Nichols News

Dear 8th Grade Families,

Spring has sprung, and so has Trimester 3! As the flowers bloom and the temperature (finally) starts to rise, our 8th graders are blossoming too with new challenges and opportunities ahead.

Speaking of winners, how about those UConn women? Congratulations to the Huskies on clinching another national championship! Just like these incredible athletes, our 8th graders are working toward their own victories as we enter the final stretch of middle school.

The hallways are buzzing with energy as we dive into this last trimester. Whether it's upcoming field trips, graduation preparations, or simply enjoying these final middle school moments together, there's so much to look forward to. Let's make these spring months memorable ones!

Now, on to all the exciting news and updates for our fantastic 8th grade community...

What a great SY2025 MS Debate Program Culmination!

Outstanding tournament a few weeks ago and the results are attached.

Championship Round ballots are here -- https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1egWdrV563JPQabLgwkpTiwWi2XcexuTE?usp=drive_link

Please have all of your debaters complete this survey this week--

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUZfzSGSYiZYPhiyMCAR9HzlSbAev87GSmgb-MvFTia82iWA/viewform?usp=header

We'll have information out about next year's national HS/MS debate topic (the arctic) and on the SY2026 Season Calendar later this spring.

Dear Parent/ Guardian:

Nichols Middle School is offering a free morning tutoring program for all interested students called Morning Mentors. Nichols staff and Northwestern students will provide tutoring in all subject areas. This is a great opportunity for students to be provided with homework help, re-teaching of lessons and general study skills. Acceptance into the program is a two fold - first come, first served basis along with a continuous attendance expectation. Sessions are held at Nichols Middle School, in the library, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday weekly! Sessions will run from 7:15-7:50 am. Light breakfast snacks will be provided free of charge.

Students may also get breakfast from the cafeteria and bring it to the program. We are currently accepting students. We ask that parents speak to their child(ren) and classroom teachers to determine exactly how much support is required. Please keep in mind, our goal is to serve as many students as possible.

What are the benefits?

You are providing your student with an important opportunity to increase their overall academic skills.

Do I need to arrange transportation?

Yes. Nichols does not provide transportation for students. Students need to arrive at school by 7:15 am and meet in the library.

Do I need to supply any materials?

No. Students will use their current supplies and textbooks provided by teachers.

Is homework assigned?

There will be no homework assigned.

How will I know how my child is doing?

Academic work will be reflected in progress reports on PowerSchool.

What do I need to do as a parent?

You and your child will be asked to sign the attached contract in which you agree to your child consistently attending the morning tutoring program. Attendance for the program will be taken daily. If your child will be absent due to illness or etc., please email Ms. Verzo AND Ms. Bastas, so we can mark the absence as an excused absence. Students with ONE unexcused absence or ONE severe tardy (15 minutes or more) will get an email home. The SECOND unexcused absence or SECOND severe tardy will result in possible removal from the program. Once again, our goal is to help service as many

students as we can.

Click on the photo to be directed to the AVID Newsletter!

APRIL 14th - Exciting news! Our 8th graders will have their first chance to explore a Chicago college or university campus! This valuable experience aims to inspire students to start envisioning their future educational paths.

Field trip permission slips must be submitted by Wednesday (no extensions will be granted). Student placements have been finalized for this trip.

While there might be another campus visit opportunity later this school year, the April 14th assignments cannot be changed. Don't miss this important first step in helping students become college and career ready!

Click on the photo to be directed to the Challenge!

Evanston Township High School is working to increase social consciousness through a variety of summits, events, and programs celebrating our student diversity. Our focus on students who may feel marginalized includes those in the LGBTQ+ community. If you or a loved one are a new or current ETHS student who identifies as LGBTQ+, you and your family are invited to join us for the LGBTQ+ student information session.

This session is for you if you have questions about topics including but not limited to:

• pronouns

• locker rooms

• who to go to for support

• how you will be represented in the curriculum in healthy and affirming ways

LGBTQ+ Info Session

Learn how to navigate ETHS for an affirming school year.

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Time: 6:30 - 8:30pm

Place: E112, Welcome Center

RSVP required: LGBTQ+ Info Session RSVP Form (due April 7)

Para responder en español, por favor llamen a la Oficina del Enlace latino al 847-424-7166.

Representatives

We will cover a wide range of information at this meeting. The following representatives will be available for Q&A:

• ETHS faculty and staff

• Student Services

• ETHS Gender & Sexuality Alliance student club

• ETHS students

Have questions?

Check out Support for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students on the ETHS website.

To develop a gender support plan, please begin with completing the Student Advocacy Form or contacting Maricarmen Cruz, Secretary to Associate Principal & Department Chair, at cruzm@eths202.org. For questions about the info session, contact Alicia Hart, New Student Transition Coordinator, at harta@eths202.org.

Click on the photo to be directed to the PTA Newsletter!

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