Friday 9/19 Family Message

Happy Friday!

Every week I become more impressed with our students at Nathan Hale. It was nice to join our student elected leaders this week who met with school board member, Liza Rankin. Students voiced their care and concern for the schedule shifts happening in comprehensive high schools. They shared why school clubs and student voice are important in decision-making that impact them and their peers. As the proud principal, and parent of teenagers myself, it is important to reiterate how important I believe it is to partner with our teenagers and listen to them as their ideas matter. Our schools can provide so much for students when we allow them to lead in the community. I am grateful for Director Rankin taking the time to share space with students, so the SPS school board knows exactly where students stand on important issues that impact them and their school community. John F. Kennedy once said, “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” I truly believe there is always room for growth and learning both for adults and our young people.

September 15th to October 15th is National Hispanic American Month. In support and celebration of our Hispanic community, here are some community activities sponsored by local Seattle community organizations across the city (Parent Map). I look forward to joining some student led activities at Nathan Hale. Please check out the school bulletin for upcoming activities.

In classrooms this week, I have been most spooked by the students in biology studying spiders and gathering spiders to learn the importance of our ecosystem and how things come together biologically. I enjoy seeing staff extending learning outside the walls of the school to allow students to enjoy the beautiful habitat we have on our own campus. Students worked with partners as they built their spider worlds as they launch into the study of biological systems. Students had many fun facts to share with me about spiders and why we should not kill or fear them. Who knew there are over 53 thousand spider species and around 136 spider families. Okay, enough typing this still has me scared.

Classroom learning and preparedness are essential at Hale. We are currently seeking School Supply/ Clothing Donations for the following items to help stock our school supply closet: backpacks (gently used or new), 3 ring binders, college ruled composition notebooks, 2 pocket folders, colored highlighters, markers, Kleenex and healthy snacks etc. If you or an organization you know have these items to donate asap, please bring your items to the main office or contact me or Ms. Wong at eywong@seattleschools.org or 206-252-3753. If you have items to donate to the Nathan Hale Clothing Closet, please contact Ms. Lyndsey Johnson lbjohnson1@seattleschools.org at 206-252-3760.

This week in mentorship class students had the opportunity to view the new schedule coming to Nathan Hale on October 6th. The new schedule has students in either a 30-minute lunch first or 30-minute mentorship on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. All students are assigned a mentorship teacher at Nathan Hale that follow them through their grade levels. Parents ask your student who their mentorship teacher is at Nathan Hale. On Wednesday students get a 55-minute mentorship before their scheduled lunch. Thus, the new schedule will provide mentorship time five days a week at Nathan Hale. A staff and student mentorship committee has been assembled to create and implement monthly mentorship activities for the school community planned activities, such as club fair/clubs, career fair, college fair, college visits, skills fair, healthy youth survey, high school and beyond planning, academic support time, grade level community building, class meeting time, etc. Currently, students earn credit at Nathan Hale for their mentorship time.

Fall Sports at NHHS

The Nathan Hale Raiders play at Sultan High School Stadium at 7pm tonight. Fall athletics are in full swing. Come cheer on the Raiders and look up Fall Sport game times on the Nathan Hale page on the Metro League website.

Counseling Update

Please note that student counselor assignments may have changed for the 2025-2026 school year due to balancing caseload numbers. The following are the new alphabetical breakdown by last name and assigned counselor:

Students with last names A-F
Counselor: Mr. Krsto Budech
ksbudech@seattleschools.org
206-252-3697

Students with last names G-N
Counselor: Mrs. Kristie Thompson
kcthompson@seattleschools.org
206-252-3689

Students with last names O-Z
Counselor: Ms. Kelly Creech
klcreech@seattleschools.org
206-252-3695

Senior Portraits and Baby Photos

Submission of senior portraits and baby photos for the yearbook are due by December 1st. The online portal is now open to submit a senior portrait and a baby photo for inclusion in this year’s NHHS yearbook. Submissions are optional and free. If you choose not to submit a portrait, we will use your student’s current student ID photo. All senior photos and baby photos must be submitted by December 1 to be considered for inclusion. See the Hale yearbook webpage for more information about portrait guidelines and how to submit.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

National Suicide Prevention Month, observed every September, aims to raise awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, and the resources available to support those in need. This is an important time for our school community to unite in breaking the stigma around mental health challenges, showing compassion, and offering support to those who may be struggling. By educating ourselves, being open, and fostering a safe environment, we can help make a positive difference. Our staff reviews Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention training each year as part of the district required trainings. I am including the following support and resource information for parents and families:

Supporting Your Child to Prevent Suicide
Supporting Youth at Home: Youth Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention  

Healthy Youth Survey This Fall

The Healthy Youth Survey includes questions related to physical activity, unintentional and intentional injury, substance use, interpersonal relationships, school experiences, risk and protective factors, and access to school-based services. Survey results are used by schools, communities, and State agencies to plan programs to support our youth and reduce their risks. Participation in the survey is voluntary and steps are taken to ensure student privacy. There are no names or codes used to link a survey back to a student. Please read the Information for Parents/Guardians and Youth Letter for more information about the Healthy Youth Survey.

• Parent & Youth Info Letter – English 
• Parent & Youth Info Letter – Spanish 
• Parent & Youth Info Letter – Amharic 
• Parent & Youth Info Letter – Somali 
• Parent & Youth Info Letter – Chinese 
• Parent & Youth Info Letter – Vietnamese 

Save the dates:

• NH Homecoming football game and dance are on October 3rd. Senior class fundraiser. Spirit week activities to be named soon.
• Music Department Mattress Fundraiser on Saturday, October 4th from 10am to 5pm in our Commons.
• No school/Staff In-Service Day on Friday, October 10th..
• NHHS Curriculum Night is October 16th at 7:00pm. Info tables and community resource tables start at 6:00pm.
• Senior parent meeting will start at 6:15pm in the PAC. Junior parents are welcome to join this meeting.
• Photo MakeUp/Retake Day on Thursday, October 23rd.

Have a great weekend. Be safe and enjoy the good weather.

In Partnership,

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal