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August, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

My name is Dr. Jill Hudson and I am enthusiastic and honored about working with your teenagers this year.

In order for us to work well together it is important that you know a little bit about my background and what makes me a great match for Nathan Hale. This will be my nineteenth year in education and I am eager to work with the staff at Nathan Hale to make this year a successful one for all of our students. I have a bachelors degree from the University of Washington in Chemistry with two minors, one in Mathematics and the other in Earth Science. I also earned my Masters in Education and my Principal Certification from the Danforth program in Educational Leadership and Policy studies at the University of Washington. In 2003 I completed my doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at the UW. I have a passion for learning and helping others learn. I have taught math, earth science, chemistry and dance for eight years and have been an administrator for eleven years. I taught at Tahoma, Cascade, and Jackson High Schools. I was part of a core team of teacher to open Jackson High School in the Everett School district. Jackson was designed on the Ten Common Principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools. So I am steeped in Essential School philosophy and have a strong background in helping students use their minds well by developing habits of mind, heart and work. I am excited to be back where the action is and to be in a school that so directly matches my beliefs about teaching and learning.

The high school years are an exciting and challenging time for our youth. I enjoy supporting students in learning how to make wise choices and to try out new experiences. Every moment is a learning opportunity for our students and orchestrated in an artistic way, students can learn the skills and knowledge they will need for their bright futures. Youth may be about 20% of the population but they are 100% of the future.

The last thing that I would like to share with you is that I am always available to you if you have any questions or concerns. In my first year at Nathan Hale I will do my best to ensure an exciting and meaningful education for all students. I look forward to meeting you on September 24^th our Open House/Curriculum Night. If you would like to contact me, please do so by phone at 206-252-3685 or by email at jshudson@seattleschools.org. Let's all work together to focus on learning so that all students can achieve academic and future success.

Sincerely,

Jill Hudson, Ed.D.

Principal

Ensuring that ALL students will become honorable, thinking, skillful citizens