Happy Friday,

What an exciting week as SPS named the incoming superintendent Ben Shuldiner. Principals had the opportunity to meet him on Thursday and hear his vision for a great Seattle. If you missed the email from the district about Mr. Shuldiner, you can read more about him on the Finalist for Superintendent webpage.

Last night, Nathan Hale Theatre kicked off their performances of their fall play, 12 Angry Jurors, under the leadership of Ms. Delaney-Hanna. Students have put in the hours and hard work the fruits of which staff were able to preview on Wednesday evening. The student performances brought this courtroom drama to life and touches on some themes relevant to events happening in our country today. Please do not miss out and catch a show! Performances are tonight and Saturday at 7:00pm and a 2:00pm matinee tomorrow. Tickets are available on the Nathan Hale Theatre booktix website and at the door ($7 for students with ASB, $10 without ASB, and $15 for adults).  

Our freshman, Class of 2029, put on a show this week with the 9th grade elections bringing about great speeches, campaigning, voting and new 9th graders patiently awaiting their next class leaders. These mini-Raiders are ready to lead, and the possibilities are endless for all of them in high school. If your student did not run for a leadership position YET it is not too late for them to charter a club, join a club, plan an event, or sponsor an activity in high school. Hale welcomes and embraces student leadership as honorable, skillful, thinking, global, citizens. Hats off to Mr. Swarts and the ASB leaders for all their work around the elections process.

The results are in, and Class of 2029 President is Sara O, Vice President is Elleah LC, Secretary is Emma S, Treasurer is Delia M and Senate Representative is Zoe H. Also announced this afternoon, filling the role of Vice President of the Class of 2027 is Peti F.

This week it was nice to step into a world history class and hear students engaging in conversation around rules of democracy and how they can make it better as citizens. I like hearing students use evidence-based reasoning to explain their opinions on things that matter to them, such as rules, laws, leadership elections etc. It was the perfect timing as Seattle just completed a major election and NH wrapped up 9th grade elections today.

HOSA

Some of our students from Systems Medicine class attended a STEM Ignite event last evening at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), our curriculum partner for Systems Medicine. Students engaged directly with leading scientists, researchers, doctors, and donors, participated in thought-provoking discussions, showcased their work AND had the rare privilege of meeting Nobel Laureate in Physiology/Medicine, Dr. Mary Brunkow, 2025 Nobel Prize winner. They demonstrated exceptional professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and scientific acumen that truly set them apart. Their conduct embodied our school’s mission and values of “honorable, skillful, thinking, global citizens” through their respectful engagement with experts and thoughtful contributions to scientific discourse. Ms. Umdor-Singh is immensely proud of how her student’s represented our school. Please join me in congratulating Brandon M-G, Diana R, Jianan W, Kai C, Kamila H, Kayla R, and Sooyoon H for their great work. Hale Yeah!

No School – Tue, 11/11

Tuesday, November 11th we do not have school in observance of Veteran’s Day. We will be honoring veterans at Nathan Hale on Monday, November 10th during Mentorship. All Mentorship classes will be viewing a special video highlighting the contributions of veterans, sharing their stories, and honoring these heroes. Thank you to all who served and still serve in our armed forces.

Athletics

Cross Country is off to the state championship this weekend at Sun Willows Golf Course. Way to go, Georgia V, Meredith G, Hannah B, and Frances G! Girls Varsity Swimming has their district championships today and tomorrow at Hazen Pool. Girls Varsity Volleyball plays in the district tournament at 11:00am vs Foster High School at Evergreen High School to qualify for state on Saturday, 11/8. Come out and support Girls Varsity Soccer tomorrow in a winner to state game on November 8th, at 12pm at NEAC, our home field. Go Raiders!

Fall Sports Dessert is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18th in the Commons starting at 7:00pm. This is when the achievements of our fall sports teams and athletes are recognized, and awards are distributed.

Reminder: Winter Sports kick off on November 17th. Bowling began November 3rd, and Gymnastics starts November 10th. Please be sure that students are registered in FinalForms and they have a current sports physical uploaded in order to try out/attend practice. Please use the Metro website to stay up to date on all Metro athletics.

Next week, Wednesday, November 12th is National Signing Day, organized by senior Camden K-N, for student athletes signing to play collegiate athletics after high school. Please email Darby Haskins, AD, if your student plans to sign and wants to participate in the NH Signing Day during lunch time. djhaskins@seattleschools.org

We look forward to celebrating our student athletes and honoring their hard work and commitment to play sports beyond high school.

College Resources

Seattle Children’s and College Success Foundation are offering a free virtual session “You’re Not Alone! Navigating Your Education Future” on Saturday, November 15th from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Learn about funding in Washington to pay for college, ask questions and hear about resources to help navigate the stress. Participants who register and attend will be entered to win one of five $20 e-gift cards. Register on the Seattle Children’s Zoom website.

FAFSA Night is coming on November 20th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in our library. Come get support and learn about the FAFSA from Seattle Promise and Nathan Hale school counselors. Continue to check out the NH Counseling page for information and guidance.

Free & Reduced Lunch Applications

We continue to encourage all families who are eligible to submit a Free and Reduced Lunch application. Applications can be submitted online by going to MySchoolApps. There are other benefits associated with Free and Reduced Lunch qualification including possible discounted price for ASB fee, field trips, etc. The percentage of students who qualify for F&R Lunch is also used to determine whether schools qualify for additional funding. If you have questions about whether you qualify, please go to the district’s Student Meal Programs webpage.

Nathan Hale Foundation

We are looking for parents to join the Nathan Hale Foundation. Come get involved at Hale. Be a part of all the action and meet fabulous parents and guardians who strive to inspire and build a supportive community that ensures ALL students become honorable, thinking, skillful, global students that go above and beyond for NHHS. We need you. Please contact Ms. Tina Tudor at tmtudor@seattleschools.org  or contact: info@nathanhalehsfoundation.org

Have a safe and restful weekend.

In Partnership,

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal