Counselor's Corner

Greetings Nichols Middle School parents, guardians and caregivers!

This is the first edition of our monthly counselor newsletter for the 2025 - 2026 school year. We hope to provide connection, information and resources to our families.

Based on feedback we received at the end of last school year, we will aim to provide timely information about clubs/sports/activities and upcoming Nichols events.

Throughout September, each counselor met with every student in their respective grade level

for a 2 - 3 minute "mini-meeting" to start/continue to get to know them. This is just a brief touch point and opportunity for each student to share some things about themselves and their experience so far this school year. Students also completed surveys in which data will be used to create caseloads. Counselors will work with students on their caseload individually and in small groups focused on certain topics such as anxiety, managing emotions, friendships, executive functioning, etc.

Our school website has been refreshed with the latest information on clubs, intramurals, and sports. We've streamlined the process to make it easier for students to get involved in activities they're passionate about. Please contact the listed staff member of the club you're student is interested in.

We encourage all students and parents to explore these exciting opportunities. To check out the new updates and connect with the staff member running the club, visit our school website at:

https://nichols.district65.net/students/clubs-activities

The Lion Times (Nichols student led newspaper) has its first meeting TODAY, October 1 from 3:10 - 4:00 in Room 220.

Bullying is repetitive, aggressive behavior that reflects an imbalance of power. Students who bully may use physical strength, access to embarrassing information or popularity to control or harm others. Bullying behavior can be verbal, social, physical or cyber. Students can play different roles in bullying. Some bully others, some are bullied and others act as bystanders.

Signs a child is being bullied

• Unexplainable injuries

• Lost/destroyed personal items

• Frequent head/stomach aches

• Changes in eating habits

• Difficulty sleeping; nightmares

• Declining grades; loss of interest in school work

• Sudden loss of friends

• Decreased self esteem

• Self destructive behaviors

The LGBTQI+ community is at increased risk of being bullied. It will take intentionality to create a safe environment for all students. We need to be mindful of our verbal and non-verbal behavior, which may inadvertently hurt others. Recognizing our biases and prejudices is the first step.

Using the above graphic as a guide, if you feel your student is being bullied, please complete the District's Incident Report form linked below.

Recommended books related to bullying from Ms. Philippe, Nichols Librarian

City of Evanston

Y.O.U.

MetroSquash

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago

Y.O.U is an afterschool program here at Nichols offered weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. There is still availability in this program! Please see the flyer below.

Metrosquash is another option for students who might benefit from extra academic support or a structured after-school program. Please see flyers below and a link to enroll.

The Evanston program runs all year. Youth are enrolled on a rolling basis; mentors are available and waiting to be matched! The program meets twice a month; program activities include social emotional learning, educational support, college and career prep, relationship building, etc. There are language support options for families who speak other languages. The QR code below links you to the application for students who are interested.

Non-Attendance Day for Staff/Students

October 2

October 10 & 13

Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 7 (virtual) & October 8 (in-person)

📌 Sign-ups for conferences opened this past Monday, September 29.

📌 If you would like to schedule a conference with your student's grade level counselor, please email them directly.