The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
We are excited to share some truly outstanding news with you! This spring, Nashoba Robotics Team 1768 achieved remarkable success on the world stage. After winning the New England Regional Competition, the team went on to compete at the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship, where they ultimately ranked 25th in the world.
The continued success of Team 1768, combined with growing student and community interest in robotics, and the recent launch of our Information Technology Innovation Pathway, has created an exciting opportunity to expand robotics programming across our district.
Beginning in the Fall of 2026, we are proud to officially launch a Nashoba 1768 Middle School Robotics Team at each of our middle schools in collaboration with our NRHS Team 1768. These teams will compete through FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the same internationally recognized organization our NRHS team currently competes in.
This new pilot program will provide students with earlier access to hands-on learning experiences in engineering, programming, problem-solving, and teamwork, while creating an opportunity to strengthen the connection between our extracurricular offerings and our academic pathways.
Next week, we’ll begin collecting interest from our elementary and middle school families. Please keep an eye out for an interest form that will be sent from your school. Team 1768 will use this to help with their planning for next year.
We’re incredibly excited about the future of robotics at Nashoba and look forward to watching our students continue to grow, compete, and succeed on local, state, national, and global levels!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Hale's Sixth Grade Students Explore Innovation and Inventions Through Shark Tank Challenge
Following their unit on countries and civilizations in sub-Saharan Africa, Hale students in Mrs. LaPointe’s sixth grade Social Studies class extended their learning through a creative, cross-curricular “Shark Tank”-style project.
Students began by studying the geography and history of their assigned civilization before exploring the social structures, occupations, daily lives, economies, governments, laws, and religions that shaped these societies. As the unit progressed, students examined important inventions and achievements from the region, identifying how these innovations worked, how they benefited people, and why communities would value them. Through this process, students also learned about different types of businesses and how products are developed, marketed, and brought to consumers.
Working in small groups, students researched real inventions developed in sub-Saharan African countries and created business pitches designed to bring these innovative solutions to the global market.
Each group member took on a specialized role. Team leaders introduced the company, highlighted product details, and led the investment proposal using informational posters. Inventors designed diagrams, models, or prototypes inspired by the original invention. Advertising executives planned and produced storyboards and commercials, while marketing gurus created brochures featuring logos, slogans, target audiences, and key selling points.
During the final presentations, volunteer “sharks” asked thoughtful questions as students showcased their business plans, prototypes, and marketing materials. By the end of the event, every group earned an investment!
Great Road Musical Festival Hosts Successful Third Year; 10 Gold Medals Awarded
Last Friday, the Nashoba Regional Music Department hosted the 3rd annual Great Road Music Festival in the NRHS Auditorium. This year's festival showcased 12 ensembles from across the district with students in grades 5 through 12 performing, and saw over130 parents/caregivers and community member attendees. The festival was adjudicated by Mr. Dan Lutz, Dr. Lindsay Pope, Mr. Dave Daquil, and Mr. James Verdone.
Each ensemble performed their pieces, received comments from the judge, and took part in a judge led clinic. Ensembles received scores based on the following musical components: Tone/Intonation, Rhythmic Precision/Tempo, Balance/Blend/Dynamics, Technique/Articulation, and Expression/Phrasing, Musicianship/Programming. Ensembles were able to earn up to 20 points in each category.
Throughout the day, there were a total of 10 Gold Medals awarded! Following their hardwork, our students in LBMS, FSS, and Hale were able to enjoy a well deserved celebration at 6 Flags.
Congratulations to all of our music students and music faculty throughout the district for their high level performances, their musicianship, dedication to music making, and for continuing to prove why Nashoba has been awarded a NAAM Best Community for Education for the 3rd year in a row!
Nashoba Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Programs for 2026-2027 School Year
The 2026/2027 Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Application was available to families throughout January. At this time, all programs with the exception of Lancaster's Half-Day Afternoon class are full. If you are interested in being added to Nashoba's Pre-Kindergarten waitlist, or in the Half-Day Afternoon class available in Lancaster, please use the button below.
If you are opting to be added to the waitlist, you will be notified if the selected program becomes available.If you have questions, please contact the Student Services Office at 978-779-0539 3023.
The Extended Learning Program is Hiring!
Join the Extended Learning Team! Whether you're a high school student looking to build their resume, or an adult looking to share their interests and time with the students of our district, there's a place for you!
The program is looking for Extended Learning Aides, and has part time positions available in Bolton, Stow, and Lancaster. To learn more about the hours and to apply click here. If you have questions, please reach out to the Extended Learning Program Coordinator, Michael Ellam (mellam@nrsd.net).
This section will be regularly updated with upcoming meeting dates, links, and the recording of the latest School Committee meeting.
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th, at 6:30pm, and will take place in-person in the Superintendent's Conference Room. You can learn more about the items being discussed on the School Committee Planning Calendar. To watch the meeting live, click here.
The most recent School Committee meeting took place on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026. A full video of the meeting is available here. The full May 27 meeting agenda and materials are available. Agenda items included:
- Executive Session
- Public Comments
- Consent Agenda (Vote): Draft Meeting Minutes May 13, 2026; Warrants for May 22, 2026; Appoint Treasurer for FY27; NRHS Student Handbook SY26-27; FY26 April Operating Budget Report; Policy Second Reading (POLICY ECAB – ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, POLICY JJE – STUDENT FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES, POLICY KI – VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS, POLICY JKAA - PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION OF STUDENTS, Removal of JKAA-R from Policy Manual)
- School Committee Chair Update
- Superintendent's Report: School Choice Update and Request for Vote to increase 9th grade seats; Use of Social Media Update; Assabet Valley Update #4 - FY27 Budget; Update of Food Services Contract; Assistant Principal Hiring Update (Center School); MASS and MASC position statements on DESE Graduation Requirements
- New Business: Educator Evaluation Presentation for approval; SEPAC Presentation; DEARJ Presentation; School Improvement Plan Wrap Up
- Unfinished Business: School committee Goal Reflection; Superintendent Summative Evaluation (Vote); School Choice Change (Vote)
- Subcommittee Report Outs
- Items for Next Agenda
Open for the 2025/2026 School Year!
Celebrating everyday greatness! Is there a Nashoba teacher or staff member out there who you think deserves some special recognition? Send a Nashoba Notable Award their way! Fill out the form below and thank a Nashoba employee today!
Nashoba Notable Awards thank Nashoba employees for supporting students, families, and their school communities in all ways great and small.
Employees will receive a certificate that includes a brief explanation from the nominator of why they are Nashoba Notable. This form is open to everyone. Students, families, staff and community members can send a Nashoba Notable Award to any Nashoba employee. There is no limit to the number of Nashoba Notable Awards someone may receive. Thank a Nashoba employee today!
