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Summer At Nichols

Summer at Nichols

Nichols School offers exciting and affordable programs for Middle and High School students! Every program is designed to ensure each child gets the best possible experience.

If you have any questions or need more information about our summer programs, please contact Jeff Ryan by email at summerprograms@nicholsschool.org.

Available Summer Programs

List of 13 items.

ACT Content and Strategy Bootcamp

August 19 - 23 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
$410.00
Open to all students preparing for the ACT

Alexis Prep’s ACT Content & Strategy Bootcamp is a 15-hour, structured ACT review intended to prepare students for all fall ACT dates (these dates have not yet been announced, but typically include early September, late October, and early December). Our 5-day bootcamp features section-by-section review of key concepts and strategies; proctored, in-class official exam sections to best approximate the test-day experience; in-class question review; and, on the final day of class, a 1.5-hour, truncated, official ACT.

Each class will begin with a review of the most commonly tested concepts that appear throughout a given section of the exam and the recommended approach for that section. Students will then be able to implement the strategies we have introduced as they complete a full, official exam section in simulated testing conditions. We will then conclude each day’s class by breaking down key questions from those official ACT sections to highlight typical examples of what students can expect on test day. Throughout the class, we will emphasize good test-taking strategy, error minimization techniques, and pattern recognition skills. Students will not be expected to complete homework outside of class hours.

Instruction provided by Alexis Prep. You can visit their website to learn more about Alexis Peterson https://www.alexisprep.com/
* ACT registration and testing fees are not included in this class registration. Students need to register for the exam separately.

Advanced Physics IIa: Astronomy

Christian Laettner Basketball Camp

July 8 - 11

Visit Christian’s website for details and to register.

Christian Laettner Basketball Academy (laettnercamps.com)
College Application Workshop

August 5 – August 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
$415.00
Open to Nichols rising Seniors

Does the college application seem overwhelming? Would it be helpful to get a head start before your senior year? Is the idea of working side by side with the college office reassuring?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above then this four day workshop might be for you! We strive to help students move through the applications with intentionality and with as little stress as possible. There is value to planning ahead and getting a jump on the next steps before you begin juggling your senior year filled with friends, academics, athletics, the arts, service opportunities and all the traditions of senior year.

Students engaged in this small group workshop will: complete the common application; finish and have an approved a main essay; review the list of colleges they are applying to ensure balance; create a spreadsheet to track the supplements and requirements for each school they are applying to; and discuss a resume and the activities section of the common application.

Developed and directed by Nichols School Director of College Counseling, Kelly Jorgensen. Click here to register!

*** Please note that this program is available to Nichols students only.
Driver's Education
June 17 – July 22
$850.00
For all students 16 years of age by June 17, 2024, and have a valid NYS learner permit or license. Includes both in-person classroom and in-car driving instruction

Nichols Driver Ed course is open to Nichols students as well as students from other area schools. You will find the course details below. Space is limited, and registrations will be honored in the order they are received.

Driver & Traffic Safety Education in New York State schools is a course implemented via a joint partnership between the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The Driver Education course is intended to educate students (age 16 or older) on appropriate driving skills and habits as well as playing a responsible role in the highway transportation/safety system. Course highlights include 24 hours of classroom instruction and 24 hours of in-car instruction, which includes 6 hours behind the wheel. Students who satisfactorily complete the course are eligible to receive the MV-285 Student Certificate of Completion.

The MV-285 Student Certificate of Completion allows:
- A NYS Junior Permit holder to schedule a road test,
- Young drivers a possible reduction in automobile insurance cost (participation is dependent upon insurance provider participation), and
- A 17-year-old to receive a senior license (MV-285 form must be submitted to local DMV to attain this benefit).
Nichols has partnered with Hoffman’s Driving Academy to provide both the classroom and in-car instruction.

In order to receive credit for this program, students are required to attend ALL classroom and in-car sessions and satisfactorily complete all tests and quizzes. Students that do not complete these requirements will not receive the M-285 certificate.

