Garfield HS News

School Announcements

Welcome Back!

• April/May: View Testing and Assessment Windows
  • SBA ELA, SBA Math, WCAS, and AP Exams.
• Senior Info! Graduation, Timeline
• Volunteer Opportunities: We need volunteers!
  • AP Testing, Campus Support, Career Exploration and more!

Have Questions or Concerns?

For questions and concerns reach out to your Interim and Assistant Principals for helpful support.

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Garfield HS PTSA Website

Garfield High School features a diverse set of families, broad range of class offerings, sports and activities, and  students with talents of just about every kind. Garfield’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) engages parents, faculty, students and staff in a creative collaboration that adds to the Garfield experience in many ways. We are affiliated with the Seattle Council PTSA and Washington State PTA.

The PTSA has been Garfield’s most enduring school support organization. Besides being a source of volunteer energy, the PTSA provides more than $200,000 annually for school projects, staff and student support, and community-building activities. The PTSA also advocates  for appropriate levels of district and state funding for education.

Among the PTSA tools to help you navigate GHS are the eBark (weekly e-newsletter), our website, Garfield PTSA FB and other e-mail updates. Watch for announcements of parent/caregiver get-togethers!

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Principal Hart Student & Family Resources

School Communication Resources

• SchoolMessenger is the automatic notification service that Garfield and SPS uses for family outreach, emergency broadcasts, and other communications. SchoolMessenger sends messages to the email addresses and/or phone numbers on file. Please ensure that your contact information is correct to ensure you receive timely information.
• Talking Points: This school year, teachers and staff members will be communicating using Talking Points. Learn more about Talking Points.
• Stay Tuned for information regarding the return of the Garfield High School app.

Responsible Cell Phone Use

While technology has its benefits, in-class cell phone usage can be detrimental. The National Education Association notes that students who are distracted by texts or social media updates are not fully engaged in their learning. According to recent U.S. studies, using cell phones in class can lower academic performance by as much as 20%. We are asking for your help in encouraging students to put phones away during instructional time.

Attendance Matters

Research shows that regular school attendance is a key factor in student success. A study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that students who attend school regularly are more likely to pass reading and math assessments than those who do not attend school regularly. In addition, students who are absent or chronically tardy to class miss valuable instructional time. We are asking each family to have proactive discussions around the responsible use of cell phones in class and the importance of attending all classes and arriving on time. Your partnership will help improve the overall quality of our educational environment and create a culture that focuses on student growth and joy. Your commitment, support, and love turn Garfield into more than just a school—it makes it a community.

• Garfield HS Bell Schedules.
• The school day begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 3:40 p.m. on M, T, Th, and F. The school day begins at 8:50 a.m. on Wednesdays and ends at 2:25 p.m.
• Advisory is returning as a required class. Advisory is a credit-bearing class, and attendance is required.
• Orca Cards: Due to a state-wide measure, youth who are under 19 years old, can ride public transportation for free. This means that the district no longer provides cards to SPS students. For additional information, please refer to the ORCA Information.

Garfield HS Counselors

Our guidance counselors are here to offer the academic and emotional support that students may need throughout the year.

The caseloads for this year are:

• 9th Grade: Kandace Alston (kalston@seattleschools.org)
• 10th & 11th Grade:
  • Last name A-G: Daniel Lee (dwlee@seattleschools.org)
  • Last name H-N: Jess Allen (jmallen1@seattleschools.org)
  • Last name O-Z: Ken Courtney (kcourtney@seattleschools.org)
• 12th Grade:
  • Last name A-D: Daniel Lee (dwlee@seattleschools.org)
  • Last name E-J: Kandace Alston (kalston@seattleschools.org)
  • Last name K-Q: Jess Allen (jmallen1@seattleschools.org)
  • Last name R-Z: Ken Courtney (kcourtney@seattleschools.org)

Volunteer Opportunities

We believe in the power of community and would be delighted to have parents help us in various capacities:

• Campus Safety Ambassadors: Assist with safe entry and exiting of campus before and after school.
• After-School Programs: Offer workshops or classes that help students learn skills and explore interests.
• Academic Coaching: Help students with homework, test preparation, and study skills.
• Career Exploration: Guide students in exploring their interests and potential career paths, including setting up job-shadow opportunities.
• Mentoring: Provide a safe space for students to discuss concerns, navigate social dynamics, and build self-confidence

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please complete the volunteer interest form. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch with next steps, including background checks and training sessions. Volunteer at Garfield.

Why Your Support Matters

Your time and guidance can make a tremendous difference in a student’s life. Research shows that students with mentors perform better in school, have higher self-esteem, and are more likely to go on to higher education. We hope you’ll consider joining us in this fulfilling venture that enriches our students’ lives and provides a rewarding experience for our volunteers. Note: All volunteers will need to undergo training and a background check. You can commit as little or as much time as you can afford; every bit helps!