News
GPS & COVID-19 Update | April 26, 2020
Update on end-of-year events
Dear GPS Community,
Pivoting. I don’t remember using that word much until COVID-19. It’s what each GPS student, parent, teacher, and coach has had to do on almost a daily basis in order to make school happen for our girls. We certainly understand that the changes have been stressful and often disappointing. Under these circumstances, our girls have shown perseverance, strength, flexibility, and, most importantly, a deep compassion for their GPS sisters and teachers. We are committed to making the end of our school year as memorable and special as possible for our girls.
Below are details about our end-of-year schedule and events. Please note that more details on each event will be forthcoming. As of now, we plan for all events through May to be hosted online.
Middle School Calendar Updates and Culminating Events
Middle School Calendar Updates and Culminating Events
- Week of April 27: Virtual Seventh-Grade Mother-Daughter Picnic
- May 12, 2:45 p.m.: Virtual MS Class Day Celebration
- May 14, 7 p.m.: Virtual Eighth-Grade Celebration
- May 15: Last Day of School
- May 15, 2 p.m.: Virtual All-School Assembly and Class Gatherings for End-of-Year Celebrations
Upper School Calendar Updates and Culminating Events
- May 7, 7 p.m.: Virtual Cum Laude
- May 8: Last Day of School for Seniors
- May 12, 7 p.m.: Virtual US Class Day Celebration
- May 15: Last Day of School for All Others
- May 15, 2 p.m.: Virtual All-School Assembly and Class Gatherings for End-of-Year Celebrations
AP and Final Exams
- Although we have traditionally required all AP students to sit for their AP exams, we have made a decision to allow each girl to choose whether or not to take the AP exam in consultation with her family and teachers.
- There will be no final exams or final exam week for students.
Prom, May Day, and Commencement
We are still hopeful that some version of Prom, May Day, and Commencement will be possible to celebrate the Class of 2020. We are asking the families of seniors to continue holding June 18-19 and July 23-24.
We will notify you as soon as we have enough information about the pandemic duration and guidelines/mandates from governing entities as they pertain to gatherings to make a final decision. The probability that these events will need to abide by social distancing protocols is very high. More information will be shared as soon as it is available. As we have asked you in previous communications, please do not make any reservations or plans that are not refundable.
Summer Programs
We are still hopeful that some version of Prom, May Day, and Commencement will be possible to celebrate the Class of 2020. We are asking the families of seniors to continue holding June 18-19 and July 23-24.
We will notify you as soon as we have enough information about the pandemic duration and guidelines/mandates from governing entities as they pertain to gatherings to make a final decision. The probability that these events will need to abide by social distancing protocols is very high. More information will be shared as soon as it is available. As we have asked you in previous communications, please do not make any reservations or plans that are not refundable.
Summer Programs
- We hope to offer summer programs on campus as soon as it is safe to do so. State and local mandates will govern our schedule. Until that time, we have determined that the June session of our summer program is canceled.
- July on-campus programming is under consideration and more information will be forthcoming once we have guidance from governing entities.
- These changes and the refund process will be communicated this week to families who have registered for summer programs.
- We are in the process of designing new virtual summer enrichment, arts, and athletic opportunities for current and newly enrolled students. More information on those offerings will be shared soon.
- Two for-credit summer academic enrichment programs are being offered online—History of Christianity and World Religions. Click here for more information and to register.
We very much appreciate your understanding and patient support as we navigate this ever-evolving pandemic and operationalize all the mandates and regulations as they pertain to GPS. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Division Office.
We are all also thinking about the start of school in the fall. While many questions remain about the pandemic’s duration, we are working on developing plans for various scenarios. We will share more information as soon as it is available.
As always, our best wishes are with each GPS family for your physical and mental wellbeing. We share your hope for better days ahead for our girls and our community.
Here’s to the Girls,
We are all also thinking about the start of school in the fall. While many questions remain about the pandemic’s duration, we are working on developing plans for various scenarios. We will share more information as soon as it is available.
As always, our best wishes are with each GPS family for your physical and mental wellbeing. We share your hope for better days ahead for our girls and our community.
Here’s to the Girls,
Dr. Autumn A. Graves
Head of School
