Dear Gator Families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year.  As we embark on the new school year, the knowledgeable and devoted Garfield staff and teachers are more determined than ever to make this year a success!  Thank you to all of our families for your continued patience as we all navigate through what the upcoming year holds for us. 

As we enter into Distance Learning for the start of the year, you and your child may have varying emotions - this is normal. In times of uncertainty and change we all react in different ways. However, helping to get kids excited for the start of school is still important. This may look different for everyone: talking about school, gathering school supplies, celebrating the end of summer, and discussing a new grade level can help to ease anxiety and boost morale in a time where systems and old ways look different. 

The Garfield teachers are working tirelessly as we pivot into new systems. They are so excited to see their new students and experience a great year together. In an effort to maintain equity and rigor in our students’ learning experiences this year, all teachers will use a similar schedule and Google Classroom as their Learning Management System to deliver instruction to all students. We also will be distributing Chromebooks to all our students to be able to access their learning platform. Our Garfield teachers are receiving extensive training over the next week to ensure they can provide a rigorous and engaging instruction and create a learning environment for students to learn and grow. 

Communication between home and school is valued and extremely important in this environment. Please sign up for our Parent Square App and make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We are all here to support you and your child in the pursuit of excellence. Continue to stay healthy and take care of yourselves. Compassion and caring are more important than ever! #GarfieldStrong #GarfieldProud #SAUSDReopeningStrong

Respectfully, 

Dr. Kerri Braun