Happy Friday,

This week it was nice to be back in the building with staff and students. I hope everyone had a great winter break. I truly enjoyed my time with my two children and family. We stayed close to home and found ourselves out and about having quality time together. One quote from an unknown author that has always impacted me is: “Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.” Memories are so important and our goal at Hale is to make sure students have great experiences and good memories of high school.

We have exactly 11 days until the end of the semester (January 27th). Finals week is scheduled for Jan. 23rd 1 & 4 periods and Jan. 26th 2 & 5 periods, and Jan. 27th 3 & 6 periods. Please look for the Finals Schedule available on the Nathan Hale website calendar. Talk with your student(s) about finals week and ensure they are prepared for their finals. If they need support have them talk with their school counselor for guidance.

I enjoyed spending time this week, Thursday and Friday, with our Nathan Hale registrar preparing and setting the foundational details to start building our master schedule for the upcoming school year 2026-27. It is crazy to think that I am now up to my eyeballs in master scheduling, which means now is the time we prepare all student registration details before launching the NH registration 26-27 materials to students, staff, and families. Registration will officially start on Wednesday, January 21st when students in grades 9, 10, and 11 will receive paper registration materials with online registration opening on Friday, January 23rd and closing on Wednesday, February 4th.

Our school counselors will be visiting classrooms this January to ensure students have a clear understanding about student registration. I highly suggest parents and students utilize information shared on our NH Counseling page once the 26-27 registration materials have been uploaded. It is important that parents know how to best partner with the school to support their student during the registration process. Thank you all in advance. I want to plant this seed now as things move fast – and bam! – registration will be here.

Seattle & King County Public Health Enrollment event is happening tomorrow, Saturday, January 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highland Park Elementary School in West Seattle. Get help with health insurance, ORCA Lift, EBT, Seattle City Light, UDP. They are offering free grocery give away while supplies last.

Swim Class during 2nd Semester – Do you have a student who doesn’t yet know how to swim? Nathan Hale has an opportunity for students to learn this important life skill! Students can learn to swim during the school day and earn PE credit for graduation at the same time – free of charge. Whether your student is already a strong swimmer or can’t stay afloat yet, they can learn skills to stay safe, improve their technique or fitness and have fun in the pool, the lake, or the sound all summer long! Connect with your student’s counselor about signing up for swimming during 1st period, second semester with Mr. Renes at Meadowbrook Pool.

Monday, we will have a Parent Listening Session with school administration, staff and school partners starting at 2:00 p.m. via Teams. We appreciate the ongoing dialogue and partnership with parents and community organizations committed to supporting students, staff, and our school community for success.  

NHHS Athletics – Winter Sports Photo Day will be Thursday, January 15th, right after school in the gym. Students who participate in winter sports should plan on taking team photos after school on Thursday.

Thank you to our Winter Athletes who have already paid the $75 ASB fee. If you have not yet paid, please pay on SchoolPay or in person from our fiscal specialist during lunch, before and after school. Unpaid ASB fees will be assigned to your student’s account as a fine. The ASB fee helps purchase awards, uniforms and equipment for our sports teams. If your student is approved for Free & Reduced Meals, the ASB fee will be waived. Please have your student stop by to see our fiscal specialist, Emily Wong, during lunch, before or after school to process the Free & Reduced ASB Card.

Game Day Attendance slips – To be eligible to compete, students are required to attend every class on game day, including Mentorship. Game Day Attendance slips are located in the main office, and they must be signed by every teacher on game day and then given to the coach at the end of the school day.

Reminder(s)

• Parent Listening Session, Monday, January 12th 2:00 p.m.
• School Information Night is Wednesday, January 14th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This evening is for rising 8th graders and new-to-Hale students and families.
• No school on Monday, January 19th to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• 1st Semester Finals January 23-27.
• 2nd Semester starts on Wednesday, January 28th.
• Senior Meeting on Wednesday, January 28th during Mentorship (starting at 12:10 p.m.) in the PAC.
• Winter Ball is Friday, January 30th from 8 to 10:30 p.m.

Have a great weekend. Stay safe.

In Partnership,

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal