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NMRHS Families:

NMRHS is now in full swing! Students have settled into their classes after completing the first month of school, and we’re excited about the strong start to the year. Athletics are in full motion, and clubs and activities have begun meeting and planning for an engaging year ahead.

Lockers are being used successfully to store student belongings. Most students are now comfortable with opening their lockers, and for those who still need a little support, we continue to assist. The expectation of no backpacks/bags in classrooms has been very effective—teachers can move freely around the room to assist students, and the absence of backpacks has removed distractions, creating a more focused learning environment.

Safety and security remain a top priority at NMRHS. This past month, we completed two successful fire drills and an intruder drill to our rally point, ensuring both students and staff are familiar with our safety procedures. We will continue to practice throughout the year to maintain preparedness.

Homecoming weekend was a huge success! Our athletic teams hosted home games, we held an energetic pep rally, enjoyed a full day of activities on Saturday, and capped it all off with a fun and well-attended Homecoming dance.

Looking ahead, October is full of opportunities for our students. On October 1st, we will welcome Middlesex Partnerships for Youth (MPY) for a schoolwide presentation on Safe and Healthy Relationships: Building Respect, Trust, and Boundaries. This topic originated from civic action projects completed last spring by our juniors (now seniors), who felt strongly that all students would benefit from deeper learning in this area. The presentation will help students understand the foundations of healthy relationships with peers, friends, and dating partners, emphasizing communication, trust, respect, and boundaries. Students will also learn to recognize red flags such as manipulation, jealousy, or control, while practicing skills to foster positive connections and knowing when and how to seek help. We are grateful to MPY for making this important presentation available to our students.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s teachers, counselors, nurses, or our administrative team. Our shared goal is to work together to support every student’s success at NMRHS.

Sincerely,

Laurie Smith, Principal

Please take a moment to update your student’s ASPEN account by ASPEN Student Update.
It is important that we have the most up-to-date information for parents/caregivers, including current emails and phone numbers. Accurate information helps us ensure clear and timely communication throughout the school year.

* Thursday, October 2nd - Q1 Progress Reports Issued on Aspen

* Monday, October 6th - Jostens Class Ring Assembly for Sophomores - during school day

* Tuesday, October 7th - College Application and Financial Aid Night - 6pm - PAC

* Thursday, October 9th - Tri-M Induction - 6pm - PAC

* Friday, October 10th - GD/NM Co-op Football Game vs. Acton-Boxboro @ NMRHS - 7pm - Turf Field

* Tuesday, October 14th - NHS Induction - 6pm - PAC

* Tuesday, October 21st - PSAT Testing - All Juniors - during school day

* Tuesday, October 21st - Rho Kappa Induction - 6pm - Commons

* Tuesday, October 28th - Powder Puff Football Game - 5-7pm - Turf Field

* Friday, October 31st - 1/2 Day for Students - Professional Development for Staff - Dismissal @ 10:25 am

We are looking for two parent volunteers to join the NMRHS School Improvement Council. The Council meets monthly after school to review and discuss our School Improvement Plan and help identify the educational needs of NMRHS.

The Council is made up of the principal, two teachers, two parents, a community member, and a student representative.

If you are interested in serving as one of the parent volunteers—or know of a community member who may be interested—please email Sue Hamel at shamel@nmrsd.org. We are hoping to hold our first meeting in November.

Attendance

• School begins promptly at 7:15 am. Students are expected to be in their first block class at that time.

• School ends at 1:54 pm.

• Consistent attendance and punctuality are key to academic success.

Drop-off & Pick-up Procedures

• School opens at 7:00 am.

• Bus drop-off and pick-up: front circle at 7:00 am.

• Parent drop-off and pick-up: behind the school at Door #4 (Garden Entrance).

• Parents should not use the front circle for drop-off or pick-up.

• Parents should avoid parking in student parking spots, as this may prevent students from arriving on time.

• At dismissal:

  • Do not block or pass buses.

  • Stop when red lights on buses are flashing; wait until lights are off.

