Student Life

Campus Culture

There are plenty of opportunities for fun and campus-wide activities when you're not in class or studying. We have weekend activity trips and close access to the Rocky Mountain ski resorts, Downtown Colorado Springs, our Class of '69 Mountain Campus, and many more regional destinations. 

Frautschi Campus Center

Students gather in the Frautschi Campus Center during free periods to hang out, check your mail, purchase campus gear, study together, enjoy snacks from the RK Cafe, offering ping pong, pool, movie theatre, or video games. 
 

Your Weekend

All students will have lots of choices for things to do both on campus and off, and every weekend is different. Activities can include:
 
  • Movie bus to local theaters
  • Athletic Center plus, can include swimming and climbing 
  • Asian & Hispanic grocery market trips
  • Movies in the FVS Campus Center Movie Theatre
  • Open Maker Space in the library
  • Group bus every weekend at Colorado’s world-class ski resorts
  • Shopping buses to Downtown COS, Castle Rock Outlets, Briargate
  • Ice skating
  • Musuems, Special Events  & Exhibit Bus Trips

Activities are optional! Weekly communication will highlight weekend offerings and sign-ups. 

Unity Day

Unity Celebration is a full-day, all-campus event where the entire FVS community explores various cultures and deepens its understanding of race, class, gender, and cultures different than their own. With students from over 24 countries, 29 states, and diverse backgrounds, this is an opportunity to celebrate that which makes us different from one another. Unity Celebration offers student- and faculty-led workshops and activities throughout the day.

Student-run Workshops

List of 19 items.

  • A Sea of Plastic : Quinn L. ’22

    The oceans of the world make up 96.5 of all the earth’s water. An estimated 80% of all life on our planet lives in these vast expanses of salt water, a mere 10% of which we humans have explored. The ocean is a rich ecosystem containing a dense wealth of knowledge that we as people have barely even begun to understand. Yet, it seems that we, as a species, have waged war against this beautiful, bountiful resource; War in the form of pollution. Experts estimate that 14 billion pounds of trash - mostly plastic - is dumped into our seas every year. This plastic butchers untold millions of marine lives and desolates our oceanic biomes to an inconceivable degree. The harm people have inflicted upon this irreplaceable bounty of undiscovered wisdom is severe, but it is not irreversible. You can help. You can assist in the salvaging of our oceans; so come see what you can save.
  • Chicago: History, Violence, and Pizza: Tory J. ’22, Eryn M. ’21, and Lily R. ’21

    In this presentation, we will dive deep into the history of Chicago’s rich culture and current events (also pizza). We will be comparing the dynamics of the two sides of the city, the north and the south. Currently, Chicago is experiencing many adversities that have been prominent throughout America. We will talk about these events and the impacts they have made on the city. We want to share our experiences of growing up in/near Chicago along with getting people excited about the culture of the city!
  • Chinese Philosophy and Traditional Games: Jack L. ’22

    Uncover the secrets of the ancient and mysterious Eastern country, study the only hieroglyphs still in use, and experience a variety of traditional games. Chinese culture is amazing, try to feel the harmony between human and nature, then understand life better.
  • Criminological Psychology: How Different?: Elisa L. ’22, Kevin H. ’22

    This workshop introduces the cases of  famous criminals and examines the psychology behind their crimes. We will analyze their childhoods, relationships, and stress triggers--the event or events which caused them to be outlaws. Then we will categorize these criminals and demonstrate some basic knowledge about criminal psychology. For example, Aileen Carol Wuornos was a serial killer who aimed at 40-60 year-old men.
  • Economic Inequality in the US: Joumana A. ’22, Anabelle B. ’22

    Within our community, class is a topic that often goes unmentioned and discussions about it tend to be uncommon.  This workshop explores divides created by economic disparity, even the hidden ones.  It also seeks to further our awareness of the social repercussions of the class divide and look at the direct examples we can find in our community’s dynamics. This workshop puts an emphasis on discussion so come ready to participate.
  • Global Awareness: Malachi M. ’23, Aidyn R. ’22

    Maybe you know a little about something… You might even know a whole lot about a little but do you know the nations of our world? A lot of us don’t. Sign up for a low pressure activity where everyone will find their country score... How many countries can you name in 15 minutes? 

