Nathan Hale High School Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook 2025-2026

Our Mission

The purpose of Nathan Hale high school is to ensure that ALL students will become honorable, thinking, skillful, and global citizens!

Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of any changes will be communicated to students, parents, and guardians.

Nathan Hale Core Values & Alma Mater

Core Values:

• We expect that teaching is the essential act of all adults at school
• We promote a climate of respect, trust and decency
• We expect all members to understand, model and promote social justice
• We believe that all students- wherever they are as learners will meet high standards
• We value a personal caring relationship with each student
• We commit ourselves to those students who historically have not been successful
• We expect that all discipline be firm, fair, positive and consistent

Alma Mater

Through time we’ll each go our way,
But still there’ll be ties that will stay,
For we’ll all remember the years we loved, And the
school our hearts hold dear.
For pride, for your honor, for truth
We pledge our full faith in you,
For your spirit true, you’be much honor due, We
salute you Nathan Hale!

FIGHT SONG

YELL: Go Raiders Go! Fight Raiders Fight! Go Raiders, Fight Raiders, Go, Fight, Win!
SING: Fight Raiders, Fight (& Fight) For The Glory Of Nathan Hale! Go Raiders, Go, For The Heroes Of Old With Spirit Ever Bold!
We’ll Stand Firm And Fight (& Fight) With A Will To Victory To The Red, White And Blue We Will Always Be True Fight On For Hale!

N-A-T-H-A-N H-A-L-E

We’ll Stand Firm And Fight (& Fight) With A Will To Victory To The Red, White And Blue We Will Always Be True (Fight On For Hale!!)

Profile of a Graduate

NHHS Staff – Who’s Who

Administration

• Jolene Grimes, Principal
  • Ambyr Burrell, Assistant Principal; Grades 9 & 10
  • Kirsten Zoba, Assistant Principal; Grades 11 & 12

Front Office Support/SAEOPs

• Rae Keyes, Administrative Secretary
• Courtney Clark, Assistant/Athletic Secretary
• Emily Wong, Fiscal Specialist

Security

• Keauntea Bankhead
• Chris Watkins
• Nick Adams

Student Services Office: Counseling

• Krsto Budech (A-F)
• Kristie Thompson (G-N)
• Kelly Creech (O-Z) (Head Counselor)

Student Services Office Support/SAEOPs

• Martha Cunningham-Daniels, Attendance Specialist
• Francine Cunningham, Counseling Secretary
• Maria Gutierrez, Registrar

Student Support

• Taylor Bosworth, Academic Interventionist
• Shelly Zehm, School Nurse
• Lyndsey Johnson, Social Worker
• Lisa Roberson, Student Care Coordinator
• Scott Wetzler, Psychologist

Department Chairs

• Art – Leland Swarts
• Athletic Directory – Darby Haskins
• Career & Tech Ed (CTE) – Matt Davis & Alice Ouyang
• MLL – Ester Andrews and Teresita Tobon
• FCS/Health – Annemarie Plumpe
• Language Arts – Joel Jacobson & Sarah Fraser
• Math – Brian Coon
• Music – Katrina Sibicky
• PE – Darby Haskins
• Science – Kristine Witt
• Social Studies – Erin Lynch & Kristina Volkman
• Special Ed – Marni Balint & Daveron Ross
• World Language –  Atsuko Yamaguchi

Custodial

• Ky Nguyen, Custodial Engineer
• Torah Israel, Lead Evening Custodian

Lunchroom

• Amy Cheng, Manager

Teen Health Center (Operated by Kaiser Permanente staff)

• Allison Dennin, Mental Health Counselor
• Kathleen Lange, Nurse Practitioner
• Crista Langston, Nurse Practitioner
• Linda Quimby, Secretary

Teen Health Center

Operated by Kaiser Permanente staff, the clinic services focus on prevention and include immunizations, asthma management, reproductive health care, and mental health counseling – ALL Services are free to students!

Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. when school is in session. Please call for an appointment. Phone: 206-302-1840.

2025-2026 School Bell Schedule

Refer to the Nathan Hale HS Bell Schedule page.

Mentorship

Purpose: Our goal is to make sure that every student is connected to an educator and peers at Nathan Hale High School. The intent is to help each student successfully navigate their way through High School and beyond. Mentorship class is on Wednesdays. Support time (available during Mentorship) is an opportunity for students to take the initiative to get support in their learning.

