The Principal's Perspective
March 16-20
The Pot of Gold
With my keyboard open and fingers ready to type, I am momentarily distracted, watching fresh rain fall. I see the raindrops begin a rhythmic tap dance against my window. The distraction is actually a welcomed one; I’ve always found the sound of rain to be incredibly calming; my rain sounds are always on repeat on my Alexa while sleeping. Rain has always been a sign of wonder for me. What's notable however is like many, while I enjoy the rain,I enjoy what happens after the rain and that is, we often get to see a rainbow.
The rainbow means many different things to many different people. For me personally the rainbow represents a promise, and as folklore would tell us, at the end of the rainbow there's a pot of gold. I translate that to mean that after every storm, after every shower, there's a washing away, and something good comes from it. The rainbow reminds us that no matter what storm you're in, no matter what trial you happen to be encountering, there's going to be some good that comes from it; the rainbow is simply a reminder that the drama or the trials that we have will not always be what they seem to be.
Even though the stories we read, or the ones passed down to us, tells us there is a pot of gold at the end of each rainbow, a reward for weathering the storm, I actually just learned: a rainbow doesn't actually have an "end." It is an illusion of light. If you were high enough in the air, you would see that a rainbow is actually a full 360-degree circle.
At first, one might wonder: if the rainbow is a circle, does that mean our problems just persist? I suggest a different view. Because a rainbow loops back around, it gives us the opportunity to look up and move forward. In any circle, the path that goes down must go back up to complete itself.
A circle or a half moon, there is gold somewhere along the route. I am reminded of a story my grandfather used to tell me. He said the "coins" in the pot at the end of the rainbow weren't flat—they were shaped like little cups. The leprechauns used them to catch the rain, ensuring there would always be enough water to create the next rainbow. They created their own purpose: protecting the cycle of beauty.
In our Nichols community, we all serve a distinct purpose. We may not always realize how our unique "shape" brings joy and excitement to others. As we navigate the "middle school years"—which can sometimes feel like a bit of a storm—it is so important that we choose to see the rainbow, not just the rain. Right now it might feel like we are in the midst of a storm; we see the rain, our shoes are wet, and the thunder rolls. However, let's choose to think about the rainbow to come!
The rainbow reminds us that there is always a second chance and another opportunity to get it right. Here’s to all of us finding our "pot of gold" as we follow the path toward something bright at Nichols and in D65.
At Nichols, our top priority is maintaining a safe environment for every student. Part of that commitment involves strict oversight of all medications and holistic items.
Please remember that students may not have any type of medication or consumable wellness product (including vitamins, cough syrups, or pain relievers) in the building at any time. If your child needs these items, they should be used at home or checked in with our school nurse. Items found with students will be held in the office for a parent to pick up.
Beyond school rules, we encourage you to talk with your child about the risks associated with handling adult medications, removing them from the home, or "trading" items with friends. Please keep your medications out of the reach of your children.
We know that staying connected to your child is a top priority. However, to ensure that our school remains a sanctuary for learning and a safe space for all, we must strictly enforce the district protocol regarding cell phones and smartwatches.
We often think of these devices as simple distractions, but they also impact student privacy and our ability to manage school-wide safety. When students use personal devices to communicate during the day, it bypasses the support systems we have in place to help them navigate their day successfully.
How You Can Help Us:
Official Channels Only: If you need to get a message to your child, please call the Main Office. We will ensure your child has a private space to speak with you.
Empowering Students: Encourage your child to use the office phones if they need to reach you. This ensures that a staff member is aware of their needs and can offer immediate support if they are feeling overwhelmed or concerned.
A Note on Timing: If your child reaches out to you directly and you call the office to intervene, please note that it is very likely that we may not be able to address the situation immediately. We must prioritize student safety based on the real-time needs of the entire building. Unless it is a verified emergency, we appreciate your patience as we work through our standard protocols. The best thing to do in this situation is to remind your student of the protocols we have in place to support. The scholar may use the QR code to reach the counselor or they may go to the office.
Thank you for respecting these boundaries and helping us keep Nichols a focused, safe, and supportive environment for every student.