Counselor's Corner

Happy November, Nichols families! As we move into the second rotation, our counseling team is continuing to focus on supporting students’ academic growth, emotional well-being, and overall success. We’re also excited to share an upcoming opportunity for our caregivers to connect and learn alongside us!

We’re launching a brand new “Caregiver University”—a session designed to support you in navigating your child’s middle school journey. Possible session topics include building healthy study habits, setting boundaries, fostering independence, supporting mental health, building independence, and navigating school systems. Before we plan our first session, we’d love your input! Please take a moment to share your interests by completing this 1-question form:

Caregiver University Interest Survey

The Student Voice Committee, which has 6th, 7th and 8th grade student members, organized Fall Spirit Week! Students started the week by rolling out of bed and coming to school in their pajamas. Staff joined in as well. Check out some photos for our week of fun!

See the link below for access to the latest updates on activities happening at Nichols. These are our school announcements that happen daily in the morning and afternoon.

November 13 - 19

This week serves as a celebration and recognition of transgender communities and people. Trans Awareness Month also includes Transgender Day of Remembrance (11/20), honoring the memory of the transgender people whose lives were taken in the acts of anti-trans violence. This also serves as a reminder that there are still many places where it is unsafe and even illegal to be trans.

Definition of Homelessness

A person is considered homeless if they lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence or if their main nighttime residence is:

• a supervised shelter that provides temporary accommodations; or
• a halfway house or similar facility that provides temporary residence for persons intended to be institutionalized; or
• a place not normally recognized as a place to sleep (a hallway, bus station, library, car, etc.); or
• a temporary stay in the residence of another person. Persons are considered homeless for no more than 90 days when they are residing temporarily in the home of another person.

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

Mara S. (6th grade) wrote this poem and shared it during this week's Town Hall.

The teachers we’ve seen

The friends we’ve made

They all can come to our aid.

These halls we’ve walked.

They become our own.

Lockers and classrooms that feel like home.

Here you can be what you want to be.

We are young and free a world for you and me.

We are all the same;

Being kind is no game.

There is a saying "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted"

We are not cheaters;

For we are leaders

We are the Lions,

A big happy family.

A pride for when you are here; there’s no need to hide

You could and can be a part of the pride,

If you just try.

A dedicated group of community members is hosting an emergency food and mutual aid drive this Sunday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ETHS Fieldhouse Parking Lot. View a list of needed items and a map of the location. View a Message from the Mayor encouraging everyone to come together to support this initiative.

Shopping list – https://www.canva.com/.../nNBeCLbNEEihAnjJH9-KUQ/view...

Volunteer sign-up – https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScHrAwebZCW9F.../viewform

Anyone affected by the discontinuation of SNAP benefits or in need of food, click the buttons below:

Families of middle school students who are on free and reduced lunch are eligible to access $500 EACH to be used towards registration for approved enrichment programs in the Evanston community. Quality programs such as Camp Kuumba, FAAM, YOU, MetaMedia, etc.

Illinois Workers in Action covers both direct services and advocacy, offering a range of programs:

• Labor Rights Education
• Immigration
• Leadership and Advocacy
• Public Health
• Parent Program
• Healing Circle
• Environmental Justice
• Community Resources

Family Focus is a Welcoming Center providing Free Services & Support for families. They connect families with essential resources in a welcoming, convenient location, with bilingual staff who honor your culture and language. Their free services include:

• Personalized Assistance
• One-on-one assessments to understand and meet your unique needs.
• Connections to Local Resources
• Early Childhood Programs
• Mental Health Support
• Public Benefits Assistance
• Immigration Information and referrals
• Workshops
• Basic Essentials
• Free Diapers and much more!
• Translation Services

Contact Nancy Mendoza @847-867-9437

Registration for ETHS is open now!

Incoming freshman families can complete all registration steps online.

Step-by-step instructions: https://www.eths202.org/families/registration/freshmen

Submit all required residency documents, including an original birth certificate, to complete registration.

Link to ETHS Registration

Need help or computer access? Contact ETHS Welcome Center:

847-424-7008

enrollment@eths202.org

Schedule an appointment

All families need to complete online registration by Dec. 1, 2025!

Wed. Nov. 5 - School Improvement Day, Early Dismissal - 11:00

Tues. Nov. 18 - Picture Day

Nov. 24 - 28 - Fall Break, NO SCHOOL

Thurs. Dec. 4 - Trimester 1 Awards Assembly, 5:30 - 7:00

Help ensure every Evanston family can celebrate this holiday season. From November 3 to December 1, we're collecting new, unwrapped toys in addition to staple food items for holiday meals. We're also collecting new and gently used children's books. View a list of donation drop-off locations.

Register to Receive Food and Toys: Families who wish to receive toys and/or food items through the program must register by calling 847-448-4311 (or dial 311 in Evanston) between November 3 and December 1.

Make a financial donation: You can also make a tax-deductible donation to the Evanston Parks Foundation to help purchase food and toys, either online or by check. Learn more.