Garces Newsletter
A Letter From the Principal

Garces Family,

Happy last day of school! I want to thank everyone for their support throughout the last two months of the school year. Not only did we complete our education virtually, but we also didn't just survive, we thrived. I must say a big thank you to our Garces teaching staff. They continued to educate your children on a daily basis and we are so blessed to have such a committed faculty. Students, we know this isn't the way any of us wanted to end the school year. We know you missed out on so much and for that, we are so sorry. We can't wait to have you on campus to make many more memories. I want to commend you on your commitment to academics because while you could have decided to give up, you did not. You pushed through it because we at Garces are fighters, and when things get tough, we always come out on top. Parents, that is a testament to you. You have raised such hard-working students, and we are so lucky to be apart of their academic success. 

As you know, summer school will continue virtually. There will be a summer school pick up on Thursday of next week from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This will also be the time for any senior who did not get their diplomas or any student who did not get their yearbooks to pick them up. 

Lastly, as soon as I have any updates on next year, you will be the first to know. We pray that we can reopen in a way that is, first and foremost, safe for everyone's health. Please have a restful summer with your loved ones and stay safe and healthy. Proud to be a RAM.

In Christ,
Myka Peck
Principal
GMHS Bi-Weekly Schedule
Click here to view the Garces Calendar
Memorial Day
May 25th

Summer School Book/Packet Pick-Up
May 28th

First Day of Virtual Summer School
June 1st
Happy Retirement Mr. Brown and Ms. Antongiovanni!

We wish you both a happy retirement! You will both be missed so much! We are Garces!
A Goodbye Message from Mr. Mark Brown
Hey guys, I want to say how grateful and lucky I am for being here at Garces and being part of everyone’s lives. The “Wizard of Westwood,” John Wooden always said if you surround yourself with good people, then great things will happen. I’m so fortunate to have been part of a great group of people. Our faculty and staff, our kids and their parents have made my life a dream come true. It’s easy to get up to go to work when I look forward to seeing the people I teach and work with every day. I will miss everyone so much - hanging out with the kids and faculty in the quad, joking around with everybody, coaching, BBQ’s, and doing art. It was a weird year to retire, but I’ll be back to visit, fo sho. I just wanted to tell everyone I love you and thank you all for making my life so enjoyable and satisfying the past 42 years. Peace Out ✌️
A Goodbye Message from Ms. Antongiovanni ('72)
It only seems appropriate that I should be retiring, from my almost 27 years of teaching, from my alma mater. I have thoroughly enjoyed being back here at Garces. There is a special place in my heart for the class of 2020. This is an amazing group of young adults who are experiencing a unique time in their life. I feel that these seniors will be stronger and more successful for living through this pandemic. My love and prayers go out to my seniors and the entire Garces family. Everyone stay safe and healthy. Thank you for letting me be an on campus Ram again!
Online Learning Survey
The Office of Catholic Education of the Diocese of Fresno has asked that families of current students complete a survey about their online learning experience. The feedback from this will help the diocese in their decision making over the next few months as we continue to navigate this challenging time. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below.
Garces Memorial Summer School
At Garces Memorial High School, our top priority is the safety and well-being of the students. With that in mind, we have elected to offer summer classes online via the Zoom app, rather than on our physical campus. Due to this decision, there will be no late fee for registration. If you have already registered for a course that has been canceled, you will receive an email detailing your options to change classes or receive a refund.

Garces Memorial Summer School is open to students entering 5th through 12th grade. In its 28th year of operation, we offer 10-unit courses approved by the Kern High School District in Math, English, Social Studies and Spanish. Additionally, we offer 5-unit courses in Computer Applications, Health and Theology. We will still provide non-credit courses like SAT Prep, Art, Summer Reading and Dance. Garces students who wish to participate in cheerleading and football during the 2020-2021 school year are required to sign up for those classes.

For 5th through 8th graders, there are two, two-week sessions available. Kids can take academic core classes like Math, English and Spanish. Non-academic classes like Dance, Art and CSI: Forensic Science will be offered online.

