Parent
Handbook
2015-2016
Table of Contents
Mission Statement
1
Honor Code
2
2015-2016 School Calendar
3-4
Campus Store Bookselling Schedule
5
Campus Contacts
6
Frequently Asked Questions
7-13
College Counseling
13-14
Extracurricular Activities & Opportunities
15-16
Transportation/School District Contact List
17-18
Getting a Handle on the Financials
19-21
Parents Homepage
22
Parent Participation & The Nichols Fund
22-24
Nichols School Vocabulary
25-27
Nichols School, founded in 1892, is a coeducational
college preparatory school, serving students in grades five through twelve,
located in Buffalo, New York.
MISSION STATEMENT
“Our aim is to train minds, bodies and hearts for the work of life,
and to carry into all we do the highest ideals of character and service.”
— Joseph D. Allen; Second Headmaster of Nichols School
CORE VALUES
PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
At Nichols School, inspired teachers and students are committed to a
quality standard of learning and achievement in all aspects of school life.
INTEGRITY OF CHARACTER
Our community strives to cultivate each student’s sense of
responsibility, compassion, honesty and self-discipline, producing
confident, ethical young people.
TRADITION AND CHANGE
Grounded in the wisdom of the past, we stimulate adaptive and
innovative abilities to prepare our students for the future.
RIGOR AND BALANCE
Our challenging expectations and structured environment bring out
potential. Each student is encouraged to find the balance among
academic, artistic, athletic and extra-curricular involvements.
DIVERSE COMMUNITY
Nichols School reflects the region’s neighborhoods and the wider world,
building mutual respect and understanding. In our daily school life, we
strive to be a caring community for each individual.
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NICHOLS SCHOOL
HONOR CODE
Nichols School pledges to provide its students with a safe learning
environment in which they will be respected as individuals
and treated fairly as members of a community.
On their part, Nichols students agree to abide by school rules
and make the following assurances to the rest of the School:
I pledge to value myself as a member of the Nichols
community and hold myself up to the
ethical expectations of the School.
I pledge to treat all members of our school community
with respect and fairness.
I pledge to respect and foster the ideals of
diversity in our school.
I pledge to maintain the highest
standards of academic honesty.
I pledge to show respect and restraint while
attempting to resolve conflicts.
I pledge to respect the property of others.
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Nichols School
2015 – 2016 School Calendar
Monday, Aug. 24
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Wednesday, Sept. 2
Monday, Sept. 7
Thursday, Sept. 17
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Thursday, Sept. 24
Saturday, Oct. 3
Friday, Oct. 9
Monday, Oct. 12
AUGUST 2015
Bookstore opens
SEPTEMBER 2015
6th, 7th, 8th, Grade Orientations
Freshman Orientation
(Aug. email will have details)
Opening Day of the 124th
Nichols School Year
School closed – Labor Day
US Parents’ Go-to-School Night
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Yom Kippur — School closed
MS Parents’ Go-to-School Night
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 2015
Homecoming
Professional Day (No classes)
School closed – Fall Weekend
NOVEMBER 2015
School closed – Veterans Day
US Parent Conferences
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 13
US Parent Conferences
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (No US classes)
Wednesday–Friday, Nov. 25–27
School closed – Thanksgiving
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Thursday, Nov. 12
Thursday, Dec. 3
Friday, Dec. 4
Friday, Dec. 18
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DECEMBER 2015
MS Parent Conferences
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
MS Parent Conferences
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (No MS classes)
Holiday Vacation begins at end of
school day
Nichols School
2015 – 2016 School Calendar
Monday, Jan. 4
Monday–Thursday, Jan. 11–14
Friday, Jan. 15
Monday, Jan. 18
Friday, Feb. 12
Monday–Tuesday, Feb. 15–16
Friday, Mar. 18
Monday, Apr. 4
Friday, Apr. 29
Saturday, May 7
Friday, May 27
Monday, May 30
Wednesday, June 1
Thursday June 2
Friday, June 3
Friday-Saturday, June 3-4
Monday, June 6
Tuesday, June 7
Wednesday, June 8
JANUARY 2016
Classes resume
Upper School Exams
Professional Day (No classes)
School closed – Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day
FEBRUARY 2016
Professional Day (No classes)
School closed – Winter Break
MARCH 2016
Spring Break begins at
end of school day
APRIL 2016
Classes resume
Professional Day (No classes)
MAY 2016
Derby Day Auction
Verdian Day
School closed – Memorial Day
JUNE 2016
Senior Thesis Celebration
MS & US Exams
Senior Luncheon
124th Commencement
Reunion Weekend
MS & US Exams
MS & US Exams
US Exams; 8th Grade Recognition
MS Awards Ceremony
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CAMPUS STORE BOOKSELLING SCHEDULE
Monday Aug. 24
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Freshmen ONLY
Sophomores ONLY
Tuesday, Aug. 25
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Juniors ONLY
Seniors ONLY
Wednesday, Aug. 26 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
7/8 Grades ONLY
5/6 Grades ONLY
Thursday, Aug. 27
Open to ALL students
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28
Closed
Monday, Aug. 31
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Open to ALL students
Tuesday, Sept. 1
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Open to ALL students
Wednesday, Sept. 2
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
First Day of School:
Open to ALL
Students
 Monday, 8/24 – Thursday, 8/27 the Campus Store will sell in the
Student Center in the basement of Albright Hall. Monday, 8/31 we
will re-open in the Bookstore. Upper School students should meet
with their Dean in the basement of Albright Hall to get their
schedule and book list before getting in line to pick up their books.
