The Principal's Perspective

Hello Caregivers! I hope this edition of The Principal's Perspective finds you all feeling motivated and uplifted, even amidst the short days and long nights. As we stride forward into 2025, I want to pause and reflect on the incredible accomplishments of our students, staff, and families over the past few months. The dedication, creativity, and shared commitment within our school community continue to amaze and inspire me. To each and every one of you, I say a heartfelt THANK YOU—your hard work and contributions do not go unnoticed!

This year, we are thrilled to continue our journey of growth and learning, with a renewed focus on supporting the whole child. At Nichols, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone remains at the heart of our mission. We are dedicated to creating an environment rooted in safety, connection, and resilience, ensuring that every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

January brings with it the promise of fresh starts and goal-setting, and we eagerly anticipate the many exciting opportunities ahead. From innovative classroom projects to engaging extracurricular activities, students will have countless ways to explore their identities and passions. As educators, we are diving into professional development that mirrors these concepts, deepening our ability to nurture both self-awareness and appreciation of the unique gifts that every individual brings to the Nichols community.

Together, we are building a compassionate, supportive space where learners can truly thrive. Here's to a year filled with growth, joy, and discovery for all!

ACCESS for EL-

The ACCESS Assessment for English Language testing window is January 21st to February 5th. This is an assessment required by the state of Illinois that measures the students’ academic English language proficiency. Only students that qualify for language services will be taking the test. This assessment helps schools see the students' growth in their English language development and helps our district determine program support. If you have questions about this assessment, you can contact our Language Services Department or your child’s school. For more information, please click on the links: English, Spanish

Saebrs

The SAEBRS rater is completed this week by teachers to rate students in the areas of social, academic and emotional behaviors. Saebrs also includes a student-rater, mySAEBRS, that allows students to self-assess with the same focuses on social, academic, and emotional behaviors. This takes students about 3-5 minutes to complete. We use this date to determine levels of SEL support for our students.

Right At School is asking parents to please complete this survey- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXQ_jkAtmXHfTDlJah2ujR6heoCiKEBBBDItVPDKDB5odiAg/viewform to see if there is interest in childcare services during Spring Break & for the upcoming summer

Important Update: Strengthening Belonging at Nichols

As shared prior to the break, we are deeply committed to fostering a stronger sense of belonging for every member of the Nichols community. Here’s how we’ve been progressing on this vital goal:

• Teacher Professional Development:
  To mirror the work students began before the break, our teachers participated in a professional development session focused on exploring personal identities and the factors that have shaped us. This reflective process is ongoing and will continue during staff meetings to deepen our understanding and connections.

• All-Teacher Book Study:
  Starting in February, the School Leadership Team will be selecting books for a schoolwide book study in the 2025-26 school year. This initiative will foster meaningful dialogue and shared learning among staff.

• Addressing Test Anxiety and Stamina:
  In last week’s MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) meetings, we identified concerns regarding student test anxiety and stamina. We recognize that for students to feel a sense of belonging, we must first acknowledge and address their needs. To that end, we are working to transform our test culture in age-appropriate, research-based ways that promote student well-being and confidence.

• Student Services Initiatives:
  Our Student Services team discussed ways to enhance student support, including:

  • QR codes providing quick access to counselors.
  • Exploring “Minute Mindfulness” exercises to promote calm and focus.
  • Highlighting the critical role of social workers and family liaisons, who maintain regular support sessions with students.
    Each member of the Cares Team also participates in grade-level team meetings, where their insights are invaluable in shaping effective student support plans.

• Reinforcing Common Language:
  To emphasize the importance of this work, we’ve begun incorporating common language into daily announcements, reinforcing our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Together, these steps are helping us build a stronger, more connected school community. Thank you for your continued support as we work toward this important goal!

On days when we have outdoor recess, all students are required to go outside. We do not have the staff capacity to supervise two separate groups of students. Sitting in the office or library is not an option. Therefore, unless your child has a doctor’s note, they must participate in outdoor recess.

We ask for your partnership in ensuring your scholar understands this policy. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

This time of year brings the warmth of joy and togetherness as we cozy up during the winter months, but it can also bring its share of stress and challenges for students and families. At Nichols, we are committed to creating a brave and welcoming space where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging.

