Nichols

• Monday, August 17th “Back to School Bash” here at Nichols from 5:00 - 7:00 pm (Nichols field)

• Tuesday, August 18th Parent Town Hall Meetings

• IES Parent Meeting 4:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

• Dual Language Parent Meeting 4:30-5:00

• 6th Grade 5:00-5:45 p.m.

• 7th Grade 6:00-6:45 p.m.

• 8th Grade 7:00-7:45 p.m.

• Monday, August 24th First Day of School- 8:00 a.m.-3:05 p.m. For an overview of arrival/dismissal and opening reminders, please click here for the Welcome Back Letter.

• Friday, August 28th Nichols Ice Cream Social during the school day (students)

• Thursday, September 17th 6th-8th Grade Curriculum Night 5-7 p.m.

Our mission isn't just about reaching new levels of achievement; it’s about giving our students the flight manual and access to the controls at the helm of the Nichols Navigator! Last year, we began a deep focus on student cognitive lift—the idea that true, lasting learning happens when students take on an active role on the flight deck by processing the ideas/concepts and taking ownership of their lessons. After all, we learn best when we are actively teaching peers, asking big questions, and applying what we know to extend our understanding and even make connections to other content areas.

So, what does "Mission Possible: Lift Off!" look like in our classrooms every day?

• The Launch Pad: Every lesson begins at the launch pad. Students calm and center themselves, engage in a short, focused opening activity designed to spark curiosity, activate prior knowledge, and prepare their minds for the main mission of the day.

• Navigating the Course and Aim for High Altitude: Rather than sitting back as passive passengers, students act as the captain of their learning spacecraft. Through collaborative problem-solving, hands-on tasks, and classroom discussions, they stretch their thinking and take on complex challenges.

• Mission Control & Accountability; it's not just altitude but also ATTITUDE! Every successful space flight relies on clear communication and personal responsibility. Part of our mission this year is helping students take full accountability for their actions, choices, and academic growth. Owning your journey means celebrating your successes, learning from miscalculations, and making adjustments to stay on course. And, if you have to make a crash landing, that's ok! You dust yourself off, and reroute to get back on course.

As parents and guardians, you are an essential part of our Ground Control team. By encouraging your child to take ownership of their classwork, practice problem-solving when things get tough, and take pride in their daily progress, you help us keep their trajectory pointed toward the stars.

We have an incredible year ahead of us, and with our entire community working together, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.

• Students are not permitted to have headphones, earbuds, smart watches or cell phones in their hand, pocket or on their person at any time. Tech must remain at home or locked in their locker. This is district policy. Items seen will be required to be surrendered to the office and students can retrieve them at the end of the day.
• Parents are not permitted to drive into the lot to drop off students. Additionally, please do not block traffic dropping off your child in the middle of the road. This is extremely dangerous.
• Students are not allowed to have food deliveries from parents or otherwise. We will not call students to the office to retrieve food; any food that is delivered will remain in the main office until dismissal.
• Here is the School Supply List information.

The PTA is looking for volunteers to assist with the Back to School Bash and the Ice Cream Social. If you are interested in helping please connect with the main office or email Ms. Wright. at wrighta2@district65.net.

Throughout the year you will receive grade level and department updates as they become available. These updates may be focused on one or more of the following:

• Content specific updates
• Grade Level Incentives updates
• Upcoming grade level or department events
• Special projects

Throughout the month families will receive information specific to the weekly focus. The schedule will follow as such:

• Week 1: Student or Class Spotlight (Celebrating student achievements and classroom highlights)
• Week 2: Counselor’s Corner (Tips and resources for middle school wellness and SEL)
• Week 3: AVID Focus (College/career readiness strategies, organizational tools, and study skills)
• Week 4: Grade Level Gems (Team Information)

These will begin the week of August 31-Sept 4.

• English Link: https://canva.link/9afzg5a5fsuxhku (Detailed Instructions to register are included on p.2)

• Spanish Link: https://canva.link/gig1c2ca24x0osb (Detaied Instructions to register are included on p.2)

• Families will receive a letter with general “school meal” information in the coming weeks. Please see this letter for more information.

• Over the course of the last year, changes to SNAP benefits have occurred. If families have specific inquiries in regards to these changes and how they may/may not affect school meals, this information can be referenced.

Any additional inquiries or specific questions from families should be referred directly to our office- 847-859-8130, nutritionservices@district65.net.

Email: fishmann@district65.net
Website: https://nichols.district65.net/
Location: 800 Greenleaf, Evanston
Phone: (847)859-8651