 Families that wish to buy books before the assigned day may ONLY
purchase new copies. Used books may not be purchased until the
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assigned day and time.
CAMPUS CONTACTS
Frequently, parents need to contact the School to communicate
with administrators, faculty and their own children.
Main School Number: 716–332–6300
Call this number for all department and faculty voice mailboxes
during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and to speak with
Cathy Barish or Ann Kern (Upper School Front Office). After
4:30 p.m., you will be connected to the automated phone system.
Athletic Hotline: 716–332–5111
Call this number to find the athletic schedule and any schedule
changes. The hotline is updated daily.
For faculty and staff numbers, extensions and email addresses, consult
the Directory or the Nichols School website: www.nicholsschool.org.
We suggest you contact teachers via email.
Direct line numbers
Admissions Office: 716–332–6325
Athletic Office: 716–332–5110
College Counseling Office: 716–332–6362
Development and Alumni Office: 716–332–5151
Ice Rink: 716–332–6339
Middle School: 716–332–5100
School Nurse: 716–332–5102
Upper School: 716–332–6300
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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SCHOOL DAY
When does the school day begin and end?
Students must arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. to attend a morning meeting
beginning at 8:00 a.m. School officially ends at 3:16 p.m., however, many
clubs and extracurricular activities take place between 3:16 p.m. and 3:35
p.m. Sports practices and games usually begin by 3:45 p.m. and end at varying
times.
Does Nichols provide transportation?
No. Buffalo city residents can apply for a free bus pass that is good for
before and after school pick-ups only. Applications are available in the
Upper School Front Office. Students living within 15 miles of the School
will be transported by their individual school district’s Department of
Transportation. Parents should call their school district to learn if their
children are eligible for transportation. A list of school district contacts is
on pages 17-18. Families of students living outside the 15-mile radius
frequently form car pools to ease transportation.
Is breakfast available?
Yes. Students can purchase breakfast items (cereal, granola bars, fruit,
bagels, etc.) from 7:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. in the Dining Hall.
When is the library open?
7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on school days, except on Fridays, when it closes at
4:00 p.m.
Are there computers available on campus?
There are computers for student use available in the Library, Center ’63
and Mitchell Hall in the T-LAB.
When does my child eat lunch? Are “packed” lunches allowed?
Every student has a 20-minute lunch period between 12:30 p.m. and 1:38
p.m. Students are not allowed to bring a lunch from home unless there is
a specific medical condition that is confirmed by the child’s physician.
How do I know if school is closed?
Families should listen to the radio after 6:00 a.m. or check local TV listings
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on any day bad weather is forecast.
Announcements regarding closings are posted on the Nichols website at
www.nicholsschool.org. Families will also be notified by the Nichols School
emergency notification system, School Messenger. Please note that Nichols
will close when the Buffalo Public Schools are closed for weather leading
to unsafe driving conditions. HOWEVER, Nichols will not always follow
the Buffalo Public Schools on consecutive weather-related closings and will
not always follow the Buffalo Public Schools in the event of a “cold” day.
Is there a nurse on campus? How will I be notified if my child is ill or hurt?
A Registered Nurse is located in the Middle School. She will assess the
student’s illness or injury and inform the parents if necessary.
