The Principal's. Perspective

Every September, as we pause to remember the events of September 11, 2001, we are reminded of a powerful truth about the human spirit. Out of unthinkable tragedy and loss, an entire country came together with a unified purpose. In some of the darkest moments in our nation's history, we witnessed some of the worst in people. However, I choose to focus on how we witnessed some of the absolute best in people—compassion, unity, and an unwavering commitment to stand by one another. We witnessed firsthand the courage of first responders putting their lives to the side to save others, even realizing that many of them might not make it. We saw firsthand citizens coming together to dig people out of the rubble of the initial blasts. We know that flight attendants tried to calm others on the planes knowing that it would likely be the last time they would fly. There was courage, there was community, there was care for each other.

That lesson feels especially meaningful to us today. As our district navigates significant financial strains and uncertain times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges ahead. But history and experience remind us that bleak moments do not get the final say. Instead, they reveal who we truly are. We are LIONS!

Here at Nichols, we are defined by a close-knit community that leans on and lifts one another up. Despair will not define us, and fear will not direct our future. These are the lessons we want our students to learn and understand so that when they face challenges, they will know how to respond.

As parents, when our children are afraid or uncertain, our instinct is to shelter them, console them, and assure them that no matter what happens, we will always be there for them. The same commitment holds true for all of us at Nichols Middle School. Your children are our greatest gift, and their safety, growth, and well-being remain our highest priority.

We view our current obstacles not as roadblocks, but as an opportunity to demonstrate what our community is made of. Our teachers and staff are remarkably resilient, showing up every day with creativity, passion, and dedication—even when circumstances around us are confusing or challenging. We will not compromise on our standards. We will maintain our expectation of academic excellence, find creative, innovative ways to reach every student and actively support and partner with our families.

Just as our country came together post-9/11 to emerge stronger and more united, Nichols will stand steadfast. We will rise to meet this moment, even more focused on serving our students and supporting one another. Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and strength as we move forward together.

All classes have finished iReady and STAR testing. If your scholar did not get a chance to finish, they will have time to complete make-ups.

District 65 students in grades 5–8 who receive free or reduced lunch are eligible for up to $500 in eLEAP funds to use for afterschool and summer programs. Learn more and claim funds here: https://explore.digitalbackpack65.org

Please remind your students that their cell phones and smart devices must be kept in their lockers. Our classrooms are meant to be distraction free zones.

As a reminder, District 65’s exclusion date is October 1. All kindergarten, sixth-grade, and new-to-the-district students must submit a physical examination dated on or after August 24, 2025, and be up to date on all state-required vaccinations.

If you are unsure whether your child has submitted the required documentation or completed all necessary vaccinations, please contact our nurse.

Author Event!

Friday, September 11th at 6:30 - 8pm

FREE

More information on the event can be found here

On indoor recess days it is great to have additional board games, card games, markers, colored pencils and paperback books for students to enjoy. If you have any of these items collecting dust in your basements or garages, we will take them off of your hands for our students to enjoy during indoor recess. Items can be dropped off to the main office.

• Please remind your scholar to lock their bikes and scooters in the bike cage. We must be kind and respectful to our community neighbors by not locking bikes to trees and signs.
• Students are not allowed to take food from lunch outside on to the field, nor are they allowed to put their hot lunches in their lockers for "later." If your child is experiencing food insecurity after school, please reach out to the counselor for further guidance. When adults redirect students from taking lunch outside to eat it. please remind your scholar that they are to follow the reasonable requests of lunch supervisors. Please help us to reinforce this expectation so that we can keep our school community clean and rodent free.
• Last week a notice went home reminding families that middle school students who attend ETHS athletic events, must be accompanied by an adult. This is to keep everyone safe and the games enjoyable.
• Breakfast closes at 8:05 so that students can get to class on time. Please remind your students that if they desire to have breakfast that they should get to school no later than 7:50 to give themselves enough time to each and to get to class on time.
• After school pick up- Please note that all students must exit the school property by 3:15. Please make sure that if your scholar is being picked up that their ride is on time. We do not allow students to wait in the office.
• Safety reminder- please do not block the school parking lot during drop off. If your child is being dropped off by the nanny or other adult, please let them know of this safety requirement. Additionally, no cars can enter the lot to drop off or pick up students.

Caregivers- does your child intend to participate in sports this year? Please note that you can find the new registration form on the D65 Middle School Athletics page on our District website. This page is now our main location for parents to find athletic registration, required forms, sports information, and other important D65 IESA/Sports Conference information. Please make sure to complete the registration form so that your child can be eligible (also pending grades and behavior).

Note- A try-out schedule for upcoming interscholastic sports is posted below.

We are proud to be an AVID school, committed to helping students develop the skills and habits they need for academic success and beyond. One way we put AVID strategies into practice is through the AVID Binder System. Students use a three-ring binder to organize classwork, notes, assignments, and important materials by subject. The binder also includes tools to help students track homework, deadlines, and upcoming assessments. This system promotes organization, responsibility, and effective study habits—skills that support students both in and out of the classroom.

We warmly acknowledge and wish a meaningful Rosh Hashanah to all of our Jewish families and staff. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the high Holidays in the Jewish faith. It is the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection, renewal, and gathering with family and loved ones. May this New Year bring you peace, health, joy, and sweetness. Rosh Hashanah runs from sunset Friday, Sept. 11 and concludes nightfall Sept. 13th. Shanah Tovah!