There are 31 days in March and it is hard to believe that Spring is approaching! Easter is actually one of my favorite "Hallmark" days that I look forward to. I actually like Easter Peeps! Yes, I am the one you wonder about when you ask- who keeps Easter Peeps and Candy Corn (at Halloween) in business HA! Easter reminds me of a fresh start because I know that when it comes we see green grass coming to life, we see buds on the trees, we hear more children playing outside and we know that the sun will surely come out and last a little longer. It is a time of renewal, hope, and joy, all of which beautifully align with the journey of raising children.

The changing of seasons from the cold barrenness of winter to the warmth of spring symbolizes fresh beginnings. Similarly, parenting is filled with opportunities for renewal. There are days when we may lose our patience or question our decisions, but just like the promise that the flowers will soon bloom, each day offers a chance to start anew, to love more deeply, and to guide our children with fresh wisdom and grace.

We hope for sunny days in the spring. As parents, we hope for our children’s happiness, success, and well-being. We hope they learn kindness, resilience, and a faith in themselves to conquer anything set before them. We want our scholars to know that even in difficult moments, brighter days are ahead. I also want you to know that even in difficult parenting moments- the sun will come out!

These next upcoming weeks I want you to focus on the the joy that every day brings. There are simple joys in life, like decorating eggs, planting new seeds for a garden, putting away winter coats (hopefully sooner, rather than later), that remind me to slow down and appreciate the small but meaningful moments in parenting. Let's all remember to walk in creating memories that bring us joy as we prepare to leave winter behind this month and bring in Spring!

Thank you to all the parents who attended our Parent Town Hall! A special shoutout to the PTA for providing the delicious treats, including meats and cheeses, crackers, chips, granola bars, pop, water, and various candies.

During the event, we addressed submitted questions and discussed student academic and SEL data. We reviewed standards-based grading (SBG) and explored learning habits. Many parents expressed their desire to support their children at home but were unsure how to gauge performance using SBG. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of extended learning opportunities and homework.

We acknowledged the need to spend more time helping students understand and articulate their own performance under SBG. We also affirm that we can work as a school wide team to develop extended learning opportunities. Additionally we had important conversations about student safety and the importance of knowing their whereabouts at all times as many behaviors that we see stem from occurrences after school or on the weekend.

Finally, we appreciated the overwhelmingly positive feedback about the climate of the school this year and how parents believe that we are committed to a "sense of belonging for all."

As noted, moving forward, we are committed to incorporating more after-school extended learning opportunities, diving deeper into SBG for both students and caregivers, and holding Parent Town Halls each trimester. Thank you for your engagement and support- it was a very successful event and your feedback will continue to allow us to serve our families in better ways!

Please note that Wednesday, March 5th will be a half day for all students. School will begin at the regular time of 8:00 AM but will dismiss early at 11:00 AM. Students will be completing activities centered round their "superpowers" and how they can use those superpowers to better their community at large. They will also be doing sharing circles on how they can uplift the Nichols community with all of their wonderful gifts. This work is all aligned to "sense of belonging." We want our scholars to know how AMAZING they truly are!

IAR testing begins next week, and we want to ensure our students feel prepared and confident! You can help by encouraging your child to do their best while also reminding them that this test is just one measure of their learning. A few ways to support them include:

✅ Encouraging a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast. Start this week by implementing a "get to bed sooner" routine especially since clocks go up an hour on Sunday.
✅ Reminding them to take their time and stay focused
✅ Reinforcing that their effort matters, but not to stress—just try their best!

Thank you for your support in helping our students feel confident and ready!

D65 Acceleration via Grade Skipping process

Save the Date! The next virtual acceleration information meeting will take place on March 12, 6:00-7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Stay tuned for details, which will be shared by JEH.

Important Timeline:

• April 11, 2025 – Deadline to submit acceleration requests for the 2025-2026 school year
• May 19, 2025 – Families who submit by April 11 can expect a decision by this date
• 2026-2027 Requests – Will open at the start of the 2025-2026 school year

For specific questions about the district’s acceleration process, you can reach out to alternateplacement@district65.net. If you have individual questions about your child’s placement, please contact David Wartowski, Director of Mathematics, at wartowskid@district65.net.

Hey 8th Graders! Love math? D65 and ETHS are offering ways for you to advance!

1. Summer Geometry @ ETHS Course Title: "Geometry Complete"

• Sign up before March 21
• See https://www.eths.k12.il.us/summerschool

2. Online Geometry Course (via ALEKS)

• Available to: 8th graders, 7th graders in 3rd trimester
• Must have "meets" in all math domains
• See district65.net/acceleration for more information

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We need your help! Please take a few minutes to complete the 5 Essentials Survey to share your feedback about our school. Your input is invaluable and will help us improve in areas like:

✅ Student Support – Ensuring every student gets the resources they need to succeed
✅ Engagement – Strengthening the partnership between families and teachers
✅ Learning Environment – Creating a positive and productive space for students
✅ Leadership – Helping our school make informed decisions
✅ Instructional Quality – Enhancing classroom experiences for all students

As a reminder, here are some of the ways we have strengthened our family partnerships this year:

✅ Hosting Listening Tours to hear directly from families.

