Beloved Families,  

I hope you had a great month of May and are looking forward to our upcoming final month of school! With summer just around the corner, our freshmen students participated in Field Day activities this afternoon. They were able to spend time bonding, having fun with one another and enjoying some sun. These connections that our students develop with each other can serve to help them stay engaged in their Hale community.

This upcoming week, we honor Pride Month. Specifically, Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals. The organized pursuit of LGBTQ rights in the United States reaches back to at least 1924 and the founding of the Society of Human Rights in Chicago by Henry Gerber.

Jewish American Heritage Month

The month of May is Jewish American Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States. Learn more about this Jewish American Heritage Month of recognition.

Year End Music Event: Tonight! Friday 5/31

The Nathan Hale Music Department is ending the year on a high note with some exciting performances. Join us tonight, Friday, May 31st at 7:00PM to hear the Spring Concert featuring performances from the Concert Choir, Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Band. Next week, dance the night away on Friday, June 7th at the annual Swing Dance. Come at 7:00PM to learn some basic swing dance moves, then boogie to live music performed by Jazz Band and Vocal Jazz starting at 7:30PM.   

School Climate Concerns

Students and parents have made us and Seattle Public Schools aware of concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, and hate speech at Nathan Hale. The administration is currently investigating these concerns in partnership with the Office of Student Civil Rights. I encourage parents and family members to check-in with your student and their social media activity. If additional concerns or incidents arise, please report them directly to the administrative team. We rely on engaged parents to help us maintain a safe and a positive learning environment for all. Please note that Seattle Public Schools Board Policy 3207 prohibits the targeted harassment, intimidation, and bullying of district students, and engaging in negative targeted behaviors may result in disciplinary action under this policy.

Yearbook Pre-Sales 

Yearbooks are still available for pre-sale! Cost is $80. The sale period runs 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. 

Yearbook Distribution

Yearbook day is on the way! The Heritage Yearbook staff will distribute yearbooks in the Activity Center on Thursday, June 6th between 2:00 and 3:00PM. Here are a few things to know before picking up a yearbook: 

• Photo identification is required for yearbook pick-up, no exceptions 
• Students are not allowed to pick up yearbooks on behalf of friends or siblings 
• Yearbook staff will not replace lost or stolen yearbooks
• Seniors will be able to pick up one day early – Wednesday, June 5th from 2:25 to 3:00PM in the Activity Center  

Senior Class Updates 

Decoration support for prom – The senior class needs help in supplying decorations for this year’s prom at Sunset Bay Lodge. They have created an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase items to be shipped to Nathan Hale, that will be used for prom. Contact nhhs2024asb@gmail.com with questions. We appreciate all your support and help!

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! Use the registration link to register and pay for the Senior SPREE. Scholarships are still available; see the counselors to request assistance. More information on the SPREE Website. 

I don’t know if the sun will stick around for the whole weekend but I hope you have a nice weekend regardless!

Much love,

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