Friday 9/5 Family Message

Happy Friday,  

We just finished three full days of learning and community building at Nathan Hale. Thank you, parents and guardians, for getting your student(s) to school on time and ready to learn. I understand the adjustment we all face in getting back into the groove of school.  I am so excited for this school year, all the possibilities, and encouraging our students to excel and find their “why” and “goals” in learning for post-secondary success.  

“Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try.” John F. Kennedy 

We held grade level meetings this week for grades 10, 11, and 12, during mentorship time. The purpose of the meetings was to ensure students know and understand their Rights & Responsibilities as SPS students. A few of the important topics covered were school attendance, Metro transportation and bus ridership, on/off campus behavior expectations, Hallway expectations and pass system to be out of class, bathroom usage and pass expectation, dress code, cell phone rule and expectations, safety drills and emergency drills, school doors and using the intercom system, HIB, fighting vs. assault, drugs, alcohol, and intoxication, making good choices, respect the house and clean up after yourself, get involved in clubs and activities, and take care of business as 39 weeks flies by fast. We will hold 9th grade Monday morning meetings for the first few weeks this school year. These meetings are scheduled to help get 9th graders acclimated to high school and the routines that are essential for their success.  

Hats off to all the NHHS volunteers who helped launch us into the new school year. Thank you! Please know that we appreciate parents and families supporting us at Nathan Hale. All are welcome. Stop by the main office and see where you could be of service and support. The more the merrier.  

This week it was nice to get into classrooms and see teachers building community with students. I saw parachutes, board games, cross the line, surveys and skits engaging students after a long summer. I liked seeing staff get students set up on Schoology and glad the time was spent to ensure they know where and how to access their course materials and class expectations. Staff sent students on scavenger hunts throughout the building helping students learn the lay of the land, helping our freshman learn the building layout and who is who at Hale. I enjoyed seeing students immersed in group activity trying to figure out a puzzle in science and forming hypothesis collaboratively. Some staff took students outside and walked them through their emergency evacuation routines and assembly location. While others took advantage of the last few days of good weather and spent the time outside playing games and getting to know each other. Our goal at Hale is to help students connect and build community with their peers for success in high school. Positive healthy relationships are important for students’ social and emotional wellbeing. We currently have 66 chartered clubs and look forward to seeing students find at least 2 clubs to participate in this school year.  

High school is a busy place, and we have some upcoming dates and events you or your student should attend:  

• Fall sports are in full swing. Come on out and support our Raiders. Please refer to the METRO sports schedule for events and activities. Congratulations to all student athletes who made a team! TONIGHT is the first football game vs. Foster High School at 7 pm on Raider Field. Tonight’s theme is Beach vs Biker.  
• Join us in the Hale Commons to eat, mingle and learn about upcoming theatre & music opportunities with performing arts students, parents, and teachers at the Performing Arts Fall Kickoff/Potluck on Friday, September 12th. This year we are doing a potluck so feel free to bring a dish to share! Potluck will begin at 6:00pm and the info meeting will start around 6:30pm.
• If your student took a school photo on Raider Day, professional portraits can be ordered through the photographer, Yuen Lui Photographers. There is info on how to order on the School Photos page on our NHHS website. Portraits will be mailed directly to your home. Students who missed Raider Day or who need to retake their photos should plan on Retake Day Thursday, October 23rd when Yuen Lui will be back on campus.   
• NHHS Homecoming is October 3rd. Spirit week will be September 29 – October 3. Details about dress up days and activities coming soon! 
• Nathan Hale’s Curriculum Night will be Thursday, October 16th starting at 7:00pm. Parents will have the opportunity to follow their student’s schedule and have a short visit with their student’s teachers.***There will also be a meeting for senior parents and guardians that will precede Curriculum Night at 6:15pm in our PAC to go over what to expect senior year. More information will be coming soon.  
• Senior letters will be mailed home next week.  

I hope everyone has a safe and restful weekend. See you all by 8:50 am on Monday. A reminder that Wednesday early release will start this coming week with dismissal at 2:25pm.  

In Partnership,  

Ms. Jolene Grimes
Proud Principal