  • Buses must leave campus first to arrive at the next school on time.

• Please obey all stop signs and crosswalks and drive slowly in the parking lot.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Outside Food

• Breakfast and lunch are available every day at NMRHS.

• Each student is entitled to one free breakfast and one free lunch daily. We encourage all students to take advantage of this program.

• If a caregiver brings in food or beverages during the school day, the student will not be able to receive them until their scheduled lunch period.

• We encourage families not to drop off outside food or drinks during the school day.

As you may be aware, under Massachusetts state regulations, students must meet both local graduation requirements and state competency determination requirements in order to receive a high school diploma. Graduation requirements are described in the NMRHS Program of Studies. In the past, the Massachusetts Competency Determination requirement was met through successfully passing the MCAS test in ELA, Math and Science & Technology/Engineering. In November 2024, there was a state ballot question which discontinued the use of the MCAS for determining competency in the content areas. While MCAS testing still occurs, we can not use the test results as part of meeting the state competency requirement. Each district was asked to identify how we will measure student competency in ELA, Math, and Science and Technology/Engineering (and in History and Social Sciences beginning with the Class of 2027). The term competency essentially means that a student has mastered the skills and standards for the particular content area.

The leadership team began working last year on developing a method for determining competency. This included working with the NM School Committee policy subcommittee to revise our school committee policy. At the August school committee meeting, the proposed revision was presented to the committee for consideration. Subsequently, at the September 16th school committee meeting, the policy was again discussed and voted on for approval.

Linked below is the policy, including translations of the policy, so that you can better understand the pathways for each student to demonstrate competency while working towards achieving a high school diploma.

* NMRSD Competency Determination Policy (IKFA)

* NMRSD Competency Determination Policy (IKFA) (Spanish)

* NMRSD Competency Determination Policy (IKFA) (Portuguese)

* NMRSD Competency Determination Policy (IKFA) (Chinese SImplified)

Each year our seniors gather early in the morning on the turf field to spend time together and watch the sunrise. Today, the Class of 2026 continued the tradition with their Senior Sunrise. It was a wonderful way to start the day and celebrate the beginning of their senior year!

In the Ceramics Studio, students are busy learning and making!

Ceramics 1 - Students kicked off the year making mini projects using all 3 handbuilding techniques: Name Stamp (Pinch method), Texture Tile (Slab method), and Clay Roller (Coil method)! These mini projects will be used for projects throughout the year. Students will use the Name Stamp to “sign” their projects, the Texture Tile to test out glaze colors, and the Clay Roller to add textural design to a tray! This introduction to clay, the additive process, studio routines, etc. works to set students up for a successful experience throughout the year.

Ceramics 2 - Students used templates and pre-formed molds to make a series of small vases and dishes to test out various surface decoration techniques! Glaze layering (vase) and melted glass (dish) are just two of the eight new techniques introduced for students to add to their collection of decoration options.

To see more amazing student work from the Art department, follow us on Instagram!

@nmrhs.2d.art (Ms. Domings)

@nmrhs.3d.art (Ms. Plante)

@nmrhsgraphics (Ms. Wiechers)

Freshman Focus (Class of 2029)

We are excited to begin our updates this year with the freshman class - Class of 2029!! In Algebra 1/Geometry, students have started the year by working with arithmetic and geometric sequences. They recently completed their first quiz and are now extending that learning by writing equations in function notation using recursive and explicit formulas. These skills not only strengthen problem-solving but also highlight real-world patterns students encounter in daily life.

Looking ahead, Algebra 1/Geometry students will move into Linear and Exponential Functions, where students will compare different types of growth and deepen their understanding of how functions model real situations.

• To help your student success, please encourage them to:
• Stay organized with their binders and daily notes
• Check Google Classroom and Aspen regularly for assignments, updates, and scores
• Take advantage of our Advisory block to get extra help
• Ask questions early and often. Being an active participant in class is key!

