Nichols News

Dear Eighth Grade Families,

As we move into November, our students continue to impress us with their growth, curiosity, and commitment to learning. From engaging discussions in ELA to complex problem-solving in Math, our eighth graders are truly embracing the challenges and opportunities of their final year in middle school.

A reminder that tomorrow is Election Day. This presents an excellent opportunity to discuss civic engagement with your children and demonstrate the importance of participating in our democratic process. If you plan to vote, consider sharing this experience with your student.

Your partnership and involvement in our school community remain invaluable. Whether you're helping with classwork, engaging with students and teachers in upholding school rules and policies, or volunteering at school events, your support makes a tremendous difference in your child's educational journey. We're especially grateful for the strong communication that has continued to build over the last few months! Please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers and/or myself regarding any questions and wonderings that arise!

Have a Great Week!

📌 PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE join us in partnering with the following behaviors! We have seen an uptick in reminding students of the following:

• No cell bell to bell! (Parents please do not text your students during the day)
• Our hands should remain to ourselves! Lots of "putting hands" on our friends as playing.
• Stealing friends hats, shoes as a joke - - No acceptable even as a joke!
• Students leaving class without permission (misuse of the bathroom)

📌 Teachers should serve as the first point of contact and support for your students concerns, communication, and wonderings!

📌 Counselor's Corner - Please check out the Counselor's Newsletter!

📌 Our 8th Grade team has begun discussing Graduation Activities and The Boat has been confirmed for 8th Grade Luncheon! Dates and details to come!

📌 Dental Exam performed on or after November 15, 2024

Apply to be part of the Superintendent’s Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council!

We are excited to invite you to be part of an important opportunity to shape the future of our schools by joining the Superintendent’s Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council. This council brings together a dedicated group of district parents and caregivers committed to improving education and addressing critical issues currently impacting our schools.

Please consider applying if you are a parent or caregiver passionate about education and committed to building a strong, supportive learning environment for all students. As a member of the Superintendent’s Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council, you will have the opportunity to:

• Share your insights and perspectives on important issues affecting our students and schools

• Offer feedback and suggestions directly to district leadership

• Help shape initiatives that support students' academic and social emotional growth

Applications are due November 6, 2024. Meetings will be held monthly via Zoom, with the schedule determined collectively by the group. Please apply!

One of these events is Incoming Freshman Information Night on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 7:00pm. We will be sharing information about the high school and upcoming events for incoming freshmen. There will also be opportunities to connect through breakout sessions and activities. Below is an outline of important dates and events for the freshman transition series.

• November 9-17: World Language Placement Testing, if necessary

• December 5: Special Education Transition Information Night for parents of incoming freshmen

• December 13: Online registration and documents are due to ETHS.

• January 22 & 23: Course Request Night for incoming freshmen. On this night, registered students request their courses for freshman year.

• January - March: Summer School registration period: The Prep to ETHS course is highly recommended for incoming freshmen!

• April 9: LGBTQ+ Information Session for the families of incoming freshmen who may be exploring their identities as members of the LGBTQ+ community

• May 20: ETHS Incoming Freshmen Sports/Activities Fair: Learn more about sports teams and clubs at ETHS.

Important dates are listed on the Incoming Freshman Deadlines & Events webpage. Information about transition events is available on the New Student Information pages.

Are you and your student interested in a tour of ETHS? The ETHS Virtual Tour can be viewed at any time from anywhere via laptop, desktop or mobile device. We also host Campus Tour Days on select Saturdays during the school year. Registration is required for these 60-minute guided tours, which offer an optional Q&A session.

District 65 participated in the Illinois Middle School Debate League in Munster, Indiana.

Varsity division: Nichols 1st Place

Varsity Top Speakers:

Jarret Tacket-Nichols 3rd place

Aaron Athans-Nichols 4th place

T2-Most promising Debater awards

Maya Brush-Nichols

T2-Most Valuable Debater

Jack Broderick- Nichols

Tournament number 3 will take place December 7th in Chicago at Kilmer Elementary School.

AWESOME JOB LIONS!

Greetings Fellow Parents and Caregivers,

On the eve of the most important election in our nation's history, our session today was filled with intensity and energetic discussion. We shared an overview of how elected officials impact everything from how many children we have to where we go to school. This helped us emphasize the importance of voting.

The Risers also learned that they live in the only city in America in which elected officials developed a reparations program. Some of the Risers shared their own experiences and stories of discrimination.

I speak for the other facilitating dads when I tell you that the Risers' insightful comments and questions impressed us.

Next week we will build on our theme of community engagement when the Risers discuss the importance of being an educated member of the community. Two amazing teachers will share tips on how to perform better on MAP tests and in school generally.

As always, thank you for trusting us with your children.

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