DRESS CODE
The School’s dress code is designed to encourage a clean, neat and
professional appearance that is in keeping with a serious intellectual
atmosphere. We strive to convey the concept that it is important to
delineate between public and private spheres, and that the standards of
dress and behavior apply in different places. School is a public space with
an academic mission and students should dress accordingly.
Students should take pride in the way they look each day, and dress as if
they could leave the campus for an interview at anytime during the day. It
is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the dress code and
adhere to it on a daily basis. The dress code applies to all parts of the
campus, every day. Dress code will be checked daily when attendance is
taken.
Enforcement Policy: The final arbitrator of appropriate dress will be the
Dean of Students. Students who come to school in improper attire will be
asked to change and may be required to call home or be sent home for a
change of clothing. In addition, repeated dress code violations will result in
the initiation of the discipline response. The discipline response is a
stepped process involving an initial visit to the Minor Discipline
Committee followed by a visit to the Student Conduct Committee if the
student continues to disrespect school rules by coming to school out of
dress code.
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Boys
Dress slacks with a collared dress shirt and tie are required. A dress sweater,
dress fleece, or blazer may be worn over the shirt or tie. A turtleneck worn
under a dress sweater or fleece may be worn only during the second trimester
as a replacement for a shirt and tie. Dress shoes with trouser socks (not
athletic socks) should be worn. Not permitted: hooded sweatshirts, hooded
sweaters, t-shirts with words or graphics. No flip-flops, mules, sandals or
slippers are allowed.
Girls
A dress with sleeves or skirt of a modest length, no shorter than two inches
above the knees, or dress slacks, are appropriate. Skirts may be three inches
above the knee if worn with opaque leggings or tights. Dress slacks should
fit modestly, and not as tight as a legging.
A dress blouse, collared blouse or an embellished cotton shirt that addresses
the issues of modesty and is not considered casual may be worn. If wearing
an embellished cotton shirt or a shirt or a dress without sleeves, wearing a
blazer or dress sweater over the top is mandatory. Fleece may be worn over
a blouse or turtleneck. Dress shoes are required.
Not permitted: spaghetti straps; sleeveless is permitted, but should be
covered with a sweater or blazer. Hooded sweatshirts, shirts, or sweaters are
not allowed. No graphic t-shirts should be worn under other clothing items.
Camisole tops should be used only as an undergarment to promote
modesty. Note: If you remove the sweater or blazer covering a tank top,
camisole or embellished t-shirt, you are out of dress code. Open-toe shoes,
mule shoes and slippers are prohibited.
Boys & Girls
Collared polos may be worn in the months of Sept. and May. No frayed
edges, distressed or washed looks allowed. Shirts must be tucked into pants
or skirt. Sweaters and blazers are encouraged to complete the look.
Some General Guidelines
 Clothing should be neat, clean and in good repair. Too short, too tight
or too revealing is inappropriate!
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 Clothing where undergarments are shown are inappropriate; camisole
tops must be covered.
 Graphic t-shirts, sweatpants, pajama pants, hooded apparel, Capri
pants, culottes, denim material, denim jackets, sneakers, casual athleticstyle shoes, flip-flops, crocs, sandals and slippers are not allowed.
 Winter hats and outdoor coats may not be worn in class, but may be
worn from building to building.
 No exposed midriffs using low-ride or hip-hugging slacks with short
blouses.
 Leggings should only be worn with a skirt or dress over them. They are
not allowed with just a shirt on top.
 Boots or hiking boots may only be worn in the second and third
quarters.
We encourage all students to think about “dressing for success.” Is your
outfit appropriate for an interview? Always strive to look your best. As you
represent Nichols, whether on campus or off, the image you portray to
others truly does make an impression.
ATTENDANCE
My child is sick today. How do I inform the school?
Call the Upper School office (716–332–6300) between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00
a.m. to let them know if your child will be absent from school.
What about homework if my child is absent due to illness?
No homework will be collected on a student’s first day out, but he/she is
expected to call classmates for assignments or check faculty Schoology pages
for notes and assignments. If out for a second day, requests for homework
to be collected must be made no later than 10:00 a.m., and it will be ready
in the Front Office at 3:30 p.m. Students should also check email for notes
from teachers. Also, students leaving school early due to illness may not
return to school later in the day to participate in extracurricular activities.
My child will be late for school. What is the procedure?
