The Common
Hello Nashoba!
It’s a great night to come together as a community! This evening, Friday, October 17th, Nashoba Regional High School will host our District Band Night, running alongside our Nashoba Football home game against Shepherd Hill. More than 270 student musicians from our middle schools and high school will be in attendance. The event will kick off at the start of the football game with our 6-12 Choirs performing the National Anthem, followed by numerous band performances throughout the game.
Earlier this week, high school department heads visited our eighth grade classes to share what NRHS has to offer, a visit featured in the Teaching and Learning section of this newsletter. Tonight gives those eighth grade students a chance to step into the shoes of a high school student, experiencing the excitement of a home game and getting a firsthand look at life at NRHS.
Fittingly, the backdrop to this celebration is the construction site of our new NRHS building, a symbol of our community’s support and the bright futures of our students. It’s a perfect night to celebrate our Nashoba spirit and cheer on both our talented student musicians and our dedicated student athletes as they take the stage and the field.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
A Glimpse of High School: Eighth Graders Meet NRHS Students and Teachers
Earlier this week, our high school team visited each of our three middle schools to help eighth grade students explore the many opportunities that await them at Nashoba Regional High School. They were joined by current high school students who shared their experiences and perspectives on life at NRHS, giving students a glimpse of what’s ahead.
Department heads from Math, English, History, and Science brought examples of past student projects and course materials, sharing presentations that highlighted what each class offers. The World Language Department showcased the cultures and traditions tied to Spanish, French, and German courses, while the Wellness Department and Athletics Director discussed the importance of balancing academics and extracurriculars, with student athletes sharing their personal experiences.
The Applied Arts & Technology and Fine & Performing Arts departments presented a wide range of offerings, from Introduction to Business and Graphic Design to Engineering Essentials and Music Production & Recording, helping students see the many ways they can explore their interests through elective offerings.
The high school team also brought along Nashoba Wolf postcards and stickers to add a little extra excitement to the visits. A few lucky students who found a red sticker on their postcard received a Nashoba Wolf t-shirt, ensuring they can start their high school journey in style.
These visits give our eighth grade students a helpful look at life at NRHS and the chance to hear from current students and the teachers that they'll work with next year!
Imagine Learning’s Illustrative Mathematics (IM): Virtual Coffee Hour Sign Up for 10/20
Last week we shared that we have entered month two of implementation of our new Grade 6-12 math 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.
Providing our families with an overview and more information about our new curriculum is important to us. Our final Virtual Coffee Hour, which is a part of our NRSD Family University, will run on Monday, October 20th, from 2:00pm - 3:00pm. For those unable to attend a virtual offering, a recording of one of our sessions will be made available after October 23rd.
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.
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) offers families free access to the Parenting Solutions Library, created in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions.
This online library includes short, expert-led video trainings focused on helping parents build positive relationships and support their children’s success at home and school.
The resources are available to all families, and no logins or passcodes are required. The library can be accessed directly through the MPY website. The library is also available in Spanish.
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.
Need-to-Knows for the Week Ahead
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.
Forbush Mill Road
October 20th - November 21st, 2025
Bolton, Forbush Mill Road
Beginning Monday, October 20th, Forbush Mill Road in Bolton will be closed to through traffic to allow for the replacement of the culvert near the Transfer Station driveway.
During the closure:
- From Still River Road (Route 110/Forbush Soccer Field): The road will remain open only up to the Transfer Station.
- From Main Street (Route 117): The roadway will be open only to #40 Forbush Mill Road.
The project is expected to continue through approximately November 21st, 2025.The District has been in communication with Dee Bus regarding the closure and will reach out directly to any families whose bus routes are impacted.
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.
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!
