Hey 8th Grade Families!

WOW! What a year it's been! As I sit here writing this final newsletter (and trying not to cry happy tears), I can't help but smile thinking about all the incredible moments we've shared together.

Being your 8th grade principal this year has been like winning the lottery every single day! Your scholars have absolutely blown me away with their awesomeness, and I've loved every minute of getting to know these amazing humans.

The Memories That Made My Heart Happy 💖

From watching your kids absolutely CRUSH their classroom presentations (seriously, some of them could give TED talks!) to our not so exciting lunch giveback sessions where they showed their kind hearts, through meaningful conversations.

And can we talk about those recess soccer matches?! Your scholars brought the ENERGY! ⚽ The student vs. staff floor hockey game was legendary (even though we totally schooled them), and our pickleball tournament was straight-up Olympic-level competition, even though we didn't win! 🏓

Then there was our college field trip that sparked so many dreams, those spontaneous dance parties that had everyone laughing, and honestly? Some of my favorite moments were the simple ones—kids popping into my office with big grins to grab a sucker or snack, sharing stories about their day, or just saying a quick "hello" that somehow made everything brighter. 🍭✨

My First Year = BEST Year! 🌟

Real talk: this was my rookie year as an administrator, and your kids set the bar SO high! They've shown me what school leadership can be when you're surrounded by incredible young people who care about each other and their community cares so much about them!

As we get ready for graduation on June 4th (get your tissues ready, everyone!), I'm having ALL the feelings about saying goodbye—not just to our graduating superstars, but to this whole amazing Nichols family that's become so special to me.

Shoutout to Our INCREDIBLE Team! 👏

Can we just take a moment to appreciate our teachers and staff?! They've been absolutely phenomenal this year, bringing their A-game every single day to teach, celebrate, advocate, encourage, and live the Nichols Way. We've laughed together, problem-solved together, and created magic together. I couldn't have asked for a better team!!!!

Parents = The Real MVPs! 🏆

And to YOU, our amazing parents—THANK YOU! Your support, your communication, your trust in us with your most precious gifts... it's meant everything. You've been our partners in making this year absolutely unforgettable.

Until We Meet Again! 👋

As I close this chapter (but definitely not this story!), my heart is bursting with gratitude and excitement. I'm so proud of what your scholars have accomplished and SO excited to see them take on the world!

Don't worry—I'll definitely be back to visit and see all the incredible things happening here. And hey, graduates, don't forget about us because there's NO WAY we're forgetting about you! You've left your mark on my heart and I look forward to getting invited to the ETHS sporting events and school plays. 💝

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2025! 🎉 You're going to do amazing things, and we can't wait to cheer you on!

Here's to the best summer ever! ☀️

With so much love and excitement,

Ms. Ernvall

Attached below is the link for the Graduation Live Stream on June 4th!

Thank you to the MANY families for reaching out about extra graduation tickets. While we don't have additional printed tickets available (we printed based on the numbers requested by the May 26th deadline), we absolutely want your family to be able to celebrate together!

Your additional guests are welcome to attend the graduation ceremony. Here's how it works:

For guests without tickets: Please have them arrive during the last ten minutes before the ceremony begins (around 4:50 PM). They'll be admitted on a space-available basis after our ticket holders are seated.

This system allows us to ensure our committed attendees have guaranteed seating while still accommodating extra family members whenever possible. We definitely want everyone to be there for this special milestone!

Please let me know if you have any other questions. We're looking forward to celebrating with your graduate and your entire family!

Dear Caregivers,

We want to take a moment to simply say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

We are so grateful for everyone who donated snacks, lent coolers, dropped off games, or served food! We could not have done it without you! The kids had such a wonderful time at the picnic, and it was so much fun to enjoy this special time celebrating them. We truly appreciate your time, talents, and generosity!

While we know it sometimes feels like we're always asking for help, please know that your kindness and support mean the world to us and never go unnoticed!

With heartfelt gratitude, The 8th Grade Graduation Committee

As we reach the end of another school year, we pause to honor the remarkable teachers and staff members who are beginning their well-deserved retirement. Your years of dedicated service to District 65 and specifically to our Nichols community have left an indelible mark on countless students, families, and colleagues.

Throughout your careers, you have been more than educators—you have been mentors, advocates, and champions for every child who walked through our doors. Your commitment to excellence, your patience in nurturing young minds, and your unwavering belief in each student's potential have shaped not just academic success, but character and confidence that will last a lifetime.

The halls of Nichols will echo with the lessons you've taught, the kindness you've shown, and the positive culture you've helped create. From early morning preparations to after-school support, from celebrating student achievements to providing comfort during challenges, you have given your whole hearts to this calling.

While we will deeply miss your wisdom, experience, and warmth, we celebrate this new chapter in your lives. You have earned this time to rest, explore new adventures, and enjoy the fruits of your incredible labor. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and for making Nichols a place where students thrive and dreams take flight.

Your legacy lives on in every life you've touched.