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Counselor's Corner

October 1, 2024 - Edition 2

Counselor'sCornerOctober 1, 2024 - Edition 2

Nichols Middle School Nichols Middle School

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Greetings parents, guardians and caregivers!

Throughout the month of September, we have been meeting with every student in their respective grade levels for 2 - 3 minute "mini-meetings". We have really enjoyed reconnecting with students. Keep reading to learn some of the things we chatted about...


šŸ˜‰Ms. DeMari has specifically been checking in on her 6th graders' transition to Nichols. Many students reported feeling super nervous before starting middle school, but were surprised to see themselves figure things out. Way to go 6th graders!


🧐Ms. D enjoyed hearing how much students like their classes and teachers. We all agree though that the 7th grade schedule is rough, with 2 core classes at the end of each day. Word in the hallways is that there is more work this year and its more challenging. You got this 7th grade!


šŸ˜ŽMs. Nelson was glad to connect with every student, especially those that she hadn't met with individually in the past two years. Students shared some worries about high school and the amount of work they have to do. Ms. Nelson assured students that there will be plenty of transition activities this year to help prepare them. 8th graders, you'll be more than ready by the end of the year!

Gentle Reminder!!!!

Please talk with your child about a routine/system at home for charging their ipad. Many students are showing up to school with ipads that are almost out of battery. If they aren't bringing them home, they can't be charged. It is imperative and a classroom expectation school-wide for ipads to be charged and brought to class every day! If you need help creating a routine/system, please reach out to your grade level counselor.

Highlights Highlights

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Curriculum Night Recap

Thank you Nichols families for attending Curriculum Night held September 19. It was a pleasure to connect with many of you. In case you missed it, linked here are the Google Slide presentations for each grade.

6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
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Sign up for Clubs, Sports, and Intramurals!!!

Check out the REFRESHED school website for the latest information on clubs, intramurals, and sports.

We encourage all students and parents to explore these exciting opportunities.

Clubs & Athletics - Nichols Middle School

Clubs & Athletics - Nichols Middle School

launch nichols.district65.net

šŸ†Complete the "Student Interest Form", which doubles as a sign-up sheet for the activities šŸ†

Student Interest Form

Remember, getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to make new friends, develop new skills, and enrich the school experience. Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities!

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Y.O.U. after school program

We would love to have more students join us for our free program hosted right afterschool on Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday. We also offer special program days for any D65 half days, no school days and even a few Saturdays here at our Y.O.U. building located at 1911 Church St., Evanston, IL.

Click here for more info and QR code to register
Haga clic aquí para mÔs información y código QR para registrarse

Monthly Awareness Monthly Awareness

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National Bullying Prevention Month

October is national bullying prevention month. Our students have been learning about bullying in their weekly Character Strong lessons. Character Strong defines bullying as unwanted, harmful behavior that is likely to be repeated, coming from someone who has more power. When discussing bullying, we focus on the 3 P's, which are Power, Pain, and Pattern. If you feel that someone is bullying your child or someone else's please reach out to a counselor, administrator, or fill out the QR code to let us know.

Stop Bullying Home Page

StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on bullying, cyberbullying, prevention and response.

launch stopbullying.gov

Respond to Bullying

Simple steps to stop bullying on the spot and help keep kids safe.

launch stopbullying.gov
Protecting Kids Online

Protecting Kids Online

The official website of the Federal Trade Commission, protecting America's consumers for over 100 years.

launch consumer.ftc.gov

Recommended books from Ms. Philippe, Nichols Librarian

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Middle Grade Recommendation

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

Ms. Philippe says: A Printz Honor title and on this year's Rebecca Caudill list, this is a lovely novel in verse about overcoming the harshest of voices.

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Young Adult Teen Reccomendation

Yacqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

Ms. Philippe says: Available as both a novel and a graphic novel, this is a compelling story that The Washington Post calls: "Gritty... and complicatedly true".

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Middle Grade Recommendation

Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein

Ms. Philippe says: Many students will relate to Will as he learns to live life outside the protective shell he's been hiding behind.

Positive Attitude Month

Power of Positive Affirmations

  • Positive affirmations can help reduce negative feelings like anxiety, anger, and impatience. They can also increase self-esteem and motivation.
  • Positive affirmations can help you break negative thinking habits and replace them with positive ones.
  • Positive affirmations can help you improve your productivity.
  • Positive affirmations can help you quit bad habits.
  • Positive affirmations can help you improve your relationships.
  • Positive affirmations can help you regain or increase your self-confidence.
  • Positive affirmations can help you view threatening information as more valuable and self-relevant.
  • Positive affirmations can help you increase your physical behavior.

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

Oct. 3 - Non-Attendance Day (Rosh Hashanah)

Oct. 11 - Non-Attendance Day

Oct. 14 - Non-Attendance Day (Indigenous Peoples Day)

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Parent/Guardian/Caregiver - Conferences

Oct. 8 and 9 from 4:00 - 7:15

If you would like to meet with your grade level counselor, please contact us to schedule a conference.

6th Grade Counselor Zoom Link
7th Grade Counselor Zoom Link
8th Grade Counselor Zoom Link

Free Opportunity for 5th - 8th graders to learn how to sew!

Never used a sewing machine before, and want to give it a try? Evanston Public Library and D65 are partnering on the Sew It Challenge, which is open to all D65 students and Evanston residents in 5th grade and middle school.


It’s easy to get involved:

  • Join Evanston Public Library for eight workshops (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m.) to learn the basics of machine sewing
  • All supplies will be provided at no cost
  • No experience required

For more information, please email emadison@cityofevanston.org. We hope you can join!

Register here by Sept. 29!
Event Information

7th Grade AVID Field Trip

AVID students will learn about modern manufacturing careers and about S&C Electric Company's products provided for homes and communities.

When?

Friday, Oct 4, 2024, 09:30 AM

Where?

S&C Electric Company, North Ridge Boulevard, Chicago, IL, USA

Permission Slip
Event Information

Math Acceleration Information Night

As students dig into their learning this fall, opportunities are available for acceleration. Many districts create various tracks for math education, using testing to place children into different classes. In District 65, math acceleration is provided to every student and without any need for additional testing.


Every middle school student takes four years of math curriculum in three years, in alignment with recommendations for acceleration from the Common Core State Standards and the highly respected authors of Illustrative Math. Our goal is to provide challenge while also cultivating emotional health and a sense of identity as a mathematician.

When?

Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024, 06:00 PM

Where?

https://district65.zoom.us/j/88596550326

Joy in Learning: Math
More information about Math Acceleration, click here
Event Information

Caregiver Event for all Middle School Families

District 65 School Counselors are hosting 3 events this school year for our middle school parents/guardians on various topics related to middle schoolers. Our first event, November 21, will cover the topic of "Teasing vs. Bullying". Join us for this 60 minute session!


Upcoming topics include "Mental Health vs. Mental Toughness" and "Social Media".

When?

Thursday, Nov 21, 2024, 06:30 PM

Where?

Haven Middle School, Prairie Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA

Nichols Middle School Counselors Nichols Middle School Counselors

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Angelica DeMari

6th Grade Counselor, uziellidemaria@district65.net

847-859-8650, Ext. 6581

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Donna Dortzbach

7th Grade Counselor, dortzbachd@district65.net

847-859-8650, Ext. 6516

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Terri Nelson

8th Grade Counselor, nelsont@district65.net

847-859-8650, Ext. 6515

Angelica, Donna, Terri
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