Dear Girard Families,
 
The situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease has been a rapidly evolving challenge for all of us, and Iā€™m grateful that the Girard community ā€“ faculty, staff, students, and families ā€“ has banded together with the goal to keep all of us safe and healthy. Currently, no students, faculty or staff at Girard College have been diagnosed with the virus.
 
After due consideration and following the guidance of medical and government officials, Girard College will transition to a virtual learning model beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Thursday, April 2.
 
Students will be provided with all necessary instructional materials before dismissal today including Chromebooks, iPads, textbooks and workbooks. They will also be instructed to take all personal belongings home. Students should leave uniforms at the College. Leadership will be available to assist with dismissal.
 
All staff will report for an In-Service Day on Monday, March 16 to finalize preparations to deliver lessons online.
 
Virtual GC will begin on Tuesday, March 17. Please plan to check your email daily for instructional information. To ensure reliable internet access, Comcast has expanded their Internet Essentials program to help families during this outbreak. See more details on this program here.
 
Spring Break will be held as scheduled, Friday April 3 through Monday, April 13.
 
We intend to resume all normal daily operational activities by Tuesday, April 14. Because of the fluidity of the challenge, we will either confirm or extend the return by Thursday, April 2.
 
Additional Notes:
  • All school-related campus and athletic activities remain cancelled until further notice.
  • Medicine will be sent home as usual with students today.
  • If families need to come to campus on Monday to get instructional packets, materials, medicine, etc., we will be here.
 
I want to share my heartfelt thanks for your flexibility, cooperation, and understanding with this challenging situation. Girard College places the highest priority on the safety, health and welfare of all of our students, staff, and families. We will continue to keep you up to date on the latest developments via email and on our website: www.girardcollege.edu/about/coronavirus
 
Be well. Hail Girard!
Heather D. Wathington, Ph.D.
President, Girard College