Happy Friday!

This week has been very overwhelming and exciting, as we learned about Ms. Burrell being named the interim principal at Eckstein Middle School. Her last day at Nathan Hale will be on January 29, 2026. She will be missed at Hale. Her work with our 9th grade team and lower house students has been impactful. Please help me wish her the best of luck as she takes her leadership skills back to the middle school. I am currently working with SPS leadership to secure her replacement for the rest of the school year. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns during this transition in leadership.

Reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 19th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will see all our students in the building again on Tuesday, January 20th.

It was nice to pack all our students into the gym this week to honor and observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nathan Hale’s Black Student Union (BSU) did an excellent job of sharing fun facts about his legacy and recognizing students for showing Dr. King’s character qualities of perseverance and compassion at Nathan Hale. Our vocal jazz and concert choir did an amazing job of bringing the energy and vibe to the assembly featuring songs such as Lean on Me and the Black National Anthem. Students shared quotes that help their peers stand tall and challenge them to step into the light of Dr. King for a better community. Final words, spoken deeply by Mr. Evans, Seattle community organizer, asked students to help make the world a better place and to look at themselves to make it happen. He reminded them that Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech is not just a speech, it was a practice. He challenged them to think that how we treat each other matters, people do not need permission to lead, and to be kind to each other. I was so pleased with the student led assembly and how our school community came together to hear words and challenges that lead to action within our school.

Call to Action for NHHS Community – We are all inspired by the example and great work of Dr. King to be better people for ourselves and our community. And that starts with us! As we all know, it is a great responsibility to keep our school, classrooms and community safe. I would like to ask parents to take a moment this weekend as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to talk with their students about how his actions may align with being an honorable, skillful, thinking, global citizen within our school. There are things that often happen in our schools that make it challenging for all students, staff and community members to feel safe and welcomed. Already this school year, we had a few things that should not be found or said in schools, or in any community, such as racial slurs (like the n-word) and hateful graffiti (like swastikas). Hate speech, anti-Semitism, and unwelcoming behavior is not acceptable at Nathan Hale. As the proud leader of Nathan Hale, I take responsibility in helping us all address these concerns and look forward to partnering with you. If you see something, say something so that together we can ensure that all students can become honorable, skillful, thinking, global citizens.

Below you will find important information including our Semester 1 Finals Schedule.

NHHS Athletics

Winter sports photos are available online. Families with winter athletes should have received an email to order Winter Sports photos. Orders will be shipped directly to your home.

Save the date for the Winter Sports Dessert on Wednesday, February 25th in the Commons starting at 7:00 p.m. This is when the achievements of our winter sports teams and athletes are recognized, and awards are distributed.

The final grade check for winter sports will be based off student athlete’s final semester 1 grades. This will also be the first grade check for spring sports. Please look over grades with your student so there are no surprises.

Check out the Metro League website for what is happening in sports. Go Raiders!

Semester 1 Finals Schedule

As your student should already know, semester 1 finals will take place on Friday, 1/23, Monday, 1/26 and Tuesday, 1/27. You will find the bell schedule for each day on our website and also included below my signature.

Skills Center Application & Info

The 2026-27 registration and application form is now live on the Skills Center website. You will want to read all the info including their Course Descriptions and Locations. Their program has expanded to include two more sessions of popular classes: (AM Firefighting and AM Auto Technology at West Seattle HS). They also just got a new credit equivalency in 3rd year MATH for our Maritime Vessel Operations course! They will hold a virtual Open House evening tour on Tuesday, 1/20 from 5:30-6:30pm. For more info, please go to the Skills Center website.

Senior Cap & Gown Orders

If you or your student hasn’t ordered their cap and gown yet, this is the month to do so! We have about 90 seniors who haven’t placed an order. Price for cap, gown, tassel and stole costs $64.95 (before shipping/handling and tax). If you are in need of assistance for cap & gown, the school does have a limited supply of gently-used gowns (and some caps) that are available to borrow. The student and/or family would still need to pay for a tassel, stole and possibly a cap if one is not available to borrow. There may also be scholarship assistance available for those who qualify. The deadline to request a scholarship is Friday, January 30th. Please contact Emily Wong, our Fiscal Specialist, or the Main Office at 206.252.3680 for more information.

Senior Grad Ads

There’s still time to buy a senior grad ad to celebrate your graduating senior! A grad ad is a wonderful way to honor your student. It’s also a great option if you missed the deadline for senior portraits and baby photos. Grad ads include photos and a personal message to your student. Ads are for sale through Feb. 1. They will be published in the Hale yearbook in June. Buying a senior grad ad is optional. See the yearbook webpage for pricing and details. 

Enjoy the long weekend and stay safe.

In Partnership,

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal

Friday, January 23

Tutorial	8:50 – 10:20
Period 1	10:25 – 12:25
Lunch	12:30 – 1:00
Mentorship	1:05 – 1:35
Period 4	1:40 – 3:40

Monday, January 26

Tutorial	8:50 – 10:20
Period 2	10:25 – 12:25
Lunch	12:30 – 1:00
Mentorship	1:05 – 1:35
Period 5	1:40 – 3:40

Tuesday, January 27 (Last Day of Semester)

Tutorial	8:50 – 10:20
Period 3	10:25 – 12:25
Lunch	12:30 – 1:00
Mentorship	1:05 – 1:35
Period 6	1:40 – 3:40