Friday 3/28 Family Message

Happy Friday, 

Tonight is a BIG night for our Vocal Jazz and Choir students. Please JOIN us tonight at the Choir Concert to witness the performance of varied selections from classical to contemporary. It starts at 7pm in our Performing Arts Center (PAC). There will be banh mi sandwiches and treats for sale during intermission. We appreciate all the support students and staff get for our music program. Thank you all in advance for showing up and providing support.

This week’s highlight was the NHHS Career Fair Ms. Hester set up for students during mentorship. Students had the opportunity to meet and talk with a variety of local businesses and organizations such as: Seattle Seahawks, Arena Sports, King County Metro, AmeriCorp, Delta Airlines, Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training, North Seattle College work first programs, Washington State Patrol, Seattle Public Schools Skills Center, Department of Social and Health Services, Happy Feet, Pedal Heads, and Ghost video gaming and more. I was so excited to see many school partners in attendance sharing all the opportunities their businesses and organizations have for our students. The future is bright! Ask your student if they attended and their biggest take-away.

Today, teachers in our language arts department spent their prep periods over at Jane Addams Middle School on a NH/JAMS learning walk. Principal Montgomery and I are committed to ensuring we have clear and viable pathways for students to have academic success in high school after transitioning from middle school. This work is important and something that both schools are excited about for students’ and staff overall success.  

This week has been an emotional week for me as a principal. I was asked to read a eulogy/life tribute for a previous student who overdosed on fentanyl. In my twenty-six plus years in education it truly has been one of the hardest and saddest moments of my life. I share this because I know that this is a fear for many, close and dear to many hearts. I kindly ask that we continue to help each other find the resources, love, care and concern needed to tackle this gross epidemic that is harming our families and bringing challenges to our community. I always say, if you see something, say something. If something does not look right, it probably is not right. If you have a concern and need support, please do not hesitate to reach out and we can help provide you resources. One resource available for your teen is Teen Link, a program of Crisis Connections, at 1.866.833.6546.  

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. 

Reminder, the end of the 3rd quarter is April 8th. I encourage all students to look at their 3rd quarter courses to ensure their current academic grade marks are meeting their academic goals for the quarter.  

Spring sports are in full swing amidst rain, lightning and threats of hailstorms! We appreciate the flexibility of our athletes, supporters and coaches. You can find our Spring Sports schedule on the Metro League website and also on our website in the Daily Bulletin. 

The musical fundraiser Cabaret Night is about a week away! 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 still be bought here: Purchase Cabaret Night Tickets.  

Nathan Hale Auction …Spring Into Auction! The Nathan Hale Foundation is hosting our online auction May 1st - 11th and would like to thank our generous community for responding to the invitation to donate to our auction. Thank You!  There is still time to donate if you are interested in hosting a party (craft night, game night or maybe a progressive dinner with another family or two), donating sports events tickets, or a vacation 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. 

Have a great weekend. Stay safe.

In Partnership, 

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal