The Principal's Perspective

Dear Parents- We had a super first two days of school this week! I would like to extend a welcome back to all of our Nichols Families and a special welcome to our new families that are joining us this year. My hope is that we provide educational experiences that allow your scholar to flourish. Please make a note to expect your "Principal's Perspective" weekly so that you can plan appropriately for the upcoming week!

The students spent the first two days getting acclimated to their schedules and their classes. On the first day 6th graders were greeted by their teachers in the cafeteria and walked to classrooms where they got a tour of the school. They also got a chance to hear about what it is like to be student at Nichols. 7th grade students met their teachers in the auditorium and were dismissed by class where they went through their schedule during the day learning about their classes. 8th grade students followed their schedules accordingly. All students had the opportunity to practice using their locks, learn about daily expectations, move from class to class, and to get accustomed to attending lunch and recess. Students were excited to see their friends and teachers. Many students shared their exciting adventures over the summer. Some students traveled, went to camp, visited grandparents, and played sports. Others shared stories about having fun with their friends at the beach or reading new books and playing with their pets. On Friday students were treated to ice cream and popsicles from our PTA after their Town Hall assembly. This upcoming week students will begin their Character Strong curriculum designed to strengthen their social-emotional competencies and their character strengths. We are so excited to see all of the familiar faces and the new faces of our students and we look forward to their new journey into the 24-25 school year.

This past week, teachers engaged in two Institute Days; they were able to explore and discuss various topics. These topics were developed based off of last year's data on the IAR, the NWEA MAP assessment, the Five Essentials Survey and the Panorama Survey. Additionally, based on information provided during the listening tours, I was able to determine patterns and themes that also informed some of the information that was shared with teachers. Finally, these were topics that would also prove relevant to the needs of students, staff and Families. Evidence suggested that there was a clear need for clear, and concise communication, and systems and structures that are easy to understand and easy to follow for all those who are a part of the Nichols community. To that end teachers explored the district Behavioral Continuum and the AVID binder system that is used as a tool for students to learn organizational skills and note taking skills. The teachers also had the opportunity to do some team building activities as well as being given time to organize their classrooms while also working with their grade level team members. It was a great opportunity for us all to learn from each other in order to better serve the students.

Please note that parents are not allowed to drive into the parking lot to drop off or to pick up students between 7:25 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This is extremely dangerous as we have walkers and bike riders crossing the lot during arrival and dismissal. Please pull over to the side of the street and allow your child to exit and enter the car from there. We are doing our best to ensure your child’s safety and we need your help.

Please note that we encourage students to stay active during recess, however, we must make sure that they stay safe while doing so. We will not allow students to play tackle or participate in any other physical activity that may cause them harm. Games like “keep away” and “monkey in the middle” will also not be allowed. Please speak with your children about appropriate and safe play.

This week's open office hours are:

• Virtual Evening Office Hour

• Wednesday, in person at Nichols, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
• Thursday, in person, at Nichols, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.