Notify the Upper School Front Office by 8:00 a.m. of your child’s arrival
time. Students who are tardy must sign in at the Front Office desk.
My child must leave school early.
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Notify the Front Office by sending a note stating time of departure, return
and the reason for the absence. The student must hand in the note before
8:30 a.m. Students must sign out in the Front Office, and may wait inside
or outside. Students must be in school for a full day in order to participate
in after school activities such as athletic practices, games and play rehearsals.
If your child has a doctor's appointment, he/she must bring a note from
the doctor in order to participate in after school activities.
Due to family plans, my child will be absent from school for a day or more.
Send a note to the Class Dean (III Form, Kerry Bennett; IV Form, Erin
Habelt; V Form, Russell Combs; VI Form, Chuck Ptak) explaining the
reason for, and duration of, the absence.
Students are responsible for informing each teacher and getting homework
assignments. Please note, when a student is absent from school without a
legitimate excuse he or she must make up all of the work missed but will
receive only 80% of the grade earned (e.g. a score of 80% on a test would
be recorded as a 64%). The 80% rule applies to, but is not limited to:
absences caused by cutting school; vacation trips beyond those that are part
of the published Nichols calendar; participation in non-Nichols athletic
tournaments; participation in non-Nichols artistic performances.
I need to contact my child during the school day.
You are encouraged to discuss plans for the day (appointments, games,
rides, etc.) before school. Please call only in the event of an emergency or a
significant change in plans. Contact the Front Office before 2:00 p.m. and
they will get a message to your child.
Messages are posted on the chalkboard in the front hall or in the dining
hall. Students are responsible for checking the board. Please note: Cell
phones are NOT permitted to be used in the classrooms or hallways during
the school day. With permission, phone calls to parents can be made from
a Dean’s Office. The student center in Albright Hall and the
Junior/Senior study area are areas on campus that students may use their
cell phones.
ACADEMICS
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How does my child get sectioned, especially if he/she is new to the School?
Care is taken in making the proper assignment for each child. We look at
standardized testing, prior grades and course load, and weigh those factors
in what we know about the past performance of students from that school.
It is important to note that we section separately for each discipline. A
student might be at the honors level in the humanities, but not in the math
and sciences. It is also important to note that sectioning does change –
sometimes after the first quarter in the beginning of a school year, and also
from one year to the next, depending on the student’s performance.
I need information about the Campus Store.
The Campus Store, located in Albright Hall, opens one week before the
beginning of school for book purchases. Students need to present a picture
ID (distributed in Sept.) in order to charge an item to their bookstore
account. These accounts are billed to families at the end of every month.
Our online Campus Store has many items available for purchase.
How does my child add or drop a course?
The student’s dean and the appropriate department chair must approve
adding or dropping a course.
What are Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, and how does my child
enroll in one?
AP courses are college-level classes and require the recommendation of a
faculty member, dean and department head. Nichols School offers 18 AP
courses, beginning in sophomore year. In addition to consulting your
student’s teacher and/or advisor regarding the appropriateness of such a
placement, parents and students should refer to the following College
Board website: http://apstudent.collegeboard.org
How many marking periods are there and when are grades sent home?
The Upper School has quarters. Report cards are sent home at the end of
each quarter. Comments will be sent along with the grades if a student has
been given a grade below a C+. Students will be placed on the Honor Roll
if the average of their grades is higher than 2.7.
When does my child take exams?
Exams for the Upper School are given in Jan. and June. Attendance is
mandatory. Exam schedules will be mailed home.
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How do I sign up for a Parent/Teacher Conference?
Parents will be able to sign up online for conferences at the Parents’ Go-toSchool Night in Sept.. Instructions on how to do so will be sent home.
What happens if my child needs extra support with academic work?
When students feel they need extra support in a course, the first resource
is the classroom teacher. Normally, a teacher can provide the student extra
help either during X-period or immediately after school. Our goal in
developing responsible young people is to make seeking extra help the
student’s responsibility.
If the student needs more general support or experiences academic
difficulties that cannot be addressed through extra help from a teacher, the
student, his or her advisor, and the dean should schedule a meeting to
explore new solutions.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
When should we begin to think about college admissions?
The College Counseling Program at Nichols School supports students and
their parents throughout the Upper School years. The College Counselors,
in conjunction with the Freshman and Sophomore Deans, work to help
our younger students identify and develop their academic and extracurricular interests and pursue them vigorously. Colleges expect to see
students in the first two years of high school fully engage in the program
available to them. We encourage this engagement by helping students
realize their leadership potential and connecting them to opportunities that
match their individual strengths.
