Principal's Corner

Dear Garfield Community,

It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year as the proud principal of Garfield School. I am truly honored to serve this remarkable community and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

This year marks a new chapter as we welcome students in grades 5 through 8 and embrace a middle school model. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the students, families, and staff joining us from Edison School. As part of the Phoenix Elementary School District’s Reimagine Phoenix #1 Initiative, Garfield and Edison are leading the way in reshaping what it means to support students from elementary through middle school. Together, we have the unique opportunity to build something exceptional.

Our focus this year is simple yet powerful: belonging. Every student. Every staff member. Every family. We are committed to creating a school environment where every individual feels seen, valued, and connected. Guided by our school’s vision of being a positive learning community focused on high expectations for all, we believe that a sense of belonging is the foundation for academic excellence and personal growth.

At Garfield, strong relationships, high standards, and inclusive practices are the foundation of student success. Our team of dedicated educators brings passion, expertise, and heart to everything they do, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are also proud to be a certified garden school. Our garden is more than a space to grow food—it’s a living classroom where students connect to the natural world, explore science and sustainability, and learn the value of wellness and community. Through partnerships and purposeful learning, we’re cultivating not only vegetables but also responsibility, teamwork, and a love for learning.

As we step into this school year, I invite you to walk with us—to share your ideas, your culture, your time, and your heart. I believe in the power of a united community, and I know that, together, we will make this a remarkable year.

With Grizzly Pride,
Jennifer Sumida, Principal
Garfield School