The Principal's Perspective

The Rough Draft Is Just That- ROUGH!

I have a habit of looking for meaning in my experiences, especially when those experiences don’t align with the "script" I’ve written for myself, one I've contemplated and crafted carefully that has an ending that works to my benefit.

I find myself scripting out my life with specific expectations. I am certain I am not the only one. We want the story to be enjoyable, easy, and carefree. While we might anticipate a few bumps in the road, we might have even written them in to add a little drama or excitement, we always write an ending where we win, let's be honest, who revels in the anticipation of losing?

As many of us watched the Chicago Bears this past weekend, we felt that familiar surge of excitement. It’s been a long time since we’ve felt this kind of momentum, and in our minds, we were already writing the ending: a "comeback kid" story with the gift of a Super Bowl victory. This is what I had scripted in my mind for the "Cardiac Bears." After all, everyone loves an underdog story; it reminds us that anything is possible. However, as the clock ran out, and that field goal landed in overtime, we were reminded that not every ending is a "happy ending." Sometimes, the ending is actually a learning lesson for the next move.

Since many of us had already crafted a winning story to tell, it's now time to go back to the drawing board as in the world of writing, the first version of any story, the rough draft, is rugged, dusty, and filled with highs and lows. It is a journey of discovery—a process of seeing what works and what doesn’t. It’s only after the reviews, the adjustments, and the re-writes that the final draft emerges. Often, that final version is exactly what you needed, even if it wasn't what you originally planned. It becomes something magical precisely because of the work put into it. As a Bears fan, I’m telling myself: This season was the rough draft. We review the tapes, we adjust the plays, and we prepare for next year.

Doesn’t parenting feel exactly the same?

We want our children to behave a certain way. We have goals and dreams for them before they even know what a dream is. But middle school is often where the "script" we wrote for our children meets the reality of their growing independence, their self discovery, the choosing of friends and activities . We go from mommy to mom, to ma, to bro or daddy, to dad, to dude and we find ourselves taking deep breaths; this too, shall pass, is what we tell ourselves.

If parenting today isn't going exactly as you expected—if the "game" feels a bit messy or the "ending" of a particular week feels like a loss—be encouraged. You are simply in the rough draft. These years are for reviewing the tapes, adjusting our moves, and learning who our children are becoming. It’s okay if the pages are a little dusty right now. We are all just working toward that final draft, and I promise you, the finished story is going to be worth the wait.

"I am excited for what's to come and obviously I will watch this and figure out how I can get better, and that's the exciting part..." Caleb Williams

Bear Down and Keep Moving Forward!

The Winter Dance- Stranger Things!

IT'S A DANCE PARTY!! The Winter Dance, sponsored by the PTA, is Friday, January 23rd 5:30-7:30. The PTA is looking for volunteers to donate food items , to assist with set up and clean up, and to chaperone the dance. Please sign up here if you are able to help- we'd love for you to participate!.

Please note, the only students allowed to attend the dance are Nichols students. We also do not allow siblings, nor private or parochial students, either.

If your scholar doesn't like to dance, doesn't like crowds or is noise sensitive, the library will be hosting small groups of students for a quiet space. This space MUST remain quiet, however.

If you have questions about the dance, please call the main office.

Student Attendance Impact: By the Numbers

Daily, on-time school attendance is required by the State of Illinois and is essential for academic progress. Please note the following regarding excessive absences and tardiness:

Notifications will be sent when;

15 days absent
18 days absent
Late arrivals (20 Days)
Notice of Truancy- 9+ unexcused absences

Please Note: Students reaching these levels will be required to complete "Give Back Time." This means they will remain at school to make up academic work during scheduled incentive field trips. Thank you for prioritizing your child's daily attendance. If you need support regarding school attendance, please contact the school office to be directed to the appropriate personnel.

Conference dates: Tuesday, Feb. 10th and Wednesday Feb. 11th
Start and end times: 4:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
Format: Tuesday is VIRTUAL Wednesday is in person
Parent Sign-Up Dates: Scheduled to open to Parents on Monday, Jan 26th at 8am / Scheduled to close to parents on Monday, February 9th at 8pm. Note- we typically fill up quickly.
Do you need translation support for conferences? Please click the Interpreter Need form by Friday January 23rd.

Progress Reports Go Home on Friday, January 23rd.

6th Grade

7th Grade :

Math-

Students are continuing to work on solving multistep equations with multiple strategies. Students will have their mid unit evidence check in the next week or two.

Science:

7th grade scientists are continuing in their Earth’s Resources & Human Impact unit. Students are investigating how increasing temperatures are impacting various parts of Earth’s water system. They are also compiling our recent data and scientific understanding to create explanations for the case study location community members. Next we will be investigating why the Earth is experiencing a global increase of temperatures.

SS:

This week in 7th Grade Social Studies, we continued learning about the Constitution. We discussed the Executive and Judicial Branches, and what powers, restrictions, and requirements they have. Next week, we will do some final reviewing and give part one of the Constitution test on Thursday and Friday. Please continue to monitor your child's preparation for this assessment. They should be reviewing and quizzing themselves from their flashcards. Thank you for your continued support at home!

8th Grade:

Graduation will be June 2, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Location TBA.

Fine Arts

SPELLING BEE ALERT:

The Nichols' school-wide spelling bee will take place January 23rd from 9:30-10:45 in room 125.

The top three students from each grade level will participate (please note- this is subject to change based on final confirmation by the district). The District-Wide English Spelling Bee will take place the week of February 2nd. The North Cook ISC Regional Qualifier will take place at Lincoln Hall School in Lincolnwood on Tuesday, February 25th

Fresh air is important for our students! At Nichols, we head outside for recess as long as the weather is 19 degrees or warmer. Since all students go outdoors during this time, please help your child "dress for success" by bringing a warm coat, hat, and gloves.

If you need any assistance obtaining winter gear for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out to the main office. We want to make sure every student is comfortable and ready to enjoy their break!