Dear FVS Community,

I hope that this message finds you enjoying time with family and that you are finding ways to take advantage of the opportunities and activities afforded by the summer break. 
 
Here in Colorado, we are one of the states experiencing a decline in COVID-19 cases, and reports from the Governor’s office are positive. With that, I’d like to share our current plan for the arrival of students on campus and the start of classes for the fall semester, both of which are detailed below. In the week since our last communication, guidance from the department of health has changed significantly—and for the better—so please know that this schedule IS subject to change. And though we have targeted specific dates for arrivals, please also know that we are committed to working with you and providing flexibility as we are able. 
 
For our international students, we fully understand that one of the big issues that you might be facing right now is your ability to schedule a meeting with the local U.S. consulate. As able, please send an email to admission@fvs.edu with a status update. Our goal is to assist you and your family in every way possible and that starts with understanding your current situation. 
 
Arrival by Air or Public Transportation
Students who will be traveling by air or other public transportation will arrive in three groups that will be organized by the Deans’ Office in the coming weeks. Ideally, we would like international students to arrive as a part of the first group listed below in the schedule. I ask for your patience as we are still working on logistical details and to please wait for further communication from the Deans’ Office before reaching out to them. Upon arrival, students will be required to undergo small-group quarantines similar to those that you've used with your families to minimize risk of exposure. These groups will stay on campus in residence halls. We’ve chosen to quarantine in small groups based on guidance from our healthcare professionals to avoid the painful isolation that has been shown to be both impractical and detrimental to teenagers. Specific details about quarantine protocols and daily schedules will be shared at a later date. Following this quarantine period, students will be tested for COVID-19 on campus by UC Health to ensure that it is safe for them to join the non-quarantined community. 
 
Arrival by Car 
Students who will be traveling by car (both boarding and day students) will be required to self-quarantine in advance of their arrival on campus and will be tested by UC Health when they arrive. While awaiting test results, which typically takes 24 hours, boarding students will remain in small-group quarantines, while day students will return home to self-quarantine pending test results. 
 
Timeline for Return to Campus
All arrivals will be coordinated through the Deans’ Office. Please be on the lookout for a communication in the near future with instructions on how to schedule your arrival. 
 
  • Aug. 8 - 1st group of air travel arrives (Ideally to include all international students)
  • Aug. 12 - 2nd group of air travel arrives
  • Aug. 15 - 3rd group of air travel arrives
  • Aug. 15 - Day and boarding students arriving by car must begin self-quarantine
  • Aug. 20 - Self-quarantined day and boarding students return to campus 
  • Aug. 26 - First day of Fall semester
 
At this point, we are not ready to commit to a date for the end of the semester nor what changes to scheduled breaks may be required as work is ongoing with our larger academic team to ensure that we will not compromise our academic program. We intend to communicate these dates in the next week and thank you for your continued patience. 
 
Finally, I’d also like to provide an update regarding athletics. First, please join me in welcoming our new athletic director Steve Tulleners, who joins us from Westtown School in Pennsylvania. Steve officially starts on July 1, but he has already been hard at work coordinating with CHSAA and the various leagues of which we are a part to determine what fall sports and activities will look like. At this point, no determinations have been made; however, our athletic leagues are fully committed to resuming sports in 2020-21, which will be guided by best practices to support the health and safety of our students.
 
Finally, I will reiterate my thanks for your patience as we adapt to this rapidly changing landscape. Stay tuned for ongoing communications and details in the days and weeks ahead as we work to share developments in a timely manner. In the meantime, please know we are sending well wishes to all with the hope that the more measured pace of summer has arrived and you are able to spend safe time together as a family in the outdoors or elsewhere.   
 
Take good care and be well. 

Sincerely, 

William Webb
Head of School 
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
6155 Fountain Valley School Road 
Colorado Springs, CO 80911