From the Presidents

We hope you and your students have had a great start to the school year! Whether you are new to the Garfield community or have been part of the GHS family for years, we hope you’re feeling connected, informed, and excited about the year ahead.

Join Us for Our First PTSA General Meeting

Tuesday, October 6 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Room 121

We’d love to see you at our first PTSA General Meeting of the year! All parents, guardians, teachers and members of the Garfield community are invited and encouraged to attend.

We’ll start with the first 30 minutes as a social time—a chance to meet other parents, connect with the PTSA, and enjoy some light snacks. As usual, we will start the meeting by hearing from Principal Hart with an update on all things GHS.

We’re also excited to welcome GHS parent Marquita Jones as our guest speaker. Marquita will lead a conversation on Financial Literacy, covering topics ranging from college financial aid to talking with your teenagers about money. We think this will be a really useful and engaging conversation for families.

The meeting will be hybrid, with a Zoom option available. That said, we always encourage you to join us in person when you can!

Sports Are in Full Swing!

With fall sports underway, we need volunteers to help with concessions! It’s a fun and easy way to meet other GHS parents, support Garfield Athletics, and help raise money for a club or sport.

Check out the sign-up form here (and see more info below) and join us for a game!

Volunteer Opportunities

Speaking of volunteering, lots of other opportunities included in this newsletter… specifically look for Photo Retake Day, Homecoming and the upcoming PSATs and SATs.  

We Want to Hear From You

As always, please reply to this email, post in WhatsApp, or send email us at President@garfieldptsa.org if you have suggestions, questions, or kudos. We genuinely want to hear both—the things that are working and the things we can do better!

We’re looking forward to a great year together and hope to see you around school.

Sarah Bruemmer & Gabrielle Ventenbergs

2026–27 GHS PTSA Co-Presidents

For families of graduates: 2026 Diplomas are available for pickup at the office

GHS Retake Picture Day 2026 Fri Oct 2: (volunteers needed)

Makeup portraits: students who missed the September picture days should plan on getting a portrait taken on Friday, October 2. Families can preorder makeup portraits here: 2026-27 Garfield High School Male-up/ Retake Day Pre-payments 10/2

Retake portraits: students who preordered picture day packets for the September picture days can return their package to the photographer in exchange for a retake - a new package of the retake image for all returned packages will be issued at no charge. Only students who ordered picture packets can take a retake. 

View and order portraits: families can view and order portraits from the September picture day here: 2026-27 Garfield High School - Online Code = SPS Student ID. October portraits will also be available for viewing via the same link in about two weeks after makeup/retake day. Images are password protected by an online code. The online code is your student's school ID number.

We need volunteers to hand "camera cards" to students (which are in alphabetical order by grade) and then direct students to a camera line.

Sign up to volunteer here

Donate Food for the GHS Teacher & Staff First Friday Breakfast on October 2nd!

First Friday Breakfasts are a time for teachers and staff to connect over food and coffee in the relaxed setting of Room 302 aka Ms. West’s art room!

We rely on the generosity of families to provide delicious and varied foods...please take a look to see what you can bring for the October First Friday Breakfast!

Sign Up Here to bring food for the October 2 First Friday Breakfast

Garfield Club Fair

This is a fun event for students to learn about the different clubs at Garfield.

Students discover new clubs, meet members and find ways to get involved at Garfield.

• 9th and 11th graders on October 6th during advisory
• 10th and 12th graders on October 8th during advisory

Club representatives will display their boards and talk to other students about clubs. 

PSAT/ SAT testing.dates:

• Tue Oct 13: PSAT for 11th grade
• Wed Oct 14: SAT for 12th Grade

https://garfieldhs.seattleschools.org/academics/testing/#gade576f1e15f

https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/assessments/school-day-sat-psat/

Study resources:

practice test on College Board site

Kahn Academy

FREE SAT prep materials from Tutor.com via Seattle Public Library.

Tutor.com offers the full Princeton Review SAT prep course entirely for free with your library card. 

