Friday 3/21 Family Message

Happy Friday,  

This week we practiced a Lockdown Drill. During an actual lockdown, students and staff will hear “Lockdown, lockdown, lockdown. This is not a drill.” Or in the case this week: This is a drill. The general response options for a lockdown entail: 1. A campus lockdown signaled to alert all staff and students to implement Lockdown procedures. 2.  911 is called. The SPS safety and security office is called. 3. Students and visitors are directed to the nearest room. Doors are locked, windows closed and concealed to obscure visibility. 4. Students and staff are positioned against the wall with the most protection, keeping everyone seated as low as possible and remaining quiet. 5. All exterior doors to the campus are locked; windows are closed and concealed. 6. A lockdown continues until police or principal/administrator unlocks the door and verbally gives the “All Clear” signal. 7. Students, staff, and visitors who are outside the building must implement the safest approach for the particular circumstances, which may be reverse evacuation, relocation or searching for cover and concealment. Each month we practice one emergency drill to ensure staff and students know how to respond to emergency situations. We appreciate your partnership in entrusting the school in responding appropriately.  

A handful of students this week had the opportunity to participate in off campus field trips. North Seattle College and Seattle Public Schools CTE hosted a Discover Your Path Day and workforce options at North and in the community. Students got a campus tour, had small group presentations, and enjoyed a catered lunch with an opportunity fair featuring local organizations and businesses as they discovered their high school pathways and plan for life beyond high school. WOW, what amazing opportunities in our own backyard. Another group of students had the opportunity to attend BMMSD: Blacks at Microsoft Minority Student Day. This day is about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) aimed at bridging the digital divide. The objective is aimed at introducing underrepresented high school students to STEAM careers etc. I am excited to hear how this day went for students who attended. If you know of a cool opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge and learning outside of the classroom, please reach out to the school. We embrace getting students out into the community. Thank you to the parents/guardians who continue to volunteer to support activities, events and field trips at Nathan Hale. It truly takes a village.  

Spring is a busy time – this is a reminder about Prearranged Absences: 

If your student needs to miss one or more days of school due to a pre-planned absence, they should complete a pre-planned absence form (also in Attendance office), at least 3 days in advance of the absence. Students will need their teacher’s signatures on the back of form. Once completed, they should return form to the Attendance office. 

Gentle reminder – if you are picking your student up from school and need an early dismissal for an appointment or all-day absence, please remember we would appreciate you contacting the Attendance office: 206-252-3684 or halehs.attendance@seattleschools.org well in advance of the need to dismiss your student from class (preferably at start of school day with a signed note – include your contact number). 

Athletics – Spring sports are in full action. Student athletes MUST attend ALL classes on game days and should not be tardy to school or class. Students who fail to meet this expectation may jeopardize their ability to participate in athletic events. Students who are ill or have appointments MUST also communicate directly with their coach if they are missing a practice or competition.  Anytime your student misses school on game day they will need a doctor’s note to be cleared to play that day. The next grade check will be on April 25th. 

We have 14 more days until the end of the 3rd quarter. Parents, now is a good time to check your students grades to see if they are meeting their academic goals. If you have any concerns about your student’s grades or progress, please do not hesitate to reach out to their teachers directly and/or contact their school counselor or administrator for support and guidance.  

School testing is around the corner – SBA/WCAS/WA-AIM testing is scheduled for April 21st – 25th, the week following spring break. The Smarter Balanced (SBA) and Washington Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM) tests in math and English language arts (ELA) will be given to students in grade 10. The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) or the WA-AIM science assessment will be given to students in grade 11. Please read the SBA/WCAS/WA-AIM Test page on our website for more information. Note: testing will impact the bell schedule for all students on test days. Please go to the special April testing schedule to see what the schedule will be each day. Wednesday, April 23rd will be a normal Wednesday schedule 

Senior families –This is the last weekend to buy a senior grad ad in the Hale yearbook! Ads must be purchased and submitted by Monday, March 24. A grad ad, though not required, is an excellent way to celebrate your graduating senior. Prices are $25 to $100. See the SchoolPay for more info.

We are less than a month out from our musical fundraiser Cabaret Night and tickets are officially on sale! Join us April 5th for a night of musical favorites with performances from Hale students, alumni, local artists, plus a sneak peek of our spring musical The Addams Family. There will also be performances from Hale staff including Brian Coon, Larry Uhlman, Jessica Milanese, Asher Delaney-Hanna, and Audrey Delaney-Hanna. Tickets can be bought here: Buy Cabaret Night tickets. Prices go up on Monday, 3/24, so buy your tickets this weekend!   

It’s officially Hale election season. Does your student want to be involved in planning events and getting their voice heard? They can run to be class or student body president, vice-president, treasurer, or secretary or class senate rep. They can also apply to be a commissioner and join the Nathan Hale leadership class. Intent to run forms will be available Thursday, 3/27 in the main office and are due Thursday, 4/3.

Election timeline:

• 3/27 – Intent to Run Forms and Commissioner Applications available
• 4/3 – Intent to Run Forms and Commissioner Applications Due
• 4/10 – Election/Voting during ELA classes.
• 4/11 – Results Announced.

Nathan Hale Auction …Spring Into Auction! The Nathan Hale Foundation is hosting our online auction May 1st - 11th and is seeking donations from our generous community. Together with the Fall Annual Campaign, this event raises vital funds for our school. Do you have tickets to a local sporting event or concert?  Interested in hosting a party (craft night, game night, movie night?) to connect with the Hale community, or maybe you have a vacation or second home we can create a memorable experience with? If you would like to contribute items or experiences that can be auctioned, go to HaleYes! 2025 – Auction Procurement Page or send an email to hale-yes@nathanhalehsfoundation.org. For more information on how donors to the NHHS Foundation provide support for our school, see Nathan Hale High School Foundation. 

Key Important Dates to put on your calendar:  

• End of 3rd Quarter: April 8th
• SPS Spring Break: April 14-18.  
• State testing: April 21-25.  
• New Family Night: June 4th.  
• NHHS Prom: June 7th at 8:00pm 
• Senior Checkout week starts: June 9th
• Senior Breakfast Day: June 16th 
• NHHS Graduation: June 17th at 5:00 pm| Senior Spree 
• Last day of school: June 18th  

Have a great weekend. Be safe and get some rest.  

In Partnership,  

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal