The Principal's Perspective
May 27-30
Dear Caregivers-
As we walk into the final two weeks of the school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible growth our students have experienced—academically, socially, and emotionally. Many have even grown a few inches! The middle school years are a whirlwind of change for us all and the self discovery many encounter is so valuable, and this year has been no exception. From the first day of school to the final projects and celebrations, our scholars have shown resilience, curiosity, and they continue to grow all while gaining a sense of who they are to become.
It’s been a privilege to walk alongside them, and you, during this journey.
And, now, we head into Summer! The warmth and time off gives us the opportunity to take a pause, rest, and reset. It’s also a season full of opportunity—whether that means diving into a good book, exploring a new interest, traveling, volunteering, or simply enjoying unscheduled time with family and friends. Learning doesn’t stop in June—it just takes on a different shape. Encourage your children to stay curious, to ask questions, to play, and to notice the world around them. These experiences are as formative as any classroom lesson.
To our eighth grade families: thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us. Watching your children prepare for high school has been a joy, and we know they are ready for the challenges and adventures ahead. They carry with them all that they’ve learned here, and we will miss them deeply.
To all our families: thank you for your partnership. Your support, communication, and care help make this Nichols community what it is—a place where students can thrive, be seen, and BECOME!
Wishing you all a joyful, restful, and memory-filled summer.
Family Input-LAST CALL
This evening, May 27, 2025, we will be hosting family focus groups promptly at 6:30 p.m. We seek to gather information from you that will inform our schoolwide goals. If you wish to attend, please email me at fishmann@district65.net so that we can get you set up.
Announcements
END OF YEAR TECH REMINDERS
Google Takeout for 8th Graders
- Students can preserve their digital work using Google Takeout (bit.ly/d65googletakeout)
- Important deadline: 8th graders lose access to Google Drive on June 5, 2025
Summer Device Policies
- 6th-7th grade students will take devices home for summer
- Students will have access to all instructional technology tools through July 31, 2025
- Summer program participants may have different access depending on their enrolled program
- Optional device collection form available upon request for families who prefer not to have devices at home during summer (bit.ly/optionaldevicecollect)
Device Protection & Replacement
- Device Protection Plan (bit.ly/d65deviceprotectionplan)
- Spanish version: bit.ly/d65plandeprotecciondedispositivos
- Annual insurance fee covers devices through summer
Summer Support
- For damaged devices or help with platforms like Clever, families can email: summersupport@district65.net
- Note: Support limited to district-issued devices only
YOU Summer Program
Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) is excited to expand its Summer Program for 2025, offering youth in Evanston a summer full of learning, creativity, and fun. The program will run from June 16 to July 25, with a Special Field Trip Week from July 28 – August 1. Youth entering grades 2–8 this fall are welcome to join, with free and paid options available based on household income. Registration opens to the community on March 29, with priority given to Y.O.U. families, and early registration is encouraged due to limited space.
This year’s program features creative workshops in art, music, and writing, STEM projects that foster curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math, and weekly field trips to exciting locations around Evanston. Participants will also engage in sports, games, mindfulness activities, and other recreation and wellness options designed to keep them active and engaged. The program fosters community building by providing youth with opportunities to connect with peers and caring mentors in a safe, supportive environment.
Program Details:
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (Field Trip Week: July 28 – August 1)
Location: Oakton Elementary School (Elementary), Chute Middle School (Middle School)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration: Opens March 29, closes May 1.
For more information about Y.O.U. or to learn how to support our programs, please visit www.youthopportunity.org.