Nathan Hale Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend school and be actively involved in each class daily. Punctual attendance is the first requirement for success. The depth of coverage of material in class requires active student engagement, so when you are absent you are not actively engaged in the learning and it’s hard to replicate that when you return.

Daily Attendance

Schools are required to monitor attendance every day.

1. Teachers will use PowerTeacher, the district’s existing method of recording verified student attendance data.
2. Schools will be responsible for tracking observable attendance data, confirming student’s participation in the learning process, and recording the attendance data in PowerTeacher every day.

Students must clear an absence through the attendance office within 48 hours of their return to school with a note/email.

If you have any questions about your child’s attendance record, please contact Martha Cunningham-Daniels, Nathan Hale’s Attendance Secretary at 206-252-3684 or email halehs.attendance@seattleschools.org.

Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities

Sets forth the rules and regulations of Seattle Public Schools regarding student conduct, discipline, and rights and responsibilities. These apply to all schools in the district and are Nathan Hale’s Guiding document when it comes to behavioral and classroom expectations. The Student Rights and Responsibilities are created in compliance with the requirements of State law and community expectations. Throughout this handbook you will see references to sections of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC 392-400), which are the State regulations that govern use of corrective action (i.e. discipline, suspension, and expulsion) for any student by a school District. We advise you to read through the entire Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities on the district website. Translations are available in Amharic, Chinese, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.

As a point of emphasis, we are highlighting the District’s Values and Philosophy as stated and the Basic Rules of Seattle Public Schools.

Student Conduct and Expectations

As described above, we align all student behavior responses to our SPS Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities. We strive to respond to student behavior support needs in the least exclusionary way possible, as warranted by each incident and each student’s circumstance, before moving to a suspension, expulsion, or emergency removal. Refer to the methods (Appendix C: Possible Classroom Responses, Possible School Based Responses), as outlined in the Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities that can be used to respond to student behavior needs. This is a comprehensive, though not exhaustive list. Please visit the district Basic Rules, Rights and Responsibilities.

Given the range of classroom and school-based responses—both those outlined and exclusionary actions such as suspension—we consider both mitigating and extenuating factors to guide our responses. Appendix B: Mitigating and Extenuating Factors is a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, list as outlined in the Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities.

We will always involve guardians as early as possible in response to a student’s behavior in order to partner with them to best support their students. If you ever have a disagreement about a decision, we request that you reach out directly to the first person involved in the making of the decision—teacher, assistant principal, etc. From there, if a satisfactory resolution has not been reached by both parties, there is a both an informal and formal appeals process that you may pursue. For more information on that, please see the Student Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities.

The highlighted Nathan Hale High School Conduct and Expectations are subject to the district Basic Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities as outlined.

Use of Electronic Devices at School

Updated district and NHHS Cellphone Policy updated soon! Refer to emails sent to families as well for current updates.

Academic Integrity

At Nathan Hale High School, plagiarism is not tolerated. All students are expected to cite resources in
their writing and research. You are expected to do your own work, which includes not cheating on
exams and copying other students’ homework.

Failure to follow this policy will result in loss of grade and or credit, and students will be referred to
administration for discipline.

Bathroom Use Expectations

Students have access to a number of both gender-neutral and gender-specific bathrooms throughout
the school. To ensure that are bathrooms are a safe space, the following expectations are in place:

• Use the gender-affirming bathroom that is nearest your current classroom. For example, if in an
  upstairs class, do not go downstairs to use a restroom there.
• No cell phones in the bathroom.
• Only one person in a stall at a time.
• No eating in the bathrooms.
• No hiding in the bathrooms.
• Use the bathroom to relieve yourself, to quickly adjust your appearance in the mirror, and/or to
  wash your hands. Use of the bathroom for any other purpose is strictly prohibited.

Community Expectations

We are located in a residential and business neighborhood. The neighbors are expecting us to stay out
of their yards and off of their property and behave in their businesses. We are also located adjacent to
or near Meadowbrook Park and Pond, and it is expected that we will do our part to help maintain a
clean, safe environment for people and wildlife. Remember you represent your family, friends, school
and community at all times. This includes those who drive to and from school. Please be safe,
considerate citizens behind the wheel. Our reputation in the community is important and the
expectation is that each of us will do our part to be good neighbors and act right when we are out and
about.

