The Common
Hello Nashoba!
I’m excited to share that Boston 25 News has selected Stow as the destination for a special Fall Zip Trip this Monday, October 13th, and that some of our Nashoba students and programs will be featured!
Boston 25’s Zip Trip segments highlight communities across Massachusetts, showcasing local people, schools, businesses, and places that make each town unique. This Monday, the live broadcast will take place at Honey Pot Hill Orchard from 8:00am to 10:00am, and residents are welcome and encouraged to attend and cheer on their town.
Our Nashoba Music program and NRHS Field Hockey team will be representing both the town of Stow and the Nashoba Regional School District, sharing their talents, energy, and school spirit with the broader community. This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the dedication, creativity, and teamwork of our students, and to show the pride we feel in our school programs.
I encourage families and community members to attend the event and celebrate the accomplishments of our students as they take part in this exciting live broadcast.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Spring 2025 MCAS Individual Student Reports to be Mailed Out TODAY (10/10)
As a reminder, today, Friday, October 10, 2025, Spring 2025 MCAS Individual Student Reports will be mailed home to families. The MCAS Individual Student Report provides families with their child’s results from the Spring 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering and Civics, where applicable.
The MCAS assessment is designed to measure performance based on the Massachusetts curriculum standards and to report the performance and progress, or growth, of individual students, schools, and districts over time. It is important to remember that the MCAS assessment represents only one measurement of achievement. Information about your child’s achievement in the Individual Student Report should be considered alongside other assessments. At Nashoba, we have multiple assessment data measures to support our understanding of student learning needs. The following site contains resources that may be helpful: MCAS Resources for Parents and Guardians.
6-12 Math Curriculum Update
Grades 6-8 and High School Algebra 1 have entered month two of implementation of our new curriculum, Imagine Learning’s Illustrative Mathematics (IM). Since the decision last spring, educators have been diligently learning the new materials and unpacking the curriculum units with the help of Curriculum Director Kandice McBrearty and Consultant Heidi Sabnani.
Imagine IM is a problem-based curriculum that addresses both the math content standards as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice. It is written to deepen conceptual understanding and promote student discourse. It is also complementary to our K-5 Bridges in Mathematics curriculum. Both are student-focused curricula where students learn by doing the math and solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts. Imagine IM provides a Family Hub where families can learn more about:
A video series is also available to provide additional learning opportunities, including insights into how Imagine IM prepares students for success in the real world.
Providing our families with an overview and more information about our new curriculum is important to us. As part of our NRSD Family University, we will offer the following opportunities for families to learn more.
Virtual Coffee Hours to Learn More About IM
October 16th from 9:00 am - 10:00 am
October 20th from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
To register for either session, click here by Wednesday, October 14th. For those unable to attend, a recording of one of the sessions will be made available after October 23rd.
Grades 9-12 continue to focus on analyzing current practices, course leveling, and advanced course offerings. This year, the department is also exploring HQIM options for Geometry and Algebra 2, and engaging in a department-wide read of Productive Math Struggle: A Six-Point Action Plan for Fostering Perseverance by John J. SanGiovanni, Kevin J. Dykema, and Susie Katt.
As a whole, the grades 6-12 math department continues to make important gains in collaboration and vertical alignment. Teachers across all grade levels are continuing to refine their use of Building Thinking Classrooms strategies, intentionally fostering productive struggle and student engagement to deepen mathematical understanding for each and every student.
Need-to-Knows for the Week Ahead
Still River Bridge Closure
Ongoing, Bolton
The recent bridge closure had minimal impact on student arrival times. A few adjustments were made on Monday to address delays in Lancaster, and arrival times have since stabilized. The District attended a construction meeting with MassDOT on Thursday, October 9th, and the project remains on schedule with MassDOT anticipating work to conclude on October 17th.
Forbush Mill Road
October 20th - November 20th, 2025
Bolton, Forbush Mill Road
The District attended the Forbush Mill Road construction meeting earlier this week. Beginning October 20th, 2025, Forbush Mill Road will be fully closed for construction, which is expected to continue through approximately November 20th, 2025. The District has been in communication with Dee Bus regarding the closure and will reach out to impacted families directly.
Bolton Roundabout Project
Ongoing
Bolton, Across from NRHS
The Bolton Roundabout project is currently awaiting the completion of pole work by Verizon before any further progress in roadwork can be made. We are in close communication with the Town of Bolton and will continue to provide updates to our school community as new information becomes available.
Lunchroom Monitor Positions Available at Each of Our Elementary and Middle Schools!
Our district is looking for friendly, caring Lunchroom Monitors to help make lunchtime a positive experience for our elementary and middle school students!
Lunchroom Monitors play an important role in helping students enjoy a safe, welcoming, and well-organized lunch period. They greet students as they enter, provide support as they go through the lunch line, and lend a helping hand when snack packaging is hard to get into! Monitors also help keep the cafeteria running smoothly by organizing clean-up and dismissal.
This is a paid, part-time position (approximately 2–3 hours per day), perfect for anyone who loves working with kids and wants to contribute to our school community.
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 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.
FREE Weekly Playgroups Are Back, Sign Up Below!
The Department of Early Childhood is excited to share that our Nashoba Community Partnership for Children weekly playgroups began this week! These groups are a wonderful way for children to play, learn, and grow together while families connect with one another. For more information the groups, dates, times, and locations click here. Playgroups are made possible with support from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program.
Nashoba District Band Day is Coming Up, Friday October 17th!
Mark your calendars! On Friday, October 17th, the high school will host Nashoba District Band Day, bringing together nearly 200 student musicians from across our middle schools and our high school. The evening kicks off at 6:00pm with the 6–12 Choirs performing the National Anthem, followed by band performances throughout the football game. Don't miss the chance to cheer on our players and our performers!
Nashoba Drama: A Midsummer Night's Dream
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.
Open for the 2025/2026 School Year!
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!