We are so proud of the hard work and enthusiasm our freshmen have shown already. With your support at home and their continued efforts in the classroom, we look forward to a fantastic year of growth!

NEACAC Fair dates

The New England Association for College Admission Counseling hosts college fairs throughout New England. Please check out the listing of fairs for fall 2025. Juniors and Seniors are allowed two excused absences for college visits. The fairs do count, as long as you bring in documentation of your attendance. The closest to our area are September 25th at Mount Wachusett Community College, September 28th at Worcester State University, and October 14th at Salem State University.

Post High School Options & The College Application Process

During the week of September 15th, counselors visited seniors in their ELA classes to introduce and discuss options after graduation, as well as the college application process. Early action deadlines are approaching very soon! Transcript request forms, orange coversheets, and brag sheets can be found in the bins on the wall in the Guidance waiting area. Seniors can pick up these forms anytime; no appointment necessary! Here's a link to the classroom presentation for parents/guardians to peruse and students to reference as a refresher.

College Application and Financial Aid Information Presentation

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:00pm

Join school counselors and Heather Ruland, Director of Student Financial Services at Mount Wachusett Community College, for an informational presentation on the college application process, financial aid, and FAFSA.

Freshmen Check-ins

Over the next few weeks, school counselors will be meeting with their freshmen to check-in with them and see how they are feeling about their adjustment to high school. If you have concerns about your child, please reach out to their counselor.

Students with last names beginning with A-F - Mrs. Julia Mancini (jmancini@nmrsd.org or ext. 2453)

Students with last names beginning with G-M - Ms. Beth Romano (bromano@nmrsd.org or ext. 2454)

Students with last names beginning with N-Z. - Mr. Timothy Robertson (trobertson@nmrsd.org or ext. 2452)

SAT and ACT

Students wishing to take the SAT or ACT must register for a seat at a test site on the designated administration dates. Use the links below to check out the dates and registration deadlines. NM is hosting the November 8th administration of SATs. NM does not host the ACTs, but there are some local schools that do.

College Board - SAT dates & deadline

American College Test - ACT dates & deadlines (scroll down to see dates)

The Engineering & Computer Science Dept. has begun the new year with many exciting projects. The Principles of Engineering have created paper shoes and egg grabbing devices. The game design class has created their own card game and are working on an original board game. Engineering Design students have built mini launchers and created a game using the launchers. The robotics students have finished a unit on electricity and are currently building robots to program.

Little Book of Virtues: Dr. Chappell's 11th grade English classes read excerpts from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Taking Franklin's "little book of virtues" as an inspiration, each student created an original book with descriptions and illustrations for their own values and personal goals for the year.

Book Talk Posters: Students in Advanced Placement English Language and Composition created promotional posters to accompany their summer reading choices. In keeping with the course theme of "personal journey," students presented book talks expounding on the journeys described in the memoirs and other non-fiction texts. This photo shows one group of the 43 NM students who have embarked on this year's challenging AP Lang journey.

Greek Gods/Goddesses: Students in Mrs. Maly and Ms. Lowe's 9th grade classes are learning about the Greek Gods and Goddesses in preparation for reading The Odyssey.

The Music Department had a great start to the 2025-2026 school year! The Marching band has been hard at work rehearsing their show “Queens and Divas” and they can’t wait to show it off soon.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society wrapped up their application process on September 24th, and the student leaders including President, Colin M., are excited to officially induct the new members on Thursday, October 9th @ 6pm.

The Open House on September 18th was a success. Our resident rock band, Parental Advisory with members Brady D., Oliver D., William H. and Bretton J. performed for parents in the commons.

In Ms. Archambault’s Fundamentals of Fitness classes (FOF1 and FOF2), students recently learned and are now performing the trap bar deadlift, building both strength and proper lifting technique.

In Mr. Waldron’s Personal/Group Fitness course (KC1 and KC2), seniors are taking on a more advanced exercise, the barbell front squat, which challenges balance, coordination, and overall strength. Meanwhile, in Team Sports, students are enjoying some healthy competition out on the turf while playing flag football, combining fitness with teamwork and fun.

