We wish Mrs. DeFrain all the best as she begins her retirement at the end of this school year. She has been a member of our Hale family since 1986, and we appreciate her commitment to the Hale students, staff, and community throughout the years. Happy Trails to you….until we meet again.
Please click on the following link for the supply list supply-list-13-14
The Board appointed Julie Gluff as principal of Hale Elementary School for the 2013-14 school year. She will replace Brian Lawson who will become the principal at Nerge Elementary School.
“When I first started there, the students and parents told me how much I would love Nathan Hale and I told them I already did,” Gluff said, adding that she attended Hale School as a child. “I learned so many things beyond academics during my years at Nathan Hale School as a student. I aspired to be like the teachers I had.”
Gluff is currently the assistant principal at Hale and Dooley elementary schools. She has also served as a Title I Director for District 54 and a teacher at Lakeview Elementary School. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education from Northern Illinois University, as well as a master’s in educational leadership from Roosevelt University.
The Board appointed Joe McCauley to replace Gluff as assistant principal for Hale Elementary School for the 2013-14 school year. McCauley is currently the assistant principal at Whiteley Elementary School in Hoffman Estates (a District 15 school). He has also worked as a special education teacher in Morton Grove and Chicago.
“I am extremely excited to be joining District 54,” McCauley said. “This district is seen as a leader in education. Every day you will get my absolute best as I serve the children of District 54.”
McCauley has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree in special education from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Roosevelt University.
Good afternoon marvelous Hale community!
Muffins with Mom is this Monday morning before school. Please take the time to RSVP, as we need an approximate head count to determine how much food to purchase. More details are in the Hotline.
MAP scores will be sent home Friday, May 17th in student backpacks. This year, Hale students performed exceptionally well. In fact, I am proud to announce that our student growth rates were the highest in Hale history in both reading AND math. Additionally, our outstanding growth rates rank us above the 95th percentile nationally in both reading and math, in terms of the percentages of students attaining growth targets. These extraordinary results would not have been possible without the hard work of students and teachers, and the consistent support of families. Thank you for sending us such great kids to work with!
Please note that there is no school Friday, May 24th, or Monday, May 27th (Memorial Day). The last day of school is Friday, May 31st, and students will be dismissed at 10:40.
Have a great weekend!
Brian Lawson
Principal
Two years ago I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the school community by the students, families, and staff of this amazing school. During that time, I have tried to balance an emphasis on high student achievement with fostering a collaborative, emotionally supportive learning community. Fortunately, with the support of a tremendous faculty and families, we have been able to accomplish just that.
I sincerely hope that I have had a positive impact on Nathan Hale School, and if I have it is because my personal mission in life is to help students succeed. Sometimes, as a result of such a mission, people are called to other situations where their leadership is needed. Right now I find myself in such a situation, as I have been called upon by the district to be the principal at Frederick Nerge School for the 2013-14 school year.
As much as I am embracing my new role and the challenges that it will entail, it is incredibly difficult for me to say goodbye. I will be explaining this to students in the next few days, and I intend to enjoy as much of their company as I can during the month of May, as I will miss each and every one of them. I also hope that I have a chance to see many parents in the next month, as I have truly enjoyed and appreciated building relationships with you over the past two years.
I would like to publicly thank the entire staff at Nathan Hale for being a truly remarkable group of educators. Your children have been, and will continue to be, in great hands under their tutelage. I will miss the staff tremendously, as they are as dedicated and caring a group of individuals as you will find in a school.
Incoming Superintendent Andy DuRoss met with the Nathan Hale staff last Thursday to explain the interview process to find my replacement, and further details will be forthcoming as they become available.
Thank you once again for all of your support during the past two years. I will never forget the people that make Nathan Hale School a truly inspirational place.
Sincerely,
Brian Lawson
Good evening Amazing Hale Community!
Our Spring MAP testing is off to a great start. Students are focused and confident and are definitely giving their best efforts thus far. Please continue to ensure that your children have a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and your encouragement to do their very best.
The District 54 Summer Tech Camp, which is held at the Hoover Math and Science Academy flyer has been added to the virtual backpack linked on the district website.
Speaking of science, congratulations to all students who did a fantastic job on their science fair projects! This year, we had 110 projects and 148 total participants, both record numbers. We also had a great increase in the number of projects from students in grades K-4. The projects were very impressive, and we appreciate all of the support that families have given their children to complete them. If you were able to attend the viewing last Thursday evening, you can appreciate the high quality of the projects and overall excellent organization of the event. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Trybus and our PTA for coordinating this spectacular experience for our students.
Also, 4th Grade students and parents please note the following:
Last week, information about enrolling for school band and orchestra was distributed to 4th grade students. Students interested in playing the trombone, trumpet, clarinet, flute, cello, viola, or violin should return the Enrollment Form to school as soon as possible. More information will be available at the following meetings, (parents and students should attend the meeting at the junior high the student will eventually attend):
Monday, April 29, 7:00 P.M. Eisenhower Junior High
Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 P.M. Addams Junior High
Tuesday, April 30, 7:00 P.M. Mead Junior High
Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 P.M. Frost Junior High
Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 P.M. Keller Junior High
Band and orchestra lessons will start in September. No previous music experience is necessary to play an instrument. If you have any questions, please contact the band or orchestra teacher at school.
As always, thank you for your continued support of your children and the school.
Brian Lawson
Principal
Congratulations to all students who did a fantastic job on their science fair projects! This year, we had 110 projects and 148 total participants, both record numbers. We also had a great increase in the numbers of projects from students in grades K-4. The projects were very impressive, and we appreciate all of the support that families have given their children to complete these projects. If you were able to attend the viewing last Thursday evening, you can appreciate the high quality of the projects and overall excellent organization of the event. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Trybus and our PTA for coordinating this spectacular experience for our students.
Please join us tomorrow at 2:00PM for our Annual Bubbles for Autism. We will begin in the gym and proceed outside weather permitting.