The Weekly Update #4
July 28th, 2026
September 2026 Newsletter
A Great Start to the 2026–2027 School Year!
NM Families,
The 2026–2027 school year is off to an excellent start! We kicked things off on Wednesday, August 26, with the return of familiar faces and the warm welcome of many new ones at NMRHS. We began the week in Advisory, where students reviewed their schedules, went over school expectations, and had time to get settled into their lockers and new routines. Students then participated in grade-level class meetings to review expectations for the year and learn more about our new cell phone policy.
So far, students have done an outstanding job with the new policy of keeping cell phones and headphones put away from 7:15 a.m. to 1:54 p.m. Students have been keeping their phones in their lockers, and we appreciate their cooperation and willingness to embrace this change. By Friday, students seemed much more at ease with their classes, routines, lockers, and lunches, and it was wonderful to see the building begin to settle into its normal rhythm.
We wrapped up the first week with a celebration of Patriot Pride! On Friday, August 28, students and faculty enjoyed a BBQ lunch followed by an afternoon of activities, music, and food outside. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with friends, meet new people, and spend time with faculty while showing their NM school spirit. The event was a huge success and a perfect way to end our first week together!
As we continue into the new school year, I also want to remind families about morning drop-off. If you are driving your student to school rather than having them take the bus, please plan to drop them off after 7:00 a.m. Our buses begin disembarking at 7:00 a.m. and move through the drop-off area quickly. By waiting until after 7:00 a.m., you will be able to drop your student off in the front circle and then exit the school complex. If you arrive earlier, you will need to wait until the buses have finished dropping off our students. Please also remember that the parking spaces are reserved for our student drivers, so we ask that families not park in those spaces during arrival.
Thank you for helping us make the start of each school day safe and efficient. We are incredibly proud of how our students have started the year and are excited about all that is ahead. It is already shaping up to be a great year at NMRHS! Go Patriots!
Sincerely,
Laurie Smith, Principal
Aspen update
It is extremely important to update your student's information in Aspen so we have the most up to date information. Aspen Family and Student Portal
If you have not done so recently, Family portal passwords will need to be updated the next time you log in. If possible, we suggest using a full computer, not a phone or a tablet, to ensure that the prompt to update your password will work.
While logged into Aspen, please fill out the Annual Student Update on the Pages tab to ensure district has accurate current contact and medical information for your students. Directions are at nmrsd.org/contactupdate.
To log into Aspen:
- If you do not currently have an Aspen Family Portal account, please fill out the application at nmrsd.org/familyportal.
- If you have an Aspen Family Portal account, your login ID is your email address and you can use the "I forgot my password" link on the login page if needed. If the "I forgot my password" link does not work for you for any reason, email aspen@nmrsd.org for further assistance.
- Grade 5 through 12 students can access their own Aspen accounts by clicking on the Log In with Another Provider button on the login screen and log in using their district Google account.
Important Dates to Remember:
* Wednesday, September 2nd - Student (ID) Photos / Grades 9-12 (7:15 - 10:30am)
* Friday, September 4th - No School - Labor Day Recess
* Monday, September 7th - No School - Labor Day Recess
* Thursday, September 17th - Fall Open House - 6-8pm
School Improvement Council
Parent/Community Volunteers Needed
We are looking for two parent volunteers and one community volunteer 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.
The School Improvement Council meetings will be 2-2:45 pm on the following dates -
10/21/26
11/18/26
12/16/26
3/17/27
4/14/27
5/12/27
If you are interested in serving as one of the parent volunteers —or know of a community member who may be interested—please email Veronica Rodriguez at vrodriguez@nmrsd.org.
Art Department Update
A note from Anissa Plante - Department Chair
The Art Department welcomes everyone back to school! We are looking forward to a great year of creative ideas and artwork, and encourage you to follow along to see in-progress and completed art on our Instagram accounts.
Ms. Domings teaches Foundations of Art and Drawing & Painting 1, 2, 3. Her email is vdomings@nmrsd.org.
Ms. Plante teaches Ceramics 1, 2, 3. Her email is aplante@nmrsd.org.
Ms. Wiechers teaches Foundations of Graphic Design and Graphic Design 1,2 and Photography. Her email is lwiechers@nmrsd.org.
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)
Counseling Department Update
A note from Tim Robertson - Department Chair
Add/Drop Deadline for Schedule Changes
The add/drop deadline for schedule changes is Thursday, September 3, 2026. Students who need to request a schedule change must sign up in the Guidance Office and place their name on the appropriate school counselor’s clipboard.
Seniors
School counselors will be meeting with seniors in classrooms soon to go over the college application process. School counselors want to make sure that seniors are aware of application deadlines and timelines, have registered for Naviance, and finalized their college lists.