Science classes are off to a strong start! In Anatomy and Physiology, students are practicing microscope skills, sharing observations, and collaborating on projects that bring learning to life. Meanwhile, our Medical Interventions students began practicing their micropipetting skills, an essential technique in biotechnology and medical research. Across the department, inquiry, investigation, and teamwork are already driving student learning.

Students in Social Studies classes have been off to a running start this year! Freshmen students have had a pretty smooth transition into their World History courses discussing world religions. Sophomores in US History I have been diving into the Revolutionary period, working on their first research projects of the year. Juniors have been reviewing the benefits and drawbacks of the second Industrial Revolution, gearing up for their first research projects of the year focused on Progressive reformers. We would love it if you asked your students to tell you about what they have been working on!

Our Best Buddies and the Unified Basketball team have had a great start to the new school year.

The Best Buddies program has more than 40 students participating in this year!!

Upcoming events:

10/2 - officer meeting

10/9 - chapter meeting (everyone!)

10/16 - officer meeting

10/23 - Match party (matches only)

10/30 - Halloween party (everyone!)

Out of school:

Sunday, October 5 - Apple Picking at Parlee Farms 1-2:30

(you must be signed up to attend this event)

Unified Basketball is underway with 17 participants!! The team started practicing on Tuesday, September 23.

Our game schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, October 15 (home) vs. Ayer-Shirley

Thursday, October 23 (away) vs. Groton-Dunstable

Thursday, October 30 (home) vs. Littleton ****Senior Night****

Wednesday, November 5 (away) vs Ayer-Shirley

With practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All are encouraged to come cheer on our athletes!!

Additionally, our Unified Gym class has shown incredible growth in building new and meaningful relationships with their peers. Students are working together and helping one another both on the turf and in the weight room, while also exploring new activities, such as Dance Dance Revolution. The energy and enthusiasm have been fantastic, everyone is having a blast! Most importantly, the class is providing opportunities for students to connect with people they might not normally meet, creating a fun and supportive environment for all.

Bonjour!

In French 1, Mme. Le Grand has been impressed with students' motivation and willingness to speak in French! They are participating in our daily conversational activities during which they introduce themselves and others, say their age, where they live, and today's date. Students have learned letter sounds, numbers, as well as some cultural norms. In the next few weeks, we will continue getting to know one another in French by discussing our likes and dislikes when it comes to weather, food, movies, pastimes, etc.

French 2 classes have been reviewing French 1 concepts and using their skills to read, write, and communicate verbally with each other. Students have been working hard to understand some structures of the French language through games, writing activities, and interpersonal speaking tasks. We are now getting ready to begin our unit : La Ville! Students will learn to talk about where they are going, offer directions, and discuss their plans in French.

French 3 students have been immersing themselves in the French language through reading authentic texts, discussing the start of the school year in francophone countries and other cities around the world. Students have had the opportunity to work collaboratively to understand many French infographics, summarize readings, create visuals, and give their opinions in French about numerous topics.

If your student will be tardy or absent from school, please contact NMRHS on the absence phone line at 978-597-8721 or email at hsattendance@nmrsd.org. Please make every effort to notify NMRHS of your student being tardy or absent from school.

Mrs. Julia Mancini - A - F - jmancini@nmrsd.org

Ms. Beth Romano - G - M - bromano@nmrsd.org

Mr. Tim Robertson - N - Z - trobertson@nmrsd.org

Mrs. Tiana Babin - Counseling Secretary - tbabin@nmrsd.org - 978-597-8721

Mrs. Meg Preston - mpreston@nmrsd.org

Mrs. Jamie Janda - jjanda@nmrsd.org

Health office - 978-597-8721 X2500

• Email: nmrhs@nmrsd.org
• Website: https://www.nmrsd.org/Page/9
• Location: 19 Main St. Townsend, MA 01469
• Phone: 978-597-8721
• Fax: 978-597-3180