Garfield High School 12th Grade Parent Gathering

Join Us for an Evening of Community and Celebration!

The Garfield High School PTA warmly invites parents of 12th graders to an informal gathering for 12th grade parents at Standard Brewing in Seattle on Wed. October 14th, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

Basic appetizers will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase.

No RSVP required—just come as you are and bring your school spirit!

We look forward to seeing you on October 14th!

Hosted. by Garfield High School PTSA

2026 "Secret Garden" Homecoming Dance

October 24th in the GHS Commons, 8:00 - 11:00pm

Ticket sales and more info coming soon!

Homecoming is the chillest of all dances - in all the ways. Really no wrong way to do it.

2 years ago a kiddo wore his beloved Spiderman costume to it, some kids go all out and get really dolled up.

Go solo, go with a date, go with a group.

The dance will be in the commons, there will be a quiet room with games and there will be a photo booth.

Please help make this is a fun and memorable evening for every Bulldog by volunteering!

Sign up here

Volunteer help needed:

• during the day with set-up and decorating
• during the dance with ticket-taking, coat check, and chaperoning
• after the dance with clean up

Fall Musical, Ride the Cyclone!

• OPENING: Friday, October 23 at 7pm
• Saturday, October 24th at 2pm
• Wednesday, October 28th at 7pm (Pay What You Can)
• Thursday, October 29th at 7pm (Pay What You Can)
• Friday, October 30th at 7pm
• CLOSING: Saturday, October 31st at 2pm

Due date for Senior quotes and photos:

Nov. 20th.

Link to the google form where seniors and their families may submit is here.

Senior Photos

These businesses were recommended by other parents:

Cheri Pearl (Garfield parent) info@cheripearl.com

Jim Meyers (Garfield parent) www.vertizonphoto.com

James Drage (Garfield parent alumni) https://eevisuals.com/Portfolio/

Terrell Elmore (Garfield parent and alumni) - terrellelmore@msn.com

https://www.shoott.com/

https://www.starrphoto.net

Garfield High School Open House & Tour for prospective students and their families!

We invite you to join us for an informative, fun evening on:

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026, 6:00 – 8:00pm

There will be a second open house in January - date TBD

Come learn about what makes Garfield High School great, including school history, academics, student support, clubs/activities/athletics, campus environment, and more.

The program includes performances by Garfield’s renowned music programs and opportunities to speak with teachers, students, current parents and tour the building.

Tell your middle school family friends.

GHS PTSA Board Endorses Opposition to Statewide Initiatives

The PTSA Board voted unanimously to oppose the three statewide initiatives I-001, I-638, and I-645 on November's ballot.

At the general meeting on October 6, we will hold a vote with the general membership to oppose or support the statewide initiatives.

Before you vote, you can read the Washington State PTA's opposition to each of the initiatives here, and the initiatives themselves here.

See you for the vote at the PTSA general meeting October 6.

COLLEGE VISITS AT GARFIELD - on SchooLinks

09/28 12:05pm American University

09/29 12:20pm Oberlin College and Conservatory

09/30 12:10pm Middlebury College

10/01 12:20 Smith College

10/02 1:05 Haverford College

10/02 12:05 Central Washington University

See the full list of dates on the PTSA Website

Students can login to SchooLinks through Clever. Parents/Guardians log in to the new SchooLinks app

You can find a short video showing how to login to SchooLinks here.

World Language Assessment for Students Who Acquired Language Proficiency Outside the Classroom

Seattle Public Schools offers World Language Credit Testing remotely and in-person at some middle and high school sites on dates the schools decide.

World Language Credit Test Dates for 2026-2027:

November 7, 2026, January 23, 2027, March 13, 2027

To register for remote testing click here. More info here.

Help Stock the Student Closet! Dress shirts and homecoming

New and used clothes needed. A college and career section will also be curated. We are requesting donations of men's button down shirts for the athletes, ties & slacks for game days. 

📍 Drop off donations at the office, clearly marked "Student Closet."

