Reclaiming the Village: Garfield High School's Inaugural Summit for Black Families
Trae Holiday sat down for an insightful interview with Dr. Tarance Hart, Principal of Garfield High School, who shed light on an exciting and crucial upcoming event: the inaugural "Reclaiming the Village" summit. This initiative marks a significant step for Garfield High School in fostering stronger relationships with its Black families and upholding the school's rich legacy within the Seattle and Pacific Northwest communities.
Dr. Hart, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as part of the first post-Civil Rights generation. Growing up surrounded by stories of activism and family participation in the Civil Rights Movement, he developed a deep awareness of race relations that now informs his leadership at Garfield. In his fourth year as principal, Dr. Hart acknowledges the adjustments required to acclimate to the Pacific Northwest's educational landscape, particularly coming from schools with a high percentage of Black and Title I students. He clarified that Title I designation provides additional academic and programmatic resources based on the percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, and while Garfield isn't currently Title I, he believes it could be if more families submitted the necessary applications, which would help address the school's current budget constraints.
The genesis of the "Reclaiming the Village" summit lies in Dr. Hart's commitment to better engage Garfield's Black families. A pivotal conversation with a parent who felt the support provided didn't fully reflect the presence of a strong Black principal deeply resonated with him. This powerful feedback underscored the need for a dedicated space where families could share their experiences and the school could transparently communicate its efforts to support students. The summit is designed as a listening session, aiming to strengthen the vital partnership between the school and families. It will provide crucial information on various aspects of navigating high school, including graduation requirements, accessing mental health support, and utilizing academic and mentoring services.
The "Reclaiming the Village" summit is scheduled for Saturday, August 16th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and will take place at Garfield High School's main building. The day will feature a welcoming address from Dr. Hart, offering insights into the current state of Garfield High School. A key component of the summit will be "feedback circles," providing families with a direct opportunity to share their experiences and offer valuable input on what is working well and what areas could be improved at Garfield. Attendees can also participate in breakout sessions focusing on student mental health, led by Dr. Steven Akuffo from the Teen Health Center and other experienced professionals. Furthermore, a community-based organization fair will be held, showcasing various programs that prepare students for college and careers, allowing families to connect directly with organizations that can provide essential support and opportunities. Dr. Hart emphasized that this summit is just the first in a series of events aimed at establishing an ongoing feedback loop with Black families. Families interested in attending this vital event can register on Garfield High School's website. This summit promises to be a transformative day for Garfield High School and its community, fostering connection, understanding, and a renewed sense of collective responsibility for student success. More information: https://garfieldhs.seattleschools.org