We believe that nurturing relationships and fostering self-awareness are essential for growth and success. Yet, we recognize that stress can sometimes hinder this journey of self-discovery. By taking moments to reflect and center ourselves, we open the door to deeper learning and connection.

One way to support this process is through a simple yet powerful technique called Box Breathing. Try practicing it at home with your scholar—it’s a wonderful tool for easing anxiety and promoting calm.

Together, let’s embrace this season as an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-discovery!

A HUGE thank you to the PTA and all the incredible parents and staff who came together to make our Winter Dance an unforgettable success! From the AMAZING decorations to the delicious food—thanks to so many generous donations—it was truly a night to remember. The DJ and photo booth added so much fun and joy, and I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed my time monitoring the quiet room (LOL!).

This event wouldn’t have been possible without each of you. How truly blessed we are to have such a supportive and vibrant community!

Special shoutout to Mrs. Varhely for her incredible event planning talents and to Mr. Orloff, whose Italian Beef sandwiches and Fennel Salad were absolute crowd-pleasers with the teachers after school. You all made this event shine!

• 8th Grade promotion pictures are January 17th.
• Caregiver Information Night, January 21st 6:30-7:30 p.m. Here is the link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GcNTdTBZdcX1FGM11_c0ZRYj3wApqFvG/view
• No School Monday, January 20th, MLK Day. Martin Luther King's actual birthday is January 15th. Here is more information https://www.cityofevanston.org/about-evanston/community-celebrations/mlk-jr-day
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th -remembering the tragedy of the Holocaust during WWII. Here are some resources for your scholar if interested https://pioneerinstitute.org/news/never-forgetting-holocaust-remembrance-day-25-resources-for-k-12-students/

E-Learning and unexpected school closures

On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close schools unexpectedly due to inclement weather. When it comes to this decision, the most important thing is our ability to get students and staff to and from school safely. We will provide as much notice as possible if we need to unexpectedly close schools.

District 65 has an approved E-Learning Plan that can be translated into more than 100 languages. An E-Learning Day means that schools will be closed and staff and students will engage in remote teaching and learning. In the event an E-Learning Day is called, more information will be shared by the district and your child’s school.

In response to feedback we heard from staff and parents/caregivers, the decision has been made to put an established cadence in place for calling E-Learning Days (virtual instructional day) or “Snow Days” (no instruction): In any given school year, the first two days of unexpected closure will be E-Learning Days and the third day will be a “Snow Day”. These days do not need to be consecutive. This cadence will be in place as conditions warrant. For example, if there is a widespread power outage, E-Learning may not be possible on that day.

Please double-check: Is your contact info up to date in PowerSchool? To update your phone number or email address, email registrationinfo@district65.net.

Aprendizaje virtual y cierres de escuela inesperados

En ciertas ocasiones, tal vez sea necesario cerrar las escuelas de manera inesperada a causa del clima inclemente. Cuando se toma esta decisión, lo más importante es nuestra capacidad para que los estudiantes y personal lleguen y salgan de la escuela de manera segura. Proporcionaremos un aviso tan pronto como sea posible si necesitamos cerrar las escuelas de manera inesperada.

El Distrito 65 ha aprobado un plan de aprendizaje virtual que puede traducirse a más de 100 idiomas. Un día de aprendizaje virtual (E-learning) significa que las escuelas estarán cerradas y que los maestros y los estudiantes participarán en el aprendizaje y la enseñanza virtual. En caso de que se determine que haya un ‘Día de aprendizaje virtual’, se compartirá más información por parte del distrito y de la escuela de su hijo.

En respuesta a los comentarios del personal y de los padres/cuidadores, se ha tomado la decisión de establecer una cadencia para llamar a los Días deaprendizaje virtua/ E-Learning (día de instrucción virtual) o «Días cancelado por nevada» (sin clases): En cualquier año escolar, los dos primeros días de cierre inesperado serán Días de aprendizaje virtual y el tercer día será un “Día cancelado por nevada”. No es necesario que estos días sean consecutivos. Esta cadencia se establecerá según lo justifiquen las condiciones. Por ejemplo, si se produce un apagón generalizado, puede que ese día no sea posible llevar a cabo el aprendizaje virtual (E-Learning).

Por favor revise de nuevo: ¿Su información de contacto está actualizada en Powerschool? Para actualizar su número de teléfono o correo electrónico, envíe un correo electrónico a registrationinfo@district65.net.