The Principal's Perspective

Hello Caregivers-

As the summer concludes, the national observance of Labor Day takes on a new and deeply personal meaning for many. We honor the contributions and achievements of all those who tirelessly work, day in and day out, making a way for themselves and for those whom they love. In the Nichols community, it's also a time to celebrate a different kind of labor—the labor of love that caregivers undertake every day. From packed lunches (and you all make some really exciting meals from homemade sushi to heart shaped PB&J) to late-night talks reminding your scholar to go to bed, and the calming of back to school jitters, this work is often exhausting and tirelessly demanding. And yet, we know that Nichols caregivers give their all, working to ensure a smooth transition from summer days back into the structured rhythm of the school year.

At the same time, our students have jumped right back into the swing of things, as if they never left. They actively participated in town halls this past week and didn’t miss a beat. The hallways, once empty and quiet during the summer, are now bustling with laughter, excited screeches, and voices that have somehow deepened over the course of two short months. They are showing their eagerness to be back, building this vibrant learning community and making it their own.

As we begin to write the story of Nichols for this new year, our first page has beautifully set the stage. The setting is already filled with a palpable sense of joy and eager anticipation. The characters—students, staff, and caregivers—all excited about what lies ahead, perhaps even a little nervous about the unknowns of middle school. It's a universal feeling, no matter the grade level. Our sixth graders are new, wondering what this experience will be like for them. Our seventh graders find things familiar, yet still possess some uncertainty. And our eighth graders are beginning to write the conclusion of their middle school chapter while prepping for the next stories in their life's series.

Of course, like any exciting plot, we have some challenges to navigate. We are currently searching for a new assistant principal, welcoming in new staff and families, and still navigating the tides of potential outcomes for the structural deficit plan’s third phase. But we face these challenges together, with the same collaborative spirit that fills our hallways. We believe that this community, in its collective strength, is more than equipped to handle what lies ahead.

Welcome back, everyone. Let’s make this chapter of our story the best one yet.

Warm Regards,

Ms. Fishman

This Wednesday and Thursday, September 3rd and 4th, your child will complete the iReady Math Diagnostic. Following that, next week, on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 9th and 10th, they will take the Star Reading Assessment. Please note the following:

• These assessments are not for a grade, but rather serve as a powerful tool to help teachers identify each student's unique academic strengths and pinpoint areas where they may need additional support.
• The diagnostic tests are adaptive, which means they adjust in difficulty based on your child's responses. Remind them that the questions will be difficult as the test will continue to adjust based on their responses.
• To help your child prepare for a successful testing experience, please ensure they get a full night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school with a positive, calm mindset.
• Remind them that the purpose of these tests is simply to help us help them learn and grow.
• Subject acceleration is based on benchmark scores. In order to be considered for math or ELA acceleration a student must prove a mastery of all current grade level standards.

• All students are required to use their locker and to lock their locker. Students are not allowed to carry backpacks during the school day, nor are they allowed to share lockers or occupy and empty locker. This is for safety purposes.
• Students are to maintain appropriate physical boundaries. Please speak with your scholar about keeping their hands to themselves, even if it is considered "playful touching."
• At Nichols, the use of any racially derogatory words or phrases, or word, phrases, or actions that demean or disrespect others, will not be tolerated. This is a welcoming community for all.
• All bikes, motorized scooters, or any other form of individual transport, must remain outside of the building. I strongly suggest using our locked bike cage. We do not store bikes etc. in the building nor do we allow students to "charge" their motorized scooters.
• As a reminder, our tech protocol requires that all tech be stored away, out of sight, with the exception of iPads being used during class.
• Students must remember to engage in "safe play" at recess. There is to be no tackle football, no tossing of items such as water bottles or lunch boxes, and no unsafe play.

This past week students began their Character Strong Curriculum. Through September 22nd the sessions are held in the World Language, Advisory, or AVID classroom. Students spend 45 minutes weekly exploring and discussing topics that will enhance their emotional intelligence.

Please find the 6th Grade Newsletter here

Please find the 7th grade Website here

The 8th Grade Newsletter will be released once a month and will capture announcements and class happenings.

The Counselor's Corner will be released once a month.

Week of AUGUST 25 - AUGUST 29 (Rotation 1)

This past week in Visual Art, students got to know each other with a fun “name game” and shared one word about their summer. They also created portfolios and sketchbooks to use throughout the year. We had a mini origami lesson where students folded and decorated fortune tellers, then tried choice origami projects like cranes, boxes, and hats. Along the way, we talked about scale, symmetry, and area, as well as the basic rules of origami: start with square paper, make folds only, and no cutting, glue, or tape. Next week we will be starting our clay unit!

As a reminder, all 6th graders must have up to date physicals and shot records turned in to the health office. The exclusion period begins on Oct 1st.

Additionally ALL athletes must have a sports physical turned in to participate in sports.

More information can be found here.

School Newspaper- Nichols Gondolier -Meeting 9/8/2025 @ 3:10 PM

Interested in Metrosquash after school enrichment? Click here to learn more or learn more during Curriculum Night Sept. 18th 5-7.

Interested in Y.O.U. after school program? Click here to learn more or learn more during Curriculum night Sept. 18th 5-7 pm.

As you plan ahead, please keep in mind:

Sept 17- School Improvement Day- No School for Scholars

Sept. 18- Curriculum Night 5-7 pm

Sept. 23- No School- Rosh Hashanah

Oct. 2- No School Yom Kippur

Oc.t 7,8- Parent Teacher Conferences 4- 7:15 p.m

We often have Spirit Weeks and or Grade Level Days to have a little fun and to celebrate our students. They are never meant to be exclusionary. Some students choose to participate, while others do not. Our community does not make fun of participants nor of non-participants. Our first spirit week is Fall Festival the week of October 27-31. More details are forthcoming.

Email: fishmann@district65.net
Website: https://nichols.district65.net/