Welcome Back, Nichols! Letter to Families

Dear Nichols Middle School Family,

Welcome to Nichols Middle School! We hope that this letter finds you in great health and with great joy! We are so excited to begin another school year anticipating a wonderful learning experience for our scholars. While there is still time between when you receive this information and the first day of school, we wanted to communicate some information regarding the first day of school processes and other district procedures. The first day of school will be Thursday, August 22rd, and it is a full day. The school day begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:05 PM. Due to the complexity of scheduling, late enrollments, and registrations we ask parents for their understanding in this process as we may need to make some minor adjustments to classroom assignments during the first week of school.

School Arrival/Dismissal

Students are able to arrive at school as early as 7:30AM.; unless prior arrangements have been made we ask that scholars not arrive before 7:30AM as there will be no adult supervision available. As students arrive they are able to meet and greet one another on the campus blacktop located behind the school. Staff will be available to provide assistance and support for students. Students that would like breakfast will enter through the red doors off the blacktop (behind the school). Please be mindful of possible heavy traffic in the parking lot.

At 7:50 a.m., all 6th grade students will enter the building through Door #5 (red cafeteria doors) to meet in the cafeteria for the first day. Our 6th grade team of teachers along with Ms. Brunson (Assistant Principal) will be there to greet the students and escort them to their homeroom. After day one, 6th grade students will enter through Door #6 and go to their wing straight up the stairs.

At 7:50 a.m., all 7th grade students will enter through Door #3 (doors on Sherman Street). Upon entering, 7th grade students will report to the auditorium. Our 7th grade team of teachers along with Ms. Fishman (Principal) will be there to greet the students and escort them to their homeroom.

At 7:50 a.m., all 8th grade students will enter through Door #7 (doors on Elmwood Street). Upon entering, 8th grade students will report to the gym. Our 8th grade team of teachers along with Ms. Ernvall (Assistant Principal) will be there to greet the students and escort them to their homeroom.

Students that arrive after 8:05 a.m. must enter through the main office, located on Greenleaf, where they will be directed where to go by staff after being checked in.

Our school day officially concludes at 3:05 p.m. During dismissal, students will exit through their designated door (6th- Cafeteria, 7th- Sherman Street, and 8th- Elmwood Street). We suggest that parents communicate with children that will be picked up from school to meet at the Elmwood or the Sherman exit as these are the only two exits that are accessible by car.

As we begin this new school year, it is very important to stay connected and involved. We will be utilizing three platforms, PowerSchool, SMORE and Blackboard to disseminate information. Please make sure that your information is updated with District 65 to ensure that all electronic communications are received. PowerSchool Parent Portal gives parents/guardians, and students access to real-time information, including attendance, grades, and even personalized messages from students’ teachers.

Another valuable source of information comes from our PTA. Please follow the links below to join!

Nichols Middle School Community Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nicholsmiddle

Nichols List Google Group (Listserv)
https://groups.google.com/u/2/g/nicholslist

Back to school is an exciting time for students and their families! Please click on the different links below to get the new year started off right with helpful information, tips and resources to support your planning and preparation efforts.

Student School Supplies

All students will receive their school supplies and locker assignments on the first day of school. New iPads will be distributed to students during the first full week of school.

PowerSchool Overview
https://www.district65.net/powerschool

We want to empower our families by connecting them to important information about their child and their learning. District 65 uses a secure, web-based system called PowerSchool which parents/guardians can access through its Parent Portal.

This system contains real-time access to student information provided at the time of registration and also has student schedules, attendance information, student grades and assignments, health information and more!

Student report cards and progress reports are also available via PowerSchool.

All parents/guardians must create and register their PowerSchool Parent Portal account in order to have access.

Student Schedules

Our team has been diligently working to ensure that each student's schedule is thoughtfully crafted to promote a balanced, holistic, and enriching academic experience. We understand the significance of tailoring schedules to accommodate diverse learning needs, interests, and backgrounds while also being in compliance with legal requirements. When you have a moment please check the PowerSchool Parent Portal to see your child’s class schedule.

If you have any specific concerns or considerations regarding your child's schedule, please don't hesitate to reach out regarding your concerns. We are here to collaborate with you, to hear your concern(s), and to take those into consideration when building a plan of support for your scholar so as to ensure a successful and fulfilling school year for your child. Thank you for your ongoing support in our shared mission to provide an exceptional education that celebrates individuality and promotes equity.

Breakfast/School Lunch
https://www.district65.net/nutritionservices

Breakfast starts at 7:30am

Students Enter Door #5 (Red Cafeteria Door)

Our Nutrition Services team is dedicated to providing the highest quality food and service to our students. All of our meals meet state and federal requirements and are well-balanced, full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and are low in fat and sodium. They are also age-appropriate and prepared to maximize student enjoyment.

All District 65 schools serve breakfast and lunch. Families who believe they qualify for free or reduced-priced meals are encouraged to complete an application for benefits. Applications are available year-round.

For more information, please contact the Nutrition Services Department at (847) 859-8130.

Athletics/Afterschool Clubs and Activities

D65/Nichols will be offering the following athletic sports this year: Cross Country, Volleyball Soccer, Basketball, and Track & Field. Regarding After School clubs, students will be able to sign up during our Club fair which will be hosted (tentatively) the third full week of school.

Ventra Cards

If your child is in need of a Ventra card or renewal form, please have them stop by the main office. The cost for Ventra cards will remain the same at a cost of $2.00 per card.

Upcoming Events

• Monday, August 19th
  “Back to School Celebration” here at Nichols from 5:30 - 7:00 pm (Nichols field)
• Tuesday, August 20th
  Incoming students with 504/IEP 6:00-6:30 p.m. (Auditorium) ) 6th Grade Meet and Greet 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Auditorium)
• Wednesday, August 21st
  7th Grade Meet and Greet 6:30-7:30 p.m.(Auditorium)
• Thursday, August 22nd
  8th Grade Meet and Greet 6:30-7:30 p.m.(Auditorium)
• Friday, August 23rd
  Middle School Ice Cream Social (students only) During the school day
• Thursday, September 19th
  6th-8th Grade Curriculum Nights 6:30-7:30 p.m.

We look forward to a very exciting and productive school year here at Nichols!

Sincerely,

The Nichols Administrative Team