The Principal's Perspective

Reminder- to translate this newsletter please select "Translate" at the top and select your language.

Recordatorio: para traducir este boletín, seleccione "Traducir" en la parte superior y seleccione su idioma.

注意 - このニュースレターを翻訳するには、上部の「翻訳」を選択し、言語を選択してください。

Chūi - kono nyūsuretā o hon'yaku suru ni wa, jōbu no `hon'yaku' o sentaku shi, gengo o sentaku shite kudasai.

Rappel : pour traduire cette newsletter, veuillez sélectionner « Traduire » en haut et sélectionner votre langue.

Rapèl-pou tradwi bilten sa a tanpri chwazi "Tradwi" anlè epi chwazi lang ou.

Нагадування: щоб перекласти цю розсилку, виберіть «Перекласти» вгорі та виберіть свою мову.

Nahaduvannya: shchob pereklasty tsyu rozsylku, vyberitʹ «Pereklasty» vhori ta vyberitʹ svoyu movu.

Xusuusin- si aad u turjunto warsidahan fadlan ka dooro "Turjumi" xagga sare oo dooro luqadaada.

As a Principal it is my duty to affirm and protect my scholars. Nichols remains neutral in politics and political ideologies as it is our role to develop free, and independent thinkers who will one day run this country. However, there are times when current events eventually do impact our students, and to be quite honest, I have noticed this impact, and I would not be a Principal who cares about her scholars if I did not acknowledge and affirm the fear that many of our students, staff members, and caregivers are currently experiencing. We know that many of you may be feeling uneasy about the events happening in our country and how they might impact your children. As a school community, we want to reassure you that Nichols remains a safe, supportive, and caring environment for all of our scholars and for you as well.

Our focus is always on providing stability, fostering a sense of belonging, and equipping students with the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the world with confidence. We continue to uphold our commitment to inclusivity, respect, and open dialogue, ensuring that every scholar feels seen, heard, and valued.

If your child is experiencing anxiety or has questions about current events, please know that our teachers, counselors, and staff are here to support them, regardless of the political affiliation of that staff member. We encourage open, age-appropriate conversations at home and at school, reinforcing that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid. Here is an excellent overview of how to have those conversations at home.

The strength of our community is more important than ever. Together, we will continue to provide a safe space where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Nichols is a place of positivity, compassion, and kindness; we strive to be the calm and brave space beyond the storm. If you have any concerns or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering commitment to our scholars.

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) testing is coming up soon, and we want to ensure that all students are fully prepared for a smooth and successful testing experience.

Device Policy Reminder

To comply with testing regulations, students must turn in their cell phones and smartwatches to their classroom teacher on testing days. If your child prefers not to turn in their device, it must remain at home during testing. These rules are in place to maintain a secure and distraction-free testing environment.

How You Can Help Your Child Succeed

To help your student do their best on the test, please encourage the following:
✅ Get a good night’s sleep before each testing day.

• Please remove tech devices from your scholar by 8:00 p.m. so that their bodies can wind down for the evening. This article explains how the screens impact the health of your scholar.

✅ Eat a healthy breakfast to stay focused and energized.

• We will also have breakfast at school at 7:40 a.m.

✅ Arrive at school on time to avoid added stress.

• Students who arrive at 7:50 a.m. will have more time to get to class thereby eliminating the need to rush.

✅ Encourage a positive mindset—remind them to take their time, do their best, and stay confident!

Reducing Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is common, but there are ways to help ease your child’s worries:

• Reassure them that this test is just one way to show what they’ve learned.
• Encourage deep breathing and relaxation techniques if they feel overwhelmed.
• Remind them that they are well-prepared, and their hard work throughout the year has set them up for success.

Thank you for your support in making this testing period a positive experience for all students. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We hope to see you at our Parent Town Hall on Wednesday night!

At Nichols, we have worked hard to build a strong partnership with you—our caregivers—because we know that trust and open communication are essential to student success. Your voices matter, and we have taken intentional steps to ensure that you feel heard, valued, and included in your scholar’s educational journey.

