The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible hard work and dedication of our teachers. Each day, our educators prioritize the growth, development, and education of our children - our future.
Teachers are not just instructors, they are mentors and role models. Each day they help students build essential life skills such as communication, creativity, empathy, perseverance, and the pursuit of being culturally competent global citizens. They encourage a growth mindset, and empower students to not only succeed academically but to thrive as confident, compassionate individuals who are prepared to engage with the world after graduation.
To all of our teachers in the district - thank you. Your passion, your dedication, and your unceasing support for our students are deeply appreciated. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a remarkable group of educators.
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I would also like to take a moment to recognize the many other dedicated professionals who help shape and support our school community. This season brings with it several special days of recognition -- from National School Nurse Day and School Lunch Hero Day to National After School Professionals Appreciation Week, National School Bus Driver Day, and National School Principals Day. Each of these roles also plays a vital part in the daily life of our students, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment. I also want to acknowledge and thank all the other members of our school community whose contributions may not fall on a specific recognition day but are no less essential to the success of our students and school community.
Finally, I would like to remind our community about the upcoming Beam Signing for the new Nashoba Regional High School. This event will take place on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and is an exciting opportunity for former students, district staff, and community members to come together and sign one of the final beams to be placed in the building. We hope to see you there!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Nashoba and French Exchange Students Reunite in Elbeuf, Normandy
Nineteen adventurous students from Nashoba Regional High School, six sophomores, six juniors, and seven seniors, recently returned from an exciting 10-day exchange trip to Elbeuf, Normandy, accompanied by chaperones Mme Hermans, Mr. Miller, and Sra. Davis.
The group received a warm welcome upon arrival at Lycée André Maurois, where host families and students greeted them with balloons, signs, and a lot of enthusiasm. Each Nashoba student was paired with a French host family, many of which had visited Nashoba during the fall (read more about their trip here!). What followed was a week of full cultural immersion. Nashoba students attended the local high school, visited the surrounding area, and partook in the daily life of their host family.
The school and high school principal hosted a a café and croissant breakfast and a formal welcome reception at city hall was led by the mayor of Elbeuf. Later in the week, host families and teachers organized a festive potluck and open mic night, where students from both schools performed together. Highlights included guitar jam sessions, spirited vocals (including a rendition of Nirvana), and a standout performance by Nashoba’s a cappella group.
Students and teachers from NRHS joined their French hosts on a memorable field trip exploring centuries of history. Highlights included visits to the Bayeux Tapestry, the D-Day landings, and the American Soldiers Cemetery, offering powerful insights into both local and shared heritage.
A major highlight of the trip was a collaborative concert that traced the story of the D-Day landings and celebrated the ongoing fight for human rights and the Freedom Prize. Students from both schools rehearsed together, and the performance was truly moving. Eric Miller, NRHS Music and Choral teacher, conducted "J'entends le moulin" and accompanied the grand finale, "People Help the People," on piano. Nashoba students took on speaking roles and sang alongside their French host siblings, making the performance a meaningful cultural exchange.
Throughout the trip, students stayed connected with their own families by acting as trip journalists and took turns sharing photos and writing daily summaries for a parent-student WhatsApp group!
Upcoming Event: Nurturing Self-Regulation Skills in Young Children
Free Virtual Parent Education Presentation
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 8:00 - 9:00 PM
Presented by: Jennifer T. Gillette, MA, Child Development/Behavior & Parenting Specialist
Jennifer is the founding director of The Loved Child (TLC) and brings nearly 28 years of experience supporting the growth and well-being of parents and their children. With a strong clinical foundation in Developmental Pediatrics, she has worked at some of Boston’s most esteemed institutions, including Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Throughout her career, Jennifer has provided guidance to countless families and collaborated extensively with professionals in developmental and behavioral child health, offering training, consultation, and support. Her dedication to research includes managing studies on children’s temperament styles at both the Brazelton Institute at Children’s Hospital and the Psychology Department at Harvard University. Jennifer has also contributed to the Healthy Steps for Young Children program—an influential initiative developed through Johns Hopkins University, The Boston Foundation, and Partners HealthCare. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is deeply connected to her community and takes great joy in being the proud mother of three college-aged sons.
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
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 connected
Get in touch on Facebook or by emailing: SEPACchairs@nrsd.net
Each town has parent liaisons whose contact information names can be found on the district website at: https://www.nrsd.net/page/sepac-special-education-parent-advisory-council
Spring is Here – So Are Ticks and Mosquitoes! Staying Safe This Tick and Mosquito Season
Prevent Tick Bites
- Use EPA tick repellent
- Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when walking in the woods or grassy areas
- Stay on cleared trails
- Check yourself, gear, and pets for ticks before getting into your car or home
Check for These Common Tick Bite Symptoms
Many tickborne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms. If you get a tick bite and develop
the symptoms below within a few weeks, see your healthcare provider. The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include:
- Fever/chills. All tickborne diseases can cause fever.
- Aches and pains. Tickborne diseases can cause headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. People with Lyme disease may also have joint pain.
- Rash. Lyme disease, Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, and tularemia can cause distinctive rashes.
Don't Forget! Tick Checks!
One of the most important things you can do is check yourself for ticks once a day. Remember to check your children and pets, too. Remove any attached ticks as soon as possible.
Nashoba vs. Clinton at Polar Park!
Nashoba Athletics is excited to invite you to a special night of baseball and community spirit as the Nashoba Wolves take on the Clinton Gaels at Polar Park in Worcester! This is going to be a great opportunity for our team and a fun community event!
Date: Monday, May 12th
Time: 6:00 PM (Gates open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Polar Park, Worcester
Entry: All spectators must enter through Gate D
Nashoba Section: 3rd base side
Ticket Information:
Adults (18+): $5.00
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online here
- NRSD Staff: Free with school ID at the box office
Students & Children under 5: Free
High school students must show their school ID at the box office to receive a free ticket
Concessions:
The concession stand will be open starting at 5:30 PM
Special Highlights:
Superintendent Downing will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at 5:55PM
Principal Bates will be announcing the game
This will be our Mental Health Awareness Game in partnership with the KyleCares Foundation
Let’s pack the stands and show our support for the Wolves!
