The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
Next school year, middle school students will experience an updated and coordinated model for Related Arts and Spanish. This model was developed in collaboration with our three middle school principals and the Department of Teaching and Learning, and is grounded in both our current operational realities and our shared commitment to student learning.
At the heart of this model is a central goal: to ensure a consistent student experience across all three middle schools. No matter which school a student attends, they will have access to the same high-quality programming in Related Arts and Spanish.
Students will take Music, Physical Education, and Spanish throughout the full school year, attending each class two times per cycle. In addition, our RAS+ classes will offer opportunities for students to deepen their learning in these subjects through additional instructional time. We are proud to maintain all of our current music offerings, including General Music, Chorus, and Band.
Students will also engage in Art, Health, and Engineering through trimester-long courses, each meeting twice per cycle while in session. These classes will be taught by rotating related arts specialists who move between schools each trimester. As with the yearlong subjects, RAS+ classes will provide opportunities for students to deepen their learning in these subjects through additional instructional time. This structure ensures that all students receive instruction in all three content areas over the course of the year.
Our updated middle school model helps us respond to fiscal realities while balancing class sizes, staffing, and scheduling in a way that is both sustainable and equitable—all while preserving the full range of student opportunities. It honors what we know our middle school students need: varied exposure, exploration, mixed groupings, movement, and high-quality instruction. We are deeply grateful to our principals for their collaboration, flexibility, and solution-seeking mindset. This has not been easy work, but it has been guided by a clear and important purpose—supporting students, maximizing resources, and maintaining a well-rounded middle school experience.
Finally, I would also like to acknowledge that the Bolton Rotary project officially began earlier this week, with tree cutting operations currently underway along Route 117. The project team is mindful of local school schedules and peak traffic hours and aims to minimize disruptions. However, there may be temporary lane closures at times. We will work closely with the town to keep the community informed of any potential traffic impacts, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
March Madness: World History's Most Influential
Students in World History created their very own March Madness bracket, but with a twist – they focused on history's most influential people, inventions, and ideas. Students were tasked with researching a topic and convincing their peers and staff that their chosen individual, invention, or idea was the most influential of the time period. In Rounds 1 and 2, the competition kicked off with staff votes. Students had the chance to write a few lines explaining why their topic was more influential than their opponent’s, giving them the opportunity to show off their research and persuasion skills. Then came the final round, the highly anticipated Royal Rumble, where students went head-to-head in a showdown. It was student vs. student, and the top two teams emerged victorious, making their way back to the Winner’s Bracket.
Third Annual International Fest, Right Around the Corner: April 5th
Earlier this month, we highlighted the work of the NRHS International Club as they began preparations for the upcoming Third Annual International Fest! This vibrant event brings together students, staff, and community members to share traditions, enjoy performances, and taste food from around the world. This year's International Fest will include cultural tables, games, activities, and live performances. Last year, the event featured over 20 cultural tables, including a crepe station and traditional performances! Learn more about the students and staff involved and the event here!
The Great Road Talks with NRHS School Committee Student Representatives
If you haven't had a chance to listen yet, the latest episode of The Great Road isn't one to miss! Host Jed Stefanowicz sits down with NRHS School Committee student representatives Ava and Ryan for a discussion about their roles. The episode also features insights from Leah Vivirito, the Chair of the Nashoba Regional School Committee, and Superintendent Downing, focusing on the important contributions of student representatives and what the experience is like from their perspectives. You can listen in here, or on our NRSD District Homepage.
Get Ready to Ride!
We eagerly anticipate welcoming the remarkable class of 2038 into our school community with a series of enriching events and activities in the months ahead. Up next we'll be welcoming incoming kindergarten students to get ready to ride the bus! We encourage each of our families to save the date and to register!
📅 Mary Rowlandson Elementary School, May 8th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
📅 Florence Sawyer School, May 14th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
📅 The Center School, May 15th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Upcoming Events for Nashoba SEPAC
Up next, SEPAC will host their SEPAC Business Meeting on April 8th, 2025. The event will run between 6:30pm - 8:00pm. SEPAC stands for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. SEPAC is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians of students with disabilities (IEPs and 504 plans) or other special education needs in Stow, Bolton and Lancaster. Check the 2024-2025 SEPAC Calendar of Events below to access the meeting link, along with all other upcoming events!
Helpful Tips for Seasonal Allergies
As the Cold and Flu Season winds down, the Allergy Season is gearing up. Health Offices do not have allergy medications as standing orders, so if your children take medications for seasonal allergies, they will need to be taken at home. But, medication is not the only intervention against allergies!
Below are some tips that may help to Nip Seasonal Allergies in the Bud!
Reduce exposure to allergy triggers by:
Wearing a light layer outside and removing it when you come inside
Washing your hands and face after being outside
Keep an eye on high pollen counts
If pollen counts are high, consider masking while outside
If counts are up, consider closing windows and doors to keep pollen outside
Rinse out the sinuses
Consult your medical provider about additional treatments if current treatments are not working
For additional information on seasonal allergies please see the resources provided by The Mayo Clinic.
NRHS Drama The Little Mermaid Performance; Save the Dates for Middle School Shows
This past weekend, LBMS Drama impressed audiences with their performance of Annie Jr.! From the talent to the set, it was a must see show! Couldn't make it to The Little Mermaid or Annie Jr.? We've got more shows coming! Learn more about each of our upcoming shows below and from their flyers.
📅 Florence Sawyer’s Drama Group will perform The Addams Family on April 4th at 7:00 PM, April 5th at 7:00 PM, and April 6th at 12:00 PM. This musical tells the story of Wednesday Addams, who shocks her eccentric family by falling for a “normal” boy, leading to a night filled with comedy, secrets, and spooky chaos! Online tickets are available.
📅Hale Middle School will cap off the spring drama season with Jolly Roger and the Pirate Queen, set to perform on April 10th at 7:00 PM, April 11th at 7:00 PM, and April 12th at 11:00 AM!
Don’t forget to check out the "What’s Next?" section below, as each of our schools’ band and chorus groups have exciting upcoming performances you won’t want to miss!
Extended Learning's April Vacation Camp: Registration Open Now!
Join the Extended Learning Program for four days of fun during their April Vacation Camp! This April's camp will offer amazing enrichment experiences with sports, Lego's, theatre/drama, and more!! Each vacation camp is packed with activities designed to keep kids engaged, active, and learning, and with half-day and full-day options, there truly is something for all campers to enjoy.
Camp will be offered on Tuesday, April 22nd through Friday, April 25th. Please utilize the Vacation Camp Registration form below to enroll your student, but don't wait too long, registration will close on April 11th.
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. Learn more here!
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!