On Thursday, May 28th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. we will have a drive-through summer school book/packet pick up in the front parking. More information on what classes will require a packet or book will be posted on our  website .

For more information and to register, click here.
Summer Reading & 2020-2021 Class Schedules
Over the summer, students are required to read a list of books on which they will be tested when school resumes. For the summer reading list, click the button below.

Our counselors have started working on class schedules for the 2020-2021 school year. An email will be sent out when they are completed.
Newsletter Will Return in August
This is the final edition of the newsletter for the 2019-2020 school year. The newsletter will return when classes resume in August.
Class of 2020 Cruise Down Memory Lane

To the Class of 2020,

There is no doubt you will go down in history. Thank you for the last four years and the past few truly unforgettable months. You showed us what hard work and determination means and what unconditional love and deep faith looks like. Thank you for letting us celebrate you with a trip down memory lane. You will never be forgotten. We love you and God bless!

P.S. 100% of the Class of 2020 graduated! We are Garces! 

Click on the photo above to watch our video recap!
ASB Student Council
ASB student council elections will be held in the fall.
Garces Memorial FFA
Want to be in FFA? Freshmen register for Introduction to Agriculture! Summer School is encouraged to allow flexibility in course schedule. If you have questions, contact Mrs. Rossi at arossi@garces.org.

Click the flyer to watch a video highlighting our Garces Memorial FFA chapter. Follow Garces Memorial HIgh School FFA on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date and learn more!
If you prefer to donate by check, send to:
Garces Memorial High School
Ram Relief Fund
2800 Loma Linda Dr.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Changes in Charitable Contributions for 2020

As you probably know, the U.S. Congress has passed the CARES Act -- this act has many facets and also makes certain modifications to help incentivize philanthropic contributions. As part of these changes, the CARES Act is allowing a 100% deduction allowance for cash gifts to charities for the entire 2020 tax year, up to your adjusted gross income. Previously, the allowance has been 60% allowance of adjusted gross income.

Up to $300 per taxpayer or $600 per couple can now be an “above the line” adjustment to income. Even if you don’t itemize for your taxes, a donation up to $300 will reduce your taxable income this year.
College Graduation? Wedding? New Baby? New Job? Alumni News to Share?
Please send us pictures and updates on the news in your life so we can share it with others. You can email ldurrett@garces.org with your news and we will share with the Garces Ram Family.
Congratulations graduates!
Dr. Dominic Carlson '12
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Creighton University
Alyssa Hernandez '16
Masters Degree
University of Southern California
Caroline Edmonston '13
Masters Degree
Pepperdine University
Vincent Randolph '13
Masters Degree
University of San Francisco
Paige Sakowski '15
California State University, Fresno
Jaclyn Morris '14
Masters Degree
San Diego State University
Thomas Packebush '16
Oregon State University
Gretchen Kuntz Stevens '15
California State University, Bakersfield
Julianne Finch '16
California State University, Bakersfield
Congratulations on your marriages!
Due to the coronavirus guidelines and restrictions, some of our alumni opted to get married with a small ceremony on the original day they had planned with big celebrations to follow. Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Meagan Shambaugh Marino '11 and her husband Andrew Marino
Taylor Uribe Akins '14 and her husband Brett Akins
Dinah Barnett Sweaney '13 and Jake Sweaney '13
2020 Hall of Honor
The Garces Alumni Board has the 2020 Hall of Honor scheduled for Thursday, September 12th. Due to the closure of the campus of Garces and the social distancing guidelines, the Garces Memorial Alumni Board is waiting on selecting the 2020 inductees until they are able to meet in person. The date for the Hall of Honor Awards Banquet is dependent upon the social distancing guidelines and may have to be rescheduled as the event usually draws close to 250 people. Once the board knows more over the summer, they will be able to move forward to honor a new group of inductees and confirm the date of the event. It is the hope of the Alumni Board to hold the Hall of Honor on September 12th in Monsignor Leddy Hall as originally planned.