Aug. 25, 2024, email on GHS safety, mental health
On Aug. 25, 2024, Principal Tarance Hart sent the Garfield community the following email about upcoming safety and mental health initiatives, and said that he would provide further details when they become available.
Dear Garfield Families and Staff,
I hope this message finds you well as we prepare for another school year. I want to share some significant updates regarding the safety and mental health initiatives that will benefit Garfield High School in the 2024-2025 school year.
On Thursday, August 22, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones held a press conference to announce a commitment to enhance student safety and mental health across the district. This commitment includes a total of $14.55 million in new investments—$2.3 million from SPS and $12.25 million from the City—that will support the implementation of initiatives at Garfield High School.
Here’s what this means for Garfield:
- Increased Safety and Security Measures
- Garfield will see an increase in the number of security specialists assigned to our campus. This additional support will strengthen our safety efforts and provide a more secure environment for our students and staff.
- Expanded Mental Health Support
- The City is investing in additional mental health counselors and care coordinators for school-based health centers. This will provide in-person and telehealth support for our students.
- Community Partnerships and Violence Prevention
- The Safe Passage program will also be expanded to ensure students have safe routes to and from school. Violence Intervention specialists will be working inside Garfield to build relationships with students most at risk of being affected by gun violence.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement
- The Seattle Police Department will increase its presence around Garfield during critical times, including during lunch and after school. This collaboration will help create a safer environment while fostering trust within our community.
I will keep our community informed as more information becomes available about these initiatives. Your partnership is vital as we work together to ensure Garfield remains a safe, supportive, and thriving environment for all. Families and community members are encouraged to volunteer with us. To learn more, please join us for a Volunteer Information Session this coming Wednesday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the Commons on campus. This session will provide details on volunteer opportunities and how to complete the volunteer application process.
Your involvement and support are crucial to creating a stronger and safer Garfield community.
In partnership,
Principal Hart