Welcome to the Nichols News!

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! We are thrilled to have you and your scholar as part of our 8th-grade community. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re committed to making this final year of middle school a memorable and successful experience for all!

📌 There are 580 students who attend Nichols and 207 Eighth Grade students.

📌 Ms. Fishman is our 8th Grade level administrator and Principal. She will serve as the first point of contact and support for each student, teacher and families.

📌 Each grade level has a school counselor and social worker assigned to it. For this academic year, Mrs. Nelson is our 8th grade counselor and Ms. Drache is our 8th grade social worker.

📌 8th grade students attend most of their classes on the 1st floor of the building, which is also the location of many of their lockers (located near their homerooms).

iPads

District 65 provides it's students with an iPad to further help support their learning. We will help students navigate their technology if needed. Please plan to create a routine for your student to charge this device every evening. Most of your student's learning will be done using Google Classroom and other tech platforms. Without a fully charged iPad, access to these platforms will be impacted.

Your child is responsible for taking care of their iPad and to remember to bring it with them daily.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are a leading cause of distraction to the learning process. Our aim is to reduce as many distractions as possible in order to enhance learning and academic progress.All personal electronic devices must be powered off (not in silent or vibrate mode) and stored in a locker or a designated classroom storage area for the entire school day. Please click the link below for the new D65 Personal Device protocol for 2025-2026.

https://www.district65.net/families/be-informed/personal-electronic-devices

Throughout the year, all Nichols students (6th - 8th grade) receive Character Strong and Anti-bullying lessons. Lessons began this week already...ask your scholars about their lesson on Building Community and/or Bullying.

Character Strong is an evidence-based curriculum to increase students' sense of belonging, well-being and engagement. Lessons focus on teaching life skills & character development such as healthy habits, social awareness strategies and empathy building.

D65 Middle School Sports schedule will be forthcoming. Some of the sports that we have had in previous years have been volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. We also offer intramural sports as well.

Please direct all questions regarding sports to:

Gene Turman, Nichols Athletic Director

turmang@district65.net

**Clubs may change slightly year to year based on teacher availability.

We will have more information about upcoming clubs soon!

Mrs. Nelson is not only our fabulous 8th Grade School Counselor but she was also a D65 parent! Her youngest son is now a senior at ETHS. She is beginning her fourth year on the Nichols team and we are so thankful to have her supporting our Emerging Eighth Graders!

School Counselors focus in 3 domains:

• Academics

• Social/Emotional

• College/Career Readiness

Through classroom lessons, small groups or individual counseling, Mrs. Nelson will support students with matters like attendance, improving grades, study skills, managing emotions, learning coping skills, navigating relationships with peers and adults, social skills, learning about careers and what careers interest them and postsecondary options. Working closely with teachers, she will come alongside your child to help them thrive in school and gain tools for life.

Mrs. Nelson

nelsont@district65.net

(847) 859-6550 x6506

📌 Mini-Meetings with Mrs. Nelson

Throughout September, Mrs. Nelson will be meeting briefly (2–3 minutes) with every student. These “mini-meetings” are designed as a simple, friendly touchpoint where students can share a little about themselves and begin building a connection with their new counselor.

Sept. 1 - Labor Day, NO SCHOOL

Sept. 17 - School Improvement Day, NO SCHOOL

Sept. 23 - Rosh Hashanah, NO SCHOOL

This section contains everything you need to know as we prepare for 8th-grade graduation. From key dates and milestones to important requirements and events, you’ll find all the information here to ensure your scholar stays on track for a successful completion of middle school. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the big day!

• New ETHS website! – The ETHS site has been redesigned as a better tool for families—a place where it’s easy to find important information, explore programs, and stay connected to everything happening at ETHS.

• Campus Tour – We’re excited to offer opportunities for your students and families to visit our campus and learn more about life at ETHS. Registration is available in the Campus Tour page here. The first tour is September 13 and registration is open now!

• ETHS accessible Campus Tour information Tours are open to any student or family member who needs access to a more accessible, less stimulating, and smaller group tour.