Dear VVS Families,

Recently, the Board of Trustees asked me to step in as Interim Head of School to help bridge the gap between Ben’s departure and the search for a new Head of School. I had the opportunity to spend several days with Ben to help facilitate a smooth transition. I recognize that this change was sudden and may have caused concern. Please know that during the 2025–2026 school year, the Board will initiate a comprehensive search for a long-term Head of School. I intend to be a candidate in that process, which will involve full participation from the VVS community.

Let me share a bit about my background so you can better understand what I bring to VVS. As many of you know, my parents founded the school. My wife, Amy, and I were part of the VVS staff from 1989 to 2009. I began my time here as a gardener, work job supervisor, and maintenance team member. I quickly discovered how deeply I connected with the students and transitioned into roles such as Dean of Students, Director of Residences, and Director of Community Life, serving in those capacities for over a decade.

Amy and I ran the barn for fifteen years and were dorm parents for fourteen. She started as an academic coach and later led the ESL program. Together, we led field trips, project periods, study halls, check-ins, and dorm jobs. We understand the inner workings of VVS, and the school’s mission is deeply ingrained in us. Both of our children also attended and graduated from VVS.

Since 2009, we’ve lived in Wyoming. Amy recently retired after a 42-year career in education, having taught elementary school, special needs, ELL, and high school students. During our summers at VVS, we co-directed the Skinner Brothers Wilderness School in Pinedale, Wyoming. After moving there full-time, I built a successful business as a farrier and published my first novel, Ride a Fast Horse, which is set in the Verde Valley. More recently, I spent four years as Director of Transportation for Sublette County School District #1, followed by three years as Director of Rendezvous Pointe, a senior center. After a year of retirement, we’ve realized how much we miss being involved—and how much we still want to contribute.

VVS is a special place. For seventy-seven years, it has nurtured, educated, and prepared students for life beyond our campus. I am committed to ensuring that legacy continues. Amy and I are honored to return—we missed the energy, the purpose, and most of all, the students. Year seventy-eight is about to begin, and as Interim Head of School, I will do everything I can to ensure your children have an outstanding experience.

We look forward to getting to know all of you and your children. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and make the 2025–2026 school year the best it can be. Amy and I are thrilled to be back on campus and grateful for the opportunity to serve VVS once again. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.

Sincerely,
Kevin Warren
kwarren@vvsaz.org
(928) 821-0853

As an international school, we are always looking for local families who are willing to host international students during breaks.  This is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange.  It is not uncommon for VVS students to graduate with lifelong friends to visit all over the world, and many of these friendships began as homestays.  

Recently announced proposed travel bans may require some of our international students to travel back to the US early to ensure they can return to VVS. If your family is able to host an international student in early August or during school breaks, please contact John Chorlton at jchorlton@vvsaz.org.  

New 11th and 12th graders should schedule a virtual meeting with Meg Haesloop, Director of Academics, so we can select the correct IB pathway for you based on your prior experience and future goals. We will register for classes at this meeting.  Families, you are welcome to attend as well. I will be scheduling these sessions using this link.   I look forward to meeting with you in the next few weeks!

Join the VVS Admin Team in the library at 5 pm on Tuesday, August 12th to meet other local families and learn about policies & procedures for day students at VVS. 

Campus opens for Resident Advisors on Friday August 22nd at 4 pm

Campus opens for all new boarding students on Sunday August 24th at 4:00 PM.  If your student will arrive on the bus from Phoenix Sky Harbor, please schedule a flight that arrives by 2:30pm for the 4:30pm bus. To reserve a place on the bus, please contact_Stephanie Sterrett at ssterrett@vvsaz.org.

All new boarding and day families are invited for dinner at 5:45 pm followed by campus tours and an information session. All new students and families will meet the student’s advisors and connect with other new families. 

Returning boarding students should arrive on Monday August 25th.  Campus opens at 4:00 PM.  If your student will arrive on the bus from Phoenix Sky Harbor, please schedule a flight that arrives by 2pm for the 4pm bus. To reserve a place on the bus, Stephanie Sterrett at ssterrett@vvsaz.org.

To help beat the August heat, we will begin classes right away this year and fold in community-building orientation activities in the earlier and later parts of each day.  Stay tuned for more info but returners, rest assured, beginning-of-year Awesomeness will continue!

  

Please be sure that all outstanding tuition and fees are paid in full prior to your student’s return to school in August.  We have been and will continue to send reminders for outstanding charges weekly.  Please be on the lookout for upcoming communication regarding any required student forms you will need to complete and submit before school opens.  

Parents are an essential part of our community, and the VVSPA is being established to create opportunities for all VVS parents—both new and returning—to connect, participate in meaningful activities, share information, and become more engaged in school life. It will also serve as a welcoming space where new families can build relationships with current VVS parents.

Many thanks to the parents who have helped lead the effort to launch this initiative: Chris and Celeste Gebhardt, Sarah Wiehl, and Emily Strem. A special thank you to Emily, who has generously agreed to serve as the inaugural Chair of the VVSPA.

All VVS parents are considered members, and you are invited to engage at the level that best suits your availability and interest. To respect your privacy, we ask that interested parents initiate contact directly with Emily Strem, Chair of VVSPA at: verdevalleyschoolpa@gmail.com