ID-Card Expectations

To increase safety and security, we are requiring students to always have their student ID card on their
person. Additionally, each student will need to get their student ID barcode sticker, which will be passed
out first on Raider day. After that, we will distribute additional barcodes in the first weeks of school.
Beyond that time, students should see the attendance office to get a replacement barcode. Lanyards
will be provided to students who choose to wear their ID on them, but they are not required to be
worn this way. A student must have their ID on them, though, in some way always.

Hallways and Hallway Spaces: Hall Pass, Common-Spaces Pass

Hall Passes

When a student needs to leave class during class time, they will abide by the following expectations and
procedures:

• Sign out on the provided sheet in the classroom.
• Take one of the required hall passes from the teachers’ designated location.
• Only one student excused from class at a time. Other students must wait until that student
  returns.
• No phone use at all during academic time—i.e., you should not be using your phone when you
  sign out of class during class time.
• Always have your ID card on you. You may be asked by a staff member at any time to
  demonstrate that you are a student at Nathan Hale High School.

Common-Space Usage

If your teacher gives you permission to work in one of the common space, such as the “glass box,” you
must take one of the table-tent passes from your teacher. These must be displayed so that another
staff member can see it easily upon passing by the space. You must also have your ID card on you all
times.

Identified Common Spaces:

• Hallway (any ad-hoc space in the hallway)
• Glass Boxes

Tobacco/Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Use of any controlled substance (tobacco, drugs, and alcohol) is prohibited on school grounds or at
any school function, school property, classroom, neighborhood, and school field trips- Standard
Discipline for Exceptional Misconduct under Safety & Security section.

Weapons

The Seattle Public Schools has a no tolerance policy with regard to weapons of all kinds. Student
possession or use of guns (loaded or not, operable or not, “real” or not). Knives of any length
(including pocket knives). Pepper spray, laser pens and other weapons and objects capable of causing
bodily harm will, in almost all cases; result in suspension/expulsion from school. Follow the Standard
Discipline for Exceptional Misconduct under Safety & Security section for more information.

Gambling

Of any kind is not allowed in school. Follow the Standard Discipline for Exceptional Misconduct –
under Safety & Security section for more information.

Activities/ASB Card

Activity cards are available for purchase at a cost of $50. Additional benefits of purchasing an ASB card
are discounts into certain school events, random school drawings, drama productions, spirit gear and
ASB events such as Mx. Hale.

Fine/Fee Policy

Failure to return books and/or pay fees will result in a fine card being sent to Fiscal office. In addition,
Student Athletes will be fined if uniforms and or equipment are not turned in on a timely manner; also
ALL fines must be paid off in order to turn in your sports packet.
Failure to pay fines may lead to:

1. Loss of ASB privileges
2. Any unpaid fines as a senior may prevent you from walking in the graduation ceremony as
   well as picking up your diploma and the sending out of your transcript.

Clubs

We have a wide variety of clubs who are always looking for new members. Pay attention to your school
email, mentorship, and other online announcements for promotions of all of our clubs. Club
information is also included in the Daily Bulletin which is posted on the Nathan Hale website or in the
Main Office each day.

Nathan Hale Athletics

Nathan Hale offers a full slate of interscholastic sports teams that are divided into three seasons:
Fall: August 21 – November Early December – Coed cross-country, football, coed golf, volleyball, boys ultimate, girls swimming, slow-pitch softball, and girls’ soccer.
Winter: November 4-February Early February – Boys and girls’ basketball, Coed wrestling,
boys swimming, girls bowling, unified basketball, and gymnastics.
SpringMarch 3 – End of May – Coed tennis, coed track, baseball, fastpitch softball, girls ultimate, boys
and girls’ lacrosse, unified soccer, and boys soccer.

Athletic Eligibility

Students participating on any athletic team must meet the eligibility standards that include:

1. Earning a 2.0 GPA the grading period before your season begins
2. Maintaining a 2.0 GPA during your participation season
3. Completing and returning the required paperwork, including the athletic fee
4. Have a current ASB Card
5. Be clear of all school fines
6. Have a current physical on file, which is good for two years.

