November is National American Indian Heritage Month and so we celebrate all those families within the Nichols community who belong to such a diverse and beautiful heritage. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a resolution marking November as National American Indian Heritage Month. This was to remember and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people, including their traditions, languages, and achievements. It is so very important that all of our students also celebrate their wonderful heritage. Teaching our children about their culture, heritage, and those traditions within, is very important in fostering their sense of belonging! As you know, one of our school improvement goals is to increase students' sense of belonging within the Nichols community. We also want to provide a brave space for students to engage in learning about their identity and who they are. On our upcoming half day, November 13th, the students will be engaging in activities that center around identity. You can help us with this goal by talking to your students about their heritage, where they come from, and those cultural traditions that are important to your family. We look forward to learning more about our scholars!

District 65 participated in the Illinois Middle School Debate League in Munster, Indiana.

Varsity division: Nichols 1st Place

Varsity Top Speakers:

Jarret Tacket-Nichols 3rd place

Aaron Athans-Nichols 4th place

T2-Most promising Debater awards

Maya Brush-Nichols

T2-Most Valuable Debater

Jack Broderick- Nichols

Tournament number 3 will take place December 7th in Chicago at Kilmer Elementary School.

AWESOME JOB LIONS!

As we approach our Winter months there is is the possibility that we may have an e-learning day. Next week we will be releasing a document that includes all of the classroom links that students should access in the event of an E-learning day. Please make sure that students have their iPads daily and that they have access to the Internet. Students are expected to be actively engaged and present during e-learning days. Last week I sent home information about hotspots. Please find that information here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RAjoaZ5sH2dFi8djAQxF8X1FXoyE5f3We45Dop3RuGY/edit?usp=sharing .

If your child is currently on iPad suspension, an exception will be made for e-learning days.

All IESA Sport Physicals for any intramural sport, such as soccer, expire 13 months from the date completed by the physician. For example, if your student turned an IESA physical dated November 1st 2023, that physical form will expire soon. That means that your child will be pulled from the sport until you have submitted an up to date IESA Sport Physical. So, for example, if your child is playing basketball and their physical is slated to expire sometime during their season, that student will no longer be able to participate. Please make sure that all sport physicals are up to date. You may contact the nurse, Evan Castillo, if you have any questions,

Apply to be part of the Superintendent’s Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council!

We are excited to invite you to be part of an important opportunity to shape the future of our schools by joining the Superintendent’s Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council. This council brings together a dedicated group of district parents and caregivers committed to improving education and addressing critical issues currently impacting our schools.

Please consider applying if you are a parent or caregiver passionate about education and committed to building a strong, supportive learning environment for all students. As a member of the Superintendent’s Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council, you will have the opportunity to:

• Share your insights and perspectives on important issues affecting our students and schools

• Offer feedback and suggestions directly to district leadership

• Help shape initiatives that support students' academic and social emotional growth

Applications are due November 6, 2024. Meetings will be held monthly via Zoom, with the schedule determined collectively by the group. Please apply!

As winter approaches, cooler temps are on the way! Please consider donating gently used (or new if possible!) coats, gloves, hats and scarves. ESCCA is also in need of gently used clothing that meets these guidelines. All donations will be offered to D65 children in need through ESCCA’s shop at JEH. Items can be dropped off at the drive-up bin on the west side JEH (1500 McDaniel).

You can also support ESCCA by shopping ESCCA's Amazon Wishlist.

If your family is in need of coats, please contact the school nurse, Evan Castillo.

The Technical Theater Club offers hands-on experience in the behind-the-scenes magic of stage production. Members develop practical skills in sound engineering, lighting design, set construction, and stage/costume/prop management. Our club plays a crucial role in bringing school events to life, including the Black History Program, Women's History Month celebrations, and town hall meetings. Through workshops, projects, and real-world application, students learn to use the equipment and software. Whether you're interested in pursuing theater technology as a career or simply enjoy the creative and technical aspects of production, this club provides valuable experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and creative expression. Join us to discover the art and science behind successful stage productions while contributing to our school's vibrant performance culture. The club begins Nov. 12th and continues every Tuesday until Feb 4th. Club members are encouraged to work on the spring play.

Greetings Fellow Parents and Caregivers,

On the eve of the most important election in our nation's history, our session today was filled with intensity and energetic discussion. We shared an overview of how elected officials impact everything from how many children we have to where we go to school. This helped us emphasize the importance of voting. The Risers also learned that they live in the only city in America in which elected officials developed a reparations program. Some of the Risers shared their own experiences and stories of discrimination. I speak for the other facilitating dads when I tell you that the Risers' insightful comments and questions impressed us.

Next week we will build on our theme of community engagement when the Risers discuss the importance of being an educated member of the community. Two amazing teachers will share tips on how to perform better on MAP tests and in school generally.

As always, thank you for trusting us with your children.- John Brownlee

If you haven't done so already, be sure that this Tuesday, November 5th, you...

VOTE!!! VOTE!!! VOTE!!!!

Sustainability Newsletter

Check out our October D65 Sustainability Newsletter

Join us: D65 Climate Action Community Meeting on November 12 from 4-5pm on Zoom.
All are welcome to attend!
Join Zoom Meeting

Questions about this topic? Please contact: Karen Bireta