Counselor's Corner
October 1, 2024 - Edition 2
Nichols Middle School
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...
šMs. 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!
š§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!
šMs. 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
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.
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.
šComplete the "Student Interest Form", which doubles as a sign-up sheet for the activities š
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!
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.
Monthly Awareness
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.
Recommended books from Ms. Philippe, Nichols Librarian
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.
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".
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
Oct. 3 - Non-Attendance Day (Rosh Hashanah)
Oct. 11 - Non-Attendance Day
Oct. 14 - Non-Attendance Day (Indigenous Peoples Day)
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.
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.
Itās 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!
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.
Friday, Oct 4, 2024, 09:30 AM
S&C Electric Company, North Ridge Boulevard, Chicago, IL, USA
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.
Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024, 06:00 PM
https://district65.zoom.us/j/88596550326
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".
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024, 06:30 PM
Haven Middle School, Prairie Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA
Nichols Middle School Counselors
Angelica DeMari
6th Grade Counselor, uziellidemaria@district65.net
847-859-8650, Ext. 6581
Donna Dortzbach
7th Grade Counselor, dortzbachd@district65.net
847-859-8650, Ext. 6516
Terri Nelson
8th Grade Counselor, nelsont@district65.net
847-859-8650, Ext. 6515