Questions? Contact Arika at justarika@gmail.com

Thank you for helping every Garfield student start the year feeling confident! 💜 

FAFSA & College Application Workshop

Wednesday, October 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Garfield High School Library

Got a senior and not sure how the college application or financial aid process works? The counseling office is partnering with the college network to offer this workshop where you can get one on one help completing the FAFSA, WASFA, college applications and more! We will have experts with lots of experience who can answer questions, guide you through applications, and give you lots of tips and advice.

We'll have light snacks and drinks.

What to bring: your senior, a laptop and charger, and lots of questions!

Sign up here

Join the New Garfield Parent WhatsApp Community!

To stay informed and connected, we launched the Garfield Parent/Guardian WhatsApp Community.

👉 Click here to join Garfield HS Seattle Community

1. Join Chat Discussion ALL Chat GHS
2. Find Your Grade: join the specific chats for your child's graduation year.

• Special Education Chat
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Theater
• XC and Track

We look forward to building a great community together!

WhatsApp has many language translation options: Tap and hold a message, tap More, and select Translate!

ASB/Yearbook Combo

For a limited time, purchase your ASB Sticker and your Yearbook for the discounted price of $120 (reduced from $135.00). Click here for the combo.

Your ASB sticker is required to participate in athletics, clubs and other activities.

For families that already bought ASB card there will be a separate yearbook link coming to you from Ms. Hurd.

This promotion expires by end of Sept.

Sports updates- schedule for this week:

We’ve got competitions every day this week including home soccer on Tuesday and home Swim on Friday after school.

Mon Sep 28

Golf vs Franklin

• Boys - 3:00 pm @ West Seattle GC
• Girls - 3:30 pm @ West Seattle GC

Tue Sep 29

Girls Soccer vs Ingraham

• Varsity - 4:00 @ Garfield HS

Volleyball vs Rainier Beach

• JV - 5:30 pm @ Rainier Beach Main Gym
• Varsity - 7:00 pm @ Rainier Beach Main Gym

Wed Sep 30

Girls Soccer vs Chief Sealth

• JV - 3:00 @ Southwest Athletic Complex

Thu Oct 1

Girls Soccer vs Holy Names

• JV - 4:00 @ Garfield HS

Volleyball vs Franklin

• JVC - 5:30 pm @ Franklin Aux Gym
• JV - 5:30pm @ Franklin Main Gym
• Varsity - 7:00 pm @ Franklin Main Gym

Fri Oct 2

Golf vs Blanchet

• Boys - 3:00 pm @ Bill Wright GC
• Girls - 3:30 pm @ Bill Wright GC

Girls Swim and Dive vs Nathan Hale

• 4:00 pm @ Medgar Evers Pool

Girls Soccer vs Holy Names

• 6:00 pm @ Starfire Stadium (Tukwila)

Sat Oct 3

Football vs Lakeside

• 7:00 pm @ Northwest Athletic Complex

Cross Country - John Payne XC Invite

• All Day @ Chambers Creek Park (Tacoma)

Requesting Help with Concessions for Football

Hi Garfield Families - we are looking for help manning concessions for our home football games. Easy and fun! If anyone is willing to volunteer, the team would greatly appreciate it! Next game is this Friday 9/25 at 6:30pm.

Sign up here Go Bulldogs!

Garfield Teen Health Center provides Sports physicals!

The GTHC provides physical and mental health services, including sports physicals, vaccinations, well-child check ups, individual therapy and so much more!

Students under 18 must have a parent's signature on file, which can be done in person or online. 

Follow them on insta @garfieldteenhealthcenter

To schedule call: (206) 987-7210

More info on Teen Health Center webpage

Police Chief Search Community Listening Sessions

Monday Sept. 28 at Seattle University, 6-8pm

RSVP here

Wednesday Sept. 30 at North Seattle College 6-8pm

RSVP here

Registration required at https://www.sngi.org/listen (page with links to both RSVPs)

Check Your (and your student's) Voter Registration

Make your voice heard this election. King County Elections provides you the ability to check your registration or register to vote online. Ballots arrive the week of October 18.

