The Principal's Perspective

We made it through a very successful first full week of school thanks to all of our wonderful students, staff, and parents! Despite the rising heat challenges, the locker combination challenges, and the "which lunch table do we want to sit at challenges," Nichols community rose to the occasion. Additionally students began and completed their math diagnostic known as iReady Math. This diagnostic is designed to adapt to the student skill set based on how they answer the questions. Ultimately, it creates a "learning path" for the students. The students did a great job in all of their math classes taking their diagnostic. If students were unable to take the diagnostic, they will be able to make it up this week.

This week students will be taking their MAP NWEA Assessment in their English and Math classes beginning on Wednesday. Here is a link to the MAP Family Toolkit that explains the assessment and how to understand the scores https://www.nwea.org/family-toolkit/ . There is nothing for the students to study for. In order for students to do well, we ask for the following:

• Please make sure that students get a good night's sleep, 7 hours is preferred.
• Please limit screen time the night before each test. The extended screen time at night before bed makes it more difficult for students to fall asleep, thus impeding their ability to do their best.
• Please encourage your student to know that one test will not make or break them. We do not want them to feel test anxiety. Assure them that it is simply a measure that we use to determine how best to teach them- it will not impact their grade. We want them to take it seriously but we also do not want them to feel so under pressure that it makes them ill or upset.
• Please make sure that students get a healthy breakfast; our cafeteria is open at 7:30 for breakfast as well.
• Please allow students enough time in the morning to be prepared for the day; we want all of our scholars to make it safely to school on time.
• Please make sure that your scholars iPad is fully charged.

We know our students are going to do great!

**CORRECTION- MAP TESTING BEGINS ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD.

Welcome to the Counselor's Corner newsletter, here is a link https://secure.smore.com/n/p4ykq that shares information about the counseling staff at Nichols. Each grade level has a counselor to assist students and families. They are a great resource!

This past week students began their Character Strong Curriculum. The first session was held in their ELA classroom. This week's session will be held during math class on Wednesday. Students will spend 45 minutes weekly exploring and discussing topics that will enhance their emotional intelligence. This week's topic is an overview of Bullying- what it means and what it looks like. Please feel free to ask your scholar on Wednesday after school what they learned about the topic. Here is an article on bullying for your information https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/bullying . Students can also report bullying to their counselor, teacher, admin, or to any staff member to whom they feel comfortable with. Also, if you suspect bullying, please let us know right away.

• 7TH AND 8TH GRADE SYMPHONY will start during-school sectionals Tuesday, September 3rd. Before school rehearsals will start Tuesday, September 10th
• 6TH GRADE CONCERT ORCHESTRA will start during-school sectionals Wednesday, September 4th. After school rehearsals will start Wednesday, September 11th.
• Please check Google Classroom for schedules, and remember to bring instruments next week!
• In September, 6th grade science classes can receive up to 3 points daily for:

• Everyone bringing a pen/pencil

• Everyone bringing a binder with folders

• Everyone places ipads in the correct spot at the start of class

Classes that receive over 80% of the available points by October 1st will get a prize!

• PE uniforms will be coming soon. Further information is forthcoming.

This week's open office hours will be as follows:

• Wednesday 1:45-2:45
• Thursday- Virtual 6:30-7:30 pm

Open Virtual Office Hour

Thursday, September 5 · 6:30 – 7:30pm

Time zone: America/Chicago

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/cst-ppqc-sfq

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 929-282-1215‬ PIN: ‪766 812 715‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/cst-ppqc-sfq?pin=5224284727841

• Friday 1:00-2:00