The Common

Hello Nashoba!

Earlier this week, students from our Transitions and High School PACE Programs attended a financial literacy course at Workers Credit Union in Lancaster. The monthly course covers practical topics ranging from banking basics to how to spot scams. This week's class caught the attention of Boston 25, who stopped by to cover it as part of their 50 Years of Special Education feature. You can click here to watch it!

The Transitions and PACE Programs are part of our district’s special education programming, and part of what they do is give students a chance to learn and grow through hands-on experiences in the community. Whether they’re budgeting, grocery shopping, learning to travel safely, or participating in Community Fridays, each activity helps students strengthen everyday life skills while building independence. Stories like this remind us how powerful community connections can be, and how much we benefit when we support and learn from one another.

With that in mind, we would like to share an important update. As of writing, SNAP benefits will not be issued for November 2025 due to the federal government shutdown. We want to reassure our families that free breakfast and lunch will continue to be available to all students at each of our schools. These meals will not be affected by the shutdown. Outside of our cafeterias, DESE has also provided Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline as a resource. Through the hotline, counselors are available in 180 languages to help connect families with programs such as WIC and local food pantries.

If your family needs support, or you want to help others in need, please also see our list of local resources compiled by our Department of Health and Wellness. These include organizations that provide food assistance, holiday gift aid, general resources, and utilities support. Our community has a strong network of partners ready to help ensure that no family goes without essential resources.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

During the week of December 1, 2025, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Nashoba Regional School District. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.

In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.

For additional information please see our full press release, DESE Office of Language Acquisition Conducting Tiered Focused Monitoring Review.

Thank you to those who were able to attend our latest session of Family University. For those who were unable to attend but would like to learn more about Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics, the new math curriculum for grades 6-8 and Algebra 1, you can click here. You can also access the information through the slides here. We hope you find the information helpful.

What is NRSD SEPAC?

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 Does This By:

• Listening to families, our students and caregivers

• Participating in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district's special education programs

• Advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities

• Providing family-to-family support and networking

• Hosting presentations

• Making recommendations for professional development

Why explore SEPAC? 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.

For additional opportunities and events offered by MassPAC check out their All-Access October Calendar below.

The Early Childhood Department invites you to attend the upcoming Infant and Caregiver Group guest speaker event. The event will feature Sarah Childers-Rossi, owner and founder of Sarah's Sweet Slumber, and will be hosted at Thayer Memorial Library in Lancaster, on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, 10:00am. Register by clicking here!

This opportunity is offered through the Nashoba Community Partnership for Children Funds which are provided by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program.

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) offers families free access to the Parenting Solutions Library, created in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions.

This online library includes short, expert-led video trainings focused on helping parents build positive relationships and support their children’s success at home and school.

The resources are available to all families, and no logins or passcodes are required. The library can be accessed directly through the MPY website. The library is also available in Spanish.

Get ready for an enchanting evening of magic, mischief, and mayhem! Nashoba Drama is excited to bring Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the stage this November. Don’t miss your chance to see this timeless classic performed by our talented cast. The show will run Friday, November 21st at 7:00pm, Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00pm, and Sunday, November 23rd at 2:00pm.

Bolton Roundabout Project

November 3rd - November 18th, 2025

Bolton, Across from NRHS

Construction on the center circle of the roundabout is scheduled to begin Monday, November 3rd and is expected to continue through Tuesday, November 18th. Please plan for possible traffic delays, staff and student drivers should allow extra time for travel and use caution when entering and exiting the high school campus. At this time we do not anticipate any adjustments to bus routes.

Forbush Mill Road

October 20th - November 21st, 2025

Bolton, Forbush Mill Road

On Monday, October 20th, Forbush Mill Road in Bolton closed to through traffic to allow for the replacement of the culvert near the Transfer Station driveway. The project is expected to continue through approximately November 21st, 2025.

During the closure:

• From Still River Road (Route 110/Forbush Soccer Field): The road will remain open only up to the Transfer Station.
• From Main Street (Route 117): The roadway will be open only to #40 Forbush Mill Road.

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!

Last Friday NRHS Seniors bundled up to gather on the football field in their pajamas for the Senior Sunrise!

Center School fifth grade students had a blast at Outdoor Classroom!

Whitsons partnered with Carver Hill Orchard, a family-run farm, to host a tasting event at Hale Middle School this week. Students sampled a squash and apple bake before casting their vote. They had three options: I Liked It, I Loved It, and Not For Me.

Last week, MRE students had their second Heart-of-a-Husky assembly. The assembly concluded with three lucky student winners who had the opportunity to "pie" a staff member. Fun was had by all!

The NRHS Choir Concert on Wednesday featured performances from the Concert Choir, Unified Music, The Tone Wolves, the Chamber Choir, and the Treble Coir. It was a great performance!

FSS sixth graders learned about and played the Royal Game of Ur, the World's oldest board game!