6th Grade Newsletter

Nichols and the Student Voice Committee are hosting a Holiday Food Drive from November 10–17.

Sixth graders can drop off non-perishable food donations in the 6th-grade collection box, located just outside the Nichols Library.

Here is a list of donations. The grade that collects the most donations will win a small prize!

Items will be sorted by SVC members and given to Nichols families. Email Clarissa Lau (lauc@district65.net) if you need food donations.

Thank you for helping support families in our community this holiday season!

Nov 14 - Last day of trimester 1

Nov 24-28 – Fall Break – No School

This week in ELA, students put the finishing touches on their creative narratives and completed their Unit 1 Reading and Writing Assessments. We wrapped up the week with a fun and creative activity — students designed One-Pagers to highlight and celebrate their independent novels.

Looking Ahead: Next Week in ELA

Next week in ELA, we’ll kick off our second unit, You and Me, as we explore the essential question: How do relationships shape us? Students will begin by reading an excerpt from Walk Two Moons as we dive into this new theme of connection and perspective.

This week in SLA, students are taking the AAPL assessment, which measures their skills in Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Listening.

To continue building their language proficiency, students should read in Spanish 2–3 times per week for 20–30 minutes.

Looking Ahead: Next Week in SLA:

Next week in SLA, we will continue with our first reading selection — an excerpt from Cuando Era Puertorriqueña by Esmeralda Santiago. Students will complete comprehension activities and respond to questions to deepen their understanding of the text. Once these activities are finished, there will be a comprehension quiz.

As a reminder, students should continue studying and practicing grammar in preparation for the quiz on Friday, November 21. Notes and practice materials are available in Google Classroom.

Partes del Lenguaje

Los Articulos

Students should review the following topics:
• Sustantivos (Nouns)
• Adjetivos (Adjectives)
• Pronombres (Pronouns)
• Artículos (Articles)

In Math, we began Unit 3: Rates & Percentages. Students applied their ratio reasoning from Unit 2 to understand unit rates and explored how equivalent ratios share the same unit rate. We also practiced converting between different measurements, building connections between ratios, rates, and real-world problem solving.

Looking Ahead: Next Week in Math:

Next week in Math, students will take their Mid-Unit Assessment on Friday. They will continue practicing how to find and compare unit rates and apply this understanding to real-world situations.

The assessment will focus on the following learning targets:

• Ratios & Proportions Learning Target C: I can create, interpret, and solve mathematical and real-world problems using ratios, rates, and percentages. (6.RP.A.2–3)
• Ratios & Proportions Learning Target F: I can convert measurement units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities. (6.RP.A.3)

Resources for Caregivers

• Link 1
• Link 2

In Math, through December, we will be incorporating our Character Strong lessons. This week, students explored the topic of bullying and discussed what it means to move from being a bystander to an advocate. The goal of this session was to help students recognize ways they can support others who are experiencing disrespect or bullying and practice empathy and positive action in our school community.

Last week in Social Studies, students edited their rough drafts in class and then completed the final draft of their Hammurabi’s Code essay. They focused on revising for clarity, organization, and evidence to strengthen their written arguments.

Looking Ahead: Next Week in Social Studies:

Next week in Social Studies, students will use historical atlases to gather additional information about Mesopotamia. They will then read a second article to deepen their understanding of writing in ancient civilizations and explore how communication developed during this time period.

This Week In Mr. Sommer’s classes:

In Mr. Sommer’s Science class, students presented their eye disease posters and shared what they learned through their research. Each student became the “expert” on a specific eye condition, teaching their classmates about its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Looking Ahead: Next Week Mr. Sommer's Science Class

Next week in Mr. Sommer’s Science classes, students will be dissecting cow eyes on Tuesday and Wednesday as part of our study of the human eye.

If your child would like to opt out of the dissection, please email Mr. Sommer by Monday, or have your child speak with him directly.

Students who choose to opt out will still complete the related dissection questions and learning activities, but will not participate in the hands-on portion.

In all science classes, Ms. Dortzbach, our 6th grade counsellor, will be teaching a state required lesson on Erin’s Law.

The lesson will be taught in Mr. Sommer’s room the week before Thanksgiving Break and in Ms. Stone’s room the week after Thanksgiving Break.

Attached is a letter from District 65 with more information. If you would like your child to opt out of the lesson, please let their science teacher know before November 15th.

Erin’s Law Letter (English & Spanish)

On Monday, November 3, AVID students from ETHS visited our 6th grade AVID classes. Our students eagerly asked questions about their guests’ experiences in AVID, life at ETHS, and how they’re preparing for college.

We learned that high school AVID students take two college trips each year! The ETHS students shared that AVID has helped them become more organized, improve their writing, better understand their coursework, and successfully complete college applications.

They also offered one key piece of advice:

“Don’t procrastinate. Do your work before having fun with friends!”

Ms. Hodges' PE classes this week participated in a Fitness tic-tac-toe relay game and a soccer game. Friday, the First Tee golf group came out to Nichols to teach the students how to golf!

Looking Ahead: Next Week in P.E.:

Next week in Ms. Hodges’ PE classes, students will continue their soccer tournament and build on the skills they’ve been practicing in class. On Wednesday, students will also take a soccer quiz to review key rules and concepts from the unit.