School Closure after Shooting Death

Here is an excerpt from Principal Tarance Hart’s primary email to our community on June 6. The full email also contains information on student and staff supports in the coming days, and anticipates that students will return to school on Tuesday.

Dear Garfield Students, Families, and Staff,

This afternoon, we experienced a heartbreaking incident of gun violence in front of the auditorium on our campus. Tragically, a student was shot and later passed away at Harborview. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this senseless loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family. Please keep them in your thoughts.

Each time I must report an incident of gun violence on or near our campus, it is tough, but this message is the hardest yet to send. I am deeply saddened by the violence in our community and profoundly disturbed by the devastating impact it continues to have on our school. This senseless act has left us all shaken.

Due to today’s tragedy:

• Classes at Garfield have been canceled on Friday and Monday. We anticipate students will return to classes on Tuesday, June 11.
• All after-school activities have been canceled (June 6 – 10).
• No district transportation will be provided on Friday, June 7, and Monday, June 10.