Wednesday 11/27 Family Message

Happy Wednesday! 

May everyone enjoy the Thanksgiving Break. I know it is a much-needed break to spend with family, friends and loved ones. It is a good time to regroup and reflect on school, community, and action. I encourage families to talk with their student(s) about school and their progress. If your student is not there yet (passing all 6 classes) they can still get there. Second quarter (and first semester) will end on January 28th. Students should look at their academic progress and determine whether they are meeting their academic goals. Students who received D or E grades first quarter will receive a report card at home via mail. Remember, students need to take advantage of Wednesday Support Time during their Mentorship period. Students get 30 minutes of support time every Wednesday. Please ask your student how they are utilizing their time.  

Wow, our NHHS bowling team has been on fire! They bested their toughest competition yet on Monday beating Lincoln High School. We are so happy Coach Duncan is back and is leading the pack! Last night, we had a packed house for the rescheduled Fall Sports Dessert. Thank you to all our coaches, student athletes and families for your attendance and being flexible.  

Tonight, our Hale boys and girls basketball teams tipoff at home and Auburn. The girls play Ingraham at home 5:45pm & 7:30pm and the boys travel to Auburn for 5:30pm & 7:00pm games. Good luck, Raiders! Please read and understand our NHHS Winter Sports spectator expectations. 1. Create a positive and safe environment for all. 2. No negative, profane, or derogatory comments at opposing players, teams, fans, coaches, and/or officials are allowed. 3. Stay loud, proud, honorable, and positive when rooting for the Raiders. 4. Show respect for our school and opponents. 5. Honor the Metro League rules and enjoy NHHS Athletics. Our goal at Nathan Hale is to ensure that our sporting events build strong community where all athletes and coaches are supported and celebrated. Thank you all in advance for supporting our athletic department and honoring the SPS Metro League expectations. Please note that Fans who violate these expectations and/or the Metro League Expectations shared below may be subject to suspension from future contests, progressive school discipline (students), and/or issued No Trespass letters (adults).  

Please see SPS Spectator Expectations and Standards of Sportsmanship on our Athletics webpage and as shared in Final Forms.  

Do you have a student who doesn’t yet know how to swim? Nathan Hale has an opportunity for students to learn this important life skill! Students can learn to swim during the school day and earn PE credit for graduation at the same time – free of charge. Whether your student is already a strong swimmer or can’t stay afloat yet, they can learn skills to stay safe, improve their technique or fitness and have fun in the pool, the lake, or the sound all summer long! Connect with your student’s counselor about signing up for swimming during 1st period, second semester with Mr. Renes at Meadowbrook Pool.

This week I enjoyed visiting and welcoming our new Computer Science teacher to Nathan Hale. She has now completed her 13th day at Hale. Please help welcome Ms. Ouyang to our school community. It was a long process to find the right fit, but she sure has jumped right in and made herself at home. One student shared, “the AP Computer Science class, is challenging and forces me to use my critical thinking skills.”  I enjoyed watching students learn how to use the Integrated Development Environment software to create and build functions to form various figures. I also enjoyed seeing students working hard and utilizing the NHHS Maker Space independently. One student was showing off her sewing skills, while another was excited about creating a Geneva mechanism using the laser printer. I look forward to working with Ms. Marx-Thompson and students to determine what supplies and equipment are needed to enhance our maker space options for students. Stay tuned!  

The Nathan Hale Horticulture and Urban Farm had a successful Winter Open House this past Sunday at the greenhouse. Poinsettias, succulents, and house plants that were nurtured and cared for by our Horticulture students were sold while shoppers enjoyed cider and cookies. What a great kick-off to the holiday season! 

One last shout out – I brought my daughter to A Midsummer Night’s Dream drama production last weekend. I sat in the audience and smiled with joy, proud of our students and their stellar performance. I know it is not easy to balance all their classes and give 110% efforts to preparing for their culminating performances and other obligations. Families, thank you for supporting them and making our drama department shine. Hats off to Ms. Delaney-Hanna for her leadership in theatre. We are looking forward to their spring musical, The Addams Family. 

When we return, it will be December and on Thursday, 12/5 we will have a special schedule due to a free all-school Chris Herren Assembly in partnership with Rise Above. We expect all our students to attend this special opportunity to hear from a former NBA player on addiction prevention, education, and recovery. He shares his story as a voice for change in community – empowering our youth across the country and advocating for their wellness. The bell schedule for this assembly day is on our website. We are excited to welcome him to Nathan Hale. Parents are welcome to attend – please sign in at the main office first and get a visitors pass.

Families are encouraged to attend upcoming music concerts. The Instrumental Music Concert is on Friday, 12/6 at 7:00pm and our Vocal Music Concert is a week later, on Friday, 12/13 at 7:00pm. Both concerts are in our Performance Arts Center. Mark your calendars and do not miss out on a good time.  

Again, have a wonderful long weekend! 

In partnership, 

Jolene Grimes 
Proud Principal 
Nathan Hale High School