Failure to meet all requirements will result in you being ineligible for five weeks. During that time you
may practice, but not compete. After five weeks you must be at a 2.0 GPA to continue to play. If you
aren’t, you are done for the season.

Students running for or holding an elected office (Class, ASB, and Cheer) must maintain a minimum of a
2.0 GPA to be eligible to do their job. Once elected, they will also agree to and follow a code of conduct.
There is No Pay to Play Policy – The Seattle School District has instituted a NO pay to play policy for
athletics.

Daily Bulletin and School Calendar

Hale Daily Bulletin Families can subscribe to the district and/or school website online calendars. Your personal calendars update automatically when a change is made or when a new event is added.
To subscribe, select the calendar link(s) below, scroll to the bottom of the calendar page, select Subscribe
to calendar, and then select an option.

• Hale Online Calendar
• District Online Calendar

The Source and Schoology

Is a district provided communication opportunity for families to access online student academic
achievement, attendance, assignments, grades, and homework.

Transportation

All youth aged 18 and younger ride transit for free thanks to Move Ahead Washington, a statewide
transportation funding package. Students who were issued ORCA cards prior to September 2022 were14
able to continue using them, though they need to be registered on myorca.com to ensure it works until
student’s 19th birthday. For more information, read the Youth Ride Transit for Free orca webpage.
Students may also show their current year student ID card. Students without Youth ORCA card or
student ID can still ride free on most services.

Anti-Harassment/Bullying Policy

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying are defined as any intentionally written message or image
(including those that are electronically transmitted), or verbal or physical act. These include, but are not
limited to, acts shown to be motivated by race, creed, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age,
economic status, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, pregnancy status,
marital status, physical appearance, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability,
honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a
person with a disability, or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

• Physically harms a student or adult or damages the student’s or adult’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education or the adult’s work
  environment; or
• Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening education or
  work environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school or work place.

Harassment, intimidation, and bullying are not acceptable behaviors at NHHS, and will not be
tolerated. Students are prohibited from engaging in harassment, intimidation, and bullying based upon
race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, pregnancy, marital status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, or sensory disability.
Hazing will not be tolerated as well – we do not allow Freshman Friday, cheerleading or athletic
initiations etc. Any student involved in any harassing or hazing may be subject to disciplinary actions.
District policy – If being “Harassed/Bullied” at any time, incidents need to be reported to an adult/staff
member and/or security immediately.

Digital Citizenship

Based on Seattle Public School Board Policy 2023, Seattle Public Schools views the use of electronic
resources as central to the delivery of its educational program and expects that all students will use
electronic resources as an essential part of their learning experiences. As such, it is important that
students understand their responsibilities as digital citizens and that student actions reflect
appropriate, legal, responsible, and healthy behavior related to current technology use, including digital
literacy, ethics, etiquette, and security. Digital citizenship includes the important skills to access,
evaluate, develop, produce, and interpret media, as well as Internet safety, cyberbullying prevention
and response, and permanence and impacts of their digital identity. Students are responsible for
adhering to the following technology use guidelines:

• Students may not share their username or password with another person other than a parent
  or guardian or leave an open file or session unattended or unsupervised. Students are
  15
  responsible for all activity under their account and may only log in under their assigned
  username.
• Users are responsible for the appropriateness and content of material they may transmit or
  publish on the system. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other antisocial
  behaviors are expressly prohibited.
• Use of the system to access, store or distribute obscene or pornographic material is prohibited
  and a violation of law subject to legal action.
• The unauthorized installation, use, storage or distribution of copyrighted software or materials
  on District computers is prohibited.
• No user shall serve to disrupt the operation of the system by others; system components
  including hardware or software shall not be destroyed, modified or abused in any way.
• Malicious use of the system to develop programs that harass other users, to gain unauthorized
  access to any account, computer or computer system is prohibited.
• Subscription to or use of mailing lists, bulletin boards, chat groups and commercial on-line
  services and other information services must be approved.
  All students will sign a computer use agreement to have access to Seattle Public Schools technology.
  Any student who fails to adhere to the guidelines within and above may be subject to disciplinary
  action.

Have a great year! Go Raiders!

Policies and procedures are subject to change. Notification of any changes will be communicated to students, parents, and guardians. This is not a static page; it may grow and change over the school year.

As of May 7, 2026