Beloved Families, 

The weather has been warm, and the sun is out! Our classrooms were full of engagement and students are looking forward to close out the school year. This truly is a time of excitement, as our seniors prepare to move on, and our freshmen, sophomore, and junior class students are rising in grades. As we begin to enter this final stretch of our school year, please continue to engage with your student(s) on their learnings in and out of school. Grades and assessments are important, as well as the type of engagement students have online, on their social media, and on their other virtual platforms. We want to keep a loving community that is welcome for all, especially as we close out this school year, and open up next school year. Thank you for your partnership in this effort!

Next Steps for Ms. Proctor

Ms. Proctor will be taking leave to attend to personal matters and will be out for the remainder of the school year. At this point, we are working on finding a replacement for the coming weeks and will be looking to hire an Assistant Principal for the 2024-2025 school year.

I want to share that I am grateful for Ms. Proctor’s commitment to our students, her focus on equity and justice, which has all been demonstrated through her leadership in our budget process, alignment of Universal Design for Learning, Co-Teaching, and Master Schedule for Nathan Hale High School. She will be earning her doctorate in the next month, so I am looking forward to what is next for her!

Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating the rich heritage of Asians, Pacific Islanders, and API Americans. Please read more about API Heritage month. 

Students from CAPS club, the Coalition of Asian and Pacific Students, have been meeting with departments to develop lessons that center the numerous identities of Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In Math, students will be investigating an API country’s culture, statistics, contributions, and a significant math-er. World Language classes are exploring pathways to world language education for languages not offered in Seattle Public Schools. Additionally, students are designing a Korean language intro that will be shared in all world language courses. Marine Biology/Oceanography is navigating the intersections of engineering, marine biology, and climate change – especially as it impacts the peoples of the Pacific Islands, Hawaii, and the coastal regions of Asia. Music is showcasing API musicians from across Asia and the Pacific Islands – with a focus on exploring musicians of Central Asia. English Language Arts is analyzing API representation across multiple novels, and exploring two essential questions: How can authentic representation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders create empathy and combat hate? Does art, and literature in particular, have a responsibility to combat stereotypes?

Last weekend for Cinderella!

Just three more chances to see Hale’s spring musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella! This iconic musical puts a new twist on the classic story of pumpkin carriages and glass slippers. Come see Cinderella in Hale’s Performing Arts Center at 7:00PM tonight and tomorrow night. There will also be a sensory friendly matinee tomorrow, Saturday May 11th at 2:00PM. For more information check out the Nathan Hale Theatre website or follow them on Instagram @nathan_hale_theatre. Purchase Last weekend for Cinderella! tickets online or at the door.

Nathan Hale Greenhouse Plant Sale, 5/10 & 11

The annual Nathan Hale HS Edible and Ornamental Plant Sale will be tomorrow, Saturday, May 11th from 10:00AM to 1:00PM at the Greenhouse located north of Jane Addams Middle School. Members’ Night is tonight, May 10th from 4:30 to 7:00PM. Become a member for 2024 with a $25 donation online on the Nathan Hale Urban Farm website. Please park in the Jane Addams Middle School parking lot (entrance off of 31st at 113th Street) and walk up the stairs. There is accessible parking in the small upper lot.

Senior Class Updates

Senior Meeting – On Wednesday, May 15th, all seniors should attend the Senior Meeting in the PAC during Mentorship to get updates and more info as we get closer to graduation.

Cap & Gown Distribution – National Achiever will be on site this coming Wednesday, May 15th from 2:15 to 3:00PM to distribute caps and gowns in the Commons to those who ordered them.

Prom Adult Support – The Class of 2024 is looking for parents or guardians interested in supporting the planning, organizing, and set-up of this year’s prom! They are looking for help managing chaperones, catering and more. Please reach out to nhhs2024asb@gmail.com if you are interested.

Class of 2024 webpage – Seniors and their families can read more about various year-end events and deadlines on the Seniors – Class of 2024 webpage.

Buy SPREE Tickets Now! – From the SPREE Parent Committee: Parent donations raised enough money so tickets this year are just $145! Register for Senior SPREE. Seniors should contact their counselor for information about scholarships. More information on the SPREE Website.

Mock Trial Volunteers Needed

In June, our 10th grade World Literature & World History students will participate in a Mock Trial as a final exhibition.  This year our Mock Trial is about South Africa and their Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).  Specifically, students are addressing whether the TRC in design and function was “an effective remedy” (UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights) for the human rights violations committed during the Apartheid era of South Africa (1960-1993).  We are looking for community member volunteers with experience or interest in the following areas: law; social and restorative justice; legal reform; mediation; history; philosophy and ethics.  Volunteers would serve on panel of 2-3 judges per trial.  More information or to volunteer as a judge.

Yearbook Pre-Sales

Don’t miss the last pre-sale window for the Nathan Hale yearbook this year! There are less than 100 copies left. Cost is $80. The sale period runs from Wednesday, May 15th through Tuesday, June 4th. Yearbooks can be purchased online (through SchoolPay accessed from the parent’s Source account), during lunch or afterschool from the Fiscal window.

World Language Film Festival

Films put together by world language students will be shown on Thursday, May 23rd, from 6:00 to 8:00PM in the Performing Arts Center. Films will receive an award that will be determined by a jury vote and an audience vote. The event is free and all are welcome!

Enjoy this warm, sunny weekend!

Much love,

William Jackson, Ed.D. (he,him)
Principal
Nathan Hale High School