    We will follow up the quiz with a presentation about most missed countries and unique cultures that surround us.  It’ll be a very light hearted and lightly competitive way to check out your score and knowledge of the world countries. 
  • Internalized Misogyny and Toxic Masculinity: Ari C. ’22, Emma G. ’22, Maya M. ’22, and Lyndee P. ’22

    This workshop is designed to educate people on the harms of internalised misogyny and toxic masculinity in an engaging and interactive way. Our goal is to recognize the ways the two subconsciously manifest themselves into our everyday lives. Then we will discuss how to combat these microaggressions.
  • Introduction to Pandemics: The Mechanism and History of Different Diseases: Jocelyn N. ’22, Annie Z. ’22

  • Learn to Make your Own Japanese Floral Art- Sogetsu-ryu style: Linda P. ’22, Max Z. ’21

    Students will learn the history of the evolution for flower arrangement and the difference between traditional Japanese and European style of architecture. We will first show a presentation to introduce the idea of floral art and the comparison between continents. Then we will provide a model and participants will be given the chance to try it out for themselves to tap into the imagination.  After they finish building, there will be a short presentation from each group to introduce the idea and the thoughts of the design they chose.
  • LGBTQ+ Crash Course: Lisbet J. ’21

    How much do you actually know about the LGBTQ+ community? If the answer is "not much" or "absolutely nothing," then this is the workshop for you! With the help of some games and friendly competition, we'll cover everything from the pride flag's origin to science and gender to what the letters "LGBTQ" even stand for.
  • Living with Autism and My Family History: Barrow W. ’21

    In this presentation I will try to explain what autism is, how it affects people and how one can be a friend to those with autism.  I hope to help the community understand what it's like to live with autism to encourage kindness, dignity, and love for all people.
  • Living with Bipolar Disorder: Chloe L. ’21

    My Unity Day workshop will explore what it is like to live with Bipolar Disorder, and still live a successful life. I plan to show how hardship can make us stronger. I also want to educate our community on Bipolar Disorder, as many people aren't aware of what this mental illness actually looks like. My workshop will use narrative to teach others about what Bipolar Disorder is, and show the community that mental illness does not mean that success and happiness cannot be found.
  • Native American Hoop Dance: Sam M. ’24

    The Hoop Dance plays a major role in Native American Culture. It is known as a healing dance, but also to show and represent Balance. It can be danced using fifteen hoops but I am only dancing with six for the demonstration.
  • Teen Mental Health During the Pandemic: Tenzin D. ’22, Eliana M. ’22, and Mia S. ’22

    This past year, students have faced challenges that have had impacts on every aspect of our daily lives. Because nothing like the Covid-19 pandemic has happened in recent history, our society has been entirely unprepared for the changes it has imposed. We will examine how changes such as virtual education, social isolation, quarantine, and experiencing a Covid-19 infection have impacted our mental health and well-being, and we will look at potential solutions to help combat the issues that students are facing.
  • The 'Lost' Daughters of China: Lily C. ’23, Lilly F. ’23, Maya F. ’23, and Abby L. ’22

    In 1979, China introduced a nationwide policy in order to control the growth rate of the rising population. The very next year, it was implemented and named the one-child policy. Nearly 40 years later, in 2016, China ended their controversial policy but with everlasting effects. One of which was the mass adoption of Chinese infants to America, especially those who were female. In this session, we will be sharing our adoption stories as the 'lost' daughters of China. We will also be exploring how our struggle with cultural identity has been affected not only by being internationally adopted but transracially as well.
  • The Demon Inside: Depression: Ben J. ’22

