The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Next week we will have teacher conferences to give you an opportunity to engage with your child’s teacher and learn more about their learning. Conferences are a great time to be curious and partner with teachers to support your child. To make space for conferences, we will have an early release on Monday and there is no school for students on Tuesday.
In recent days I have received feedback that parents/caregivers are seeking more opportunities for in person conferences. Post pandemic times leaned on virtual conferences as the preference and now families are shifting back to in person. I think this is great. In future conference planning we will offer more opportunities for in person conferences to ensure any family who wishes to meet in person has an opportunity to do so.
I hope you enjoy your weekend with this beautiful weather.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Universal Screening and Student Conferences
At Nashoba, we are committed to understanding where each student is in their learning so that we can support them well, whether they need additional assistance or greater challenge. One important way we do this is through universal screening: brief assessments administered to all students at a grade level to show how key skills are developing.
In grades K-1, students complete an early literacy screening assessment, Renaissance Star, which typically takes about 20 minutes. The assessment examines alphabetic knowledge, phonemic awareness, word reading, reading comprehension, and rapid automatized naming. These skills can help predict future reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. Screening does not diagnose dyslexia or any other disability, but it does help us identify students who may benefit from additional support.
In addition, we use universal screening in reading for grades 2-8 and in math for grades 1-10, which gives our teachers consistent information about student growth across the district and over time.
Star is one measure within a larger system for understanding your child’s needs. Teachers draw on multiple data points, including classroom work, observations, and other assessments, to build a complete picture of each student’s strengths and growth.
Student conferences next week provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, strengths, and goals, including their screening results. If a student’s results fall significantly below benchmark, we will share this information at conferences or contact families within 30 school days of testing to discuss recommended next steps.
Strengthening Conceptual Understanding in Math
Last Friday, the district dedicated time to math professional development and teacher collaboration across grades 6-9, with a focus on strengthening conceptual understanding and student success. The morning featured math consultant Dr. Heidi Sabnani, who led a 6th-grade model demonstration lesson followed by an educator debrief to analyze active mathematical thinking and classroom implementation strategies. Photos below capture some of the great work by students.
The afternoon began with educators working on a mathematical task at the whiteboards, mirroring the experience students have in their classrooms. Educators then took part in a Concept Mapping workshop focused on Illustrative Mathematics unit planning and student reflection. The session highlighted insights from educational researcher John Hattie on the role of conceptual connections in mathematics, showing how student-created concept maps serve as visual tools to deepen understanding, support active learning, and structure test preparation.
To close the day, teachers worked in grade-level teams to design custom concept maps for upcoming units, ensuring alignment and ready-to-use classroom strategies. The day was a great example of collaboration.
Nashoba Community Partnership, FREE Weekly Playgroups
Registration is open for free weekly playgroups for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. For more information on playgroup time, locations, and dates, please click the button below. The playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care's CFCE grant and are designed to support young children in our communities by providing fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Space is limited.
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
The 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.
There are many ways to participate:
- Attend an executive session
- Attend a SEPAC Event
- Send an email at SEPACchairs@nrsd.net
- Follow SEPAC on Facebook
- Complete the SEPAC Caregiver Survey
Check out the SEPAC page on the district website for more information about scheduled events.
Upcoming Events Presented by SEPAC
Executive Functioning With Dr. Laura Austin, PHD, and Dr. Lauren Lukasik, PHD
Help your child thrive at homy by strengthening executive functioning skills. Learn from licensed psychologists and pediatric neuropsychologists. Dr. Laura Austin and Dr. Lauren Lukasik will explain what executive function is, outline the key skill areas, and describe how challenges often show up at home. They will also share evidence-informed ways to support routines, build organizational habits, and encourage independence in daily life. All are welcome to join.
November 5th, 6:30pm
Executive Functioning With Dr. Laura Austin, PHD, and Dr. Lauren Lukasik, PHD Zoom Link
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30pm, and will take place virtual. You can learn more about the items being discussed on the School Committee Planning Calendar. To watch the meeting live, click here.
The most recent School Committee meeting took place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The 10/21 School Committee Meeting Recording and the 10/21 School Committee Meeting Materials are available.
Open for the 2026/2027 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!
