Hello, Nathan Hale Families –  

We did it! We officially made it through the 24-25 school year. We have much to celebrate and are proud of this school year. Like anything in life, there is always room for improvement, but celebration and gratitude should be acknowledged as we jump into summer vacation.  

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” Author unknown. My hope is that students and families take a break and give yourselves permission to relax and enjoy time away from school, so everyone returns in September energized and ready to fully engage.  

Summertime is about doing what makes you happy and fulfilled. We need our students to come back focused to excel academically, socially, physically, mentally and emotionally to achieve their goals for success beyond high school.   

I need my staff to exhale and unplug from school and all their daily responsibilities and obligations at Hale. We also need them to rest! Although some will have professional development to do and schooling to engage in, a healthy balance is what is warranted. Please note that the Nathan Hale staff are officially on their summer vacation and will not be doing school business until they return in late August.  

First, a huge THANK YOU to all teachers, counselors, support staff, custodial staff, nutritional staff, coaches, activity coordinators, parent volunteers, community volunteers, department leaders, parents, guardians, and school administration for all the hard work, support, and guidance to our young people. Together, we’re better. 

*** School office hours over the summer will be posted on the main entry doors on the west side of the building. There will continue to be various athletic open gyms happening in the gym and weight room over the summer communicated out by coaches. Check out the school website throughout the summer for NHHS office hours, updates, and information.  

The Teen Health Center (operated by Kaiser Permanente) is closed over the summer as they only operate when school is in session. Likewise, FamilyWorks which provides family resources will not be on campus during the summer, but they are available at their location at 1005 NE 67th St. Please go to the FamilyWorks website for their other locations, hours and more information. FamilyWorks will return to Nathan Hale again in the fall. 

Students should have finished their finals on Tuesday, June 17th. 2^nd Semester Grades should be posted on the Source the week of July 7th.  

Tuesday night the Class of 2025 graduated from NHHS. It was the perfect evening commencement ceremony celebrating the milestone achievement for our seniors. Our graduates were encouraged to remember their friendships formed and the staff who made meaningful impact in their lives, and to also move forward to plant new seeds that will bloom and create new stories in their lives. Thank you to our parents and the Nathan Hale Community Organization who hosted a lovely reception of cake, fruit, cookies and beverages in our Commons after the ceremony. *** Seniors! Transcripts will be sent to the college you listed on your senior check-out form after the 4th of July holiday. 

Wednesday afternoon we had an all-school field day. Students and staff enjoyed spending time together participating in various activities like kickball, pickleball, karaoke, projects in our Makerspace, board games, etc. This is exactly how we wrap up a wonderful school year.  

Mental Health message: Though summer is a season associated with fun and rest, we know that our youth may still struggle with mental health including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, etc. One resource is Talkspace which is an online behavioral health company providing virtual therapy which is free for Seattle youth age 13 to 24. Additional information and resources can be found on the City of Seattle Youth Mental Wellness Resources page. Please use these resources at your convenience.  

Final NHHS reminders as we step into summer: 

Laptops: Students should have returned their school issued laptop and charger to the school this past Wednesday. If your student still has their laptop at home, please return it to the school asap. All devices need to be serviced and updated over the summer. This is very important. Students who fail to return their laptop are subject to a school fine and fees.  

Fines/Fees: Your student’s school fines can be found on the parent’s Source page. Please review these fines especially for those students who will be seniors next school year. All fines must be addressed as part of the graduation/senior check-out process. Either missing materials are returned to the school, or fines should be paid. Clearing fines will reduce any stress for you and your senior student.  

Nurse: Nurse Amy will not be returning to Nathan Hale in the fall. While her replacement is being hired, please send any health/medication forms for the 2025-26 school year to nathanhale_nurse@seattleschools.org. Parents, if your student requires emergency medicine for school (asthma inhaler, epi pen, etc.) please make sure to get a new medication authorization form signed by your child’s healthcare provider BEFORE the first day of school (September 3rd).  

Athletics: Fall sports start in August so please have all forms completed by Monday, August 18th so forms can be processed in a timely manner. Returning families should log in to FinalForms and sign up for their 2025-26 sports teams. Please make sure your athlete has a Sports Physical that is current through the school year. 

Summer Food Program: The City of Seattle offers a Summer Food Program for children and teens aged 18 and younger. The food is offered in several locations around the city. No sign up needed. Go to the City of Seattle Summer Food Service Program website for details including locations and other resources for food assistance over the summer.  

Save the Date – Tuesday, September 2nd (the day before the first day of school) is Raider Day. Students will be scheduled to arrive at school (time of arrival will be based on student’s grade and last name) to pick up their laptop, take their school photo with professional photographer Yuen Lui for their student ID and yearbook, walk their schedule, and for freshmen – pick up their locker assignment. This is not a time to miss! Yuen Lui will only take school photos twice in the fall, and Raider Day is one of the two dates. More specific information about Raider Day will go out to families in early August and will be posted on the Nathan Hale High School website. *** Parents and guardians, please have your students bring money to buy some of the optional school items: student ASB card, yearbook, put money on student lunch account, pay class fees, and buy spirit gear. All students are required to take a school picture (but do not have to purchase school portraits) as photos are used for official school business and school yearbook.  

Have a great summer.  

In Partnership,  

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud “Permanent” Principal