September 2, 2024

Dear Garfield Families,

As we prepare for the start of the new school year, I want to share some important updates regarding our cell phone policy, student ID requirements, and regular attendance and punctuality. Your support in these areas is essential for creating a safe, focused, and respectful environment where all students can succeed. These policies will be included in the Student Handbook, which will be available next week. Students will review key sections of the handbook during advisory classes in the second week of school.

Cell Phone Policy

We aim to ensure all students can focus on their learning without distractions. To support this, we have established the following cell phone policy:

• No Cell Phones in Class: Cell phones and earbuds/headphones are not allowed during class unless specifically permitted by the teacher for educational purposes. This policy helps to maintain a learning-focused environment where students can engage fully with the lesson.
• Storing Phones: Upon entering the classroom, students are required to silence their phones and store them in the “Cell Phone Airbnb,” where the teacher can easily see them. Each teacher will review the process for phone storage.   Students should secure their phones in their bags in classrooms that are not equipped with these storage solutions. Phones should not be left on desks or chairs where they can become a distraction. Thanks to a generous grant from the Garfield Foundation, all classrooms will soon be equipped with “Cell Phone Airbnbs” in the coming weeks.
• Appropriate Cell Phone Use: Students are allowed to use their phones during passing periods and lunch but must do so in a non-disruptive manner. Phones must remain on silent throughout the school day.
• Shelter-in-Place or Lockdown Situations: In the event of a shelter-in-place or lockdown, students will be allowed access to their cell phones to communicate with family members and stay informed about the situation. We understand the importance of maintaining communication during emergencies, and our priority is the safety and well-being of all students.
• Consequences: If a phone rings, is used without permission during class, or is visible during class time, staff will enforce our cell phone policy with progressive discipline. Continued violations will result in more serious actions. Our aim is to support students in responsible behavior while maintaining a productive learning environment. Punitive consequences are always a last resort. 
• No Unauthorized Recording: To protect everyone’s privacy, students are not allowed to photograph or record individuals without their consent. This policy ensures that all members of our school community feel safe and respected.
• Parental Contact: Parents and guardians are welcome to contact their child via cell phone during their lunch period. Please call the school’s main office at 206-252-2270 for urgent matters or emergencies.

Student ID Requirements

Student IDs play a vital role in maintaining a secure campus. To ensure that everyone on campus is easily identifiable, we have implemented the following procedures:

• Photo Days: Students will have their ID photos taken this Thursday and Friday. If your child is unable to take their photo on these days, we will schedule a make-up date later.
• Wearing IDs: All students and staff are asked to always wear their IDs while on campus. This is a key part of our safety measures, and we appreciate your help in reminding your child of this responsibility.

Attendance and Punctuality

Regular attendance and punctuality are crucial to your child’s success in school. When students are tardy to class or absent, they miss valuable instructional time that cannot be easily made up. Each class period is designed to build on the previous one, and arriving late means missing key explanations, discussions, and activities that are essential for understanding the material.

• Impact of Tardiness: Research shows that being late to class can have a significant negative impact on a student’s academic performance. A 2022 study from the American Educational Research Association found that students who are frequently tardy miss important content and struggle to catch up, leading to lower grades and decreased engagement in the classroom (Garcia & Weiss, 2022). This loss of instructional time can accumulate, affecting a student’s overall academic progress and self-confidence.
• Importance of Consistent Attendance: Following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to establish a routine that supports regular attendance. The same study highlighted that students with consistent attendance and punctuality are more likely to perform well academically, participate actively in class, and develop stronger connections with their peers and teachers. Regular attendance helps students stay on track with their learning, making it easier to keep up with coursework and prepare for exams.
• Our Commitment: We are committed to working with families to support regular attendance and address any barriers that might prevent your child from arriving on time. If you need assistance in this area, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information on our attendance policies and procedures, please visit Garfield High School Attendance Policy and Procedures.

Lunch Clarification

During the 2024-2025 school year, Garfield will have two lunch periods to better accommodate our students. However, it’s important to note that Garfield does not have a closed campus. Closed campuses are currently being piloted at two other high schools in the district. Our school district hopes to learn from these pilots before considering the adoption of a closed campus policy at other schools.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making Garfield High School a place where all students can learn, grow, and thrive.

In partnership,
Principal Hart

Citation: Garcia, E., & Weiss, E. (2022). COVID-19 and Education: The Lingering Effects on Student Attendance and Achievement. American Educational Research Association.

September 2, 2024

Dear Garfield Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!  Whether you are returning or joining the Garfield community for the first time, we are excited to have you with us. Garfield is a place where diversity, talent, and spirit come together to create an environment rich with opportunities for learning and growth.

