school year unfolded in ways no one predicted, with constant changes to restrictions and the addition of extra layers of health and safety measures for in-person events.

With close to 1,200 students returning to in-person learning in mid-August, Valor was steadfast in its commitment to provide an exceptional experience for students. Valor’s Athletics and Arts+Media programs continued to compete and perform, although for much smaller audiences. Theater performances continued with Bright Star — the one and possibly only live theatre production for an audience in the Denver-metro area. Along with the Colorado High School Activity Association’s (CHSAA) reinstatement of fall softball, boys tennis, cross country, and football seasons, fall activities gave students a back-to-school environment much different than their peers at other high schools.

Although school looked different with new health and safety requirements, students showed their resilience to make in-person learning possible by following social distancing and wearing masks. Faculty rose to the occasion by conducting successful parent-teacher conferences digitally, while Valor’s transition to a new head-of-school was rolled out virtually.

Students had the amazing opportunity to go and serve on fall Discovery Experiences from the Western Slope and Buena Vista to downtown Denver. Spring and Summer 2021 experience applications launched in October, giving students national and international opportunities.

Valor STEM joined with Discovery in a new initiative to address the problem of food security along the Front Range through the formation of a brand new agriculture club. Along with other new and existing clubs, students continue to use STEM skills to solve real-world problems.

Student Leadership offered many ways for students to get involved on campus including school spirit week, Fall Festival, Game Day activities prior to home football games, and a week of Spirit of Sharing outreach to the community. Sources of Strength student mentors consistently met to provide encouragement and wellness resources to the entire staff and student community. Finally, three Explore Valor in-person open houses in October brought in roughly 350 new families to learn more about the school, filling the campus with excitement over what’s to come.

Looking back on the semester brings about gratitude for the blessings and experiences of another semester at Valor, even with its unique challenges. On the eve of Christmas 2020, the advent of the season brought to the world by a babe born in a manger gives hope for a bright 2021.