Back to School

As you may have already heard, Alpine Valley School is re-opening on August 27th. It’s an announcement that we are very glad to make, but certainly do not take lightly. A great deal of thought, research, and planning was undertaken over the summer to ensure that we have the best possible procedures for returning to school as safely as possible.

This year’s “back to school” energy is very different all over the United States - a mix of excitement and trepidation in most cases, and sometimes more worries than not! It’s all completely understandable as we face an unprecedented time in our history. There also exists a growing body of research about the benefits of being together and that is the primary drive behind our decision to re-open. We believe that kids need community (and adults too!) and we’re doing everything we can to make sure that our school is as safe as possible for all students and their families so we can get the benefits of being together with as few of the risks as possible.

Here is an overview of the safety measures Alpine Valley School is putting in place once school starts:

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Additional Cleaning
Additional Cleaning

Additional cleaning and sanitizing of all common surfaces will occur at least once daily every school day.

Ventilation
Ventilation

When weather permits, doors and windows will be kept open throughout the building to increase air flow. In addition, exhaust fans will be running continuously during the school day.

Outdoor Play
Outdoor Play

Students are encouraged to play and hang out outside as often as possible!

Hygiene
Hygiene

Everyone is expected to wash their hands regularly. Hand sanitizer will also be made available throughout the building, and everyone is encouraged to use it.

Masks
Masks

Face masks are not required, but are recommended while students are indoors.

Illness
Illness

Parents & guardians are expected to keep their student(s) home from school if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness such as fever, sore throat, cough, etc.

Exposure
Exposure

Staff or students exposed to COVID-19 must stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever, etc.) until they can be tested for COVID-19.

Positive Cases
Positive Cases

Any staff or student who tests positive for COVID-19 must stay home from school for 5 days or until they have not had a fever for 24 hours and all other symptoms are improving, whichever is longer.

Vaccinations
Vaccinations

Alpine Valley School follows all Colorado state laws and regulations regarding the vaccination of students and staff.

Our first day of school is in just a few weeks and we are still gearing up to put all of our procedures into practice. Some things, though, will not change:

  • Students at our school will still be treated as equal, valuable members of our community

  • All learning will continue to be self-directed, fueled by students interests and passions

  • There will still be lots of space for laughter, play, and joy

  • Friendships, games, and conversations will still unfold on a daily basis

Of course, our safety measures will continue to evolve as the situation in Colorado changes, incorporating the latest policy and recommendations.

We have always been a small school, and we like it that way, but it’s more important than ever for us to stay small right now. To that end, we’ve chosen to limit enrollment for the coming school year, which means we have only a very few open spots available for the fall. Once those fill up, we will be instituting a waiting list. If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to come for a private tour, or to send us an email.

Please reach out if you have any comments or questions about anything shared here, or any other thoughts about “back to school”! Be well.

Marc Gallivan