Program Details
Program runs from June 17 – July 22
- Sixteen, 90-minute in-person classroom sessions from June 24 – July 18, Monday - Friday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- Sixteen, 90-minute in-car driving sessions from June 17 – July 22. Mon. – Wed. You choose the Drive Time session that works best for you.
- Applicants must have a valid NYS learner permit or driver license by the time the program starts.
- Participants must be available to attend all classroom sessions as scheduled. In the event of an emergency, students may miss up to two classroom sessions. They will be required to complete a make-up class assignment. If a student misses more than two classroom sessions, they will not be able to complete the course.
- Participants must attend all in-car sessions as scheduled. If they miss a session, there is a $30.00 fee to reschedule the session. In accordance with state guidelines, a make-up session can only be rescheduled with two or more students in the car. Students who don’t complete the 16 sessions will not be able to complete the course.
- Classroom instruction on the following dates:
- In-car instruction on the following dates:
Program Cost
- Driver Education classroom and in-car instruction - $850.00
A $100.00 non-refundable registration fee is included in your payment. A partial refund will be issued if you cancel your registration by June 12^th. No refunds will be issued after June 12^th. Please click here to register!

*** If you have any questions, please contact Jeff Ryan at 716-332-6391 or jryan@nicholsschool.org
Geology and Ecology of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

June 6 – June 19
$3,800.00
Open to Nichols rising 10^th - 12^th Grade Students. Rising 9th with instructor approval.

Join for two weeks of hands on, experiential learning, as we travel to Yellowstone National and Grand Teton National Parks.
In the heart of the United States sits America’s first National Park: Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which also encompasses Grand Teton National Park and surrounding National Forests in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. In this course, you will study the concepts of Ecology and Geology through a focus on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We will cover the fundamentals of Geology by examining topics on geologic history, extinctions events, mountain building, glaciations, past and future climate change, plate tectonics, and volcanism. What are the causes of the volcanic and geothermal features which make Yellowstone unique. Ecological principles of natural cycles, ecosystem dynamics, population studies, trophic cascades, among others will be studied with the backdrop of the Yellowstone ecosystem. What have been the ecosystem consequences of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone? How does the management of the ecosystem work inside and outside the park, and how are these issues tackled with native and traditional communities adjacent to the park? Students will also enjoy recreational activities like Horseback Riding, White Water Rafting and Fly Fishing.

Classroom instruction at Nichols from June 6 - 10
Travel to Yellowstone and Grand Teton from June 11 – 19

Program costs include airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, meals, and planned experiences.

Total Trip Cost is $3,800.00

$1,000.00 trip commitment and non-refundable deposit due upon registering.
Commitment and non-refundable deposit are due by March 15th.

Final payment will be added to the student's school account on May 1st. There are both minimum and maximum enrollment requirements in order for this program to run, so don’t delay.
* Nichols reserves the right to cancel this program due to insufficient enrollment (Full refund will be issued).

Students who finish this course will earn an additional 1⁄2 credit of Environmental Science for their transcript. Full Course Syllabus and Itinerary are available from the instructor. Please review the summer attendance and homework policies before registering to take this course.

Developed and directed by Nichols Environmental Science teacher, Joshua Ring

*** Please note that this program is available to Nichols students only.

Click here to register!
Middle School Golf Camp

June 17 - 21 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$468.00
Open to all students entering grades 5 - 9

If there is a sport that is the gift of a lifetime, it’s golf. Mastering its subtleties at a young age, guarantees a lifetime of enjoyment. Treat your daughter or son to five days of the practice range and on-course instruction at Harvest Hill, Bob-O-Link, and Delaware Park golf venues. At these unique facilities, our counselors will provide your child with instruction in putting, chipping and pitching, sand play, and the long game.

Our camp also emphasizes etiquette, rules, and mechanics. On Wednesday, we kick back and visit Sheridan mini-golf for some putting fun on three unique courses. We then head to the Audubon Par-Three course, where we loop the nine-hole layout for the rest of the afternoon! Friday concludes with golf, a pizza party, and a celebration of the week. We offer convenient drop-off and pick-up at Nichols. Participants should have a basic set of golf clubs and equipment. We look forward to golfing with you this June!

Developed and directed by Nichols Golf coach, Ronald Montesano. Click here to register!
Middle School JumpStart!
August 6, 7, and 8 from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$169
For Nichols students entering 5th and 6th grade
Hit the ground running by enrolling in JumpStart! This 3-day program is designed for incoming 5th and 6th grade students and reviews important school skills. It is a great way to ease back into the school year and prepare for the first days of school, and it is ideal for students new to Nichols or those who simply want to prepare for the new school year and meet new friends.
Topics Include:
- Nichols Norms and Culture
- Organizational Strategies
- Study Habits and Study Skills
- Team Building Activities
- Reading, Writing, and Mathematics Practice
Developed and directed by Nichols Learning Support Coordinator, Nicoletta Aliberto. Click here to register!

