The Principal's Perspective
March 9-13, 2026
The Definition of Who We Are
As we gear up for IAR testing this week, I anticipate that this week will bring a natural mix of nerves and anxiety. Our students and teachers have so worked hard all year, and we have finally reached the moment they’ve been preparing for. My hope is that our hallways will be filled with students who feel ready to walk into their classrooms, confident in their ability to do their best. We want that our classrooms are safe havens as they normally are and a welcome space that expresses "do your best on the test, we know you can do it!"
However, testing week also serves as a timely reminder to pause and discuss a tendency we all share: the habit of letting one thing—one mistake, one "my bad," or one data point—define a whole person. Why do we, as a whole society, do this? Why do we focus so intently on a single negative moment or a mistake someone makes?
It’s almost our natural "go to" isn't it? When someone "messes up," we often hyper-focus on that slip-up, momentarily forgetting all the times they stood tall or came through in a pinch. Often, none of their past successes seem to matter in the moment they’ve wronged us, or have made us feel a certain way that isn't pleasant. I, too, have been guilty of this. I’ve recognized in myself that focusing on someone else’s faults can feel like a relief—it pulls the spotlight off my own insecurities or mistakes for a brief moment.
But what example am I setting for my own children if I don't show grace? I’m not talking about life-threatening or harmful actions; I’m talking about the "human" stuff. When someone forgets to take the chicken out of the freezer for dinner. When they don't notice the red sock in the middle of the white laundry and now your favorite ALO shirt is pink. Even if you really wanted that Chicken Vesuvio for dinner, or your favorite tank top is no longer crispy white—is it the end of the world? Do those mistakes truly define the character of a person who has shown you a lifetime of commitment and love?
As adults, when we fall short, it hurts. But for our middle school scholars, whose emotional regulation is still developing, a mistake can feel catastrophic. They often respond out of fight, flight, or fear because they haven't yet learned that disappointment is a temporary cloud, not a permanent climate. This is why it is so critical that we drive home the message: a mistake is not who you are, and a test score is not your identity.
We must remind our students that they are far too big to fit into a single box. A person is a mosaic, not a monolith. If you asked your child what defines them, they would never say "Question 14 on the math section." They are defined by what I call the "P.F.S." and then sum (intentional on the word sum):
The Past and Future: The whispers of their ancestors at dusk and the wild dreams of who they will become.
The Senses: Their favorite songs on repeat, the taste of a favorite meal, the colors they wear, or the drawings on their skin.
The Spirit: Their kindness, their resilience, and their unique beliefs.
Yes, the IAR is important. It is a chance to show what they’ve learned and to celebrate it later on. But it is only one moment in time. A test score is a number; it is not a soul, and it is certainly not their essence. As we go into this week, I encourage you to hug your scholars tight. Remind them that we are looking for their best effort, not perfection. They are not a percentage or a percentile. They are perfect, amazing, and evolving; they are much greater than any single right or wrong answer. As I try to tell them every single day: they are the brightest stars in the sky, and nothing—absolutely nothing—can dim their light unless they choose to put it out themselves.
Orbeez and "Play Guns " Notice
As we continue to focus on maintaining a safe and productive learning environment, we would like to issue a firm reminder regarding items that are strictly prohibited on school grounds.
Effective immediately, Orbeez (water beads)guns, toy guns, and replica weapons of any kind are not allowed on school property. This policy extends beyond the classroom; students are also prohibited from carrying or playing with these items on their way to school or on their way home.
Why this matters:
Safety Priority: Our primary goal is the physical and emotional safety of every student.
Visual Risk: Many toy or play guns can appear as real weapons from a distance or in low light. This creates a dangerous situation for students, staff, and local law enforcement.
Community Impact: These items often lead to unnecessary conflict, injuries, or significant disruptions to the school day.
We ask for your partnership in ensuring these items stay at home. Please take a moment to talk with your scholar about the importance of keeping our community safe and the potential consequences of bringing prohibited items to school.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our scholars safe.
Vaping and Middle Schoolers
As a community dedicated to the well-being of our students, we need to address a growing health concern: the rise of vaping among middle school-aged children. We are asking for your partnership in keeping these harmful products out of the hands of our scholars.
Many middle school students do not yet recognize the long-term damage vaping causes to their developing lungs. It is important to know that vaping companies specifically target young children by using bright packaging and flavors like Skittles, bubble gum, and fruit. These tactics are designed to attract kids and lead to a lifetime of addiction.
