Spring FORWARD!
As the world inches closer to longer days and warmer breezes, Roy Ayers’ classic song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" feels like the perfect anthem for this time of year. The gentle rhythm and soulful lyrics remind us to pause, to bask in the glow of life’s simple joys, and to embrace renewal. Just as spring forward shifts the clocks and brings more daylight, it also offers a chance for us to reset, to recommit to ourselves, and to step into our own light.
Too often, we pour from an empty cup, stretching ourselves thin for others while neglecting our own well-being. But just as airlines instruct us to secure our oxygen masks first before assisting others, we must prioritize self-care to truly be of service. When we take care of ourselves—mentally, emotionally, and physically—we show up as our best selves for the people who rely on us. Spring is the season to embrace that mindset, to plant new seeds of self-love and purpose.
For me, this season carries even deeper meaning as I celebrate my birthday on March 11. A birthday is more than a milestone; it is a reminder that life is a gift, and each day presents an opportunity to live with intention. As I welcome a new season of myself, I reflect on how I can further fulfill my purpose in serving the families and staff of the Nichols community. This journey is not just about what I give—it is about how I grow alongside the incredible students and educators I have the privilege to work with.
Every day, I am blessed with the bright eyes of students eager to learn, the sound of their laughter echoing through the halls, and the opportunity to listen in on lessons that teach me something new. I cherish the moments of collaboration with teachers as they share innovative ways to engage students, inspiring me with their passion and dedication. These experiences fuel my own sense of purpose, reminding me that I am exactly where I need to be.
And so, I step forward into the sunshine of this season, embracing renewal, gratitude, and the boundless potential of what lies ahead. Just as the warmth of spring lifts our spirits, may we all find the light within us to shine brightly—for ourselves and for those we serve. Because after all, everybody loves the sunshine.
IAR Testing Week – Let’s Rock the Test!
We are excited for IAR testing this week and know that our students will do an amazing job! To ensure a smooth testing experience, we want to remind parents that all cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets will be collected during testing. If your student does not want their items collected, they must remain at home or be locked in their locker.
Parents, you can support us by ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time. Encouraging them to do their best and stay positive will help build their confidence. Thank you for partnering with us to help our students succeed!
Safety First
As we move into spring and more students begin walking to school, we want to remind parents about the importance of traffic safety during drop-off and pick-up times. There are to be no student drop-offs in the parking lot. The combination of teachers parking and parents pulling in and out creates a serious safety hazard for children. To ensure the safety of all students, please drop them off safely on the curb, avoid double parking, and never drop students off in the middle of the street where they have to run across oncoming traffic to reach their designated door.
We ask parents to please be patient and give themselves enough time in the morning for drop-off and enough time in the afternoon for pick-up. Safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping all of our children safe.
At Nichols, we have worked hard to build a strong partnership with you—our caregivers—because we know that trust and open communication are essential to student success. Your voices matter, and we have taken intentional steps to ensure that you feel heard, valued, and included in your scholar’s educational journey.
Some of the ways we have strengthened this partnership include:
✅ Hosting Listening Tours to hear directly from families.
✅ Maintaining an Open-Door Policy for caregivers to connect with us.
✅ Responding to Concerns Promptly—within 48 hours for general matters and 24 hours (including weekends) for emergencies.
✅ Providing Clear & Timely Communication through newsletters and updates.
✅ Securing a Crossing Guard at Sherman and Greenleaf to ensure student safety.
✅ Being Present & Engaged—showing up where it matters most.
✅ Gathering Parent Feedback through surveys and implementing viable suggestions.
✅ Prioritizing Your Scholar in every decision we make.
✅ Recognizing & Celebrating Diversity, while introducing new initiatives that foster a true sense of belonging.
We also recently hosted our first Parent Town Hall!The deck is shared on our web page, you can find it https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1741033565/district65net/v2mwyudaodlmqretizvo/NicholsParentStateofTheUnion2_26_25.pdf
This is just a glimpse of the work we’ve done to create an environment where every family feels supported and every scholar can thrive. But we aren’t stopping here! We want to hear from you about how you feel regarding the progress we’ve made this year. Your feedback will help us continue to grow Nichols into the Best Middle School in the United States!
Thank you for your partnership, trust, and commitment to our school community. We look forward to working together to make Nichols even stronger! Here is the link to the 5 Essentials- and here is the link to the notice sent from the district.YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
Highlight Dates!
March 14 – Hindu: Holi
The festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring. This is one of the most known Hinduism holy days.
March 14 – Sikh: Hola Mohalla
A Sikh festival featuring martial arts, poetry, and community gatherings.
Thank You!
A huge thank you to native Evanstonian and jazz saxophonist Chris Green for providing our students with their own live music performance. We appreciate your talent and the talent of your co-musician. Thank you so much for making your performance so engaging; the students and staff loved it!
