Welcome to the Nichols News!

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We are thrilled to have you and your scholar as part of our 8th-grade community. As we embark on this exciting journey, we’re committed to making this final year of middle school a memorable and successful experience for all!

I’m Ms. Ernvall, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Nichols team this year as your assistant principal and 8th-grade administrator. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of teaching math and science within Chicago Public Schools, as well as serving as an Academic Director in my community. In addition to my passion for education, I also love coaching sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, and baseball.

I’m excited to get to know you and your scholars as we work together this year. My goal is to be a consistent and supportive resource for students, families, and teachers alike as we strive for a successful year of learning and growth. Please know that I’m here to support you and your child, and I encourage you to reach out whenever needed. Email is the best way to contact me, and I aim to respond within 72 hours. For classroom-specific concerns, I recommend connecting with your child’s teachers first, as they can often provide valuable insight. Please feel free to follow-up with me and do not hesitate to reach out via email at ernvalls@district65.net or by phone at (847) 859-8657.

📌 There are 622 students who attend Nichols.

📌 Each grade level has an administrator, school counselor and social worker assigned to it. Teams loop with students throughout middle school, which means the admin, counselor and social worker move with the students from 6th, to 7th, to 8th grade.

📌 Grade level administrators serve as the first point of contact and support for each grade's students, teachers and families.

📌 8th grade students attend most of their classes on the 1st floor of the building, which is also the location of many of their lockers (located near their homerooms).

Mrs. Nelson is not only our fabulous 8th Grade School Counselor but she is also a D65 parent! She is beginning her second full year on the Nichols team and we are so thankful to have her supporting our Emerging Eighth Graders!

School Counselors focus in 3 domains:

• Academics

• Social/Emotional

• College/Career Readiness

Through classroom lessons, small groups or individual counseling, Mrs. Nelson will support students with matters like attendance, improving grades, study skills, managing emotions, learning coping skills, navigating relationships with peers and adults, social skills, learning about careers and what careers interest them and postsecondary options. Working closely with teachers, she will come alongside your child to help them thrive in school and gain tools for life.

Mrs. Nelson

nelsont@district65.net

(847) 859-6550

iPads

District 65 provides its' students with an iPad to further help support their learning. We will help students navigate their technology if needed. Please plan to create a routine for your student to charge this device every evening. Most of your student's learning will be done using Google Classroom and other tech platforms. Without a fully charged iPad, access to these platforms will be impacted.

Your child is responsible for taking care of their iPad and to remember to bring it with them daily.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are a leading cause of distraction to the learning process. Our aim is to reduce as many distractions as possible in order to enhance learning and academic progress. As a means to help this become a reality, be aware that cell phones are not allowed anywhere in use during the school day!

Proof of your child receiving the following is needed prior to the first day of school on August 22:

🍎 Physical exam performed on or after August 22, 2024

🍎 Tdap shot

🍎 Meningitis shot

🍎 Hepatitis B shots (series of three shots)

🍎 Dental Exam performed on or after November 15, 2024

The School Based Health Center at ETHS offers physical exams and shots free of charge for students who have state insurance. For students who receive free/reduced lunch, exams are $12.00 and shots are $3.00 (per shot). Students who have private insurance are only eligible for a physical exam at full price ($33.00). Please call 847-424-7265 to set up an appointment.

Health documents should be mailed to Health Services, 1500 McDaniel Ave 60201 or they can be uploaded (PDF format preferred) during the registration process.

Throughout the year, all Nichols students (6th - 8th grade) receive Character Strong and Anti-bullying lessons.

Character Strong is an evidence-based curriculum to increase students' sense of belonging, well-being and engagement. Lessons focus on teaching life skills & character development such as healthy habits, social awareness strategies and empathy building.

Care Solace is a company that the district has contracted with that helps to match individuals with therapy through a "warm handoff" system. We can make referrals for any students, any family members of any students, any staff members of D65, and any family members of D65 employees who are interested in engaging in therapy. If this is something you feel would be beneficial, please reach out to your grade level counselor. Or use the link below.

Care Solace - Evanston-Skokie School District 65

Getting help can be a daunting process. Let our Care Companions™ find the help you need for depression, anxiety, stress, and more. In partnership with Evanston-Skokie School District 65.

D65 Middle School Sports schedule will be forthcoming. Some of the sports that we have had in previous years have been volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. We also offer intramural sports as well.

Please direct all questions regarding sports to:

Gene Turman, Nichols Athletic Director

turmang@district65.net

Stacey Ernvall, Nichols Assistant Principal

ernvalls@district65.net

**Clubs may change slightly year to year based on teacher availability.

We will have more information about upcoming clubs within the first month of school!

This section contains everything you need to know as we prepare for 8th-grade graduation. From key dates and milestones to important requirements and events, you’ll find all the information here to ensure your scholar stays on track for a successful completion of middle school. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the big day!

Students with IEPs will have a transition meeting with members of the IES team. Your case manager should be in touch with you to schedule this. For students with 504 plans, the school psychologists transition and review the plans before the end of the school year in order to better create a transition plan for high school. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's case manager.