Dear FVS Community, 

 

I’m writing with an update about the School’s ongoing response to the recent cases of COVID-19 and with details about how we will conduct our weekly COVID Testing of all employees and students on Monday, April 26. 

 

Situation Overview

The situation at present is stable, and since I last wrote on Wednesday, we have added one individual who has become symptomatic to the totals below. As clarification, each bullet is a separate group of people.

 

 

Our Health Center team has been working around the clock to care for those who are experiencing symptoms, which range from mild to severe, and has in some cases required seeking a higher level of care through Children’s Hospital outpatient services. I share this not to create concern, but to emphasize the importance of maintaining our quarantine and doubling down on our efforts to prevent further spread, which include wearing masks, physical distancing, and practicing proper hygiene. I also want to reiterate that our quarantine timeline may need to change depending on how the current situation progresses. As such, please do not schedule any off-campus appointments for students such as vaccinations until further notice, and please make sure that travel plans for those returning to campus are flexible. 

 

On Monday, we will test all students and faculty here on campus. Health Center staff will visit residence halls throughout the day on Monday to collect samples from boarding students who are on campus. Boarding students who are off campus must arrange testing in their current location. Please send results to nurses@fvs.edu.

 

Day student testing will be conducted on campus via drive through testing at the rear of the New Athletic Center from 2-4pm. Please click here to let us know if you plan to come to campus for testing. You will enter campus through the front gate and proceed to the rear parking area (North side) of the new Athletic Center. A member of our Health Center team will collect a saliva sample from you while you are in your vehicle and students should remain in their vehicles at all times. Alternatively, day students may 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. 

 

A week ago, as we headed into the weekend, none of us expected the diametric shift that took place last Monday. And while none of this has been easy, I’m proud of how our students, faculty, and families have been rising to the challenges presented, maintaining a balanced perspective, and supporting each other. Thank you. Please know that our faculty and staff are in high gear to support our students, whether it’s more frequent check-ins with advisees, providing creative outdoor activities, or delivering a special treat at the end of the day. We’ve also been working to solicit feedback about meals and our dining hall has been hard at work to provide creative options, as well as staple comfort foods. And on the food front, this evening, Mr. Racine and I will be delivering takeout food en-masse to all students in the residence halls. 

 

Please look for our next update on Monday knowing that we will communicate sooner if need be. 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