Dear FVS Community, 

 

Greetings from the Prairie; I hope your week is off to a good start. I’m writing with the first of this week’s updates about our ongoing response to the cases of COVID-19 in our community. 

 

The weekend brought warm temperatures, which drew students outside, whether through daily, scheduled outdoor time or during impromptu use of the outdoor spaces designated for each residence hall. Dave Racine and I delivered a take-out food treat to students here on campus Friday night, which provided a good opportunity to check in, and I also spent time with the students quarantining in the old gymnasium on Sunday night. And while no aspect of the past week has been easy, the general demeanor among students on campus is stable and good. I’m proud of the ways that the students are supporting each other and speaking up to advocate for themselves and others.

 

Over the weekend, I also wrote to students to remind them of the many resources available, whether they are on or off campus, and I wish to reiterate that message in today's communication. First, please reach out to and connect with your advisor at any time for any reason. Advisors can help to redirect, escalate, or mitigate any issue or item that arises. Please also remember that counseling services are available and can be coordinated via the Health Center and/or Deans’ Office. Advisors can help make this connection, or students may reach out directly. We are one full week into this quarantine, and I hope this milestone provides some encouragement; however, please remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint and we must pace ourselves accordingly. We will keep pushing forward, together, one step at a time, one day at a time. 

 

Since Friday, we have added five individuals (below) to the 19 listed previously for a total of 24 people being monitored on and off campus. 

The connections between the new and existing cases is clear, and our quarantine is working as designed to reduce spread. Of those in our care here on campus, we have seen steady recovery in some, slower progress for others, and some who have been back and forth. Moving forward, we will be reporting new cases as listed above, and a total running number with the hope that this approach will provide a clearer picture. 

 

It is imperative that all members of the FVS community continue to monitor themselves closely for symptoms and report them, as well as any test results, to the Health Center—whether the individual resides on or off campus. 

 

COVID took place on campus today. Boarding students who are off campus must arrange testing in their current location. Day students who did not come to campus today for testing must obtain testing at an off-campus location. Click here for a list of testing sites. Testing may take place wherever is most convenient, so long as it is PCR testing. Please send results to nurses@fvs.edu. 

 

As this situation unfolds, the El Paso County Health Department is updating guidance and requirements accordingly. As such, I want to reiterate that our quarantine timeline may need to change depending on how the current situation progresses. Please make sure that travel plans for those returning to campus are flexible and, if possible, do not schedule your return to campus until we confirm logistics. We hope to communicate updated return dates by the end of the week. Additionally, we are in the process of reviewing academic expectations for the remainder of the year, and in particular, how exams and culminating projects may take place in order to reduce stress and anxiety and prioritize the health and well-being of our students. 

 

This week—and in particular the results of today’s testing—will help provide clarity about the path forward. As a school, we know of the power of predictability and support. I hope that the frequent updates that we’ve been sharing have helped you stay apprised of what we know, what we don’t know, and what we hope for as we move forward. Please look for our next update on Wednesday and thank you for your patience and perseverance as we forge ahead. 

 

In the meantime, as always, please take good care, stay safe, and be well. 

 

Sincerely, 

Head of School

Fountain Valley School

6155 Fountain Valley School Road 

Colorado Springs, CO 80911