Juniors and Sophomores
Counselors will meet with sophomores and juniors to support college and career readiness and post-high school planning. Students will explore college, career, and other post-secondary opportunities while using Naviance to help plan for their future. Juniors will participate in classroom guidance sessions at the beginning of second semester, and students who would like to meet with their counselor before their scheduled meeting can request an appointment by completing an appointment request slip in the counseling waiting area.
Freshmen
Over the next few weeks, school counselors will be scheduling individual check-ins with freshmen. This provides an opportunity for students to meet their counselors and for counselors to get to know students on their caseloads. School counselors also want to make sure that freshmen are having a successful transition to high school. Students in the Class of 2030, please make sure to check your Google Calendar and/or your E-pass dashboard for your scheduled appointment days and times.
College Application Information & FAFSA
Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6:00pm
During this evening event, school counselors will go over finalizing the college list and the admissions process for applying to schools, as well as discuss application timelines, requesting teacher recommendations, testing requirements, exploring Naviance, and more.
College Rep Visits at NMRHS
Many college representatives visit NMRHS to meet prospective students and create interest in their school. College representatives typically meet with students in small groups to discuss topics such as academics, campus life, financial aid, and admission procedures. They may also share information about tuition and fees. Students can register for college rep visits by logging into their Naviance accounts and going under the College tab. Below is a list of upcoming college rep visits scheduled for September. In addition, many colleges are holding Open House events throughout the early fall. Check the college board in the counseling waiting area and/or consult college websites for specific details.
9/21/2026 University of Connecticut 8:00 AM
9/21/2026 Salem State University 10:00 AM
9/21/2026 Assumption University 10:30 AM
9/22/2026 Worcester Polytechnic Institute 10:00 AM
9/22/2026 Mount Wachusett Community College 10:30 AM
9/22/2026 Plymouth State University 11:00 AM
9/23/2026 Lesley University 8:00 AM
9/24/2026 Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts 9:30 AM
9/25/2026 Johnson & Wales University, Providence 8:00 AM
9/25/2026 College of the Holy Cross 8:30 AM
9/28/2026 Carleton College (MN) 9:00 AM
9/28/2026 Worcester State University 10:30 AM
9/28/2026 High Point University 12:30 PM
9/29/2026 Union College 8:00 AM
9/29/2026 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 11:00 AM
9/29/2026 Saint Anselm College 12:30 PM
9/30/2026 University of Massachusetts Lowell 10:00 AM
9/30/2026 Wentworth Institute of Technology 12:30 PM
9/30/2026 Husson University 1:00 PM
Engineering Department Update
A note from Jim Landry - Department Chair
Welcome back from the Engineering and Computer Science Dept. Again this year Mr. Dellasanta
will be teaching Engineering Concepts and Engineering Design, while Mr. Landry will be teaching
Civil Engineering & Architecture, Drafting, Robotics, Electronic Applications, Game Design, our
new course Principles of AI.
We are pleased to announce the addition of an xTool Laser Engraver/Cutter to the department. Thisnew tool will further the engineering and manufacturing experiences for students in the department.
English Department Update
A note from Katie Maly - Department Chair
Welcome to the English Department!
We are delighted to welcome you to a community that values the power of language, literature, and critical thinking. We as the English department are here to explore classic and modern works, sharpen writing skills, and engage in thoughtful discussions. The English Department is a place where your child’s voice matters and their ideas can thrive.
Our dedicated English faculty are here to support your child’s journey as a reader, writer, and thinker. We encourage them to take full advantage of the resources, opportunities, and inspiration available to them this year. Let this be a safe space where creativity flourishes and curiosity leads the way.
Welcome to NM — we’re excited to learn and grow with you!
Math & Business Department Update
A note from Paul Thompson - Department Chair
Welcome back to a new school year! Our teachers are each teaching a variety of courses and are excited to get started this year.
Ms. Anderson, returning to the high school for a second year, is teaching Algebra 1/Geometry, Algebra 2/Geometry and Business Management.
Ms. Bettencourt is excited to have her AP Calculus classes again this year. and is teaching Pre-Calculus and Algebra 1/Geometry.
Mr. Burson is working hard to get our seniors across the finishing line with his Probability and Statistics classes. He is also teaching Accounting and Algebra 1/Geometry.
Mrs. Pratt is teaching most of our Personal Finance classes as well as Algebra 2/Geometry and Probability and Statistics.
Mr. Savage, back for his second year at NM, is working with our Sophomores getting them ready for MCAS in May. he is also teaching Business Management and Algebra 1/Geometry.
Mr. Thompson, taking the reins as department head, is teaching Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, and a brand new elective Mind Games, that will be discussed in a future update.