Beginning in the junior year, individual counseling sessions with each
student and their family allow for a personalized college plan to be
developed. These meetings help support the research phase of the college
process and are scheduled between Jan. and June of the junior year. A
college admission testing profile is also designed to maximize a student’s
ability to present their strongest test scores without compromising their
performance in their classes. For most colleges, the rigor of the junior year
curriculum and a student’s performance during the year, is seen as the most
accurate indicator of college readiness and potential for success.
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In addition to regular individual support, the Junior Seminar class meets
throughout the Spring Semester. Class topics include: the college essay,
completing the Common Application, financial aid and scholarship
information, using Naviance Family Connections to organize your process,
and how to have a healthy and happy senior year.
Positive, timely and helpful communication with parents is a key
component of the College Counseling Program.
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Resources for parents include:
Evening programs with topics such as Grade Specific College
Information Nights, Financing A College Education, Transcripts,
Testing and the Timeline for College and The Aspiring College Athlete.
Parent Coffee and Conversations – Open forum style small group
gatherings to discuss issues related to the college process.
College Counseling Website – Access to important calendars, links to
helpful websites and numerous resources available to download.
Questions? Concerns? Please feel free to contact a member of the
College Counseling Program directly and we will do our best to help
you.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
FALL
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Football
Golf (Boys)
Soccer
Tennis (Girls)
Volleyball (Girls)
UPPER SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS
WINTER
SPRING
Basketball
Baseball
Ice Hockey
Crew
Squash
Golf (Girls)
Lacrosse
Softball
Tennis (Boys)
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How can my child participate in a sport at Nichols?
Each season (fall, winter, spring), all students are required to take physical education or
a Nichols dance class, or be a member or manager of a sports team. Students must have
a physical form on record to try out for a school sport. Practice and game schedules are
on the athletics page of the School's website.
How do I know when my child will be returning to school from an away game?
Check with the athletic office or your child’s coach for specific details.
What happens if my child misses a practice or a game?
Students are required to notify the coach in a timely manner if they will
miss a practice or a game. Please also see the attendance policy on page 10
for more information.
It looks like rain/snow. How do I know if my child’s game is canceled?
Call the Sports Hotline (716–332–5111) or check the team’s schedule on
the Nichols School website.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Student Council
Student Conduct Committee
CLUBS
Mock Trial
Model UN
Green Key
Film Club
Anti-Gravity Club
Outdoors Club
Creative Writing Club
SUMA
Students for Environmental Awareness
Jewish Cultural Awareness Club
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Global Horizons
Investment Club
Health Awareness
Gay Straight Alliance
Math League
Amnesty International
Spirit Club
Chess Club
Science Olympiad
Book Review Club
Chinese Club
SeeArtRun
PUBLICATIONS
Nichols News
Gleaner
Verdian
PERFORMING ARTS
Fall/Spring Play
Cabaret
Jazz Band
Winter/Spring Concerts
Musical Moments
Choreographers’ Showcase
CULTURAL EXCHANGES
France, Spain, Costa Rica, China
CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL TRIP:
Italy, Germany
*** Clubs may be added at any time provided there is
student interest and faculty support. ***
TRANSPORTATION/ SCHOOL
DISTRICT CONTACT LIST
Amherst Central School District Phone: 716-836-3000
http://www.amherst.k12.ny.us
Buffalo City School District Phone: 716-851-3575
http://www.buffaloschools.org
Cheektowaga Central School District Phone: 716-686-3606
http://www.ccsd.wnyric.org
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Cheektowaga-Maryvale Union Free School District Phone: 716-631-7407
http://www.maryvale.wnyric.org
Cheektowaga-Sloan Union Free School District Phone: 716-891-6402
http://www.sloan.wnyric.org
Clarence Central School District Phone: 716-759-0102
http://www.clarence.wnyric.org
Cleveland Hill Union Free School District Phone: 716-836-7200
http://www.clevehill.wnyric.org
Depew Union Free School District Phone: 716-686-2251
http://www.depewschools.org
Frontier Central School District Phone: 716-926-1711
http://www.frontier.wnyric.org
Grand Island Central School District Phone: 716-773-8800
http://www.grandisland-cs.k12.ny.us
Hamburg Central School District Phone: 716-646-3220
http://www.hamburg.wnyric.org
TRANSPORTATION/ SCHOOL
DISTRICT CONTACT LIST
Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District Phone: 716-874-8400
http://www.kenton.k12.ny.us
Lackawanna City School District Phone: 716-827-6767
http://www.lackawannaschools.org
Lancaster Central School District Phone: 716-686-3200
http://www.thelan.org
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Orchard Park Central School District Phone: 716-209-6200
http://www.opcsd.wnyric.org
Sweet Home Central School District Phone: 716-689-5201
http://www.shs.k12.ny.us
West Seneca Central School District Phone: 716-677-3100
http://www.westseneca.wnyric.org
Williamsville Central School District Phone: 716-626-8000
http://www.wmsvcsd.wnyric.org
GETTING A HANDLE ON THE FINANCIALS:
TUITION & MORE
What’s included in the tuition?