If you or other adults in your household—including older siblings or young adults—use vaping products, we urge you to keep them securely out of the reach of your middle schooler.
Please be reminded of the following:
Strictly Prohibited: Vaping products, e-cigarettes, and all related paraphernalia are strictly prohibited and illegal for minors. These items are never allowed on school property at any time.
Serious Health Risks: Vaping is not "water vapor"; it is a delivery system for chemicals that pose significant health risks to a child’s respiratory and neurological development.
We ask that you have an honest, serious conversation with your child about the dangers of vaping. Reinforce the message that their health and their future are far too valuable to be compromised by a marketing trend. Thank you for your commitment to keeping our school a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment for all of our stars.
Social Media Target Accounts
Due to an uptick in social media accounts impacting the educational environment, we are asking for your urgent partnership in managing out students' social media presence. While these platforms can be tools for connection, they also carry significant risks that require active adult supervision.
If you allow your child to use social media, please reinforce that it must be used responsibly, kindly, and safely.
Parental Oversight is Essential
We strongly recommend that parents have full access to their child’s social media accounts, including their passwords. It is imperative that you consistently monitor their interactions and the content they are consuming.
The Safety Risk: Online predators and "adults" frequently prey on children through these platforms. Monitoring is not just about privacy; it is about protection.
The Digital Footprint: Please remind your scholar that social media is not a joke. Anything posted stays in "the cloud" forever—even if it is deleted. A split-second decision to post a "joke" can have permanent consequences for their future.
Expectations and Conduct
We have seen a rise in behaviors that are not only hurtful but can be illegal. Please speak with your children about the following:
Consent & Privacy: Posting images or videos of others without their consent is a violation of privacy.
Doxing & Harassment: Posting personal information about other students or staff members is a significant offense. It is not funny, and it is never okay.
Spam & "Tea" Accounts: Creating accounts to spread rumors, mock others, or post "burn pages" is considered cyberbullying.
The Weight of Words: Once something is said online, it cannot be taken back. Impact matters more than intent.
Our Shared Goal
We want our students to be safe, both physically and emotionally. The best way to prevent digital harm is through open communication and active monitoring at home. Please take time this week to sit down with your child, review their accounts, and discuss what appropriate online behavior looks like.
Thank you for helping us keep our school community a place of respect and safety.
Here is an article from Yale Medicine on the dangers of social media for children and teens https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide.
More info:
IAR Tech Notice Reminder
This is a reminder that ALL tech devices will be collected at the start of testing. This includes headphones, phones, and smart watches. If your child does not want their items to be collected then they must remain at home. This is a testing environment non-negotiable. Your partnership in enforcing this is critical.
In Class Updates
7th Grade:
Math:
This week we concluded our geometry unit. Students took their unit test on angle relationships and solving problems involving finding the volume of cylinders and cones. Next week, please ensure students are prepared to complete their iReady tests.
SS:
This week, we have continued our Westward Movement unit, focusing on the Mexican-American War. We started researching this conflict in order to write a DBQ, answering the question, "Was the U.S. Justified in Going to War with Mexico?" In the next couple of weeks, we will continue to research, discuss, and debate this question. The students will use their annotations, notes, and their discussions to write out a 4-5 paragraph essay, focusing on this inquiry.
Incentives and Field Trip Reminder
To ensure fairness and consistency across all grade levels, Nichols Middle School is implementing a unified Good Standing policy. This determines eligibility for incentives that are rewards for students in good standing.
1. How is "Good Standing" Measured?
See picture below.
2. The Path to "YES" (Eligibility)
YES: Student meets all "Good Standing" criteria.
PENDING: Student has 1–2 areas in "Growing" category. To earn their ticket, they must complete Restorative Acts (see below).
NO: Student does not meet requirements and cannot attain the incentive ticket.
3. What are Restorative Acts?
We believe in accountability, not just punishment. If a student loses their "Good Standing," they can earn it back through a Restorative Conversation and a meaningful project, such as:
The Advice Letter: Writing to a younger student or to their younger selves on how to handle a tough situation better.
The Impact Map: Drawing out how their actions affected others (teachers, parents, peers).
The Gratitude Campaign: Creating 10 "Shout-Out" cards to bring positivity back to the classroom.
Community Projects: Helping beautify the school or creating a PSA for the school news.
Note: Restorative Acts must be completed within 48 hours. If not completed, the student will face loss of recess and/or extended loss of incentives depending on their actions and attendance/tardies.
Our first incentive celebration will be held at the end of March, just prior to Spring Break. While this is a little less than a full month- the same rules apply.
