Garfield High School

During Wednesday’s SAT administration, a fire alarm interrupted testing midway through the exam. The College Board classified the incident as a test irregularity, which allows all students who tested to choose how their scores will be handled. Students who missed the October 15 test can do make-up testing on October 22.

Seniors who have tested have three options:

1. Retest on Wednesday, October 22. Students who retest will have their scores from Wednesday’s exam automatically canceled.

2. Do not retest and have scores canceled. Students who prefer not to retest and want their scores canceled should inform the front office by providing their full name.

3. Do not retest and keep current scores. Students who do not contact the school or attend the retest will keep their scores from Wednesday’s exam, which will be submitted as usual.

The SAT retest will take place on Wednesday, October 22. Testing room assignments will be shared on Monday.

In August, Garfield hosted our first Reclaiming the Village Summit, a powerful day that centered the voices and experiences of Black students and families. Together, we began building a shared commitment to stronger trust, equity, and partnership across our school community. The stories, insights, and calls to action from that day continue to guide how we align our practices and strengthen support for every student.

This fall, we are keeping that promise and moving from conversation to action. Join us for the Reclaiming the Village Follow-Up Summit on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The summit will feature:

• A panel discussion led by Garfield’s Black Student Association
• A featured session by Dr. Steven Akuffo: Reclaiming the Afrikan Mind — Cultural Identity, Mental Health, and Community Healing
• Community partner engagement focused on coordinated supports and next steps for our students and families
• Lunch will be provided.

The event centers Black students and families while welcoming everyone to be part of the work. We invite all members of the Garfield community to attend.

Register here: Reclaiming the Village: Follow-Up Summit Registration

We look forward to continuing this important work as we strengthen the village together.

Come to the Garfield Library on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. to get information and support with financial aid, the FAFSA, and college applications.

What you’ll get

• One-on-one help from Garfield staff and community-based organizations
• Guidance on creating FAFSA accounts and completing forms
• Review of college application requirements and timelines
• Assistance with any questions and submitting your applications

When & where

• Wednesday, October 29, 2025
• 6–8 p.m.
• Garfield High School Library

Bring

• Your laptop (strongly encouraged)
• Any documents you may need for financial aid or applications (if available)

Garfield staff and community partners will be available to help you with any questions and help you submit your applications.

Get ready, Bulldogs—Spirit Week is back! Show your school pride from October 20–24 by dressing up for each theme day. Each day, we’ll hold competitions for best dressed and for which grade shows the most spirit.

Students should check their email or classrooms for the official Spirit Week fliers and share them on their social media to help spread the word. Let’s see which class has the most school spirit!

Homecoming 2025
Our Homecoming dance will be held Saturday, October 25, right here at Garfield!

Ticket Information:

• $10 for Garfield students
• $15 for approved guests
• Tickets available through SchoolPay: Garfield Homecoming 2025 – Tickets

Guest Policy:
If you plan to bring someone who is not a Garfield student, you must complete and submit a guest form for approval before purchasing a guest ticket.

Celebrate your Bulldog pride all week long—and close it out with an unforgettable Homecoming night!

Families can now purchase Senior Ads in the Garfield High School yearbook — a great way to honor your senior’s journey and share special memories with the Class of 2026. Purchase your ad today.

Upload your Senior Photos, Senior Quotes, and Senior Baby Pictures. Scroll down and click the “Yearbook Snap” button. When prompted, enter the access code bulldogs.

We needed to make a final adjustment to the bell schedule to meet all district requirements. The schedule below reflects the final version that will remain in place for the rest of the year. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we worked through these changes.

Garfield’s building opens for students at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. These hours align with when our front office and security staff are on duty to help ensure students are supervised and supported while on campus.

At 7:30 a.m., students may enter the building and sit in the Commons before classes begin. To help us maintain a secure environment, the building remains closed before 7:30.

After school, students must exit the building by 4 p.m. unless they are working with a staff member or participating in an approved after-school program with one of our community-based partners.

We know many students enjoy arriving early or staying late to connect with friends, and we value that sense of community. Still, limiting access to times when staff are present helps us keep the campus safe and welcoming for everyone.

Thank you for helping us take care of one another and support a safe environment for all students.

11th and 12th grade students are encouraged to attend these sessions to hear directly from college admissions representatives, gain valuable insights, and ask questions about the application process.

How to Attend

• Come to Room 121 during the times listed.
• Bring something to take notes and be ready with questions.
• Most visits are during lunch—no pass or registration is needed.
• If a visit takes place during class time, let your teacher know at least a day in advance.
• Sign in when you arrive and sign out before leaving.

Stay Updated

New college visits are added regularly. Please check your email daily for updates and review the schedule often at the Garfield College & Career Center website

The Counseling Department is offering dedicated support sessions to help seniors with the college application process. Sessions will take place on Fridays during rotating class periods through the end of 2025. This structure ensures that students don’t miss the same class each week while receiving the guidance they need.

Counselors will be available to provide step-by-step assistance, answer questions, and support students as they complete applications.

Class of 2026 students who would like to participate can sign up using this form

All Garfield students receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day—no application is required. However, completing the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application is still essential for families and for Garfield.

For families who qualify

• College and test fees – Students can take the SAT, ACT, and AP exams at no cost (normally $60–$100 per test), and college application fees are waived or reduced
• School costs—Field trip fees, ASB cards, and extracurricular participation costs are reduced or waived, lowering the barrier to joining activities, sports, or clubs.
• Internet access – Families may qualify for reduced-cost internet service through programs like Comcast Internet Essentials or the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which can cut monthly bills by $30 or more.

For Garfield as a whole

• Federal Title I funding – Seattle Public Schools uses meal application data to help determine which schools qualify for Title I funds. These federal dollars support reading and math intervention, small-group instruction, family engagement, and additional classroom resources. (Seattle Public Schools Title I)

• State Learning Assistance Program (LAP) – Washington allocates LAP dollars to districts based on the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. LAP funds provide academic interventions and classroom support. (OSPI LAP Funding)

• Counseling, enrichment, and wellness supports – Seattle Public Schools emphasizes that completing the application helps maintain programs such as school counseling, before- and after-school enrichment, health and wellness services, and classroom materials. (SPS Meal Application Information)

• Fair share of resources – Garfield risks being undercounted when federal, state, and district funds are distributed without accurate application data. That means fewer resources for our students. (FRAC Report on CEP & Title I)

How to Apply

• Online (fastest): Online Application

• Paper form: Available online or in Garfield’s main office (multiple languages provided)

Applications can be submitted anytime, but completing them early ensures eligible families receive benefits immediately and Garfield secures the full range of resources.