Daily lunch (entree, soup, salad bar, dessert), sports participation
fee/athletic uniforms, technology, studio and laboratory fees, and
graduation fees.
Are there any other expenses I should know about?
Estimated expenses not included in tuition:
New books and supplies: $500
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Field trips: $50
Yearbook: $60
Personal athletic equipment: $100-$300
Overnight athletic trips: $50 - $200
The Nichols Fund: Nichols School relies on each family to
participate to the best of their ability.
Athletics: Teams that utilize external facilities or equipment, travel
out of town or require special uniforms have associated fees.
Must I buy all my Nichols School textbooks new at the Bookstore?
No. Used books may be purchased or sold at the Campus Store, reducing
this approximate expense. Books may be purchased online. Check the
website for the correct edition, editor and publisher. These will be posted
on our website.
What about testing costs – AP Exams and college standardized tests?
Those are separate charges and are not included in tuition.
Are there payment plans available?
Nichols offers three separate plans:
1. Payment in full by late June
2. Interest free 2 payment plan
3. Interest free 9 payment plan
Whom should I contact about my tuition or bookstore charges if I have a question?
Call Dan Dolan or Mary McCarthy in the Business Office at 716–332–6300.
Is there tuition insurance?
The Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) is underwritten by one of the member
companies of One Beacon Insurance Group. Please refer to your
enrollment agreement and TRP pamphlet for further questions.
FINANCIAL AID
Is financial aid available at Nichols?
Yes. Financial aid awards at Nichols are based solely on demonstrated
financial need. The awards are determined through a computation based
on figures you submit to Independent School Management’s FAST
(Financial Aid for School Tuition) program. FAST provides a need-based
financial aid analysis service which includes a recommendation of what a
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family should reasonably contribute toward tuition. Results are reviewed by
the Financial Aid Committee who make recommendations based on need
and budget. All financial information submitted is kept confidential.
Whom can I call about financial aid at Nichols School?
Please call Laura Yusick, Director of Financial Aid, at 716–332–6329.
Who qualifies for financial aid?
There are many factors that affect award decisions, including a family’s
income, assets and number of children in tuition-charging schools. Not all
accepted students receive awards. As with admissions, financial aid is
awarded on a rolling basis as candidates are accepted. The School expects
parents, both custodial and non-custodial, to make every effort possible to
meet the cost of their child’s education. Parents should request financial
assistance only after they have pursued other options.
Does Nichols offer merit or athletic scholarships?
No, aid is awarded on a need-only basis.
Will our financial aid change from year to year?
Families of students receiving financial aid must reapply every year. All
financial aid awards are reviewed annually to ensure that recipients
contribute positively to the life of the School and require financial
assistance. If there is little change in a family’s financial circumstances, one
can expect that grants will be renewed at similar levels.
What about cases of divorce, separation, single parents, step-parents and
live-in partners?
All households responsible for the child are expected to contribute to the
child's education. It is up to all parties involved to communicate and
participate in good faith toward these responsibilities. Each household
must complete a FAST application, and the partner's income must be
reported. Verification documents from all parties (Federal and State taxes
and W2s or any other proof of income) must also be submitted to FAST
for the application to be considered complete. While we do not hold a stepparent (or live-in partner) directly responsible for tuition, we recognize that
this additional income contributes to running the household. Since a
determination of need considers the entire financial picture, this
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information is necessary.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Please visit our website www.nicholsschool.org/admissions/financialaid for
instructions on how to apply for financial aid. Applications are due in Dec..