Check your registration here and

register to vote here by October 26.

Washington YMCA Youth & Government Open House at Meredith Mathews YMCA

Wednesday Oct. 14, 2026, 6-7:30 pm

More information here

COVID-19 and Flu shots offered at Garfield Oct. 31 and Nov. 15

Seattle VNA is partnering with Seattle Public Schools to provide a series of vaccination clinics, providing flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines.

They will offer three services at the clinics: a standalone flu shot, a standalone COVID-19 vaccine, or you may elect to receive both a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine during the same appointment. 

You must input your insurance information during registration, or pay out-of-pocket at the time of service. The out-of-pocket costs for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are $60 and $200, respectively.

The clinic will be at Garfield in the gymnasium on Oct. 31 and Nov. 15, 9am-4pm Register here

Join Urban League's Connections Program

The Connections program supports Garfield students to create a more inclusive and welcoming school community for their peers.

Watch the video to hear direct from the Crew!

PROGRAM DATES

OCTOBER 15 - JANUARY 21

• 100% FREE including x3 field trips & snacks at all weekly meetups.
• Open to all Garfield 9th to 12th graders.
• Earn 60 service hours by completing the program!
• Make new friends, build life skills, and have fun along the way!
• Only 12 SPOTS left! This is a small, focused crew – so don’t wait to apply!

Program Orientation: THURS Oct 15, During Advisory RM203A

Weekly Meetups: Alternating weekly THURS 4–5:30 PM and during THURS Advisory RM203A

3 SATURDAY Field Trips: Oct 24, Nov 14, Dec 5

Apply here

Email Ms. Amber acinwood@seattleschools.org or stop by Urban League's Room 203A (Thurs/Fri). More info on the website

Major Taylor Project (MTP) Bike Club - Cascade Bike Club

Students will learn to ride, improve their cycling skills, go on neighborhood rides with friends, and build a new bicycle they can keep at the end of the 10-week program!”

Dates: Sept 30 to December 9th

1st day of Club: Wednesday Sept 30 after school.

Time: 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Location: Garfield Auxiliary Gym, aka “The Kennel,” and the classroom Q-121

Questions: benjaminr@cascade.org

Teen Employment (YESL) ages 13-18

Pre-Employment Training for Fall. Classes start the Week of October 13 and run through December 11 depending on class day and holidays attached to the class day. Class times vary for each site so please check the times in the application.

Gain skills on time management, resume writing, fostering a growth mindset and more! 

Earn a $300 stipend towards program expenses or 14 service-learning hours 

For Seattle residents or students attending Seattle school district 

Register with QR code or here

Study Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian & Leadership for Credit!

Priority deadline: Oct 4th; Program begins: Oct 19th. Schedule at oneworldnow.org/afterschool

Either at Franklin High School or online via Zoom

sign up here

OneWorld Now! offers language classes, leadership workshops, and study abroad programs for students in 8th-12th grade.

World Language Track: Students study Arabic, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian twice a week and can earn 1.0 World Language credit for the year.

Leadership Track: Youth gather to build self, social, and global awareness while developing skills to lead positive social change. Participants may earn 0.5 Elective credits per year in a cohort that convenes twice a month.

Global Citizen Track: Our most popular program, this track combines Language + Leadership.

Sliding scale tuition and flexible payments. Register here

Join the Garfield HS PTSA

Members need to renew their membership each year.

We make it easy—click the link below, check the top box and any other appropriate boxes, then submit! https://garfieldptsa.org/signup/

No PTSA "dues" or other financial barriers to PTSA membership exist at Garfield. Instead we ask for contributions to our Annual Fund from families who are able.

PTSA funds are used to support school activities, clubs and so much more.

If you would like to be removed from this newsletter write to us ghsbark@garfieldptsa.org.

We have many mailing lists. For graduating families we move you to Alumni list for occasional emails but not the frequent newsletters but sometimes our volunteer run system has errors.

For a global remove from every list - please use the unsubscribe button below ⬇️.