Dear Parents,                                                                                                     

I am very proud to say that I am principal of one the finest elementary schools any where. The team of staff, students and parents is the best you can find.  This is evident in the great programs we have, the growth the students are making each year, how our staff works to meet the needs of every student and the parent support that makes a child's education complete. It is all of these but especially the students that make it a pleasure to come to work at Garfield each day. Seeing those smiling faces come through the door each morning is a wonderful experience.

As I’m sure you regularly hear, parents are an extremely important part of a child’s education. I encourage you to stay in contact with your child’s teacher and keep up to date on what is happening in the classroom. As the year progresses there are many opportunities to be come more involved: volunteer in the classroom, go on field trips, join the PTA, attend school advisory meeting and most of all, talk to your child. Ask to see their homework and find out what they are learning. Be involved, it is a small price to pay to help you child be successful in school.

As we start this year I am asking for your support in providing the Garfield students with a caring and safe environment in which to learn. Please remember that all visitors, including parents must sign in at the office and get a guest pass when entering the building and before going to a classroom. This will help us ensure that our students, your children are safe in the building and we always know who is around them. Please remember also that the bus loop is closed to ALL traffic except the buses between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Please observe the orange cones and do not enter the bus loop during these hours; this is to protect our children as they come and go. Your understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

The Garfield team is looking forward to another exciting and successful year. Please join us and be a significant part of your child’s education. Let’s watch them learn and grow together.

Sincerely,
Gary L. Bates, Principal