Principal's Message

As Principal of Garfield Elementary, it is truly an honor to serve alongside a dedicated staff, more than 220 students eager to learn, engaged families, and a supportive community. Together, we are committed to creating a positive and enriching environment where every child can thrive.

Our mission is to invest in the hearts and minds of all students by cultivating their social, emotional, and academic growth. At Garfield, we focus on developing the whole child through clear school-wide expectations, positive reinforcement, and data-driven academic and behavioral supports. Our students and staff proudly “Roar the Four” by being Respectful, Responsible, Ready, and Safe. As a team, we celebrate and recognize students for their outstanding choices and growth in both academics and behavior.

We firmly believe that all students are capable of learning and should be challenged to meet and exceed their goals. Our teachers use state-adopted Common Core Standards and ongoing data analysis to guide instruction, maintain high expectations, and promote critical thinking. Throughout the day, students actively engage in reading, writing, listening, and speaking to build strong language and academic skills. We also strive to foster a lifelong love of reading, knowing it is the foundation for success in all subject areas and beyond.

At Garfield, we deeply value family and community involvement. We encourage participation in Parent Club, Back to School Night and Open House, the English Learner Advisory Committee, School Site Council, parent workshops, classroom volunteering, family breakfasts, and school-wide family learning nights. These opportunities help build a strong, connected school community where families play an active role in their child’s education.

Welcome to Garfield Elementary—a place where every student, parent, and community member is valued and supported. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth and sincerely appreciate the continued partnership of our Garfield families.

-Principal Huffmon