    This presentation will introduce what Major Depressive Disorder and potential triggers of depression. Using my personal experiences with depression, I will discuss how to adjust when feeling depressed, strategies of prevention and self-help, and other treatment options.  Finally, I will discuss how other people can respond to those who have Major Depressive Disorder, especially in terms of treating people with kindness and respect.
  • The Repression of Uighur Muslims in China: Maddy B. ’21, Kellyn P. ’21

    Did you know that concentration camps still exist today? Since 2017, over 1 million Uighur Muslims have been detained in more than 85 camps across Northwestern China. After a long period of denial from the Chinese government, images of these camps finally emerged, prompting the government to address them as “re-education centers” for Uighurs. In this presentation we are hoping to raise awareness about this topic through videos, presentations and group activities. If you want to know more about this and help raise awareness, come to our unity day session!
  • Us vs. Them: Untangling the Roots of American Polarization in America: Layla E. ’21, Ezra P. ’21

    Are you scared for America? Are you afraid it will cease to be the United States of America? If you are, you aren't alone. Polarization has always been a part of politics since America's founding and likely always will be a part of politics. It is baked into the very roots of the US system of government, but America doesn't have to be as divisive as it is right now. Social media and news coverage caters to groups of like-minded people to an extent that hasn't been seen in the past. On top of this, our political parties' basic ideologies are becoming more distant from each other, resulting in two parties which don't allow for nuanced middle-ground views to have a platform. America has two groups of people that disagree on such fundamental issues that they can't find anything they agree on. This should not be the case. At the extreme, this type of polarization could lead to the fall of America as we know, or it could just blow over. There are steps individuals like me or you can take to encourage the current political polarization to "just blow over" though.
  • Venezuelan Refugee Crisis: Abusive Treatment and Likely to Amplify COVID Transmission: Isa F. ’21

    How many kilometers are you prepared to walk to flee hunger? For Venezuelans, no distance is too great to escape their country’s economic and social collapse. In this workshop, we will learn how and why five million refugees and migrants have left Venezuela as a result of the political turmoil, socio-economic instability and the ongoing humanitarian crisis - triggering the largest external displacement crisis in Latin America’s recent history. We will also analyze the effects of this migration in the neighboring countries, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and Peru. Be prepared to share ideas, participate in a discussion, and learn how you, a Fountain Valley student, can help these migrants’ lives.

DANCES

FVS holds many fun dances throughout the year. In addition to traditional dances like prom, and formals, there are also events unique to FVS: 
 

Stupid Night Out

You’ve never seen anything like SNO (Stupid Night Out), a tradition since 1983 at FVS. It is a celebration of all things "stupid," which means poking good-natured fun at pop culture, fashion, food and music. It’s nearly impossible to describe! Students dress in outrageous costumes and gather in the Campus Center to dance to music, planned lipsyncs & skits, and revel in many festivities.

Barn Dance

Mosey on down to the barn and kick up your heels to country music. Warm yourself at the bonfire and make s’mores, learn to lasso, bob for apples and chow down on BBQ!

Ski / Ride Weekend

Head to the Class of '69 Mountain Campus just two hours away near Buena Vista for two days of skiing or snowboarding at nearby Monarch Mountain. This is for any level to experience world-class offerings in Colorado’s legendary powder snow. During the evening, you'll have the option to head to nearby natural hot springs at Mt. Princeton Resort. 

Lunar New Year

Fountain Valley rings in the Lunar New Year over several days with many colorful events that provide opportunities for our international students to share their traditions with the FVS Community. You’ll enjoy performances, special meals and games.

Earth Day

Students and faculty celebrate Earth Day through workshops and hands-on projects. Plant a bee garden and tend to the on-campus hives, clean up a nearby creek, learn plant-based cooking, build birdhouses for the prairie bluebirds —these are just a few of the activities that fill up Earth Day. 

Deans of Students

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of David Racine

    David Racine 

    Dean of Students
    (719) 391-5233
  • Photo of Erica Walker

    Erica Walker 

    Assistant Dean of Students
FVS is a private, college-preparatory, co-ed, day and boarding school for grades 9-12 in Colorado Springs.
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