Some of the ways we have strengthened this partnership include:
✅ Hosting Listening Tours to hear directly from families.
✅ Maintaining an Open-Door Policy for caregivers to connect with us.
✅ Responding to Concerns Promptly—within 48 hours for general matters and 24 hours (including weekends) for emergencies.
✅ Providing Clear & Timely Communication through newsletters and updates.
✅ Securing a Crossing Guard at Sherman and Greenleaf to ensure student safety.
✅ Being Present & Engaged—showing up where it matters most.
✅ Gathering Parent Feedback through surveys and implementing viable suggestions.
✅ Prioritizing Your Scholar in every decision we make.
✅ Recognizing & Celebrating Diversity, while introducing new initiatives that foster a true sense of belonging.

This is just a glimpse of the work we’ve done to create an environment where every family feels supported and every scholar can thrive. But we aren’t stopping here! We want to hear from you about how you feel regarding the progress we’ve made this year. Your feedback will help us continue to grow Nichols into the Best Middle School in the United States!

Thank you for your partnership, trust, and commitment to our school community. We look forward to working together to make Nichols even stronger! Here is the link to the 5 Essentials- and here is the link to the notice sent from the district.YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Nichols will be starting an after school book club devoted to reading books that will empower us all to be better citizens. The first book that we will read is “This Book is Anti-Racist” a New York Times bestseller by Tiffany Jewell. The book will be provided for the students who participate, along with a bookmark, pen, and highlighter. There are 20 spaces available. The book club will start March 10th, 2025 and meet every Monday for 10 weeks from 3:15-4:30. Snacks will be provided and there will be a closing party at the end. A sign up QR code will be posted Monday, Feb 24th outside the main office, the library, and in the cafeteria. If you child has an interest in social justice or in developing a student plan in making Nichols a better place, encourage your scholar to sign up!

Thanks to the Student Voices Committee, the Period Equity Project has launched! If students are in need of pads or tampons, they can scan the QR code on the pink and red flyers in the hallways or click the link on the flyer in their Google Classroom to find a list of teachers who have supplies in their classrooms. All supplies are in gray boxes. Whenever a student is in need they can go to one of the classrooms listed and take what they need.

Presenting a wonderful opportunity to Nichols families. In partnership with Oakton College, Y.O.U will host a Spring Break Academy during the week off 3/24, at no cost to families with lunch included. Availability is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. Please see the attached the flyer for your reference and a direct link to registration here .

February 28, 2025, at sundown, begins the sacred month of Ramadan, we want to acknowledge and celebrate this important time for many members of our school community. Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by Muslims around the world. It is a time of deep spiritual significance, self-discipline, and generosity.

During Ramadan, many of our Muslim scholars and families will be fasting from dawn to sunset, refraining from food and drink during the school day. We recognize that fasting students may need support, whether that means access to a quiet space during lunch, understanding from teachers and peers, or flexibility in physical activities.

At Nichols, we are committed to honoring the diversity of our school community and ensuring that all students feel seen, respected, and supported. To our families observing Ramadan, we wish you Ramadan Mubarak—a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. If there are any specific ways we can support your scholar during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

February 23 WEB DuBois, author and historian, born 1868-1963

February 24 Bishop Daniel A Payne, reformer and educator of AME Church, born 1811

February 25 Hiram R. Revels, first Black US Senator, took oath of office 1870

February 26 Carter G. Woodson started Negro History Week. In 1976, the observance was expanded to "National Afro-American History Month," in honor of the nation's bicentennial. Beginning in 1975, U.S. Presidents have paid tribute to the mission of the association and urged all Americans to celebrate Afro-American History Month.

February 27 Marion Anderson, singer, born in Philadelphia 1897.

Charlotte Ray, first Black woman lawyer, graduated Howard U, 1872

February 28 Phillis Wheatly, poetess, died 1753-1784. Her poem on slavery and tyranny printed in her book, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, was published in London in 1773. With this book’s appearance, Wheatley became the first English-speaking person of African descent to publish a book. Here is the full version of the poem that she wrote in 1772. Above is an excerpt from said poem.

March 1 Howard University, Washington DC, charted, 1867

March 2 Freedman's Bureau founded for Black Education, 1865

If you have questions about bus transportation, here is the link to contact the district transportation office.