Dear FVS Community, 
 
As you know, last Saturday we learned of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our community and have spent the days since working through a response that is ongoing and a situation that is evolving quickly. Each day, there have been numerous developments and we have learned new information that thus far we have been able to manage following our current course. Today, however, our situation and the landscape around us has changed such that I need to communicate important news about a change to our path forward. 
 
Beginning tomorrow morning, we will shift to distance learning for all students through at least November 13. Day students will remain at home and boarding students who are able and who wish to return home may begin to do so tomorrow. The remainder of this email outlines important details, including tomorrow’s class schedule, and I ask that you read through the following information before reaching out with questions. 
 
In This Message:
  • What’s Changed
  • The Plan for Tomorrow (11/4)
  • Boarding Student Departures
  • Further Logistical Details
 
What’s Changed
Late this afternoon, we learned that we needed to expand the number of faculty in quarantine due to the development of symptoms in quarantined individuals and further contact tracing. This has impacted our ability to provide in-person learning. In parallel, we also learned that the rate of new cases in El Paso County is among the fastest growing in Colorado. 
 
As a result, our priority has shifted from preserving in-person learning to ensuring that as many students as possible are able to return home on or before November 20 while offering a robust and manageable academic program via distance learning. Therefore, any students who are healthy and in a position to do so may return home beginning tomorrow. We request that parents not contact the School tonight about departures this evening. Please note that Colorado Department of Health Protocols prohibit primary contacts from traveling out of the state of Colorado, which impacts the ability of our out of state and international students to return home if they are presently in quarantine. Boarding students who wish to or need to remain on campus may do so as long as need be including as previously planned over breaks. 
 
The Plan for Tomorrow (11/4)
Classes will be held via distance learning and will follow the schedule for the already planned 9:45 a.m. start which appears below. Meals for students not in quarantine will be served in the Dining Hall. Day students are asked to remain off campus. In the event that a student needs specific materials for tomorrow, they should communicate with the Deans’ Office to discuss their situation. There will be no athletics or afternoon activities tomorrow. Additional details about the days ahead will be communicated during the day tomorrow. 
 
Schedule for Wed., Nov. 4
  • B Block- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
  • A Block- 10:55 - 11:55 a.m.
  • Lunch 1- 11:55 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.
  • Lunch 2- 12:40 - 1:20 p.m.
  • D Block- 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
  • C Block- 2:30 - 3:20 p.m.
  • No Afternoon Activities
 
Boarding Student Departures
Boarding students may depart campus beginning tomorrow with the understanding that once they have left campus they will need to remain off campus until the January return. To reiterate, we request that parents not contact the School tonight about departures this evening. I want to acknowledge that this message has changed in just the past six hours in order to minimize confusion among those who heard differently earlier today. Parents who wish to have their child return home are asked to look into logistical details and have students submit leave requests through REACH. Departures may begin tomorrow morning. As noted above, Colorado Department of Health protocols prohibit anyone who is in quarantine as a primary contact from traveling out of the state of Colorado.
 
Further Logistical Details
As noted, our situation continues to develop, and we have been working around the clock to respond and care for our students. I expect you to have many questions including the “why behind the what” and logistical questions such as airport transportation and day student access to campus to retrieve belongings. We are focused at this point on sifting through the significant amount of new information and communications that are coming in. I need to ask for your patience, flexibility, and understanding while we work through all of this. 
 
Finally, I want to share with you that as primary contacts, both Sarah and I are now in quarantine in Howe Residence. We feel fine, and I share this with you as evidence that we are truly all in this together, and we will work together in the coming days, weeks and months ahead to navigate the uncertainties that exist. I remain proud and grateful to be a part of this extraordinary community, and like all the challenges we’ve faced in the time since COVID-19 appeared earlier this year, so too, we will rise to and overcome this challenge. 
 
As always, stay safe, take care, and be well. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
William Webb
Head of School 
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
6155 Fountain Valley School Road 
Colorado Springs, CO 80911