The Principal's Perspective

As we approach Thanksgiving—a significant day often centered around the kitchen, the laughter, the dining table, and some cranberry sauce—I’ve been reflecting on how our traditions and personal styles define us. In my home, Thanksgiving has become a time of telling stories of years past, honoring those who have gone before us, and passing the torch, literally. My children, now adults with their own homes, have officially graduated to the “adult table” and are taking on some of the cooking. YIKES!

One of the most requested dishes in our family is my famous mac n’ cheese. I prepare it the way I learned years ago: simple, effective, and perhaps a little old-fashioned—noodles, Carnation milk, plenty of butter, slices of Cheddar, and yes, Velveeta - don't judge me- it's what makes it creamy LOL! However, if I could get my hands on some government cheese, (those that know, know) I would use it in a heartbeat!

My middle child, however, considers herself the family mac n’ cheese chef, and her approach is wildly different. She creates a precise roux, uses seven different gourmet cheeses, heavy whipping cream, and Irish butter. The cost alone is enough to make my traditional version roll her eyes!

Because our family is large, we both make our separate styles. There is a distinct difference in process, but here is the key: both pans are completely empty by the time we even look at the sweet potato pie.

Of course, this look into my kitchen isn't just about mac n cheese; it's the perfect metaphor for our journeys as parents. We all have different "recipes" for getting our Nichols scholars, to the finish line, but we share the exact same ingredients of love and the same ultimate goal: for our children to live in joy, to be successful, and to grow into kind, and compassionate adults ready to change the world!

Sometimes we see another family's "recipe" and it may not match our own—the caregivers that use the complex, multifaceted roux of parenting will have one approach, while the the simpler, more traditional Velveeta approach might work for another family.It’s easy to question our own methods, but the Thanksgiving kitchen reminds us: The success of our parenting journey does not have to be measured by the recipe we choose as long as we include the key ingredient of "love"; it’s measured by the outcome.

If your children are thriving, happy, and loved, then your recipe—your way of providing structure, guidance, and support—is exactly what they need. You know them best. Let's celebrate the diversity of our approaches this season, knowing that we are all working toward that same delicious result- children who are happy and thriving!

Picture Day is Nov 18th

Photo Ordering:

Ordering ONLINE: Families can visit mylifetouch.com and use Picture Day ID EVTSQS8FB

*Students were provided with paper ordering forms in PE classes last week. To order using the paper form students MUST give the form to the photographers on Picture Day. After picture day, orders can only be placed online. This is explained on the paper form and should have been explained by PE teachers as well.

Click the link above for the 6th Grade Newsletter

Math:
This week students continued their learning of our Expressions and Equations unit. They were introduced to slope intercept form and expanded their knowledge of integer operations.

ELA:

This week in ELA, students successfully finalized and submitted their narrative writing projects. To deepen our understanding of figurative language, we challenged students to create and present teaching slides, providing a cognitive lift that made the note-taking process more engaging and memorable.

SS:

This week, in 7th-grade Social Studies, we continued learning about the steps leading up to the American Revolution. We also read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and translated it into more easily understood text. We then began learning about how challenging it was for George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge. Next week, we will continue our discussions about Valley Forge, and we will write our final DBQ of the trimester, answering the question, "If you were a soldier at Valley Forge, would you quit and leave, or stay and fight?"

Course Request night for ETHS is coming up!

To order Nichols Swag- here is the ink to the school Spirit Fund Form: https://forms.gle/VTrfKrTQQfG5CUd2A

Reminder: the first 10 orders over $50 can use the discount code NICHOLS for $10 off the order total!

This past Saturday the Risers concluded the fall session by tying the lessons of the past several weeks together.

The Risers reviewed our learnings in the mental health space, and then divided into teams to test their knowledge and collaboration skills. Each Riser worked together as part of a team to earn building materials based on their understanding of the concepts we have discussed. The teams then competed to build the tallest and sturdiest structure, with the winning team members each receiving a free pizza from Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.

As a token of appreciation for their engagement this fall, we presented each Riser with a 3D printed placard symbolizing their growth and development as a leader.

On December 4th we will be a having a special awards assembly for students who are getting grade level awards. Families will be notified this week if their scholars is a award recipient. The ceremony will be in the auditorium beginning promptly at 5:30 p.m.