Friday 12/6 Nathan Hale Family Message

Happy Friday Hale!  

Today I wrap up this week with a filled heart and so much pride as the principal of Nathan Hale High School. Yesterday, we welcomed Chris Herren, Shawn Kemp, and Freddy Brown III (Nathan Hale Alumni), to our campus for a dynamic and heart tugging Chris Herren assembly sponsored by our community partner Rise Above. Students made me so proud. You could hear a pin drop in the Nathan Hale gymnasium. Herren captured their hearts and had them dialed in. Students were moved, some in tears, and eager to speak personally with Chris and special guests after the assembly. Herren shared his story and personal life struggles, challenging students to find value in their own life, asking them to care for one another, and remember who is always looking up to them as high schoolers. One student shared, “all it takes is a little bit of self-control and self-respect to not give into peer pressure.” While another mentioned, “It’s not a bad thing to be able to ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Don’t wait too long to ask for help or get someone to help.” Parents, families, I encourage you to ask your student about the assembly and take a few minutes to share space with them and hear their take-aways. It was powerful and absolutely the best I have seen in my 25 years in education.  

This week it was nice to get into classrooms and see teaching and learning come alive. In Geometry, students learned how to use indirect measurements and play with reflections celebrating Mirror Day. In science classes, students were learning about cellular respiration and photosynthesis and engaged in a shiny lab learning how silver is made. In the seqacib classroom, students were working with soap figures, learning the art of patience and details while carving their student selected artwork. I enjoyed escaping into the class and working alongside students carving my own piece. Lastly, I enjoyed seeing students work on belief essays in the library, researching topics and themes dear to their hearts. One student shared his interest in why hard work beats talent – when talent does not work hard. I found this topic interesting and look forward to seeing the student’s final essay.  

We have 10 more days until Winter Break 12/23 – 1/3. I encourage students who may be falling behind in their studies to utilize the break to get work done. When we return from break, we will start important classroom presentations to get students ready for the upcoming 25-26 SY registration process. Yes, it is already about to be that time.  

FamilyWorks is bringing their Mobile Food Pantry to Nathan Hale! Join them after school on Wednesday, December 18th, by the football field for a free bag of groceries from 2:30-3:15pm, Fresh produce and perishable items are available! All students and families are welcome!  

There is an Instrumental Music Concert tonight in our PAC starting at 7:00pm. The Choirs Concert will be next Friday, December 13th at 7:00pm in our PAC.  

 Vocal Jazz and Concert Choir are partnering with both the Seattle Parks Foundation and the Lake City Neighborhood Association for two festive events this weekend. It would be great to see students and families there! 

 Meadowbrook Pond Luminaria Festival – Seattle Parks Foundation, Vocal Jazz will provide the music for a magical stroll through an enchanted forest. 

When: Saturday, 12/7 – Vocal Jazz sings at 7pm. Event is 5pm-8pm 
Where: Meadowbrook Pond, 10517 35th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98125 

 Winterfest of Lake City – Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz will serenade revelers at Lake City’s Winter Market. 

When: Sunday, 12/8 – Singers of Nathan Hale perform at 3pm.
Where: The Old Chase Bank, 12360 Lake City Way NE 

Nathan Hale Winter Spirit Week will be the week of December 16th. Get ready now … There will be dress-up days as well as class hockey games during lunch. On Monday, Freshmen play Juniors and on Tuesday, Sophomores play Seniors. Staff v. Student Hockey game on Wednesday during Mentorship.  

• Monday we have Pajama day 
• Tuesday is Timber Tuesday, (wear flannel, add a beard, and no axes!) 
• Wednesday is White Out Wednesday (students wear white, staff wear red) 
• Thursday is Jersey day (wear a jersey) 
• Friday is Four Seasons! (Freshmen are fall, Sophomores are winter, Juniors are spring, and Seniors are summer (you can wear bathing suit’s ON TOP of clothes) 

Tuesday, December 10th is our NHHS New Family Night starting at 6:00pm. Tell your friends and neighbors and have them attend. Hale Yeah! 

May everyone have a safe and happy weekend. Remember the semester ends on January 28, 2025. Please continue to support students to monitor their academic progress for success.  

In Partnership,  

Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal 
Nathan Hale High School