A Letter from the Head of School, December 17, 2020
Return to In-Person Learning
We’ve assessed our campus mitigation plans and plan to return to in-person learning following the winter holiday to begin the second semester. We ask that every family be conscientious of their exposures this holiday season and prioritize a shared goal of in-person learning. All families must understand that social gatherings and exposure can affect our ability to sustain in-person learning. We will resume daily health screenings and closely follow public health guidelines for isolating exposures and quarantining individuals. It is important not only for our students’ academic progress but for their social and emotional health to take this next step forward. Though we can successfully transition to e-Learning, it is clearly not the preferred way to experience the joys of a CSS education. With this in mind, the schedule for our return to campus is as follows:
   
  • Monday, January 4, 2021 - Faculty and staff return to campus for a day dedicated to professional development. 
  • Tuesday, January 5, 2021 - Second-semester classes resume for in-person learning on campus for all divisions. Buses, lunch, and Extended Care and Homework Heaven services resume as well. 

While we would rather eliminate overused vocabulary such as “pivots” and “transitions,” these words will undoubtedly remain in the new year. As with all school leadership across Colorado and the country, we are making unique decisions about our school and local conditions. The lens of comparison to other local districts may leave some of you doubting our plans' efficacy or our return dates, but please know we have assessed our plans thoroughly.

Additional COVID-19 Resources from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Informational Technology Task Force
As announced in a previous Head’s Letter, the Board of Trustees convened an Informational Technology Task Force last month. This group is actively assessing campus infrastructure, sustainability, and compatibility to facilitate sustained learning should a student be quarantined for an extended period of time while school is still in session. The task force continues to discuss streamlined solutions to benefit all in the CSS community. Future communications will include updates on their progress.
Progress on Roof Replacements
As of this writing, roof construction has been completed on: 
  • Early Childhood Center
  • Children’s Academic Center
  • Louise Honnen Tutt Field House 

Due to weather patterns, some work remains on the El Pomar Academic Center, but we are nearing completion of work on:
  • Carriage House
  • Louisa Performing Arts Center
  • Maytag

We are managing the construction schedule, and future work will not impact our return to campus plan.
Tuition Announcement for 2021-2022
Acknowledging both the challenges and adversity felt this year, and likely into 2021, the Board of Trustees has voted not to raise tuition for 2021-2022. Tuition increases ranging from 3-5% are typical for most independent and private schools based on rising expenses, including employee compensation and insurance increases. As a school, 75% of our budget is concentrated on human personnel, dedicated teachers, and staff who masterfully ensure the mission is delivered to students. 

The role of charitable giving strengthens our ability to be agile in our budgeting. The powerful combination of tuition revenue and philanthropy allows the school to cover the gap. Through generous giving, we can invest in signature programs, recruit and retain high-caliber teachers, and absorb the shock and expenses of risk mitigation in a year such as this. Without tax-deductible giving, the core weakens. Subsequently, we become more reliant on tuition revenue and increases in order to operate.

In addition to not increasing tuition for 2021-2022, the Board also voted to continue substantive financial planning tools, including: 

The combined impact of these efforts demonstrates a commitment to partnering with families who believe in the mission of CSS. Re-enrollment occurs annually between February 1-15. Re-enrolling by February 15 secures a family’s tuition lock and a student’s place in the class.

As we close the semester, I wish to give each and every one of you our traditional sign-off in a Zoom meeting --- jazz hands and silent applause! Parents, students, teachers, and everyone who has chosen to lift each other higher during this time deserves a round of applause. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in carline come January 5.

The CSS faculty and staff wish you and yours a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season.






Head of School
The Colorado Springs School


Mission: Through superior academics and mentoring, The Colorado Springs School prepares students to think independently and to meet the challenges of a dynamic world with leadership, ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity.
The Colorado Springs School | www.css.org