The Principal's Perspective

☀️ I hope your summer brought sunshine, rest, and some well-earned you time. Welcome to a new school year at Nichols Middle School! We are thrilled to welcome both new and returning Lions to our community. This year is full of opportunities for us to grow and expand, both individually and together, and we are excited to embark on this journey with you.

This year, our theme is A New Chapter… Turning the Page Together at Nichols. We know that change can be challenging, but it also presents a unique opportunity for growth. This is a chance for us to learn new things, build new relationships, and create a truly special school environment. We believe that by working together, we can make this the best school year yet.

Partnering with Families

We want you to be an active part of this new chapter. We are committed to keeping an open line of communication throughout the year and have several ways for you to get involved.

• Our newsletters will provide regular updates on school events and important announcements.

• Join us for our Family Fun Events, where we can connect and build community outside of the classroom.

• Our Parent Academies will offer workshops and information sessions on a variety of topics to help you support your student’s success.

• Our amazing PTA is always looking for new members and volunteers to help with events and initiatives.

• The CARES team is here to support the whole child, providing wrap-around services to families who need them

• We are just an e-mail away. Please give us 48-72 hours to respond to non-emergency requests.

Our Nichols Norms

This year, we will be focusing on four essential learning habits that will help our students thrive:

• Prepares to Learn: Arriving on time with all necessary materials.

• Engages in Learning: Actively participating in class discussions and activities.

• Takes Initiative to Learn: Seeking help when needed and exploring topics beyond the classroom.

• Extended Learning Through Homework: Completing assignments to reinforce classroom concepts.

We are also implementing the new technology protocol to reduce interruptions and help students focus. This will help us all stay present and engaged in the classroom. While technology has been a great tool, we want to get back to SEEING each other, talking to each other, and interacting with each other- building a bigger sense of community.

Finally, our student archetype is designed to encourage students to be their best selves. We want every student to be:

• Inclusive and empathetic

• Collaborative and respectful

• Organized and responsible

By focusing on these traits, we are creating a positive and supportive environment where every student can feel safe and valued.

We can't wait to turn the page on this new chapter with all of you. Get ready for an amazing school year full of learning, growth, and fun! Go Lions! Each and every one of you is AMAZING!

Personal Devices Away, Learning All Day!

District 65 is committed to providing a safe learning environment that is free from unnecessary distractions and supports the academic growth and mental well-being of all students. Starting this school year, all students must turn off their personal electronic devices (phones, earbuds/headphones, and smartwatches) and store them in a locker or designated classroom storage area during school hours.

While personal electronic devices are a part of modern life, their presence in schools requires clear guidelines to protect instructional time and promote a positive school culture. Exceptions are made for a student’s approved medical or educational accommodation plan or if it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff or other individuals.

To view FAQ and the full procedure, visit the D65 website. Thank you for your partnership!

¡Sin dispositivos personales, se aprende todo el día!

El Distrito 65 está comprometido a proporcionar un entorno de aprendizaje seguro que esté libre de distracciones innecesarias y apoya el crecimiento académico y el bienestar mental de todos los estudiantes. A partir de este año escolar, todos los estudiantes deben de apagar sus dispositivos electrónico (teléfonos, audífonos y relojes inteligentes) y guardarlos en un c astillero o área de almacenamiento designada durante las horas de clases.

Aunque los dispositivos electrónicos son una parte importante de la vida moderna, su presencia en las escuelas requiere de pautas claras para proteger el tiempo de enseñanza/instrucción y para promover una cultura escolar positiva. Se realizan excepciones para estudiantes que tengan una plan con adaptaciones médicas o educativas aprobadas o si es necesario en una emergencia que amenace la seguridad de los estudiantes, del personal o de otras personas.

Para ver las preguntas frecuentes (FAQ) y el procedimiento completo, visite el sitio web del D65. ¡Gracias por su colaboración!

Webpage + FAQ for families

http://www.district65.net/families/be-informed/personal-electronic-device

P.E. Items – Purchased during Class: (cash or check to “Nichols Middle School”)

➔ Purchased: Shirt = $10.00 Sweatshirt = $15.00

Purchase schedule:

PE uniform 6th grade: Thursday 8/28

PE uniform for 7th/8th grade: Tuesday 9/2

Start changing for all grades: Thursday 9/4

Please click here for the grade skip notice if your child is participating in grade skipping.

We stand firmly against bullying. If you suspect bullying, please report those incidents.

To send me a message, email: fishmann@district65.net

To call me: (847)859-8650
To read all previous newsletters click here