2022-2023 Welcome Letter

Garfield Parents,

I would like to welcome you and your student to the 2022-2023 school year and to our Garfield family. This year, like all others, will present fresh opportunities and new challenges. Challenges are quite simply new situations that reveal our character. As part of our team, a team that is only successful if we work together, you and your child will be an important key to their learning and growth.

This year, we will be redefining ourselves through two enduring understandings; 1) Learning is not accidental and 2) “I care about Garfield”. We believe that learning is not accidental. Learning happens when you set goals, have high expectations, and have good models to follow. Caring about Garfield happens when you show people that they are valued, safe, and supported. We will teach students about the 7 Habits in order to help them develop into leaders. It takes patience, hard work, a sense of responsibility, and support to help a child to grow. This is where you and your child come in. You and your child will hear about the 7 Habits throughout the year. We use these life-long skills to teach students how to be responsible for themselves and to set goals for their learning. While students are not perfect, we do teach them and will expect them to learn, how to be accountable for their own actions and for their own growth. 

Please do not ever underestimate your child. Even our youngest students are capable of great things. They will be given leadership opportunities at school and we recommend that you do the same at home. A child’s biggest restrictions to achieve in life are often those placed on them by adults. Challenge them. Ask them questions and give them time to think and give you a response. Don’t be afraid to let them use what they know to solve problems. Support them, praise them, and then challenge them again. If you help us to do these things you will unlock the true potential in your child. And, even more importantly, he or she will learn to realize their own potential! We look forward to a very successful year.

• Wednesday, August 17: 1st & 2nd Grade Open House, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• August 18 & 19: Kindergarten Screening
• August 18 & 19: Staggered start for 1st & 2nd Grade 
• Friday, August 19: Kindergarten Open House, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• August 22, 23 & 24: Staggered Start for Kindergarten (Day will be assigned after Kindergarten Screening.)
• Thursday, August 25: First day for all of Kindergarten
• September 5: Labor Day - No School
• September 23: No School (Professional Development)
• October 21: No School (Professional Development)
• November 23-28: Thanksgiving Break - No School 
• Dec. 21 - Jan. 3: Christmas Break - No School

Your Partner in Learning,

Jeff Hempleman, Principal