Ms. Tomaszewski has been working hard to bring AP Business with Personal Finance to the students at NM for the first time. All the students taking it seem excited to explore this brand new class. She is also teaching Business ethics and Accounting for this year.
Mr. White has his Calculus and Pre-Calculus classes, but is also teaching Algebra 1/Geometry classes this year.
We look forward to meeting you on September 17th for Open House!
Music Department Update
A note from Katie Simko - Department Chair
The Music Department is very excited to start the 2026-2026 school year! The NM Marching Band had a successful week of band camp. The staff and students all enjoyed it thoroughly. They are making great progress on their show and look forward to showing it to the NM community in the near future. Mrs. Simko and Mr. Souza are very excited to see all of our students and start another amazing year!
Science Department Update
A note from Christy Kervin - Department Chair
Welcome Back from the Science Department!
We’re excited to welcome our students back for another year of curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning! Across our science courses, students will have opportunities to investigate the world around them through biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, biomedical science, and more.
Our classrooms will be places where students ask questions, design investigations, analyze evidence, solve problems, and connect science to real-world challenges. Whether students are studying the forces that shape our physical world, exploring living systems, investigating chemical reactions, examining environmental issues, or applying science to biomedical and health-related questions, our goal is to help every student see themselves as a scientist and develop the skills to think critically about the world around them.
We’re looking forward to another year of learning, discovery, collaboration, and maybe a few exciting surprises along the way. Welcome back, and let’s have a great year of science!
Social Studies Department Update
A note from Becky Jackson - Department Chair
The Social Studies department is pleased to announce our newest member Robert Hale who will be joining both our department as well as the English department. Mr. Hale comes to us with a broad teaching experience and we are lucky to have him! A native of New Hampshire, Mr. Hale has been teaching in public schools for twenty-five years. An inveterate lover of science fiction and fantasy, he writes fiction and plays nearly every table-top board game under the sun when not looking for roads to ride down or ice on which to skate. He’s quite happy to be away from Boston traffic and closer to care for his family, and looking forward to joining the team at NMRHS!
Special Education Department Update
A note from Becky Berry - Department Chair
Members of the Special Education Department -
Special Education Staff
Teachers/ Liaisons-
Paraprofessionals -
Timothy Burson
Lyn Giancotti
Emily Holmes
Denise Muth
Joe Pomales
Betty Pratt
Natalie Lopez
Roger Rapoza
Gabbie Verano
Lisa Driscoll School Psychologist
Brooke Chamberland Adjustment Counselor
Rebecca Berry -Department Head
Mike Jarvis - Evaluation Team Leader
World Language Department Update
A note from Mike Chew - Department Chair
The World Languages department is excited to be back for another year of expanding students’ cultural horizons and broadening their views through language. There have been a couple of changes in the department this year. With the retirement of Sra. Logiudice, we welcome aboard Sra. Nohemi Vanegas, who will be covering levels 1, 2, and 3 of Spanish.. Monsieur Kauppi returns, moving from long-term sub in French to full-time teacher status. We are thrilled to welcome them both to the department!
In the introductory levels of both French and Spanish, students will learn basic communicative skills in the areas of self, family, school, and sports, to name a few. They will develop their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills, with the focus on being able to communicate, while engaging with authentic materials from the target language culture. The intermediate levels (French 2/Spanish 2) will continue to develop those skills, branching into the areas of the house and travel, as well as reading novels in the target language.
One of the highlights of the year in Spanish 3 over the last several years has been the springtime field trip to Margaritas, where students will get a tour of the restaurant and all of the handmade artisan work that decorates it, get a hands-on demonstration of making guacamole and salsa fresca, and enjoy a taco bar. We are hoping to be able to continue this popular experience, which students will then be able to fold into their cooking videos to wrap up the food unit.
We look forward to “traveling the world” with our students this year! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of your student’s teachers directly:
Michael Chew (Spanish 1, 2 Acc, 3 Acc)
Nohemi Vanega (Spanish 1, 2 CP, 3 CP)
Ofelin Tortorelli (Spanish 1, 2 Acc, 4)
Justin Kauppi (French 1, 2 CP/Acc, 3)
To report your students tardy or absence -
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.
The expectation is that all students are here for the full day of classes 7:15 - 1:54pm.
Counseling Department -
Mr. George Kazarian - A - G - gkazarian@nmrsd.org
Ms. Marissa Beise - H - M - mbeise@nmrsd.org
Mr. Tim Robertson - N - Z - trobertson@nmrsd.org - Counseling Department Chair
Mrs. Tiana Babin - Counseling Secretary - tbabin@nmrsd.org - 978-597-8721
Health Office -
Mrs. Meg Preston - mpreston@nmrsd.org
Mrs. Jamie Janda - jjanda@nmrsd.org
Health Office - 978-597-8721 X2500