The Principal's Perspective

As we enter the week before Spring Break, I find myself thinking about the high and lows of this school year. Reflection is critical in celebration and in constructive critique. What we have done has been really great! Despite the noise and distractions, staff and students have shown up, creating a beautiful cocoon in the halls of Nichols. Instruction has made a powerful shift to letting students take the lead in the classroom. Students have collectively supported each other, delicately debated each other, and held each other up in difficult circumstances. Staff have continued to perform at 110% despite the heaviness around us. Of no coincidence, in education, spring is often viewed as a "final sprint," a season of testing, transition, and finish lines. But this year, I believe we need to view this break as something more vital: a collective reset.

It is no secret that this has been a heavy year for our district. Between the headlines, the difficult conversations regarding school closures, and the shifting of programs, there has been a lot of "noise" outside our classroom walls. It is easy, in the face of such uncertainty, to let a district's climate dictate a school's culture.

However, our culture at Nichols is not defined by a headline or a budget line; it is defined by the people inside this building. When I walk the halls, I don’t see "closures" or "negative press." I see a 6th grader explaining to another 6th grader which quotes in the text align with the theme, stating why, and then another 6th grader explaining their stance. I see the creativity of artists, singers, dancers, and models explain Black History in ways that are engaging and illuminating. I read writers in the Lions Times craft pieces that make you want to read more! I see teachers who, despite the noise, show up every day to ensure your children feel seen, challenged, and safe.

Even with all of these, I still want us to engage in a climate reset. This is incentive week, and while we will highlight positive strides with fun activities as rewards, we need to keep moving forward through the challenges.

While the district navigates necessary and difficult changes, our focus at Nichols remains unchanged: The Student. We are entering the final quarter of the year with a renewed commitment to "Cognitive Lift"—ensuring our students are the ones doing the heavy thinking, the leading, and the growing.

My request for our families is simple as we look ahead:

• Unplug from the Noise: Commit to taking a few days away from the social media comments and the news cycles. I actually mark out X’s on my personal calendar to hold myself accountable to not engage in the usual “doom scroll.”

• Celebrate the Growth: Ask your child about one thing they’ve conquered this year that they didn't think they could do in September. Celebrate it with an M&M McFlurry or some type of dessert that your child likes.

• Prepare for the Fresh Start: We are leaving the weight of the winter behind us. Spring has started! We are focused on the concerts, the games, the promotions, and the learning that makes middle school such a transformative time.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We are not just a building; we are a community. And together, we choose the climate we want for our children.

6th Grade News

7th Grade News

Math:

This week, students explored scale factor and area scale factor. Next week they will continue to explore these concepts and take their mid-unit quiz.

SS:

This week in Social Studies, we finished preparing for the Mexican-American War DBQ and are starting the writing process to answer the question, "Was the United States Justified in Going to War with Mexico?" The students have learned so much, and we have had great discussions about this topic. We are excited to see what they have to write about it! Next week, the students will finish writing their DBQ, and we will begin discussing the tragic story of the "Trail of Tears."

8th Grade News

8th Grade Pictures March 27th 8:00 am- 10:30 a.m.-order information will be sent soon

Graduation is June 2, 5-6 p.m at Nichols, In case of rain ceremony will be held at Chute on June 2nd at 5:00 for Group 1 and 6:30 pm for Group 2. Rain group assignments will be announced soon.

As the weather warms up and our students head outdoors for much-needed movement, we want to ensure that recess remains a safe, inclusive, and fun environment for everyone. To maintain a positive campus climate, please review the following safety "Non-Negotiables" with your child:

• Prohibited Items: For the safety and security of all, items that resemble weapons are strictly prohibited on school grounds. This includes fake guns, water guns, Orbeez blasters, or any toy that could be perceived as a weapon. Bringing these items to school is against our district protocol and can be very dangerous! They cannot even be stored away in lockers or bags while on school property.

• Safe Physical Play: Recess is a time for active play, but it must remain non-contact. Tackling, roughhousing, and "Keep Away" with the belongings of other students are not permitted. We expect all students to respect the personal space and property of their peers.

• Boundaries & Supervision: Safety depends on visibility. Students must remain within the designated boundaries of the field at all times and must follow the directions of our Lunch Supervisors immediately and respectfully.

• Personal Equipment: Students are welcome to bring their own sports balls; however, the school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Equipment must be stored away properly before and after the recess period.

• Field Conditions: Our supervisors monitor the field daily. If the grass is too muddy or saturated, students will be directed to stay on the blacktop to prevent slips and injuries.

Our Number One Priority is Safety. Please note that if activities at recess present a safety hazard or if conditions become unsafe, we will transition to indoor recess. We appreciate your partnership in helping our students enjoy their outdoor time responsibly!

Nichols Announcements

Nichols Athletic Website

Club Meeting Times

Nichols Calendar

E-Learning Information

Nichols E - Learning Newsletter

The 3rd Evanston Community Cares Emergency Drive at ETHS is a robust volunteer collaboration between ETHS, Connections for the Homeless, Niles Township Pantry, Interfaith Action, All Evanston Clergy, Indivisible Evanston, Pink Poster Club, Sanctuary Evanston, Art Makers Outpost, Evanston Community Fridges, Hillside Pantry, C&W, and Collective Resource Composting, among others. All are welcome and encouraged to join this effort.

Your involvement is critical to the success of this effort and will make a huge difference in serving our neighbors. Thank you so much for your time, partnership, and support!

How You Can Help

Please consider helping in one of four critical ways:

1. Volunteer Your Time

We need around 30-50 volunteers per shift to help with collection and distribution on both days. All are welcome, and teens (14+) can receive official community service hours and sign up unaccompanied. Youth under 14 should volunteer with a caregiver.

• Volunteer Sign-Up: Sign Up Here

2. Donate Food, Essentials, Gift Cards, or Become a Sponsor

A. Donate Items

• Shopping List: Collection Includes FOOD, Essentials & Gift Cards

• View our most-needed items here: Shopping List Here

• Drop-off: Donate on Saturday, March 28th, at Dawes Park (9 AM - 12 PM) or the ETHS Fieldhouse (12 PM - 5 PM).

• Out-of-Town Option: If you are out of town, you can drop off items on Friday, March 27th (1 PM - 5 PM) at Art Makers Outpost, or email Val to arrange an alternative time.

B. Donate Financially & Become a Sponsor

Sponsors enable the bulk buying of critical items to ensure we have enough for all the pantries and the 500 families we aim to serve.

• Sponsorship Opportunities: Check out Sponsorship Opportunities Here

• You may choose whether you want recognition for your donation (for yourself or your business) or if you prefer to remain anonymous.

• To sponsor financially please email valkahan@gmail.com with your pledge and I will reply with secure donation instructions.

• You can also sponsor by buying in bulk. If you own a restaurant or have access to wholesale purchasing of essentials you can order inn bulk yourself and bring the items to the drive on March 28th. If you prefer to have them delievered another way, please contact valkahan@gmail.com