Garfield High School

As we close out the school year, I want to thank our students, families, and staff for your continued support of Garfield High School.

I am grateful for the work that has taken place across our building this year and for the many ways our staff have supported students, families, and one another. I especially want to thank our staff for their dedication, care, and hard work throughout the school year.

As a school, we know there is always room to improve, get better, and grow. I am excited about the opportunity to strengthen our work next year and continue building the Garfield our students, families, staff, and community deserve.

We also want to recognize several staff members who are retiring or moving on from Garfield.

Congratulations and appreciation to Mr. Gish and Ms. Sloan as they retire from Garfield. We thank them for their service and commitment to our school community.

We also extend our appreciation and best wishes to Mr. Rhodes, Ms. Kircher, Ms. Dalton, and Ms. Van Vlissingen, Mr. Sundt, Ms. (Malea) Reed, and Ms. Wedeking as they move forward to new opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Garfield and wish them the very best in what comes next.

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 17, and school will be dismissed at 2:40 p.m. We hope everyone has a safe and restful summer, and we look forward to welcoming returning students back to Garfield on September 2, 2026.

Garfield High School is proud to recognize the Garfield Golden Grads for their continued support of our students and school community. At this year’s annual luncheon, Golden Grads members celebrated Garfield seniors who received scholarships and honored the strong connection between Garfield’s past, present, and future.

Founded in 1987, the Garfield Golden Grads help keep alumni, former staff, and friends of Garfield connected while supporting current students. Their work includes scholarships, support for students in need, the tutoring program, The Messenger student newspaper, alumni events, and efforts to preserve Garfield’s rich history.

We are grateful for their generosity, service, and Bulldog pride. Their ongoing commitment continues to make a meaningful difference for Garfield students.

Membership is open to anyone who shares a passion for Garfield High School. This includes Garfield graduates, former students, past and present faculty and staff, spouses and partners, and friends of the Garfield community. Joining is a meaningful way to stay connected, support students, participate in events, and help carry forward Garfield’s proud legacy.

Learn more about Garfield Golden Grads or join.

Photos are from the Garfield Golden Grads annual luncheon on Saturday, June 6.

As we close out the school year, we want to give a heartfelt thank you to every Garfield volunteer, family member, community partner, neighbor, and supporter who gave their time, energy, and resources this year.

From First Friday breakfasts, dances, field trips, testing support, clubs, classroom activities, school events, and so much more, your generosity made a real difference. Your support helped create meaningful experiences for students, encouraged staff, and strengthened our Garfield community.

We are grateful for the many ways our families and community members continue to show up for Garfield. Thank you for investing in our students, supporting our staff, and helping make this school year possible.

All Garfield High School students are invited to participate in Summer Conditioning. This is a great opportunity for students to run, lift, build strength, and have fun staying active over the summer.

The kickoff session will take place on Monday, June 15, at 4 p.m. on the Garfield Track.

Summer Schedule

June
Summer Conditioning will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Students will warm up, run, and use the weight room.

July
Summer Conditioning will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. Students will warm up, run, and use the weight room.

Students should wear running shoes and athletic gear. Equipment can be provided as needed.

To participate, students must be registered in FinalForms for “Summer XC” and have a current physical clearance on file.

For questions, please contact Elizabeth Carey at ewcarey@seattleschools.org.

Garfield High School is recruiting for a Head Volleyball Coach for the 2026–27 school year.

We are seeking a coach who can develop student-athletes, build a positive team culture, and represent Garfield athletics with pride.

Interested candidates should apply through Seattle Public Schools using the HS Head Coach Application 2026–27. Please share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

The Garfield Community Center is hosting a free community event focused on teen mental health and overdose prevention awareness.

Community members of all ages are invited to attend, connect with local resources, and learn more about community groups working to support teens and families. The event will also include free food and mindfulness activities.

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Garfield Community Center, 2323 E Cherry St., Seattle, WA 98122
Audience: Open to community members of all ages

For more information about Teen Mental Health and Overdose Prevention Awareness Event and to RSVP

Families with rising 9th graders are invited to mark their calendars for Garfield High School’s Welcome to Garfield Open House on Wednesday, August 26, from 6–8 p.m. in the Quincy Jones Auditorium.

This event is an opportunity for students who are new to Garfield to meet administrator and staff; hear what we are excited about for the coming school year; and get a chance to tour the building.

We look forward to welcoming our newest Bulldogs to Garfield!

Just because the school year is ending doesn’t mean care through the Teen Health Center has to end. While the Teen Health Center will be closed for in-person care at Garfield during summer break, students can still receive care through telehealth or at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic locations in the Central District and Othello.

Mental Health Therapy
Established therapy patients may continue meeting with their Garfield therapist over the summer through telehealth sessions or at the OBCC Central District location.

Medical and Nutrition Services
Students may continue seeing the same medical and nutrition providers they see at Garfield during the school year. Summer appointments will be available at OBCC Othello or OBCC Central District.

Important Dates
Last day for in-person care at Garfield this school year: Friday, June 26
First day for in-person care at Garfield next school year: Thursday, August 20

Students and families who need summer care should contact the Garfield Teen Health Center for help scheduling the appropriate appointment.

The Garfield Counseling Department regularly receives information about opportunities available to students, including volunteer positions, internships, paid jobs, scholarships, conferences, and other events.

To help students and families stay informed, the Counseling Department keeps these opportunities in a shared spreadsheet that is accessible to the Garfield community.

Students and families are encouraged to check the database regularly for new opportunities.

View the Student Opportunities Database