The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable winter break and were able to spend some time with friends and loved ones. As we step into 2025, we are excited to continue to support the learning and growth of our students, and we look forward to celebrating their many accomplishments throughout the year.
With this in mind, our current 8th-grade students and their families are preparing for an important transition in 2025 -- the move from middle to high school. On Thursday, January 9th, the high school will host its annual Future Freshman Night, providing 8th-grade students and their families a chance to imagine their academic and personal growth throughout their time at Nashoba Regional High School.
This event builds on our high school team’s recent visits to the middle schools, giving students and their families the opportunity to connect with department heads, explore diverse course offerings, and learn about the classes, programs, and extracurricular activities that allow each and every student to pursue their unique interests.
We look forward to welcoming our rising freshmen and their families as they embark on this meaningful new chapter in their educational journey. Here’s to a year full of growth, success, and new opportunities!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Innovating Education: How the NRSD Innovation Team is Aiming to Bridge Technology and Teaching
The NRSD Innovation Team launched this school year to advance digital learning across our district. This diverse (and expanding) group of educators, administrators, and specialists meets monthly to highlight and share innovative practices happening across our district, explore emerging educational technology, and learn from guest speakers ranging from industry experts to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) leaders.
Nashoba is one of several districts partnering with DESE’s Office of EdTech to examine current practices and elevate teaching and learning across our district in alignment with their Strategic Plan, specifically focusing on sustaining progress in access and equity. With impact ranging from curriculum planning to instructional tools and resources, this partnership, paired with the development of the NRSD Digital Learning Plan, creates a roadmap for a more equitable and personalized learning experience for all NRSD learners.
Goals of the NRSD Innovation Team include integrating digital learning practices across subjects and grade levels, using artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning, and collaborating to elevate student success. This student-centered professional learning creates an environment where technology empowers a deeper shift in teaching and learning practice, building the skills and knowledge necessary for our educators and learners to thrive in our digitally connected world.
Inside Nashoba Robotics: The Team's Success Story Told by the Team
Check out the latest Great Road episode! Host Jed Stefanowicz, joined by co-host and student producer, Natasha D., sit down with Mr. Fordiani and members of the Nashoba Robotics team to discuss the success of the program and the roles that each of them play. You can listen in to learn more about how the program started and what makes it so special here.
February Vacation Camp: Registration Open!
Consider joining the Extended Learning Program February Vacation Enrichment Camp for four days of fun in February! The camp will offer an array of enrichment experiences including: Sports, Lego's, Theatre/Drama, and more! With half-day and full-day options, there truly is something for every camper to enjoy. Our vacation camp is packed with activities designed to keep kids engaged, active, and learning!
February Vacation Camp will run between Tuesday February, 18th and Friday February, 21st. Use the Vacation Camp Registration Form, or the button below, to enroll your student. Don't wait too long, registration will close on February 7th. We hope to see you there!
Join Us for a Pre-Kindergarten Information Session!
Learn about our 2025/2026 Pre-Kindergarten program and meet our wonderful teachers during an upcoming information session on January 15, 2025. We’re offering two convenient formats: a virtual session at 10:00 AM and an in-person session at 6:00 PM at Florence Sawyer School. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore what our program has to offer for your little one! If you have questions please reach out directly to Kristen Ryan, Director of Early Childhood at kryan@nrsd.net.
Register here to reserve your spot today!
Illness Season is Here, What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick?
The colder months are here and we have entered the peak season for stomach viruses, colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. We've listed the best ways for students and families to reduce their risk of contracting and spreading illnesses in school and within the community below.
Hygiene Practices
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face.
Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
Stay home if you're sick.
Vaccination:
- Get vaccinated against common viruses like influenza, Covid, pertussis, and RSV.
To learn more about illnesses that are common during this time of year, please see the following links: Stomach Virus, Common Respiratory Illness, Strep Throat, and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. Please reach out to your child’s School Nurse with any further questions or concerns.
Additionally, COVID tests are available for home use at each of our schools. If you are interested in picking up an at-home test, please reach out to the Main Office at your school.
More On Nashoba SEPAC's Upcoming Events
Nashoba SEPAC offers virtual and in-person events to families. To learn more about upcoming events and to access important meeting links see the download below.
Coming up next! SEPAC will be hosting a SEPAC Social at the Lancaster Community Center on January 14th, 2025 between 6:30-8:00pm. It's a great chance to socialize with SEPAC officers and other parents/caregivers!
Positions Available!
Are you looking for a way to earn extra income while maintaining a flexible schedule? Do you want a role that aligns with your child's school hours, or are you a former teacher looking to stay connected to education?
Consider becoming a substitute—opportunities are available! Thank you for considering this meaningful way to support our school.
Nashoba Notable Award! Thank a Nashoba Employee!
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!
