". . . the school's design should be shaped by the intellectual and imaginative powers and competencies that the students need, rather than by "subjects" as conventionally defined. The aphorism "less is more" should dominate: curricular decisions should be guided by the aim of thorough student mastery and achievement rather than by an effort to merely cover content. " October’s Coalition of Essential School’s Principle

If you visit the Nathan Hale campus at lunchtime, you’ll see teacher and coach Hoover Hopkins, walkie-talkie in hand, rain or shine, walking the school grounds. He doesn’t have to do it, but Hoover considers it part of his responsibility as an educator to help ensure that students are healthy and safe.

Last year, Hoover received every possible award for his excellence as a football coach. He led the Raiders to a Metro Sound Division title and the state playoffs, acquiring honors and adulation along the way. But that’s not all: he also hosted a successful after-school homework club for his athletes, and led an athletic program that has the highest participation rate of any Seattle High School as well as some of the highest numbers of scholar-athletes.

What’s Hoover’s secret? He sees his work in terms of the “intellectual and imaginative powers and competencies” of students on the field of play, in the classroom, and even at lunchtime. Hoover teaches a few key principles and teaches them with depth: teamwork, integrity, discipline, and high expectations. He is a passionate lifelong learner and models the skills he teaches every day.
Throughout our school, you will find similarly dedicated educators working in many capacities, from the Teen Health Center to a Physics classroom to the Library, all with the same fundamental focus. Regardless of what “subject” we teach, we all teach students how to be honorable, thinking, skillful citizens.

The year is off to a wonderful start, with construction proceeding on the east end of the school. By next year, we will have a new Library, new Art classrooms, a new home for our Radio program, and a new Fitness Center. Thank you for your support as we move forward to create a physical space that reflects our role as both heart and beacon to the community. Watch the Raider Reader and the Seattle School website for regular construction updates (http://www.seattleschools.org/area/bex/index.dxml). You can also check out up-to-date Athletic information at http://www.halesports.org/index.php.

Thank you for your trust in Nathan Hale. It is an honor to work with you and your students each day!