Welcome Garfield HS Families!

Please check back to this page for additional Start of School information for Garfield HS families. The first day of school for the School Year 24-25 is Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Complete & Return Forms

Please fill out and return the required Start of School forms. The forms listed as well as other helpful district forms are available to download w/translations and some are fillable as well on the SPS Start of School Forms. For those who prefer, paper copies are available for pick up in in Garfield’s Main Office.

Required Forms Checklist

• Student Data Verification Form – Be sure we have your most up-to-date information. This online form includes Emergency Contacts, Release Info, and Student Health updates. Complete online via The Source until Sept 30; hardcopies available in the office if needed.
• HS FERPA – Sign & return. If not returned automatic Opt-In on Oct 1.
• School Meals – Learn more on the district Culinary Services.
• Form 504-2 (Identify Students with Disabilities) – Return if applicable.
• Indian Education Program (New Students Only) – Return if applicable.
• Housing Questionnaire (McKinney-Vento Program) – Return if applicable.

Ways to Return Completed Forms

• Students, Parents/Guardians can drop off in the Main Office or,
  • Mail to Garfield High School – 400 23rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

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SPS Updates In This Section

Back to School 2024-25

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) welcomes our students, staff, and families back to school!  

Opportunity begins here! The start of the school year is a time of fresh beginnings and renewed energy. From our youngest scholars to the senior class, our goal is to help all students explore their possibilities in learning spaces where they feel safe, seen, and heard.  

School leaders, teachers, and staff are busily preparing to welcome students back to school on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Get the 2024-25 school year off to a great start by being prepared with the information you need! 

Laptop Distribution and Device Policy Updates 

To support classroom learning, testing, and the possibility of remote learning, every student will be issued an SPS device. We’re pleased to announce that, once again, SPS will not be collecting an upfront fee for repairs on student devices this year. 

Starting this year, only SPS-provided devices will be allowed in the classroom. Personal devices may still be used outside of classroom learning. 

Each school will inform families and students of their specific laptop distribution schedule. 

If you still have a hotspot from the previous school year or from summer school, these hotspots will soon be disabled. Read more updates about SPS student devices for the new school year.  

Payments and Student Fees 

Families can use SchoolPay to make online payments for athletic fees, pay fines, and make purchases such as yearbooks or ASB cards. Log in to your Source account to access your student’s SchoolPay account. 

SchoolPay Transaction Fee: Starting Thursday, Aug. 29, SPS will introduce a transaction fee for all payments made through SchoolPay. This fee helps offset the costs of providing this simple online payment service. Learn more about this change.

High School Athletics: This school year, SPS is introducing a new voluntary fee for high school sports to help cover rising costs like transportation and officials. 

The voluntary fee is $200 per student per sport, with a maximum of $400 per year for multi-sport participation. Students can still participate in sports even if families choose not to pay. Learn more about the new voluntary athletic fees for high school sports. 

Health Services 

Ensure a healthy start to the school year by reviewing the district’s health services reminders for the start of school. If your student has a life-threatening health condition (e.g., Diabetes, Asthma), they must have medication and healthcare orders on file. 

If you received a letter from Health Services about vaccines your student needs for school, please make sure they receive the immunization. Read more about immunizations required for students. 

Student Meals

Every day, SPS offers a nutritionally balanced breakfast and lunch for our students! We are excited to announce several updates to our school meal program for the 2024-25 school year!  

New Tools: This year, we’re introducing MySchoolApps, an easy online application for free and reduced meals, and MySchoolBucks, a convenient platform for paying for school meals online. MealViewer gives families access to school menus and nutritional information at their fingertips. Read more about school meals for students and each of these new tools.  

Your Role in School Safety 

SPS is committed to enhancing safety and well-being in our schools. As part of that commitment, we’re expanding partnerships to prevent violence and continuing vital health services.  

Keeping students safe takes all of us—students, families, staff, and community partners. Here are a few reminders that will help ensure the new school year gets off to a safe start: 

• Keep your contact information updated to receive emergency notifications via phone, email, and text.  You can update your emergency contacts on the Student Data Verification form starting in September.  
•  Report any safety concerns through the Safe Schools Hotline (206-252-0510) or the “Seattle Public Schools” app.    
• All school visitors and volunteers should check in at the front office.  

 Read more about safety and wellness updates for this school year. 

Back to School Checklist

Please click the following sections below for general back-to-school information provided by the district. Additionally, please check with your student’s school for specific information.