What is a Magnet School?
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A magnet school is a public institution that offers a unique educational program or instructional focus. Magnet schools are special because they have a theme that permeates the entire culture of the school. Another interesting thing about magnet schools is that anyone in the district, not just students in the home attendance area, may choose to attend the school. This feature attracts many different types of students to magnet schools, creating a diverse and dynamic student population.
Nathan Hale's Magnet: Leadership & Social Justice
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Nathan Hale's magnet program encourages students to take on leadership roles and responsibilities both in the school community and the community at large. Nathan Hale advocates for its students, urging youth to take on roles that make them feel productive, inspired, and empowered. Nathan Hale asserts that any of our students have the potential to become a major influence in society. It is our belief that young people should begin learning how to be autonomous, responsible citizens in order to function effectively in our democratic society and shape the future of our nation in positive ways.
Nathan Hale's Magnet Features
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Leadership class and Social Justice class taken by all students, where students study "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" and learn about being a responsible citizen
Extended school day for more learning opportunities
Student organizations specifically designed for community involvement (H Club, Student Council, Latino Leaders, etc.)
ELT, or elective, classes which offer students and opportunity to develop a variety of skills from sports leadership, to digital citizenship, to acting and producing, and others.
Principal Advisory Committee: an elite group that students can be elected to. This group communicates the student body's concerns to the principal.
Student leadership roles in school events, tours, open house, etc.
Partnership with Northwest Magnet High School
...and MORE!
Hale Middle History
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Nathan Hale Junior High School was dedicated on May 16, 1965. At its inception, the school educated grades seven through nine. In 1990, the school transitioned to a middle school, educating seventh and eighth graders with the middle school philosophy, including teaming and advisement. Nathan Hale opened as a magnet school in 2009.
In an effort to serve his country, Nathan Hale, the man, became a symbol of patriotism and a part of the American Heritage. Nathan Hale Middle School's staff, parents and community are committed to working together to serve the educational needs of every student with the same dedication, attitude and spirit of loyalty as their patriot namesake.
Nathan Hale History - The Man
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Nathan Hale was born on June 6, 1755. He grew up on a farm in the lush and rolling meadows of the countryside near Coventry, Connecticut. When he was twelve years old, Nathan Hale's mother (Elizabeth) died. To try to forget their loss, Nathan and his brother, Enoch, took to books and studied hard. With help from their minister, in just two years' time, they were ready to enroll in Yale College. All of this was happening at a time that our country was beginning to tire of the rule of the English, which led to the Revolutionary War.
After graduating from Yale, Nathan decided that his calling to be a leader of men would start out as a teacher. It was during his first year at the school that Nathan joined the Continental Army and asked for a commission. After being commissioned as a First Lieutenant, he was assigned to recruit new soldiers. Nathan proved his value to the army of the new America, even receiving a promotion to Captain. Hale volunteered to go on a secret mission for General George Washington. The mission was to go behind enemy lines, learn of the plans of the British, draw maps of their fortifications and write notes in code, and return with the information. Nathan was captured while trying to get back to General Washington.
After being searched, the notes were found in his shoe. He was sentenced to be hanged the following morning. While waiting for his execution, he was asked if there was anything he would like to have. He asked for paper and a pen. He began with the heading " New York City, September 22, 1776, and he poured his thoughts out on paper as he wrote two letters to his family. He was promised by an English Captain that they would be delivered to his family. Nathan walked to the cart that had been placed under a tree and rope was hanging from one of the tree's limbs.
"Don't you know that you're about to die?" an English officer asked. "Yes, I know," Nathan said quietly. The officer said, "I never saw anyone like you! Don't you have any regrets?" He looked at the people without fear and spoke in an unwavering voice. "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my Country!"
Loosely adapted from Main, Mildred Miles. 'Hail Nathan Hale!' Abington: Abington Press, 1965.