✅ Maintaining an Open-Door Policy for caregivers to connect with us.
✅ Responding to Concerns Promptly—within 48 hours for general matters and 24 hours (including weekends) for emergencies.
✅ Providing Clear & Timely Communication through newsletters and updates.
✅ Securing a Crossing Guard at Sherman and Greenleaf to ensure student safety.
✅ Being Present & Engaged—showing up where it matters most.
✅ Gathering Parent Feedback through surveys and implementing viable suggestions.
✅ Prioritizing Your Scholar in every decision we make.
✅ Recognizing & Celebrating Diversity, while introducing new initiatives that foster a true sense of belonging.

This is just a glimpse of the work we’ve done to create an environment where every family feels supported and every scholar can thrive. But we aren’t stopping here! We want to hear from you about how you feel regarding the progress we’ve made this year. Your feedback will help us continue to grow Nichols into the Best Middle School in the United States!

The survey is quick, confidential, and essential to our school's growth. Your feedback will guide improvements that directly impact your child’s education.

Here is a link that explains the survey.

Click here to read the district communication and to find the link

Thank you for your time and support!

Please see the following opportunities to learn more about saving for your scholar's future!

1. Basics of Bright Start 529: A Way to Save for Your Child's Future: March 11th, 6:00-7:00 PM (English and Spanish on Zoom)

2. Savings for Success Information Session: March 18th, 6:00-7:00 PM (English and Spanish on Zoom)

March 6: Parent/caregiver workshop for grades 5-8

"It’s That Easy" is a workshop for parents/caregivers. Participants will learn about healthy sexual development for their child’s age range, identify teachable moments, and identify the most important values they'd like to pass on. Hosted by YWCA sex educator Hallie Cohen, this free Zoom event starts at 7 p.m.; register here! Learn more about sexual health education in District 65.

March 1st Movement (Samiljeol, 삼일절) – March 1st

• Observed in South Korea
• Commemorates the March 1st Movement of 1919, when Koreans protested against Japanese colonial rule.
• One of the earliest and most significant movements for Korean independence.
• Marked by speeches, ceremonies, and displays of the South Korean flag.

For those families and staff members who participate, we acknowledge this important part of your culture and heritage.

Zero Discrimination Day is meant to highlight the need for people to be informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change.

This week many people will embark upon Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter. It falls on the Wednesday 46 days before Easter Sunday. On this day, many Christians, particularly Catholics and some Protestant denominations, attend church services where a priest or minister places ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. So, to our families, students, and staff who participate in this endeavor we want to acknowledge you!

Women’s History Month is celebrated in March to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It highlights the impact women have had in various fields, including science, politics, arts, sports, and activism. The month serves as a time to recognize both well-known and overlooked women who have shaped societies around the world.

Origins of Women’s History Month

• It started as Women’s History Week in the United States in 1980, after advocacy by historians and activists.

Why It’s Important

• It raises awareness of gender inequalities and celebrates progress toward women's rights.
• It educates people about the vital role women have played in history.
• It inspires future generations by showcasing the achievements of female leaders, scientists, artists, and activists.

So, we celebrate all those who identify as women- it's your time to shine!

Tuesday, March 11 from 4-5pm on Zoom

We're inviting our community of teachers, staff, caregivers and community members who are interested in helping us build a brighter, healthier, more equitable future for our children.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://district65.zoom.us/j/5239615597?omn=83200117246

Meeting Agenda:
- D65 Sustainability Plan: Share Draft and Feedback
- School Sharing: Sustainability + Gardens

There are a few spots remaining!! The first book that we will read is “This Book is Anti-Racist” a New York Times bestseller by Tiffany Jewell. The book will be provided for the students who participate, along with a bookmark, pen, and highlighter. The book club will start March 10th, 2025 and meet every Monday for 10 weeks from 3:15-4:30. Snacks will be provided and there will be a closing party at the end. A sign up QR code is posted outside the main office, the library, and in the cafeteria.

Remember- if you’re not part of the solution, you’re contributing to the problem!

You are invited to an upcoming Tenant rights community event, Evanston Renters Coming Together on March 13th at 6.30pm. This community gathering will educate renters on their increased rights and build momentum to further the cause of housing security for the 43% of Evanstonians who rent.

Evanston renters have increased rights!

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, or at this link: bit.ly/evanstonrenters2025

Humans have been using codes and ciphers to protect secrets for thousands of years. Learn a brief history of cryptography, discover different codes, and use the Caesar cipher to unravel a secret message. Winners of the code breaking game will win a cool prize.

For grades 5th-9th. Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome.

Wednesday, March 12th

4:00PM - 5:30PM

Register here

Applying Soil Health Principles

Are you an urban gardener or small scale grower? Learn how you, too, can apply and benefit from the basic soil health principles to increase resilience, reduce inputs and work, and build healthy soil and a thriving ecosystem, all while helping the planet, protecting biodiversity, and fighting climate change.

This event is a partnership with Edible Evanston and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance's Soil Health Week.

Saturday, March 8th

10:30PM -12:00PM

Register here