Nicolet News
Welcome to Nicolet News, your official source for stories, highlights, and updates from Nicolet Middle School. This page is managed by the Communications Department and showcases the incredible achievements of our students, staff, and school. Check back often for the latest features and announcements as we celebrate the people and programs that make Nicolet Middle School, a place of inspiration, growth, and pride.
![Banning USD Crowns Back-to-Back District Spelling Bee Champion]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767980684/banningk12caus/dc3jcqpnwdxlyo3kj76l/20260108-0B7A6484.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767980684/banningk12caus/dc3jcqpnwdxlyo3kj76l/20260108-0B7A6484.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767980684/banningk12caus/dc3jcqpnwdxlyo3kj76l/20260108-0B7A6484.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767980684/banningk12caus/dc3jcqpnwdxlyo3kj76l/20260108-0B7A6484.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767980684/banningk12caus/dc3jcqpnwdxlyo3kj76l/20260108-0B7A6484.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767980684/banningk12caus/dc3jcqpnwdxlyo3kj76l/20260108-0B7A6484.jpg","width":2200}])
Ella Brock, a 6th-grade student from Nicolet Middle School, was named the 2026 Banning USD District Spelling Bee Champion following a 16-round competition held on January 8, 2026, at the Nicolet Middle School auditorium. Led by the District’s Instructional Services Team, the event brought together students from across the District to celebrate academic excellence, perseverance, and confidence.
- Press Release
![Nicolet Middle School Teacher Maria Lopez Named 2026 Educator of the Year Finalist by the California League of Middle Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765915502/banningk12caus/manv5upc32od2qedrbsj/IMG_0055.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765915502/banningk12caus/manv5upc32od2qedrbsj/IMG_0055.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765915502/banningk12caus/manv5upc32od2qedrbsj/IMG_0055.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765915502/banningk12caus/manv5upc32od2qedrbsj/IMG_0055.jpg","width":960}])
Banning Unified School District is proud to announce that Maria Lopez, Dual Immersion English Language Arts and History teacher and AVID Lead at Nicolet Middle School, has been named a 2026 California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) Educator of the Year finalist, earning recognition as one of 14 finalists in her active region. Ms. Lopez was honored as a regional finalist and did not advance beyond the regional selection level.
- Nicolet Middle School
- Press Release
![Nicolet Middle School Receives Official Committee Recommendation for “School to Watch” Designation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765215856/banningk12caus/kekbkyku6iwyunpu0dqm/DJI_0029.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765215856/banningk12caus/kekbkyku6iwyunpu0dqm/DJI_0029.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765215856/banningk12caus/kekbkyku6iwyunpu0dqm/DJI_0029.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765215856/banningk12caus/kekbkyku6iwyunpu0dqm/DJI_0029.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765215856/banningk12caus/kekbkyku6iwyunpu0dqm/DJI_0029.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765215856/banningk12caus/kekbkyku6iwyunpu0dqm/DJI_0029.jpg","width":2200}])
Banning Unified School District is proud to announce that the California Schools to Watch (STW) Committee has officially recommended Nicolet Middle School for the distinguished School to Watch designation following its December 5, 2025 review. This achievement positions Nicolet among the top middle schools in California and the nation for excellence in academics, student support, school climate, and organizational practices.
- Nicolet Middle School
- Press Release
![Nicolet Middle School Students Named Semifinalists in UCR MESA Coaster Design Challenge]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761248543/banningk12caus/hw96cfqntdca5d3ouura/20251017-0B7A8010.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761248543/banningk12caus/hw96cfqntdca5d3ouura/20251017-0B7A8010.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761248543/banningk12caus/hw96cfqntdca5d3ouura/20251017-0B7A8010.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1761248543/banningk12caus/hw96cfqntdca5d3ouura/20251017-0B7A8010.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1761248543/banningk12caus/hw96cfqntdca5d3ouura/20251017-0B7A8010.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1761248543/banningk12caus/hw96cfqntdca5d3ouura/20251017-0B7A8010.jpg","width":2200}])
Nicolet Middle School’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) students Dalin, Delilah, and Serenity have been named semifinalists in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) MESA 2025 Roller Coaster Design Challenge for their innovative project, Hurricane Terrifiers.