*** Please note that this program is available to Nichols students only.
Middle School Robotics Camp - FIRST Lego League

June 24 - 28 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$410.00
Open to all students entering grades 5 - 8

Join us for this one-week camp where we will design, build and program a five-pound LEGO robot!

This camp is ideal for new students with no robotics experience as well as students who are already on a FIRST Lego League team. Camp activities include; designing new robot configurations, developing programming skills, analyzing video from previous successful teams and brainstorming innovation project ideas for next season.

Current team members will have an opportunity to continue developing and honing their skills and new students will have an opportunity to learn what FLL is all about in a fun and creative environment.

Developed and directed by Nichols Robotics Mentors, Larry Hiller and Sara Wells

Click here to register!
Middle School Study Skills and Strategies 6 - 8

August 12 - 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
$176.00
For all students entering grades 6 - 8.

Join us for a four-day, skills-based course designed to teach students to plan better, organize, and manage their time. Students will learn these important school skills through high interest mini lessons where they will also be taught note taking, test taking and study techniques, tips for organizing and keeping track of digital files. The course will also explore how to “get ahead” by planning backward and planning ahead. Moreover, we will spend time navigating Chromebooks in addition to the Google suite (Docs, Slides, and Drive). Overall, students will learn to use technological resources as an effective means to study and organize ideas. Other topics will include the culture of extra help here at Nichols and how to be a self-advocate.

Developed and directed by Nichols teacher, Thomas Michaud
Robotics Camp - FIRST Tech Challenge

Two-week program: July 8 - 19 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
$572.00
Open to all students entering grades 7 - 10

This Camp is designed as an introduction to FTC Robotics. Participants will learn how to understand game objectives and come up with successful game-play strategies. They will learn how to use iterative design to come up with a robot that can execute the game-play strategy. All participants will learn how to use CAD software and will learn how to program robots in Java.

This camp is ideal for students new to FTC and students who want to develop CAD, Mechanical, Electrical, and Programming skills. Several of our older FTC students will be helping to run this camp and pass on what they have learned in this program.

Developed and directed by Nichols Robotics Director Larry Hiller.

Click here to register!
SAT Content and Strategy Bootcamp

August 12 - 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
$410.00
Open to all students preparing for the PSAT or SAT

Alexis Prep’s SAT Content & Strategy Bootcamp is a 15-hour, structured SAT review intended to prepare students for the August 24, 2024 SAT (of course, this bootcamp can also serve as a comprehensive introduction to the exam for students who plan to prepare for later test dates). Our 5-day bootcamp features section-by-section review of key concepts and strategies; proctored, in-class official exam sections to best approximate the test-day experience; in-class question review; and, on the final day of class, a 1.5-hour, truncated, official practice SAT.

Each class will begin with a review of the most commonly tested concepts that appear throughout a given section of the exam and the recommended approach for that section. Students will then be able to implement the strategies we have introduced as they complete a full, official exam section in simulated testing conditions. We will then conclude each day’s class by breaking down key questions from those official SAT sections to highlight typical examples of what students can expect on test day. Throughout the class, we will emphasize good test-taking strategy, error minimization techniques, and pattern recognition skills. Students will not be expected to complete homework outside of class hours.

Instruction provided by Alexis Prep. You can visit their website to learn more about Alexis Peterson https://www.alexisprep.com/
* SAT registration and testing fees are not included in this class registration. Students need to register for the exam separately.
Study Skills - Strategies for Success in High School

August 12 - 15 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
$238.00
Open to all students entering grades 9 and 10

Join us for a four-day, skills-based course designed to teach students to plan better, organize, and manage their time. Students will learn these important school skills through high interest mini lessons where they will also be taught note taking, test taking and study techniques, tips for organizing and keeping track of digital files.

The course will also explore how to “get ahead” by planning backward and planning ahead. Moreover, we will spend time navigating the Google suite (Docs, Slides, and Drive). Overall, students will learn to use technological resources as an effective means to study and organize ideas. Other topics will include the culture of extra help here at Nichols and how to be a self-advocate.

Developed and directed by Nichols teacher, Thomas Michaud.

Register Now for Summer at Nichols Programs!

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