Nichols FAQ's
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Summer 2026 Edition
Welcome to the 26-27 school year! To help you and your student navigate life at Nichols Middle School, we have compiled answers to the most common parent questions below.
Before School Begins
Q: Is there a 6th-grade orientation before school starts to get students familiar with the building?
A: No, but most 5th graders participated in a tour of the building last spring. On the first day of school, students will be greeted by teachers in the cafeteria. Throughout the first week of school, students will get acclimated to Nichols life through various scheduled activities.
Q. When will we get schedules? Can I change my schedule?
A. Schedules will be available on Powerschool on August 10th. Schedules are fixed; it is very rare that schedules are changed. If you are requesting a change, you must complete this form by August 31st.
Q: Do parents need to buy school supplies, or does the school provide them?
A: The school provides standard supplies funded through student school fees. However, donations are always welcome and appreciated, as students typically go through their provided supplies quickly during the year.
After School Activities
Q: What sports are offered and when are tryouts?
A: We offer Cross Country, Boys & Girls Volleyball, Boys & Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Basketball, and Track & Field.
Coaches are required to update the tryout calendar by August 28th.
Once finalized, this will be posted on the district calendar.
Tryouts will also be announced during school, and the announcement slides will be included in the Principal's Perspective newsletter once the school year begins.
Q: Does everyone who tries out make the team?
A: No, but we strongly encourage any student who is interested to try out.
Q: When do after-school clubs start?
A: Clubs begin the week of September 21st. This gives students time to adjust to their classes and workload first. Please note that students must meet both academic and behavioral eligibility standards to participate in after-school clubs.
Q: When does the Y.O.U. after-school program start?
A: We are excited to continue our partnership with Y.O.U., which offers a 5-day-a-week after-school program with a planned start date of September 14th, 2026.
Sign-ups: Scheduled to open after August 10th.
More details will be sent out soon.
Q: Can students attend after-school athletic games without an adult?
A: No. All students must be accompanied by THEIR guardian and present a valid ticket that proves eligibility. A guardian cannot stand in for another guardian. Tickets are issued to students who maintain eligibility based on positive behavior and classroom effort.
Q: Will there be school dances this year?
A: Yes. There will be one school dance per grade level. Dances will be held during the school day in the month of January.
Lunch and Recess
Q. Is there recess in Middle School?
A. Yes, typically students get 20 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for recess. Sometimes weather and/or safety hazards/issues might prevent students from going outside to recess.
Q. Can my child use the iPad during lunch?
A. No, students can only use their iPad in class, during a lesson, with permission from the teacher.
Q. My child has documented noise sensitivity or other conditions that makes being at lunch very difficult, what are the options available to my child?
A. Unless alternative lunch is an accommodation in an IEP or 504, we cannot guarantee an alternative lunch setting. However, we begin offering small alternative lunch opportunities October 21st provided that we have adult supervision.
Q. Can my student buy something at lunch and save it for later in the day?
A. No. Lunch purchased from the cafeteria must be consumed during lunch. Students are not allowed to take food on to the playground (including their lunch boxes) or out of the cafeteria to their lockers. If your child is facing food insecurity after school, please let us know and we will connect you with the necessary resources to support your child.
When and How
Q: How will I be notified if there is a lockdown at the school?
A: Official communications will be issued directly by the Principal or the District Office, depending on the situation, once clearance to send the notification is granted by the district. This may cause a delay in notification. Additionally, please keep in mind that securing student safety comes first, which will cause a delay before official updates are released. If you call the school seeking answers, we will not be able to provide details unless we are given clearance to do so, please wait for the official communication. This is for the safety of all in the building.
Q: How do we purchase a Physical Education (PE) uniform?
A: PE uniforms are purchased directly during PE class using cash or check (made payable to "Nichols Middle School"). PE teachers will typically begin the purchasing process during the first week of September.
T-Shirt: $10.00
Sweatshirt: $15.00
Q: When and where is 8th-grade graduation?
A: The date and location have not yet been finalized. Graduation typically takes place between June 1st and June 3rd. Official details will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.
Q. When are school pictures?
A. 11/19/2026 and retakes are 12/15/2026