The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Twenty-five years ago, I was driving to work as a fifth-grade teacher in Aurora, Colorado, in the Cherry Creek School District, when news came over the radio that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Soon after, the second World Trade Center tower was struck, followed by the Pentagon. Finally, we learned of a fourth plane that crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania; an act of complete selflessness by passengers who overwhelmed the terrorists to prevent the plane from hitting the United States Capitol.
That day, our country and the world changed instantly.
In the days, months, and years since that terrible morning, we have witnessed the heroic lengths to which so many went to save others. First responders ran toward danger, many sacrificing their lives in the process. Our fortitude as a nation was tested, yet we came together to support one another and comfort those who lost loved ones.
Today, parents who were students themselves on that fateful day now send their own children to school, entrusting us with their care and education. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly. While our daily mission is to teach academics, it is equally important that we teach our students to show reverence and respect for the brave individuals who gave their lives to save others, as well as all who fell victim to terror that day.
That is why at 8:46 a.m. today, our schools joined the nation in a moment of silence to honor those who perished. Let us continue to keep the memory of that day alive, protecting the common values and human compassion that make our community so special.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Nashoba Awarded $289,875 of PRISM I Continuation Funding
We are excited to share that Nashoba Regional School District has been awarded $289,875 in the Partnership for Reading Success - Massachusetts (PRISM I) continuation funding to build on our ongoing work to strengthen early literacy instruction and expand high-quality, evidence-based reading practices across our schools.
Nashoba was originally selected in early 2025 as one of just 15 districts in Massachusetts to receive a PRISM I grant. Since then, Nashoba has been chosen as one of four districts statewide to serve as a PRISM I Focus District, an honor reflecting Nashoba's hard work and commitment to evidence-based early literacy practices. This highly competitive multi-year grant is intended to provide substantial funding and intensive support for up to five years, advancing DESE's Educational Vision by supporting districts in their efforts to develop, implement, strengthen, and sustain an evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining multi-tiered system of support for literacy in preK through grade 3, and to reduce reading achievement disparities by race, language status, and disability status.
This year marks year three of the five-year grant, and as a Focus District, Nashoba continues to participate in evaluation activities, including classroom observations, educator knowledge inventories, and interviews and focus groups.
This latest continuation funding will allow us to build on that progress and continue investing in effective literacy practices that support students as they develop strong foundational reading skills.
To learn more about our work, check out our news article from last spring, "Senator Cronin, Senator Kennedy, and Representative Kilcoyne Visits MRE and FSS to See PRISM I Early Literacy in Action."
Welcome to Nashoba's New ELA and Social Studies Curriculum Director
Nashoba is pleased to welcome a new member to its Teaching and Learning Department, Ms. Lindsay Frigo. Ms. Frigo previously served as Nashoba’s Director-level partner from TNTP through our DESE-supported PRISM work, and many of our faculty and staff have already experienced her thoughtful, knowledgeable partnership firsthand. We are thrilled that the relationship we have built with her through that work will now continue in a permanent, embedded way, a wonderful outcome for our students and staff.
Beyond her direct experience with Nashoba, Ms. Frigo brings more than fifteen years in education as a teacher, instructional leader, and district-level partner. At TNTP, she led partnerships with schools, districts, and state departments of education across multiple states, focusing on teacher and leader development, curriculum implementation, early literacy, and data-informed instructional coaching. Earlier in her career, she served as Principal/Director at Montclair State University's Ben Samuels Children's Center, leading daily school operations, and before that as an Assistant Principal and elementary teacher, where she was recognized for driving some of the strongest student growth results in her network. Ms. Frigo holds a B.S. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, an M.S.T. in Childhood Education from Pace University, and an M.Ed. in School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Welcome to our New Student Services Administrators!
Nashoba Community Partnership, FREE Weekly Playgroups
Registration is open for free weekly playgroups for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. For more information on playgroup time, locations, and dates, please click the button below. The playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care's CFCE grant and are designed to support young children in our communities by providing fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Space is limited.
Nashoba Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Programs for 2026-2027 School Year
The Nashoba Pre-Kindergarten Program has limited spots available for the current school year. If you are interested in being added to Nashoba's Pre-Kindergarten waitlist, 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.
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, 2026 Vaccine Clinic Schedule
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has released their 2026 Vaccine Clinic Schedule. Vaccines offered include Flu, COVID, and RSV. Vaccines will be available for ages 6 months and up. The registration processes are different this year depending on the pharmacy administering the clinic. Please see the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health website for specifics.
Upcoming clinics in our community include:
- Bolton: Nashoba Regional High School, Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Lancaster: Thayer Memorial Library, Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Stow: Pompo Community Center, Saturday, October 24, 2026
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, at 6:30pm, and will take place virtually. 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, September 9, 2026. The 9/9 School Committee Meeting Recording and the 9/9 School Committee Meeting Materials are available.
Open for the 2026/2027 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!
