We hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating break. As we return to school, we understand that adjusting to the new routine can sometimes be challenging. We are here to support with managing stress, building positive relationships, and setting goals for the year ahead. We look forward to supporting your scholars on their journey to success in the new year!

With winter break, students (and parents) often struggle with the transition back to school after a lengthy break. Here are some tips we shared after fall break, but we felt they are a good reminder...

⚙️Return to regular sleep patterns. Middle school students need 8 - 11 hours each night. Quality and consistency are important. Start going to be earlier at least a few days before winter break is over.

⚙️ Get what you need ready the night before. Locate & charge your computer, pack your backpack with supplies, set out your clothes, etc.

⚙️ Wake up 10 minutes earlier. This allows for a buffer to avoid being late.

⚙️ Eat a healthy breakfast. Students will be better able to focus and won't feel as sluggish. Stay away from the sugary treats, which will deplete your energy after an hour.

⚙️ Get organized. Set goals for yourself, something you want to work on (better grades, joining a club, making friends, etc.).

⚙️ Don't be hard on yourself. It will take time to get back in the rhythm of things. Students may feel nervous to return to school. Validate these feelings and extend grace.

If school buildings are unexpectedly closed, the District may choose to enact an E-Learning Day rather than cancel the instructional day. This means that schools will be closed and staff and students will engage in remote teaching and learning.

In an effort to be responsive to feedback D65 heard from staff as well as 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. Check out the links below for more information.

Standards Based Grading (SBG) is new to Nichols this year. We are all continuing to learn how to understand and navigate this new system. Check out the video (6:05 minutes), which demonstrates how families can check grades in PowerSchool. Students should routinely be checking PowerSchool for assignments and grades each week and talk to their teacher if they have any questions.

ETHS Course Selection Night -

Jan 22: Last names A-F: 6pm, G-L: 7pm

Jan 23: Last Names M-R: 6pm, S-Z: 7pm

Here are some ways to celebrate National Thank You Month:

• Write a thank you note: You can write a thank you letter, email, or sticky note.

• Start a gratitude journal: Keeping a gratitude journal can help you practice gratitude.

• Tell someone you're thankful: You can tell someone you're thankful for them or thank someone you just met.
• Do something nice: You can do something nice for someone else.
• Share gratitude: You can share who or what you're thankful for at the dinner table.
• Celebrate at work: You can celebrate at work with a recognition awards ceremony, appreciation luncheon, or flexible work hours.
• Use technology: You can use technology to share thanks, such as with a group text, internal message board, or social media.

Jan. 7: Students return from winter break

Jan. 20: MLK Day, NO SCHOOL

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, January 9th

Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Location: Nichols Gym