Dear FVS Community,

Greetings and Happy New Year! It is a joy to see students back on campus and in our virtual classes. 

We are just over halfway through our first week of quarantine and distance learning, and I would like to update you about the many good things underway. So far, we are pleased to say that the changes we have made to quarantine have been noticed and well-received. 

Most notably, students on campus have appreciated the additional time outside while walking to and from the dining room for meals, as well as being able to choose their meal from the variety of options. Our kitchen staff has been hard at work to incorporate the feedback that was shared by students through our survey in December, and I encourage you to take a look at our online menu to see the results. Our dining team has done a great job providing for our students’ diverse dietary wants and needs. 

We have been very fortunate to have great weather this week and students have been enjoying the organized outdoor time and competitions arranged by our faculty duty teams between 3:30-5:30 p.m. each day. It has been fun to hear their voices and see their enthusiasm, and they have engaged in activities such as SpikeBall, soccer, playing catch, and walks on the prairie. During the weeknights, each residence hall cohort will have one night where they will have exclusive use of the Athletic Center to use the weight room, spin room, and basketball courts. In addition, our weekend teams are planning to offer plenty of outdoor time and activities while maintaining our quarantine protocols. It is our goal to ensure that students have abundant opportunities to be active during quarantine in support of their overall health and well-being.

Moving forward, we cannot stress enough the importance of communicating with advisers and the deans’ office. We welcome your feedback and insight, which will help us best support each individual as well as the community as a whole. There is no pandemic playbook, and we rely on your timely feedback and partnership in providing it. We are constantly planning for the weeks and months ahead, and are making adjustments each day based on what we learn as we go. Your voice helps ensure that we deliver the most positive experience possible. 

I am proud of our students and faculty for their commitment to the health and wellbeing of each other and our community. Day students, boarding students, and faculty are all putting FVS first, and I cannot stress enough how proud I am of the strength of our community. Thank you! 

We have a great semester ahead of us, and I am confident that we will face and overcome any challenges we encounter along the way. 

Sincerely, 

David Racine

Dean of Students 

Fountain Valley School

6155 Fountain Valley School Road 

Colorado Springs, CO 80911