Welcome Back

Welcome to the 2026–27 School Year, Tides!

I hope you've had a wonderful summer and have had the opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. As we prepare to begin another school year, I want to personally welcome each of you back to Gig Harbor High School.

To our returning students, WELCOME BACK, we missed you! We are excited to see familiar faces filling our hallways again and can't wait to watch you continue to grow as students, leaders, teammates, artists, musicians, and members of our school community. To our incoming freshmen and students who are new to Gig Harbor High School, welcome! We are thrilled you are here and look forward to helping you make Gig Harbor High School your home.

One of the things that makes Gig Harbor High School such a special place is our commitment to creating a school where every student feels like they belong. That doesn't happen by chance, it happens because of the choices we make every day in how we treat one another. Those choices are guided by The Tide Way. 

The Tide Way is much more than a slogan on a wall. It is the expectation for how we represent ourselves, our school, and our community. It shapes the culture we want to experience every day. A culture where students feel safe, respected, included, and challenged to become the very best version of themselves.

Living with integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Being kind means looking out for one another and recognizing that every person has value. Being engaged means showing up, participating, and making the most of every opportunity inside and outside the classroom. Being responsible means owning our actions, learning from our mistakes, and contributing positively to our school community.

Each of us plays a role in creating the kind of school we want Gig Harbor High School to be. Every conversation, every classroom, every activity, and every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen our culture. When we choose to live The Tide Way, we create a place where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

As we begin this new year, I encourage you to challenge yourself, get involved, build new relationships, and take advantage of everything Gig Harbor High School has to offer. Whether you're stepping onto campus for the first time or beginning your final year as a Tide, know that you are an important part of this community and that you belong here.

Let's make the 2026–27 school year one of growth, achievement, and unforgettable memories.

Welcome back, Tides! We can't wait to see you!

Roll Tides!
Bob Marshall
Principal, Gig Harbor High School