At Garces Memorial High School, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students. A directive came down from the Diocese of Fresno to close all school campuses in the diocese effective Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th. Classes are scheduled to resume Monday, March 30th. The closure is out of an abundance of caution regarding the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The decision was made at the diocesan level in consultation with Bishop Joseph Brennan, Superintendent Mona Faulkner, Monsignor Perry Kavookjian and Principal Myka Peck. We continue to monitor updates regarding COVID-19 on a local, national and international level. 

While our physical campus is closed, we do have an extensive plan to continue our high-quality education through online class instruction, thanks, in part, to our 1:1: iPad technology. Our teachers will use the ZOOM app to teach lessons virtually and all class materials will be uploaded on iTunes U. Each student’s iPad will become their virtual classroom and we will continue to follow the regular block schedule. To make the transition to online learning as smooth as possible, students spent time in each of their classes over the last few days logging onto the app and signing into a class meeting with each of their teachers. We understand this immediate transition is not ideal, however online learning is part of 21st century learning. As a college preparatory school, this provides us an opportunity to help prepare students for their future. 

Teachers will take roll at the beginning of each session and the normal attendance policy still applies. If students are unable to log on to a class session for any reason, an email from his or her parent needs to be sent to Mrs. Burns . Additionally, students are expected to maintain the same level of respect during their virtual classes as they would in a normal classroom setting.

Regarding athletics and all extra-curricular activities, those too are suspended until further notice. This includes all games and practices.

As of this time, we plan to be back inside our buildings on March 30th. However, this timeline is fluid and is subject to change. During the closure, we are disinfecting the entire campus to ensure a safe learning environment for our students when they return to campus. We will continue to monitor updates and will stay in communication with you all. All updates will be emailed out through Constant Contact, posted on our website and posted on our social media pages. 

Below you will find links to the expected dress code for student during this time, the discipline policy, instructions for students on how to use ZOOM and a list of all teachers’ ZOOM ID numbers students need to log into their class meetings. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Principal Myka Peck.