January

1st Semester ends in January. Keep working hard seniors to get the best possible grades! Order Caps & Gowns, Senior Apparel, Class Shirt, etc. Time is running out!

• Order Caps & Gowns, Senior Apparel, Class Shirt, etc. Place orders with National Achiever. Families in need please reach out to a Counselor for assistance.
• January 19
  • No School: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday

Seniors!  February begins your final semester of high school.  

There are 5 months to graduation.  Keep working hard because grades still matter!

• February 16 – 20
  • No School: Mid-Winter Break
• February
  • Last day to order! Order Caps & Gowns, Senior Apparel, Class Shirt, etc.

March

Stay focused on getting good grades this semester.

This month is also a good time to focus on what your plans are after graduation.

• Yearbook Pre-Sale Window don’t miss out getting your Yearbook ordered!
• TBD:
  • Cap & Gown Distribution during lunch.

April

Stay focused and keep persevering Seniors!

• April 13-17, 2026
  • No School: Spring Break
    

May

May is a critical time for seniors to get ready for graduation and to stay focused on getting good grades.

May 1: Senior Graduation Requirements DUE!

• Graduation requirements for seniors, except for the classes they are currently taking, are due on May 1. Many students are missing one or more of these items. Students to complete these tasks ASAP! Students should follow up with your counselor if you have questions. 
• The items due on May 1 are:
  • PE waivers 
  • Naviance: All five tasks required for graduation are due on May 1. Log onto Naviance, click on Planner in the top menu bar, then click on Tasks. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and look at the section titled “Tasks you have completed.”
  • The Course Planner Alternative Activity (if “Edit Course Plan” is not already complete)
  • The “Build/Update Resume” task
  • The “Complete Strengths Explorer” task.
  • If “HSBP My Life My Decision – Costs” has not been completed, students must complete the Apply for Scholarships task.
  • The HSBP Senior Reflection and Graduation Survey task
  • Service Learning: Volunteer hours logs are due on May 1. 
  • WA State History: For students who still need to complete WA state history, the packet is due on May 1

May 25: No School: Memorial Day

June is Graduation Month!

• Senior Finals
• Senior Prom
• Senior Breakfast in the Commons
  • Pick up P&W or Gold Cords and Valedictorian Metals
• Senior Check Out
• Senior Last Official Day
• Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal
  • Seniors please plan to attend the mandatory Graduation Rehearsal at Garfield HS. Cap and Gown distribution for late orders will be delivered at this time. Please contact National Achiever if you have not yet placed and order.
• Graduation Ceremony: Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2 p.m. 
  • Location: McCaw Hall – 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
    • Important details are on the district McCaw Hall FAQ including information and helpful resources for seniors and families.

August

• August 20: New Students Orientation in the Main Gym from 6 – 8 p.m.

Senior Year Begins!

• The first day of school is Wed, September 3, 2025. Special Bell Schedule to be posted in August. Note: It is not an early release Wednesday.

October

Seniors should begin planning for life after high school. What’s next? College, on-the-job training, an apprenticeship, military, entrepreneurship?

• Attend College Visits at Garfield HS!
• Oct 10:
  • No School: Professional Development Day
• TBD: Picture Day & Make-up Day
• TBD: School-Day SAT for Grade 12
• Remember to: Register to Vote

Schedule your Senior meeting with your counselor. 

• Free ACT resources that are available
• SAT, AP and College Planning resources

November

Time to vote, honor our Veteran’s and give thanks.

• November 4: Election Day
• November 11:
  • No School: Veteran’s Day
• November 27
  • No School: Thanksgiving
• November 28
  • No School: Native American Heritage Day
• TBD: Order Caps & Gowns, Senior Apparel, Class Shirt, etc.

December

Have you order your graduation apparel yet?  If not December is the month to do it!

• December 19: 1 Hour Early Dismissal: Winter Break
• December 22 – January 2, 2025
  • No School: Winter Break
• Order Caps & Gowns, Senior Apparel, Class Shirt, etc. (Prices may go up after Dec. 31). Place orders with National Achiever. Families in need please reach out to a Counselor for assistance.