08/18/2026
As we get ready to welcome our students back to Garfield Middle School, we want to share a few helpful tips for our incoming 6th graders and new GMS families! 💜💛
Starting middle school—or starting at a new school—can come with a little stress and anxiety. That is completely normal! A little preparation ahead of time can help make those first few days easier and give students some extra confidence.
🔐 **Tip #1: Take the Stress Out of Lockers!**
Every student will receive a locker and a combination lock provided by GMS on the first day of school. Students must use the school-provided lock and are not permitted to bring their own.
One thing we have noticed over the years is that combination locks can take some getting used to! Students may find themselves standing at their lockers trying to remember which way to turn the dial, especially during those first few days.
**Our GMS tip:** Purchase an inexpensive combination lock and let your child practice at home before school begins. The practice lock stays at home—it is simply a way for them to get comfortable using a combination lock before Day 1.
Have them practice:
➡️ Turn RIGHT once
⬅️ Turn LEFT twice
➡️ Turn RIGHT to the final number
🔓 Open!
The more they practice, the more comfortable and confident they will become.
Once students receive their locker information, we also recommend writing down their **locker number and combination** in a notebook or planner and taking a picture of the information with their phone as a backup.
And most importantly, remind your child that **they are not expected to know everything on Day 1!** Our teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff will be there to help students learn the routines and get comfortable.
A little practice now can mean a little less stress later!
**Practice the lock. Build the confidence. Start the year strong!** 💜💛
