Hello Nichols Families!

Wow, can you believe this weather? (you never know what you're gonna get!) ☀️ Hope everyone had an amazing long weekend, whether you celebrated Easter or simply enjoyed some well-deserved time off! As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, so too does our school year begin its final chapter.

As I wrap up my time at Nichols Middle School, I can't help but reflect on what an incredible year it has been. Working with you all has truly been such a blessing! Getting to know each of you, watching your children grow, and being an integral part of this wonderful community has been well worth every moment. The memories are ones for the ages!

Earth Day Fun! 🌎 This week, we'll also be celebrating Earth Day! Teachers are planning some fun and engaging activities and conversations to help students connect with the importance of protecting our environment.

Quick Reminders ✏️ As we end the year strong, please please please help us by ensuring your child is prepared each day. This is an area of growth for us as we see the finish line! Students should have the following:

• A fully charged iPad DAILY
• Their school binder
• Pencils and other writing utensils A well-packed school bag sets the tone for a productive and successful day.

It's Like Family - You Got Your Back We want every student to feel safe, supported, and empowered to ask for help when they need it. If your child is experiencing any issues—academic, social, or emotional—please encourage them to speak with:

• Their teacher
• Mrs. Nelson our school counselor
• Ms. Drache, our school social worker
• Or me, directly

We are all here to support your scholar and ensure they have a strong, positive finish to their 8th-grade year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or wonderings!

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.

Best,

Ms. Ernvall

Attention parents of soon-to-be graduates! The countdown to our legendary 8th Grade Picnic has begun, and we need your superpowers to make this celebration unforgettable!

Our super-easy sign-up spreadsheet has THREE ways you can join the fun:

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Be a Picnic Hero! Help with setup, activities, or cleanup. No cape required (but totally allowed)!

SNACKS & DRINKS

Fuel our 8th graders with delicious treats! Whether you're famous for your cookies or a master at grabbing chips from the store, we need your snack magic!

YARD GAMES

Got cornhole? Frisbees? Giant Jenga? Lend us your fun-tastic games to keep the energy high and memories flowing!

How to sign up: Simply click the link, find the tab that matches your superpower, and add your name!

Let's send our amazing 8th graders off with a celebration they'll never forget! After all, you only graduate 8th grade once (unless you really, really loved it)!

Questions? Contact Mrs. Verzo at verzom@district65.net or Mrs. Puro at puroj@district65.net

P.S. Remember: Many hands make light work and AWESOME picnics! Sign up today!

Calling all Nichols students! Your opinions matter, and now there's an awesome way to share them!

These super cool Voice Boxes aren't just suggestion boxes - they're students direct line to making Nichols even better! Our amazing Student Voice Committee is ready to turn your ideas into reality! Students can use them to:

✨ Share your brilliant ideas for school improvements 🛡️ Report any not-so-nice behavior or bullying you see happening 🌟 Let your creativity shine with suggestions for fun activities

Where to find them? Look for the bright Voice Boxes near the elevators on EVERY floor!

If your scholar doesn't want to use the Voice Box, scholars can still:

• Drop in a handwritten note to myself or the counselor
• Scan the QR code for the digital Google form (tech-savvy option!)
• Find the same QR code right in your Google Classroom!

Parents: We welcome you to chat with your scholar about these exciting Voice Boxes! Ask them how they plan to use their voice to make Nichols an even more awesome place to learn and grow. Their ideas might surprise you! At Nichols, EVERY voice matters - especially yours! 🎤✨

Greetings Fellow Parents and Caregivers,

Today we focused on three attributes of real men: accountability, integrity, and empathy towards others. We began by reading about and discussing notable examples of those who reflect these attributes, as well as those who do not. We examined the consequences that have followed for both sets of men.

The Risers then reflected on their own actions and behavior. This triggered an honest conversation about how everything they do communicates. The choice to lead a life of accountability, integrity, and empathy towards others requires consistency and commitment every day. This path to manhood isn't easy, but is one worth traveling.

As always, thank you for trusting us with your children. We look forward to seeing them next weekend.

John Brownlee

Founder and President

Black SonRISE

North Channel Community Rowing (NCCR) is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting diversity and access to the sport of rowing through youth programs designed to reach under-represented middle school students in Evanston, IL. NCCR aims to cultivate a passion for reaching one’s highest potential through exposure to an exciting sport that instills lifelong values, camaraderie and discipline.

https://www.nccrowing.org/

MetroSquash is hosting a free summer camp for rising 6th - 9th grade D65 and D202 students this summer! We will be exploring topics like STEAM, environment, literacy, learning the sport of squash, and going on weekly field trips. This would be a great program for students who want to try something new over the summer and/or might be interested in our after-school program. The camp will be for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch and will occur from June 23rd through July 25th from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Parents can use this link to fill out the interest form: https://www.tfaforms.com/4973674

¡MetroSquash está organizando un campamento de verano gratis para estudiantes de 6º a 9º grado de los distritos D65 y D202 este verano! Exploraremos temas como STEAM (Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería, Arte y Matemáticas), el medio ambiente, la alfabetización, aprenderemos el deporte del squash y realizaremos excursiones semanales. Este sería un programa excelente para estudiantes que desean probar algo nuevo durante el verano y/o que podrían estar interesados en nuestro programa extracurricular. El campamento será para familias que califican para almuerzo gratuito o reducido y se llevará a cabo del 23 de junio al 25 de julio de 9:00 am a 2:00 pm. Los padres pueden usar este enlace para completar el formulario de interés: https://www.tfaforms.com/4973674

Click on the image above to donate for the PTA Spring Fundraising Campaign!