The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

As we break for the February vacation, I want to wish you a happy and restful vacation week, whether you travel to far away places, head to the slopes of New England, or just settle into your communities for the week.

Before we break, I encourage you to take a moment to scroll through The Common and see some of the exciting things happening in our district. We look forward to seeing all of our students again on Monday, February 23rd.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

The federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires districts to annually distribute district and school report cards to the parents and guardians of all children enrolled in district schools. Since 2007, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has prepared district and school report cards and made them available through DESE’s School and District Profiles website. Much like a student report card, school and district report cards provide a snapshot of performance across several areas and support reflection on strengths and areas for growth.

School and district report cards include information in areas that families and communities across the state have identified as important, including: Student Enrollment and Teacher Information, Student Attendance and Discipline, Academic Opportunities, College and Career Readiness, MCAS Performance, School Spending, and Accountability Information.

DESE releases electronic district and school report cards in late January to school districts. By the end of February, schools distribute electronic copies of their school report cards to families and provide hard copies to families who request them. For our Title I schools, families also receive information about their right to request information about the qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher. At this time, the district and all school report cards have been posted on our district website.

Families may also find DESE’s 5 Quick Facts and Report Card Glossary helpful as a brief guide to understanding the report cards.

The Innovation Pathways application deadline is March 1, 2026. We want to ensure that all interested students and families have the opportunity to explore their options and learn more about what each pathway offers.

NRHS offers three Innovation Pathways: Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing, Business and Finance, and Information Technology. Each pathway provides students with meaningful coursework and real-world learning experiences designed to prepare them for college and career opportunities.

We encourage families to review the 2026/2027 Program of Studies, where we have updated the Innovation Pathways section to include a full outline of program requirements, course selections, and even sample schedules to help students plan their four-year experience. Additional information about this year’s offerings, experiences, and opportunities can also be found on our Innovation Pathways website.

If you have any questions about the application process or the program, please contact Innovation Pathways Coordinator, Bridget Hannigan (bhannigan@nrsd.net).

The Nashoba Community Partnership for Children is now accepting registrations for FREE weekly playgroups for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers. Playgroups will be held in Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow from January to June 2026. For more information on the Playgroup times, dates, and locations as well as the registration, click here, or on the button below.

These playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care’s CFCE grant and are designed to support young families in our communities with fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Spaces are limited!

The NRSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is an all volunteer group with a mission to support students and their families by providing education and information on special education issues and services. Through their efforts, the organization aims to promote a better understanding of, respect for, and support of special education in the community. The Nashoba SEPAC works closely with the Nashoba Regional School District administration and School Committee to ensure that students' needs are being met in accordance with applicable laws.

SEPAC welcomes everyone. We strive to build a community of support for those on the special education journey. Get in touch by emailing SEPACchairs@nrsd.net. Each town has parent liaisons whose contact information names can be found on the district website.

The district wants to reassure families that free breakfast and lunch will continue to be available to all students at every school, and these meals will not be affected by the shutdown.

In addition to school meals, families can access support through Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline, provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Hotline counselors are available in 180 languages to connect families with programs such as WIC and local food pantries.

The district’s Department of Health and Wellness has also compiled a list of local resources for families who need assistance or want to help others in the community. These resources include food assistance programs, holiday gift aid, general support services, and utilities help. The community has a strong network of partners dedicated to ensuring that no family goes without essential resources.

Nashoba Drama is excited to present Big Fish as their spring musical this March. Based on Daniel Wallace's book and the Columbia Pictures screenplay written by John August, the musical follows a son trying to distinguish fact from fantasy in his father's larger than life tales.

Shows will run Friday 3/13 at 7:00pm, Saturday 3/14 at 7:00pm, and Sunday 3/15 at 2:00pm. Click the button below to grab your tickets now!

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!

The NRSD Jazz Program hosted their annual Nashoba Jazz Night this week. The concert featured jazz bands from across the district, ranging from elementary to high school performers. The evening concluded with an NRSD District Jazz Ensemble performance of 2nd Line, a New Orleans Traditional jazz piece arranged by our own Nashoba Music Educators.

MRE Kindergartners celebrated the 100th day of school at stations filled with fun 100-themed activities!

FSS Student Leaders and Counselor Stephanie Williams and Dean of Students Mark Schulze presented the "We Fly Further Together Pledge" to students in grades 6, 7 and 8! The eagle's wings are made up of over 500 feathers, each one with a signature from a student or adult committed to this important work.

45 NRHS students participated in a trip to Montreal! The trip aimed to give students a cultural experience beyond the classroom walls and a chance to exchange with native French speakers in an authentic context while learning about North American explorers, pastimes, and history.

Bryce Williams, the lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, worked with the MRE third graders to connect on all things weather!