Happy Friday,

The highlight of my day today was joining Ms. Milanese and her choir students across the street at JAMS to deliver a special Hallo-Gram filled with great music from Hale choir students. Monster Mash was probably my favorite. It was nice to see our high school students sharing their amazing voices and musical talents with middle school leaders, staff and students at JAMS. The middle school staff beamed with joy seeing our Hale students perform at JAMS today. I truly believe there is something special about having a clear pathway and vision for students to grow and thrive from middle school to high school. Choir student leaders did an excellent job today delivering all the Hallo-Grams throughout the school. The beauty about NHHS is that students get to lead and find their people through participating in clubs, school sports, classroom engagement, and social activities and events.

Testing was a success this week. Tuesday, juniors took the PSAT, and seniors took the SAT. I am proud of our students for taking this step towards their future. Any opportunity we can give students to earn scholarships for higher education beyond high school is a win. I encourage Senior families to take the next step by filling out the FAFSA. Our FAFSA night will be on November 20, 2025, at 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Join us. Another great resource for students and families is (WAGAP) Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program. Learn more about Washington’s Public Universities.

This week during our early release Wednesday school administration enjoyed Goal Setting with staff in their (PLC) Professional Learn Communities. Goals help guide staff work throughout the school year and help create a collaborative culture amongst school departments as they work to best serve and support students for success in high school. So much joy comes from being in and out of classrooms seeing teaching and learning come alive and goals being accomplished. Every new day is an opportunity to do better in schools and community. Supporting our youth is so important, as high school can be a challenging time in many students lives. Together we are better!

Free Virtual Workshops on Supporting Children Through Adolescence

Seattle Public Schools, in partnership with PEPS, is offering a free four-part virtual workshop series for parents and caregivers of students ages 10–19.  

These engaging 90-minute sessions are designed to help families better understand and support their teens during adolescence. Topics include adolescent brain development, navigating social challenges, effective communication, and more.  

Families can attend any or all the workshops based on their interests and availability. Live captioning is provided, and all sessions are held virtually via Zoom.  

• Nov. 4 – Adolescent Brain Development 
• Dec. 2 – Navigating the Changing World of Teens 
• Jan. 22, 2026 – Effective Communication with Teens 
• Feb. 10, 2026 – Adolescent Stress and Coping Strategies 

Quarter and Semester Dates

Reminder the End of Quarter 1 is on November 5th. Quarter 2 starts on the 6th. Semester 1 sends on January 27th. Mark these key dates on your calendar. I share these important dates so you can help monitor your student’s academic progress via Schoology to ensure they are meeting their academic goal for the first semester of the school year. Being in school is important. Do not forget to pick up a Pre-Planned Absence Form (3 days in advance) from the counseling office to make sure you take the right steps to be excused from school. A vacation is not an excusable reason to miss school. Plan and connect with Ms. Cunningham-Daniels at halehs.attendance@seattleschools.org if you have questions.

Fall Play: 12 Angry Jurors

Come see Nathan Hale’s fall play! Twelve strangers are tasked to decide the fate of a young man accused of murder. As tensions rise, personal beliefs, histories, and prejudices collide. Experience the courtroom drama on November 6th, 7th, and 8th at 7:00pm, as well as a sensory friendly performance at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 8th. Tickets are $7 for students with ASB, $10 without ASB and $15 for adults.

World Language Testing

Students can earn up to 4 high school world language credits by taking the world language test. If your student speaks, reads and writes in a language other than English, they can earn up to 4 high school credits and possibly the seal of biliteracy. The next test will happen in the NHHS library on Wednesday, November 5th at 2:45pm. Students register online using the QR codes around the school building. Students should contact Ms. Tobon in Room 2106 after registering before the test date.

Athletics

Save the date for the Fall Sports Dessert on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00pm. Playoffs start next week. Check here for schedule updates.

PE Waivers are available in the Main Office for all 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who have completed the fall season in a school sponsored sport. Make sure the PE Waiver is signed by both your student’s coach and parent/guardian. Turn it into the Main Office by November 28th. Late submissions will not be accepted. Students should see Mr. Haskins in the athletic office next to the Commons if they have questions.

Winter sports begin on November 17. Bowling starts on November 3, and Gymnastics begins on November 10. Please make sure you have all your FinalForms completed online along with a current sports physical uploaded. The Teen Health Center on campus offers free sports physicals. Call 206-302-1840 to schedule an appointment. FinalForms must be complete, and a current physical must be on file to participate/tryout. Go Raiders!

Daily Bulletin and NH Website

To stay up on all the news and upcoming events such as college visits, you’ll want to sign up for Hale Mail to get the Daily Bulletin which gets emailed out to families from the ModerRaider each night before the next school day. Also, the Nathan Hale website has a lot of information and resources.

What’s coming up … save the dates

Veterans Day – No School on Tuesday, November 11th.

Thanksgiving Day and Break – No School from November 27th & 28th.

Senior Portraits and Senior Baby Photos are due on December 1st to be included in this year’s yearbook.

One Hour Early Release on Friday, December 19th, the last day before Winter Break.

Winter Break is December 22nd – January 2nd. No School.

In Partnership, Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal