The Principal's Perspective

Dear Caregivers,

As we approach October, let's remember that the most critical part of this middle school journey begins with a strong partnership between home and school. We know schedules are busy, but taking the time to connect with your child's teacher is the most important investment you can make this season. We have parent/teacher conferences coming up soon and we hope that you are able to participate.

Every Nichols Lions scholar is a character in an exciting, and unique book. Within their stories are their natural talents, their curious questions, the things that motivate them, and the challenges they are working hard to overcome. It is a story still being written every single day, with you as one of the fabulous editors, guiding the story along the way.

As their teachers, mentors, helpers, paras, and adult guides, we get the privilege of being the daily reader of this remarkable book. We see how they interact with the plot (the curriculum), who they sit with in the "book store" (the classroom), and which chapters regarding their experiences, excite them most. However, we only see the current chapter.

You, the parent, are the original author and life-long editor. You know the backstory, the footnotes, the dedications, and the themes that have shaped their personality. You know that the things that have not quite made it to print. When you share this essential knowledge with us—whether it's an update on a tough night at home or a celebration of a new hobby—you are providing the context we need to understand the story fully.

When we connect, we are essentially reading the book of your child together. This collaborative reading allows us to:

• Highlight Key Notes: We can share observations about their learning style, and you can share insights into their emotions and motivators.

• Predict the Best Chapters: By sharing information, we can better anticipate their needs and tailor our approach to maximize their growth.

• Create a Shared Narrative: We ensure that the expectations and encouragement your child receives at home align perfectly with what they hear in the classroom.

We are committed to making this connection easy and meaningful. Think of the upcoming conferences as opening the book to the table of contents. If you can't make it, that's ok too, a quick email, a brief conversation, or a note is all it takes to keep the pages turning smoothly.

Let’s read this incredible story side-by-side this year. We look forward to collaborating with you soon whether in person, via e-mail, mail, or phone!

We are excited for our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences. This is a crucial opportunity for us to connect and collaborate on your scholar's growth and success this year. Sign-Up Opens Monday at 8:00 AM

Please note the following critical details regarding registration and scheduling:

• Sign-Up Starts: Registration opens promptly on Monday morning at 8:00 AM.

• Conference Length: To accommodate all families, each conference slot is 5 minutes. We ask that you prepare your questions in advance to make the most of this brief time.

• Scheduling is Limited: Space is limited. If you are unable to secure a slot, please remember you can always email the teacher directly for a brief update or to schedule a longer call at a mutually convenient time.

Conference Schedule

Conferences will be held on the following days:

Wednesday, October 8

If your scholar is in a team-teaching classroom and works with two teachers, please sign up to meet with only one of them. The teachers work closely together and will be able to provide a comprehensive update on your scholar's progress in all areas.

Make Your 5 Minutes Count: Discussion Starters

To help you prepare for your 5-minute slot, here are three things you can ask your teacher, or three important insights you can share:

Three Questions to Ask the Teacher:

1. "What does my scholar's best work look like, and what can we do at home to help them produce it consistently?"

2. "What is the most effective way for my scholar to seek help or clarification during class or homework time?"

3. "Beyond grades, what social or emotional skill (like focusing, peer collaboration, or self-advocacy) is the biggest priority for my scholar to develop this year?"

Three Things to Share with the Teacher:

1. A recent achievement or success they had outside of school (a new hobby, a team victory, etc.) that demonstrates a positive quality.

2. Any recent changes or external factors (like changes in sleep, family commitments, or worries) that might be impacting their focus or mood in the classroom.

3. What your scholar's favorite subject or topic is right now, and what they say they are most proud of learning this term.

We look forward to connecting with you next week!

If you believe that your child should be considered for acceleration, please visit this page for more information. The request window will be opening October 1st. Once it opens, you can go here to begin the request process.

• Questions about Alternate Placement or Early Entrance AFTER reviewing the information on the website? Email alternateplacement@district65.net

Panorama Student Supports Survey for grades 3-8 will take place between October 21- November 1.

KEY POINTS:

• Surveys are for 3rd-8th grade this year

• Surveys are not REQUIRED but highly encouraged.

• Surveys are anonymous and data is viewed at a school or grade-level, not at the individual school level.

• Once the survey closes, data will be released to the schools and all teachers/staff to view through the Panorama site.

Survey Dates this school year- 10/21-31, 5/11-22

Please see this very important parent letter here .

The Free/Reduced meal application is open for all families to apply. The application can be found easily by heading to the district website and following the "School Meals" link.

As a reminder, exclusion day is around the corner: OCTOBER 1, 2025! Students who do not provide the state mandated shot record/physical criteria WILL BE excluded from school until they provide proof of their requirements and/or acceptable documentation of an upcoming scheduled appointment prior to November 1st. Also, as a reminder ALL athletes must have their sports physicals turned in before participating.

For information on accessing your child's scores for iReady, please visit here.

For information on accessing your child's scores for STAR, please visit here.

Dear Nichols Caregivers,

YOU ARE AMAZING! We raised over $5,000 in one week, so we are raising the bar! We hope to raise another $2,500 for a total of $7,500 by October 3rd. The more we raise, the more love we can show to our teachers AND the more we can work on building our Nichols community.

If you haven’t already, please donate here! Each and every dollar counts, and your participation makes a huge difference.

Did you know - our admin and three teachers participate in our Nichols PTA to create partnership between teachers and caregivers and ensure teacher voice is included in our planning and events? Thanks to Mr. Cohen, Ms. Fishman, Mr. Saldana, and Ms. Stone for being a part of the PTA. You can say thanks too by supporting PTA and giving here!

We are hoping to receive 20 additional donations this week - can you help?

Thanks to each of you for all you are doing as parents and we look forward to many successful PTA initiatives this year.

GO LIONS!

Nichols PTA

Here you will find the 6th grade newsletter.

Here you will find updated info on clubs/activities

Here you will find the Fine Arts Newsletter

News from 7th Grade:

Math:

"We are finishing up our first unit on Ratios and Proportions and students took, or will be taking their first unit test in the next day or two. We will then begin our next unit, which will cover More Proportions and Percentages."

ELA:
"In ELA, we worked on our first extended response of the year. We are arguing the impact of Leo's environment on his actions and beliefs using an excerpt from Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl. To prepare, we had students consider the difference between conformity and authenticity, and reflected on what that looks like in a school setting."

Hello Y.O.U. Nichols families,

Thank you for your continued support of our Y.O.U. Afterschool Program at Nichols! Below is a look at our daily schedule of activities and new enrichments:

Daily Schedule

3:05 - 3:30 PM - Arrival, snack and check-in

3:30 - 4:00 PM - 411 / Community Circle Conversations / Rec Time

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Enrichments Activities (Arts, Sports, STEM, etc.)

5:00 - 5:50 PM - Power Hour (Academic / Homework Tutoring Time)

5:50 - 6:00 PM - Wrap-up and dismissal

We're especially excited to share our new enrichments that kicked off this week! Big thank you to all of our families as you communicate with us as we shift our schedules to support our new offerings that we are all so excited about!

Enrichments

TUESDAYS 4:00PM - 5:00PM

Space Racers (Astronomy): Exploring the wonders of space, stars, and planets through fun activities and observation. Staff: Mr. Mateo Location: Nichols Middle School

Culinary Arts*: Hands-on cooking fun where youth learn kitchen skills, try new recipes, and explore food and culture. Staff: Chef Frances Location: YOU Building, 1911 Church St. Evanston (Transportation provided by YOU staff)

THURSDAYS 4:00PM - 5:00PM

Mindfulness Movement: includes movement, stretching and creative arts for relaxation and self-expression Staff: Mrs. Sheryl Location: Nichols Middle School

Group Chess Club*: A fun space to learn, play, and sharpen critical thinking skills while building patience, strategy, and teamwork through the game of chess. Staff: Mr. Mateo and Mr. Jaavion Location: Chute Middle School (Transportation provided by YOU staff)

FRIDAYS 4:00PM - 5:00PM

Group Sports*: Active play that builds teamwork, fitness, and fun through a variety of sports and group games played together with YOU Chute Middle school youth. Location: Kamen Park (Transportation Provided by YOU staff)

Open Studio*: A space for self-expression where youth explore art techniques, reflect through journaling, and create meaningful projects in a supportive studio setting. Staff: Rob/Amber/ Location: Open Studio, 901/903 Sherman Ave., Evanston (5 minute walking trip)

*Please note that certain activities include extra travel time.

To help us with our planning and safety, we'd like to confirm your child's daily attendance.

• Will your child be attending every day, or on selected days?
• If your child will need early pick-up, please let us know the usual time so we can prepare accordingly.

Your communication helps us make sure all youth are safe and accounted for and ready to participate in activities.

*If your child is not a part of YOU and you have interest, please contact the main office for more information as to how to join!

Caregiver, please read this article on the dangers facing our children everywhere. Please continue to have conversations about online safety with them and always keep tabs on what your child is doing online.