- Community Corner
![Nicolet MS Receives Earn Platinum Status]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760111147/banningk12caus/rnpx6hhaxvp3mslzetkz/20251009-0B7A6943.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760111147/banningk12caus/rnpx6hhaxvp3mslzetkz/20251009-0B7A6943.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760111147/banningk12caus/rnpx6hhaxvp3mslzetkz/20251009-0B7A6943.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1760111147/banningk12caus/rnpx6hhaxvp3mslzetkz/20251009-0B7A6943.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1760111147/banningk12caus/rnpx6hhaxvp3mslzetkz/20251009-0B7A6943.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1760111147/banningk12caus/rnpx6hhaxvp3mslzetkz/20251009-0B7A6943.jpg","width":2200}])
This year, New Horizon High School, Nicolet Middle School, and Central Elementary School earned Platinum Implementation Awards, the highest level of recognition, while Hemmerling Elementary School received a Gold Implementation Award. These honors highlight the schools’ dedication to implementing evidence-based practices that improve student behavior, strengthen engagement, and promote positive school climates.
- Community Corner
![Central Elementary and Nicolet Middle School Partner to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759253902/banningk12caus/ggdrs9p2zjl3utwfzcrc/20250929-0B7A6031.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759253902/banningk12caus/ggdrs9p2zjl3utwfzcrc/20250929-0B7A6031.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759253902/banningk12caus/ggdrs9p2zjl3utwfzcrc/20250929-0B7A6031.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759253902/banningk12caus/ggdrs9p2zjl3utwfzcrc/20250929-0B7A6031.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1759253902/banningk12caus/ggdrs9p2zjl3utwfzcrc/20250929-0B7A6031.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1759253902/banningk12caus/ggdrs9p2zjl3utwfzcrc/20250929-0B7A6031.jpg","width":2200}])
Central Elementary School and Nicolet Middle School came together on Monday, September 29, 2025, to host a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing student talent, culture, and community partnership as September came to a close.
- Community Corner
![Nicolet Middle School Welcomes Freedom Writers Foundation for Student Workshop]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758583932/banningk12caus/kae6njwwasddnsvj9e5u/20250922-0B7A4785.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758583932/banningk12caus/kae6njwwasddnsvj9e5u/20250922-0B7A4785.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758583932/banningk12caus/kae6njwwasddnsvj9e5u/20250922-0B7A4785.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758583932/banningk12caus/kae6njwwasddnsvj9e5u/20250922-0B7A4785.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758583932/banningk12caus/kae6njwwasddnsvj9e5u/20250922-0B7A4785.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1758583932/banningk12caus/kae6njwwasddnsvj9e5u/20250922-0B7A4785.jpg","width":2200}])
Students at Nicolet Middle School had the unique opportunity to participate in an interactive workshop led by the Freedom Writers Foundation, featuring its founder, Erin Gruwell. The event inspired students to reflect on their own experiences while building empathy, connection, and resilience.
- Community Corner
- Nicolet Middle School
![Nicolet Middle School Launches Book Cart Program to Inspire Literacy and Home Libraries]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1757458743/banningk12caus/yfyvf1vlgnhq7kfyfpdu/20250909-0B7A3478.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1757458743/banningk12caus/yfyvf1vlgnhq7kfyfpdu/20250909-0B7A3478.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1757458743/banningk12caus/yfyvf1vlgnhq7kfyfpdu/20250909-0B7A3478.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1757458743/banningk12caus/yfyvf1vlgnhq7kfyfpdu/20250909-0B7A3478.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1757458743/banningk12caus/yfyvf1vlgnhq7kfyfpdu/20250909-0B7A3478.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1757458743/banningk12caus/yfyvf1vlgnhq7kfyfpdu/20250909-0B7A3478.jpg","width":2200}])
Nicolet Middle School has launched a new book cart program designed to make literacy more accessible and enjoyable for students. With the support of the District Librarian, the school librarian, and staff, colorful carts filled with books are now available in areas such as the cafeteria and hallways.
![Nicolet Welcomes Students Back for the First Day of School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755215092/banningk12caus/fiaqav03cyrkpjsowxms/20250808-0B7A2083.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755215092/banningk12caus/fiaqav03cyrkpjsowxms/20250808-0B7A2083.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755215092/banningk12caus/fiaqav03cyrkpjsowxms/20250808-0B7A2083.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1755215092/banningk12caus/fiaqav03cyrkpjsowxms/20250808-0B7A2083.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1755215092/banningk12caus/fiaqav03cyrkpjsowxms/20250808-0B7A2083.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1755215092/banningk12caus/fiaqav03cyrkpjsowxms/20250808-0B7A2083.jpg","width":2200}])
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Banning Unified School District joyfully welcomed students back for the first day of the 2025–2026 school year. From transitional kindergarteners walking onto campus for the very first time to seniors in the Class of 2026 stepping into their final year, excitement was in the air across all school sites.