As the new school year approaches, many are wondering how Garfield and Seattle Public Schools will make sure their students feel safe on campus. The City of Seattle and SPS are contributing 14.5 million dollars for funding school safety initiatives in SPS. The city is committing 12.5 million of those dollars, 7.5 million less than the 20 million previously promised by the mayor. This comes as the city is trying to cut any funding they deem unnecessary to end their budget deficit without having to raise taxes, which even school safety funding cannot escape. SPD has also announced that there will be a police presence outside of Garfield during certain transition times, though they will not be inside the school.
The aforementioned funds will be given to the district and some nonprofit groups, such as Community Passageways, who were present at campus last year during transition times. Garfield itself will begin to require visible IDs on all students and staff inside the school which will be given on picture day. However, there will not be closed lunch; Garfield leadership will be looking to see how Rainier Beach’s implementation of closed lunch goes before any potential application at Garfield according to school administration. SPS has also hired two additional security specialists, and hopes to hire more mental health counselors and social workers across the district. Phones and personal laptops are not allowed at school with the exception of passing periods, lunch, advisory, and if there is a shelter in place. Garfield will also be moving permanently to a two lunch system which is decided based on each student’s fourth period. According to Dr. Hart, to save clubs Garfield will have “4 days of advisory with one or two of those advisory days between 5th and 6th period designated to be club time.”
Additionally, Garfield High School will be recruiting more parent volunteers and stationing them across the campus to increase safety. Starting on the first day of school, parent volunteers will help show students where to go. Through parent volunteers, Garfield will also be bringing back freshman report card conferences which will happen three times a year. According to Garfield Alumni and community leader Chukundi Salisbury, “If you invest in 9th grade performance, they have better results over the school year.”
Parent volunteers also have the option to become a mentor. Mentoring provides one-on-one support with a trusted adult whether that be through academic tutoring, testing support, or lessons after school. Parents have the opportunity to create after-school programs in which students can learn about a profession or craft. Administration at Garfield hopes that increasing time in school and student-adult engagement will keep kids off the street and give them something to do, especially if they don’t have a safe space to go home to.
To become a parent volunteer, create an account at Volunteer – Seattle Public Schools and request approval from the district. Follow up to Garfield’s volunteer coordinator Jhitana Ball ([email protected]) if you don’t get anything back in 1-2 weeks or if you have any further questions. Orientation for parent volunteers will be starting as soon as possible.
On September 11, 2024 at 5:30pm, Garfield High School will host another volunteer meeting for prospective parent volunteers to attend. For more information on Volunteering at Garfield High School reference here: Volunteer at Garfield High School.
