Friday 9/15 Message to Families

Beloved Families,

I hope you had a great second week of school! This week I had an opportunity to visit classrooms and observe the great teaching and learning happening throughout our school community. It was really fun to walk into Algebra where students created posters about their identity using multiple triangles and equations. I also participated in a senior government class seminar where students used resources and articles to make their case for device usage in class, as I countered with my case about the impacts on student learning, student connections, mental health, and engagement. The most fruitful part of this learning experience is that students had the opportunity to engage in this debate using the structure of class learning for academic performance.

We had our first Fire Drill of the school year this week! The fire department came to Nathan Hale to pull our alarm for us to evacuate the building and gather at the football field. In the case of a fire in the building, our students will evacuate with their teacher to their current teacher’s specific location on the football field where attendance is taken and where communication with families will be coordinated. We intend to have another Fire Drill in the next month to strengthen our expeditious schoolwide evacuation in the future. Please review the rest of my Friday Message. Though it’s long, it’s packed with info for you and your students.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Today begins the month-long annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements in the United States.  

Did you know more than 20% of the students at Nathan Hale identify as Latinx/Hispanic, along with several staff as well? We have a robust Latinx Affinity group at NHHS, called Latinx Unidos, sponsored by Spanish teacher Sra. Tobon. Also, please welcome our two newest Spanish teachers, Sra. Rodriguez and Sra. DiTolla to Hale. We are thrilled to continue to engage with the language and culture at school. Be sure to check out the wonderful cultural activities offered around the Seattle area by checking the Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month In Seattle webpage.

School Safety

School safety is a top priority in ensuring that all students, educators, and families feel safe and welcome to learn at their highest capability. Thank you to all students, families, and educators who have reported concerns surrounding school safety, not limited to inappropriate behavior and conduct in our school and community to Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, and racism. Please continue to report to administration, school security, and counseling department and we will work to find resolution, support, and care.

Academic Support Time

Starting on Wednesday, September 20th in the second half of Mentorship, students needing to retake quizzes or tests, or needing extra academic help will be able to use support time to do so. Students will need a support pass from their teacher they will be visiting and can use the time for academic planning and support.

Syllabus Review with Student

Families, please check each class syllabus with your student, as each syllabus will have a grading policy, retake policy, cell phone and device expectations for class, and a communication plan for grades and missing assignments throughout the course.

Counseling Department

The 10 day deadline for schedule changes is coming to an end. The last day for schedule changes is Monday, September, 18th. Please see your student’s counselor should you have any questions. Counselor assignment is determined by the student’s last name. For the alpha breakdown, please go to the Counseling webpage.

Ordering Student School Photo and Photo Makeup Day

Yuen Lui Studio will photograph makeup portraits at Nathan Hale on Thursday, September 21st. Makeup Day is only for students who haven’t been photographed this school year. Information about Retake Day will be shared in October. To order portraits: 

• Preorder portraits for makeup day
• View and order portraits from Raider Day here (images are password protected; the online code is your student’s SPS ID number and can be found on your student’s school ID card which will be available for pick up late next week)

All students are encouraged to take a photo so they can get a student ID card. ASB stickers showing the fee has been paid can only be put onto student ID cards. Student portraits also will be included in the school yearbook.

Homecoming Week (9/25-29) and Dance Chaperones Needed

Nathan Hale’s Homecoming spirit week and dance are the week of the 25th – 29th. Get ready to dress up, compete, and celebrate Raider power. Spirit days are PJ day on Monday, Twin Day on Tuesday, Decades Day on Wednesday (Freshman are the 50’s, Sophomores are the 60’s, Juniors the 70’s, and Seniors the 80’s), Barbie v. Ken on Thursday, and Class Colors Day on Friday (Freshmen-red, Sophomores-white, Juniors-blue, and Seniors-black and gold)! Other activities will be planned for the week so encourage your student to check-out the Daily Bulletin.

The Class of 2024 is looking for chaperones for this year’s Homecoming dance! The dance will be on Friday, September 29th at Hale. Please contact nhhs2024asb@gmail.com if interested and for more information. All help is greatly appreciated!

SAT/PSAT/AP Accommodation Info

If you would like to apply for SAT/PSAT/AP accommodations for your student, you and your student should apply through the College Board website on Accommodations. Accommodations are approved on a rolling basis so the sooner you apply, the sooner you will have a result.

Seniors will have the opportunity to take the SAT at school for free on Wednesday, October 11th. The date when juniors will take the PSAT has yet to be determined but will fall between October 16th – 31st. AP Exams are scheduled in May. Go to the Assessments at Nathan Hale webpage for more information about these tests and links to test practice sites.

Senior Portraits

Senior portrait submissions are now being accepted! Please follow the instructions below to submit a senior portrait: 

• Go to hjeshare.com 
• Type in the school code “nathanhale”, all lowercase with no spaces 
• Fill out the contact form 
• Select “Upload Your Portrait” 
• Attach the photo you wish to submit 

To be included in the yearbook, senior portraits must be submitted via eShare no later than January 22, 2024. It is a hard deadline and there will not be an extension. If you have any questions, please contact: yearbooknathanhale@gmail.com 

Portrait guidelines: 

• JPG format 
• Minimum 300 DPI 
• Dimensions: either 1.5 x 2” or 3 x 4.5” 

FAFSA/WAFSA Update for Seniors

The 2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will not be available until December 2023. The WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) will also be delayed until the FAFSA opens. Applications usually open October 1st of a student’s senior year so this is a major shift in the college planning process.

Have a great weekend!

Much love,

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