This year, we recommit to the core values embodied in our mission: One Garfield. This guiding principle underscores our dedication to fostering a school environment where every student, every family, and every staff member is not only valued but actively supported. Our challenges, particularly the heartbreaking loss of our beloved student, Amarr Murphy-Paine, have deepened our resolve to stand united as a community. One Garfield symbolizes our steadfast commitment to ensuring every student has the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive.

New and Enhanced Supports

In partnership with Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle, Garfield will benefit from several new initiatives aimed at enhancing student safety and well-being:

• Expanded Community Partnerships: We are partnering with the Seattle Community Safety Initiative (SCSI), which includes organizations such as Community Passageways, SE Safety Network/Boys & Girls Club, Urban Family, and the YMCA. Garfield is prioritized in getting these community partnerships on board, and the district is working on an expedited Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with these organizations to ensure that support is available on campus as close to day one as possible. These community-based organizations will bring their expertise directly to our campus, offering resources, intervention services, and ongoing support to our students and families. Their involvement is crucial in creating a more connected and resilient school community.
  • Violence Intervention Specialists and Case Management: As part of this partnership, Garfield High School will have dedicated violence intervention specialists on campus who will work closely with students to provide support, mediate conflicts, and help prevent future tragedies. This case management support will be available to assist students and families with resource navigation, connecting them with essential services and support systems. These specialists are part of a broader effort to ensure that our students feel safe, supported, and able to overcome any barriers to academic and personal success.
  • Safe Passage Program: The Safe Passage Program will be expanded to ensure that students have trusted individuals to help them navigate safely to and from school. These individuals will provide immediate safety interventions and serve as a reliable, long-term presence for our students.
• Additional Security Specialists: In response to the need for enhanced safety, Seattle Public Schools is assigning two additional security specialists to our campus, bringing the total to four. These additional security specialists will be on campus starting day one, ensuring immediate support and a secure environment for all students and staff. Their presence is part of a district-wide effort to reinforce school safety, particularly in response to our challenges this past year.
• Increased Presence of Seattle Police Department: The Seattle Police Department will increase its presence around Garfield during critical times, including lunch and after school. This collaboration will help create a safer environment while fostering trust within our community, starting day one.
• Enhanced Mental Health Support: The City of Seattle is investing in hiring additional mental health counselors and care coordinators to provide in-person support for students needing mental health services. This initiative will increase access to critical mental health resources, ensuring that students receive the care and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.
• Family Resource Fund: We are also introducing the Family Resource Fund, a separate initiative supported by the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD). This flexible fund is designed to assist students and families at the highest risk of gun violence. The fund will provide essential support, including clothing, food, utilities, and transportation, helping to alleviate the burdens that can interfere with students’ ability to focus on their education and well-being.

First Day of School and Schedule Information

As we prepare for the start of the school year, here are some important details:

• Student Schedules: Schedules will be available on The Source starting September 3, 2024. Please log in to The Source to access your schedule before the first day of school. If your schedule is unavailable on The Source, please report to the Counseling Office on the morning of September 4. For information and directions on how to access The Source, please visit Seattle Public Schools Technology Supports for Families: The Source.
• Schedule Changes: If a schedule change is needed, students should submit a class change request and continue to attend the assigned class(es) until the counseling team makes any adjustments. You can access the necessary forms and additional information through our School Counseling page.
• Missing Classes: Students with missing classes should attend all other classes as scheduled and report to the Counseling Suite during the period(s) where a class is missing.

Bell Schedule for September 4-6, 2024

For the first three days of the school year, we will follow this schedule:

Period	Time	Duration
Period 1	8:50 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.	55 minutes
Period 2	9:50 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.	50 minutes
Period 3	10:45 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.	50 minutes
Lunch 1	11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.	30 minutes
Period 4A	11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	50 minutes
Lunch 2	12:35 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.	30 minutes
Period 4B	12:15 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.	50 minutes
Period 5	1:10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.	50 minutes
Advisory	2:05 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.	40 minutes
Period 6	2:50 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.	50 minutes

Lunch Assignments:

• Students with 4th period classes on the second floor of the main building will have first lunch.
• Students with 4th period classes on the first and third floors of the main building, as well as those in the gym building, will have second lunch.

Club Meetings

In the coming weeks, we will designate one advisory period each week specifically for club meetings, giving students a dedicated time to actively explore and participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Administrative Team Grade Level Assignments

Our administrative team is assigned to specific grade levels:

Tamar Coleman, Assistant Principal
Email: tjcoleman@seattleschools.org
Grade Level: 9th Grade

Ivery Rhodes, Assistant Principal
Email: idrhodes@seattleschools.org
Grade Level: 10th Grade

Ida Acton, Assistant Principal
Email: idacton@seattleschools.org
Grade Levels: 11th and 12th Grade

Please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate administrator with any questions or concerns about your student’s experience at Garfield High School.

Thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we will foster a year of growth, learning, and unity as we stand united in our commitment to One Garfield.

In partnership,
Principal Hart
Garfield High School