Dear FVS Community, 
 
With the arrival of our second wave on Wednesday, we now have 40 students on campus. It has been refreshing and energizing to see smiles shining through their masks, and though most are still in quarantine, they are taking advantage of the ample, daily opportunities to get outside and connect with each other, play games, or just bask in the beautiful scenery. Of course all of this is at a distance of 6 feet or greater. Be sure to check into our social media channels to catch glimpses of what our new normal looks like.

Many thanks to the deans’ office, the dining and health services teams, and our faculty who have done and continue to do an exemplary job welcoming and caring for the students. 
 
Our faculty spent this week participating in workshops and in-service meetings as we ramp up for the start of the fall semester. A significant portion of the week was spent engaged in work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that will continue as a part of our regular schedule throughout this academic year and in those ahead. 
 
Earlier this summer, Assistant Head of School Rafael Muciño convened a DEI Task Force, and this team led workshops on Wednesday and Thursday with cohorts of faculty. These groups will continue to meet regularly and work together to build diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our curriculum, programs, and community. 
 
Much of this work has been informed by feedback from alumni and students who have stepped forward to share sometimes painful stories about their experiences at FVS past and present. I want to thank those who have courageously stepped forward to offer their feedback and insights, and also express my gratitude to our faculty and fellow members of the administration who are embracing this difficult feedback as an opportunity, and with open mindedness and compassion. This is our community living our Core Values, and this is FVS. 
 
In this Update:
  • Day Student Transportation Survey
  • Fall Athletics & After School Survey
  • Community Commitment & COVID-19 Addendum to the Student Handbook
 
Day Student Transportation Survey
A quick reminder and follow-up for day student families to complete the survey sent by email to gauge the number of students that will ride the FVS buses. Responses are due Monday, August 17. Day student families who do not plan to use this service are also asked to complete the survey to indicate their intention so that we may know that we have heard from everyone. A link to the survey is at the end of this message. 
 
Fall Athletics and After School Activities Survey
All students who have not completed the athletics and after school activities survey are asked to please do so by Monday, August 17. It is critical that we have accurate numbers as we work to offer robust opportunities to support the health and well-being of our students. A link to the survey is at the end of this message. 
 
Community Commitment & COVID-19 Addendum to the Student Handbook
We have the extraordinary privilege to learn, live, and work together and to benefit from the social-emotional support of being part of an in-person school community. However, our situation can change overnight as a result of just one person letting their guard down—even if only momentarily.

It is, therefore, critical that we commit to a set of shared expectations, that we commit to each other, and that we commit to remaining hypervigilant in keeping our community safe. Toward this end, all students, faculty and staff are asked to sign our Community Commitment, which is detailed below and includes expectations outlined in the COVID-19 Addendum to the Student Handbook. All students, faculty, and staff should read the Commitment and Addendum thoroughly and then complete the Commitment form. A link to the Addendum and to the Commitment are at the end of this message. 

FVS COMMUNITY COMMITMENT:

As a member of the Fountain Valley School community, I commit to:
  • Strictly adhering to the School’s Health and Well-Being Protocols and responding respectfully to reminders to do so. These include but are not limited to: wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing, washing my hands, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding large gatherings—both on campus AND if I am off campus.
  • Learning about the ways in which COVID-19 is transmitted and being proactive to minimize my risk of exposure and the risk of exposing others
  • Monitoring my health closely, reporting any symptoms honestly and immediately to the FVS Health Center, and following their instructions.
  • Adhering to all quarantine and/or isolation requirements from the School. 
  • Making smart choices about where I go, what I do, and those with whom I interact—both on campus AND if I am off campus.
  • Supporting those around me as we rise to these challenges together, and similarly, I commit to seeking help when I need it. 

Gratitude
As life on the Prairie reawakens, we are beginning to see that the new normal is perhaps not that different than the norms to which we have become accustomed. Make no mistake, life is different, and we are having to all lean into varying levels of discomfort, but the critical elements and connections that define our community can be found rising above the impediments and impacts. This is a testament to the strength of our community and the result of the hard work and commitment of each and every member of our community. For this and the many other blessings of which we are the beneficiaries, I remain grateful. 

As always, take good care, stay safe, and be well.

Links Referenced Above:
 
Sincerely, 
 
William Webb
Head of School 
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
6155 Fountain Valley School Road 
Colorado Springs, CO 80911