Once these deadlines have passed, families may still apply for aid. However,
families applying after the deadline should understand that financial aid
may no longer be available. Laura Yusick, Director of Financial Aid, will
be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide a timeline of
the financial aid application process.
ENDOWMENT
The Nichols School endowment has grown significantly over the past five
years. It now stands at $27 million dollars. By policy, approximately 5% of
the principal value is used by the School to support its various programs
each year. The remainder of the interest earned is returned to the fund.
Included in the total fund are many named funds, some of which are
restricted for various purposes, such as need-based financial aid and awards.
The Board of Trustees has an Endowment Committee to oversee the
management of this valuable fund.
THE PARENTS HOMEPAGE
Nichols has an interactive Parents Homepage on our website offering countless
pieces of information in one place. We are in the process of developing a new
website, which will include a robust parent section. We will communicate
detailed instructions on its use when it launches in mid-July.
THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Without a doubt, children thrive when parents are involved and invested
in their lives at school. The more engaged you are, the more everyone is
rewarded, especially your family. The Parents' Association welcomes you to
Nichols! As a parent of a Nichols student, you are a member of the Parents'
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Association and are welcome and encouraged to attend all meetings (dates
are advertised on the calendar and Parent Updates). The Parents'
Association is a terrific resource to help you connect with other parents and
offers social interaction among parents, as well as an opportunity to
enhance our children's experience through extracurricular and enrichment
activities. We strive to make all parents feel connected to their child's
school. Each grade is represented by parent Grade Representatives that act
as liaisons between their respective grade and the Association. They assist
with class related activities and encourage parents to take advantage of all
the School has to offer.
The purpose of the Association is:
 to facilitate communication between the administration and the
parents to promote better understanding and greater unity in
furthering the welfare of the School and its students;
 to promote the good name of Nichols School;
 to promote the School’s programs, projects and activities;
 to foster involvement by all parents in the life of the School;
 to be involved in areas which do not fall directly into the category of
administration, faculty, students’, alumni or Board of Trustees’
responsibilities. Association activities will only be undertaken in a
manner which does not cause conflict with the broader purposes,
policies and interests of the School.
VOLUNTEER AND EVENT OPPORTUNITIES
A great way to get to know other parents and your child’s friends is through
volunteering. We understand many parents work, so we try to hold all
meetings in the early morning or very late afternoon so as not to disrupt the
work day, and have the convenience of being at drop off or dismissal times.
There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities. We hope you will take
advantage of these opportunities. The following events represent a few of
the parent run committees and volunteers opportunities:
 Big Green Athletic Event: A Homecoming weekend celebration of our
athletic program. The money raised from this event supports the
Athletic Department.
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 Book Fair: Held at the end of Apr./beginning of May. The money
raised through the Book Fair goes directly to support the Library.
 Derby Day Auction: Held annually on the first Saturday in May, the
Auction is the School’s major fundraising event. Volunteers are needed
to work with the Auction Coordinator, to serve on the many
committees (acquisitions, advertising, reservations, promotion,
decorations, set-up), and for office help.
 International Dinner: A family event held in the winter to celebrate
multiculturalism at Nichols with an international buffet of foods
provided by Nichols families, representing their own favorite family
recipes. This dinner and short program revolves around our school’s
exchange program.
 Library Helpers: Assist the library staff. No experience necessary!
 The Nichols Fund: The School’s top philanthropic initiative. Parents
take a leadership role in helping achieve annual goals.
 Parents’ Council: Elected slate consisting of Executive Council, Grade
Representatives and At-large members.
 Teacher/Staff Appreciation Event: Parents prepare special events to
honor the faculty and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL EVENTS
Parent participation in activities is a key part of our success at Nichols. We
hope parents will share in the numerous school events. We offer a wide
range of activities including numerous sporting contests, theatrical
performances, musical presentations and guest speakers.
PARENT COFFEES
Nichols values its partnership with parents. We also believe in offering
many different ways to help you communicate with the administration. The
grade level parent coffees, held in early Fall, are casual, informal meetings
with the Head of School and other school leaders.
THE NICHOLS FUND
Nichols is proud to maintain a rich tradition and culture of philanthropy.
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As with all independent schools, Nichols relies on the generosity of its
community to sustain it.
The School was founded through the generosity of benefactors and
continues to grow because of our families' commitment to giving. The
Nichols Fund is our School's top philanthropic priority. Because tuition
does not cover the full cost of a Nichols education, The Nichols Fund is
indispensable. Gifts to The Nichols Fund touch all important facets of life
at Nichols, from the people—your children and their outstanding
teachers—to the incredible programs.
