It is already March and we have less than a month until Spring break! Apologies for this lengthy addition, but we are proud of our students for putting in dedicated and focused efforts.

IAR: March 11, 12, 13

This month students will participate in IAR testing. The primary purpose of the IAR is to allow students to demonstrate what they know and can do in math and English language arts; assist educators in supporting student learning; make use of technology in assessments, and advance accountability at all levels; and provide a measure of college and career readiness for high school. The IAR is a critically important measure in determining the mastery of grade level standards. This is one piece of data, amongst lots of data used to improve schools. Testing can bring about anxiety and stress for many students. Please reach out to your grade level counselor if your child is struggling with any sort of test anxiety.

February 6 marked the 28th annual African American Youth Achievement Awards Ceremony! This annual tradition celebrated 40 District 65 and District 202 students who are living this year’s theme, “Honoring the Past - Inspiring the Future,” and keeping the visions and legacy of African American pioneers alive on a daily basis.

All recipients are Black students who excel academically in their classrooms or socially in extracurricular activities. Recipients excel in character, civility, community service, leadership, scholarship, or sportsmanship. See the full list of recipients on our website, or watch the recorded ceremony on YouTube. Way to turn up the J-Factor, and congratulations!

Two of our 8th grade students from Nichols earned this award -

Djamal Abdelnassir and Simone Hewitt

Back in January, our choir students attended the ETHS Evanston Sings! Choral Day, along with many other schools from around D65.

On Thursday, Feb. 13th the 6th graders were treated to an exciting author visit from Renee Watson, Nichols' first in-person author visit in two years! She began with a poem inspired by her experiences and then moved into her new book, All the Blues in the Sky, including reading several excerpts and an audience call and response. The presentation ended with student questions that covered everything from the 21 page story she wrote as a 2nd grader to how her books connect to her life to the importance of representation both on the page and on the covers of her books. Thanks so much to The Book Stall for this amazing event, as well as our awesome librarian Ms. Philippe.

On Feb. 8, our Jazz Band performed at ETHS as part of their annual jazz festival. High schools and middle schools from around the area performed in front of jazz musicians who provided feedback and tips for growth.

Last weekend, many of our Nichols band and orchestra students performed at Chute Middle School as part of the annual solo and ensemble event. All of our students scored a 1 rating, which is the highest given. This is an incredible achievement; we are so proud of our students and grateful for Mr. Caroll and Ms. Alger!

Sleep Tips for Teens

-Aim for 9.5 hours

-Stick to regular sleep and wake times

-Ditch the devices

-Create the right conditions

-Keep the bedroom for sleeping

-No napping

-Avoid caffeine, especially late in the day

-Don't watch the clock

-Don't TRY to sleep: the more you try, the harder it is

-Don't worry about stuff

-Find some calming rituals

-Stick to the plan

-Eat healthy and exercise

Tips are provided by University of Washington

Ideas to Celebrate:

🌎Explore the history of women's rights (see video link)

🚺 Be aware of the issues women still face today

💳 Support women-owned businesses or non-profits

✏️ Write a thank-you note to a woman that inspires you

📖 Read a book by a female author

March 8 - International Women's Day

Check out these 3 books recommended by Ms. Philippe.

Wednesday, March 5 - Early Dismissal for Students, 11:00

8th Grade Symphonic Band and Orchestra students will be performing on Wednesday, Mar. 5th for the students and staff at Park School.

On Friday, March 7th, EISMA (Evanston In-School Music Association) will visit again for their concert series. For those of you new to the district, EISMA provides excellent and diverse concert opportunities for ALL of our D65 schools.

This semester's concert will feature saxophonist Chris Greene, a local Evanstonian who attended Washington and Chute as a kid, and lots of amazing jazz music! His son, Alex, is a 7th grader here at Nichols, too!

Almost half of our neighbors in Evanston are renters and this past summer they gained increased protections when the local landlord tenant ordinance was improved as a result of community effort. We know many of our staff, participants, and supporters are renters in Evanston and we want to ensure they know about their increased protections. Moran Center is partnering with other community organizations to invite renters to learn about their increased protections and discuss ways we can continue to improve the landlord tenant ordinance. Being a renter is hard right now for many of our neighbors and we want to do what we can to make it easier to live and stay in Evanston! Join us! Here are the details:

• Evanston Renters Coming Together
• Thursday, March 13, 2025
• 6:00-7:30pm
• @ YWCA Evanston/North Shore, 1215 Church Street

Free parking, childcare, light snacks, Spanish translation, and ADA accessibility.

Please register in advance using the attached flyers, in Spanish and English.

Registration is now open for the 19th Annual Justin Wynn Leadership Academy 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament! This fun community event, to be held on March 16 at ETHS, is open to players of all abilities from 3rd to 8th grade. There are both co-ed and girls' tournaments.

The 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament honors the legacy of Justin Wynn, a young leader who passed away at the age of 9. This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Kuumba Evanston.

For more information and to register, go to wynners.org.

Friday, March 14

No School

March 24 - 28

Spring Break is exciting, but for some parents, this excitement can add a new level of stress to already busy days. Here are some tips to help you not only survive spring break but make the most out of it for both you and your children. Make Spring Break fun, educational, and most importantly, stress-free with these ideas:

• Make a plan! School-aged children are used to routines, so help make spring break more manageable by planning out some activities that you can do with your children. Some ideas include taking your family to a local library and selecting two books to be read during break, or visiting a nearby museum or science discovery center. Whatever you choose, be sure to include your children in the planning and find out what they want to do.
• Connect with neighbors. Meet up with friends and neighbors at a park or set up a group playdate with neighborhood families in your back yard. Not only does this give your children structured ways to spend their fun time, but it helps build connections among families in the community.
• Lean on family and friends if you don’t have time off. Spring break presents a unique challenge for working parents. If you’re unable to take time off from work, make use of family members and friends in your neighborhood that can watch your children while you’re at work. Situations like this are an example of why building connections in the neighborhood can be so meaningful, not only for you but for other parents who might not have family or close friends nearby.
• Take care of yourself! The extra stress of spring break can wear you down, so make sure you budget time for yourself. One date night or night out can make the difference between a manageable spring break and a crazy one. Ensure you have the time you need to yourself to decompress and destress.

Looking for fun things to do over Spring Break?

Check out the link below from Chicago Parent with plenty of ideas for activities and destinations outside of the Chicagoland area that can be accessed with a car or train.

True Mind + Body (Northbrook) has decided to launch two LGBTQ+ support groups. Both groups will be facilitated by a clinician in the LGBTQ+ community who has extensive experience in therapy and group facilitation.

LGBTQ+ Support Group for Teens:
This group offers a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ teens to connect with one another, explore their identities, and receive support in navigating the complexities of adolescence.

LGBTQ+ Support Group for Parents:
Designed for parents of LGBTQ+ children, this group provides a supportive space for parents to share their experiences, gain insight, and receive guidance in supporting their child’s journey.

office 847-400-0078

www.truemindbody.com

6th Grade Counselor - Angelica DeMari

uziellidemaria@district65.net; 847-859-8650, x6581

7th Grade Counselor - Donna Dortzbach

dortzbachd@district65.net; 847-859-8650, x 6516

8th Grade Counselor - Terri Nelson

nelsont@district65.net; 847-859-8650, x 6515