March 28, 2024

FVCS COVID-19 Operations Notice and New Risk Waiver

Dear FVCS Families and Staff,

 This is a Notice to FVCS Families Regarding Summer Camps, Events & Sports and COVID-19

Four Valleys Community School (FVCS) is dedicated to the continuation of our various summer programs for the physical and mental well-being of our FVCS families. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are mindful of the risks associated with allowing these events to take place and want to take necessary steps to create as safe an environment as possible for campers, coaches, participants, volunteers, staff, and spectators. For this reason, we are implementing some additional requirements when summer camps, events, sports and activities resume.

We are reviewing the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to create standards and expectations to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure. We will implement safety measures during summer camps, soccer practices, and FVCS events that will make these activities safer for everyone.

These measures include requiring participants to sign in as they arrive at each camp, event and practice, to submit to a temperature check, and to respond to a set of COVID-19 related screening questions. Additionally, FVCS asks that students arrive dressed appropriately for the activity, bring their own individual water bottle and food if needed, and come with a cloth face covering that can be worn when not engaged in vigorous activity.

Each family must consider the risks of participation that now exist and make a decision that is best for their family. It is important to independently review the resources available on the prevention and risks associated with COVID-19, including the website for the CDC. Participants and parents alike should be aware that there are certain people who are more vulnerable to becoming very sick if they contract COVID-19, including people over the age of 65, people with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised. If you or your child fall within this group of “vulnerable individuals,” attention should be given to whether participation in certain sports and related activities makes sense.

FVCS encourages any concerned family member to seek additional guidance from a health care provider. In the event a vulnerable individual requests a reasonable accommodation in order to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, such requests shall be considered in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Alaska law.

Due to the risks associated with attending FVCS camps, events and playing sports during the COVID-19 pandemic, FVCS will require each family of a camper, as well as anyone participating in a camp, soccer or FVCS event, sign an acknowledgement of the risks and a waiver of liability. This form is designed to assess certain risk factors, highlight the dangers of participating in sports, and ask that each participant not hold FVCS liable for any harm that may result if you or your child contracts COVID-19. It is important to carefully review FVCS Participant Waiver 2020 including COVID19 Language (1) before you sign, as you will be giving up important legal rights.

We strive to continue our summer programs and events to the fullest extent practical and intend to take responsible measures to promote the safety of all participants, coaches, staff, volunteers and supporting families. As this situation continues to evolve, and may be subject to changing mandates and guidance, FVCS will try to provide updates to programs as they become available on the FVCS webpage (www.fourvalleys.org).

Thank you,

Four Valleys Community School