Each year, our goal for the Parent Campaign is 100% participation from
our families. Your generous support allows Nichols to maintain its tradition
of academic excellence, artistic richness, and unparalleled athletic programs.
More specifically, The Nichols Fund provides new technologies that keep
our instruction on the cutting edge; professional development for our
teachers—because pushing boundaries for our teachers is just as important
as it is for our students; expansive athletic and arts programs to provide
opportunities for every student; and innovative materials that bring math
and science to life, allowing students to apply the math and science concepts
they learn in class to the world around them. We hope you will join us in
making Nichols a philanthropic priority.
NICHOLS SCHOOL VOCABULARY
Advisor: Within each Form, an Advisor is assigned to 6-8 students.
Advisor meetings take place on Wednesday mornings.
A.R.C.: Academic Review Committee meets to discuss academic
concerns. It is comprised of the academic department chairs, class deans
and college counselors, and is chaired by the Head of the Upper School.
Blue Slip: A notice filled out by a faculty or staff member to record a
student infraction, such as a dress code violation. The Student Handbook
has more information on infractions.
Break and X-Period: A 10-minute break occurs at 10:18 a.m. At this
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time, the Dining Hall is open for students to purchase breakfast or a
snack. X Period begins at 10:28 a.m. At this time, all faculty members are
free to meet with students for extra help. Chorus, Orchestra and Physical
Education also meet during this time (every other day). Special assemblies
and guest speakers may also take place during X-period.
Cabaret: A student-run talent show, usually held in Mar..
Dean: Each Form has a Dean that manages the concerns of a class and
the needs of its students. Form-level meetings take place on Tuesday and
Thursday mornings. Parents with a question or a concern should contact
the individual teacher, advisory, or coach, followed by the Dean (III Form,
Kerry Bennett; IV Form, Erin Habelt; V Form, Russell Combs; VI Form,
Chuck Ptak).
EdCo: The Education Collaborative of Western New York is a
consortium of 16 independent and private high schools in Erie and
Niagara Counties of Western New York.
Form: The Upper School classes. Form III, Form IV, Form V and Form
VI correspond to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade, respectively.
FPAC: The Flickinger Performing Arts Center.
GIT: General Information Test. A tradition at Nichols School where students
answer a 100 question test on current events and general knowledge.
Green Sheet: The Upper School daily announcements, printed on green
paper, and read at Morning Meetings.
Green and White: The Nichols School colors. Sports teams are often
referred to as “The Big Green,” although the School adopted a Viking as a
mascot.
M.D.C.: The Minor Disciplinary Committee is responsible for oversight
of minor disciplinary offenses on the Upper School Campus.
Morning Meeting: On Monday and Friday mornings, the entire Upper
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School meets in the Flickinger Performing Arts Center. This meeting is
led by the Head of Upper School and the Student Council Co-Presidents.
Parents’ Go-to-School Night: This evening gathering takes place in the
fall. Parents follow an abbreviated version of their child’s schedule and
faculty members describe their courses and expectations for students.
Pink Slip: A notice filled out by a child’s teacher to record a student’s
academic performance on a single assignment or test. The note has NO
disciplinary consequence, and is sent to the child’s Dean and Advisor as a
means of keeping them informed.
Rotating Schedule: The Upper School uses a rotating block schedule.
Over a seven-day period, each class meets six times, including once during
a “double” period. The class periods are called “blocks,” and each block is
assigned a letter, A through G. Each student receives an Academic
Planner with the entire year’s daily block schedule.
S.C.C.: Student Conduct Committee meets to discuss major disciplinary
cases, and recommends a course of action to the Headmaster. It is
comprised of members of the faculty and six appointed students.
Spirit Days and Homecoming: Students celebrate Homecoming with
Spirit Days prior to Homecoming Saturday. The Student Council
organizes a number of school spirit-raising activities during this week,
followed by a dance on Saturday.
Snow Ball: An Upper School winter semi-formal dance.
Toaxnoes: The School’s magazine, pronounced “Too-ah-la-thays” which
means “truth” in Greek.
Verdian and Gleaner: Student Publications: the yearbook and a literary
magazine respectively.
Verdian Day: Student awards are given at a ceremony, followed by a picnic
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where the Verdian (yearbook) is distributed.
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