Family Message

Happy Friday,

This will be a long message as we have some important information to share, many things to celebrate, upcoming events at Nathan Hale, and important info.

First off, the NEW SPS Student Cellphone Use Expectations starts on Monday, May 4th, to support focused learning districtwide. For Nathan Hale “No Cell Bell to Bell,” as shared at the beginning of the school year in the NHHS Students Rights and Responsibilities presentation to all students as well as in the start of school required forms packet sent home to families, the new SPS expectation is not new to our students. The exception is that cell phones will no longer be allowed during Mentorship/Advisory. Although we do not have actual bells at Nathan Hale, students understand that means from the start of the period to the end of the period (“Academic Time”) according to the Nathan Hale Bell Schedule. Students are allowed to use their cell phones, headphones, and other personal electronic devices before school, during lunch, and at passing periods.

If students cannot adhere to the cell phone expectations the following support is in place:

• 1st Offense: Teacher warning, parent contact, student puts away.
• 2nd Offense: Confiscation, parent contact, student picks up in office at end of day.
• 3rd Offense: Confiscation, parents pick up from office at the end of the school day, further discipline may apply.
• Possible further disciplinary consequences, if misuse continues.

Thank you all in advance for helping our school become more focused on learning. Together we are better. Talk with your student about these expectations so we have a great first day with this new SPS expectation. Superintendent Shuldiner looks forward to his NHHS visit on Monday as the new cell phone expectations go live across the district.  

YDD week has been a blast. My favorite day was staff dressing like students, only to have it backfire when a staff member was told by a student that she looks like she’s dressing like Ms. Grimes….funny! I admit athletic gear is most comfortable for me as I do like getting out after school and supporting Raider Athletics and all things Hale. Today’s YDD assembly had a lot of friendly competition with the seniors bringing in the most points and the senior cheerleaders performing their last school performance sporting their black and gold.

The Student vs. Staff basketball game was a big hit this week too. It was fun to see students out on the court having a good time trying to beat the staff. Staff won. Game over. Sometimes the youth forget we still have it in us, regardless of our age, especially with icy hot as our best friend.

Wednesday, we had a Fire Drill to ensure students know how to safely exit the building and gather in their attendance verification spot on the field with their mentorship teacher and classmates. It is important that students join their mentorship in a timely manner so in case of a real emergency our lists are accurate, and first responders can support our building’s needs quickly. This beautiful spring weather is a great opportunity for our Raiders to improve their evacuation expectations.

Wednesday was also High School Radio Day. I am proud of the fact we currently have our own radio station: c89.5. High School Radio Day is a national celebration of the power of student-run radio stations like our very own c89.5—where creativity, hard work, and real-world skills come to life on the airwaves. We’re proud to give students hands-on experience through c89.5, building skills in communication, technology, and leadership that extend far beyond the studio.

Upcoming Events

This week it has been nice to see our students in our drama program during and after school scurry around to ensure all the final touches and pieces they need to open the Spring Musical “Legally Blonde” next week. From costumes, to make up, dance moves, lines, props, and logistical pieces for each set – they are dialed in. Do not miss the opportunity to see Legally Blonde on opening night, Thursday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. Shows run May 8th, 9th, 15th and 16th at 7:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 16th. This year the matinee is sensory friendly and pay-what-you-can. Tickets for performances can be purchased on the Theatre BookTix webpage.

The annual Nathan Hale Plant Sale is Saturday May 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Greenhouse located behind Jane Addams MS. For more details, please see the Horticulture Spring Plant Sale entry on the Nathan Hale website calendar. Students are excited about this big sale and look forward to the community coming out to support their amazing horticultural skills.

Next week we will kick off Teacher Appreciation Week at Nathan Hale. This is a week dedicated to showing our staff how much we appreciate them. May our Hale community help me shower our staff with appreciation. Malala Yousafzai, once said, “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” I am asking families to help me treat the teachers on Thursday and Friday.

Monday – Coffee Cart and breakfast by NHCO. Thank you.

Tuesday – Student card and poster making in the commons. Thank you.

Wednesday – Staff luncheon by NHCO. Thank you.

Thursday – Students bring a bag of chips. Chip bar in staff lounge. Thank you.

Friday – Students/families bring a bag of candy. Sweet treats in staff lounge.  Thank you.

Testing Info

AP Testing will start next week on Wednesday. All students registered to take an AP test should have received an email with information about the tests including test location, check-in time, what to bring and not bring, etc. Information is also available on the Assessments page on our website. Good luck to all our AP testers. Your hard work will pay off. If you have questions, contact Taylor Bosworth, Test Coordinator.

Smarter Balanced Assessment for (SBA) in English Language Arts and Math as well as the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) starts the week of May 18th! All 10th graders are required to take the SBA and passing it is one way of satisfying a graduation pathway. 11th graders are taking the WCAS. Please see attached SBA/WCAS testing PDF for details on the adjusted schedule, testing days, and alternate activities for all students. If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Principal Ambyr Burrell.

Athletics

On Saturday come out and support our NH boys Lacrosse team (10-1) take on Ballard at 7:30 p.m. for the Metro Championship at Ballard HS. It would be awesome to see our Hale community show up for them in a BIG way. Hale Yeah! Check out the Metro League website for what is happening in sports.

PE Waivers are now available in the main office for all 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who have completed the spring season in a school sponsored sport. Make sure the PE Waiver is signed by both your coach and parent/guardian and turn it into the main office. They are due in the first week of June.

Save the date for the Spring Sports Dessert on Tuesday, June 2nd in the Commons starting at 7:00 p.m. This is when the achievements of our spring sports teams and athletes are recognized, and awards are distributed.

Important Info

Senior families please make sure your student is checking their email daily. They have HUGE DEADLINES approaching. For one, Cap and Gown pick up is this Wednesday, May 6th after school.

Lastly, we mailed letters to families for students who received an “E” not passing grade during the 3rd quarter reporting window. I would like to encourage all families to check in with their students to ensure they are meeting their academic goals. If you are worried about your student’s progress please contact your student’s school counselor, grade level administrator, or one of the academic intervention specialists on campus.

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the nice weather. I hear it is going to be amazing.

In Partnership,

Ms. Jolene Grimes