The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Recently there has been an increase in fraudulent, or phishing, emails targeting school communities. These phishing attempts often impersonate school administrators or district leadership to trick you into clicking malicious links.
Our Technology Team works hard to ensure that we have the proper processes and procedures behind the scenes to be fully prepared for phishing attacks. That being said, the best way to ensure that our information and data remains private, is to practice good habits when it comes to our online lives. Below, our Technology Team has created a list of helpful look fors, red flags, and safety tips, related to email phishing.
What to Look For
The "Shared Doc" Trap: Hackers send fake Google/OneDrive links to steal your login info. If you didn't expect a file, don't open it!
The Fake Name: The sender name might look right, but the email address behind it is often a random @gmail account.
The "Urgent" Favor: District administrators will never ask you for gift cards, wire transfers, or your private passwords.
Red Flags of a Fake Email
The "From" Address: The name might say "Superintendent" or "Principal", but if you click or hover over the name, the email address is often a random Gmail account or from an unrelated domain (e.g., admin-office123@gmail.com instead of @nrsd.net).
Unexpected Links: If you weren't expecting a document, do not click the link.
Sense of Urgency: Phishers use phrases like "Immediate Action Required" or "Confidential: Open Now" to make you act before you think.
How to Stay Safe
Verify the Source: If a request seems odd, call the person or start a brand-new email thread to their official address to verify they actually sent it.
Don't Input Credentials: Never enter your school password or personal login info on a site reached via an emailed link.
Remember: Our administration will never ask you for passwords, gift cards, or sensitive personal data via email.
I hope this is useful information to share with you as best practice. By working together, we can reduce our exposure to phishing scams and make our network more secure.
Have a great weekend!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
K-8 Report Cards Virtually Distributed March 26th
Report cards for students in grades K-8 will be virtually distributed on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Families can expect to receive a secure message with their student’s report card in the afternoon. Please note, due to recent snow days, we have pushed back the Trimester II Report Card distribution by two days.
As a reminder, in December, we officially launched our new K-8 report cards. These updated report cards allow us to more clearly reflect student learning and growth while aligning with the district’s ongoing curriculum development, adoption of high-quality instructional materials, and consistency across grade levels. The update also allows the Social Behavior and Work Habits sections to more closely mirror the Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate competencies.
For additional information on the K-8 report cards, or the recent updates, please visit the K-8 Report Card section of our NRSD Family Information Hub.
Spanish III Students Volunteer & Connect With Community
NRHS Spanish III students had the incredible opportunity to volunteer and spend time with senior members of the Hispanic community, representing a variety of Spanish-speaking countries. What began as a field trip quickly became an unforgettable day filled with connection, laughter, cultural exchange, and heartfelt moments. From the moment students arrived, they were eager to talk, share stories, laugh together, and truly connect with the students. Their kindness and openness helped create a joyful and comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
During the visit, students:
- Engaged in authentic conversations in Spanish with the seniors
- Learned about different traditions, accents, and life experiences
- Played bingo together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere
- Celebrated as many students won prizes
- Shared lunch side by side
One of the most powerful moments of the day came when a senior member shared her personal experience with racism and discrimination after arriving in the United States. Her speech was delivered entirely in Spanish, and she spoke at her natural pace as a native speaker. She shared many details about her life and the challenges she faced when she first arrived and struggled at times to feel accepted.
What made this moment especially meaningful was that our students were able to understand the main ideas and messages she shared, even while listening to authentic, natural Spanish. More importantly, they were deeply moved by her story. With emotion in her voice, Maria told the students how hopeful and happy it made her feel to see a group of young people from different backgrounds and languages coming together to laugh, learn, and enjoy one another’s company. Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, respect, and community.
Nashoba Community Partnership, FREE Weekly Playgroups
The Nashoba Community Partnership for Children is now accepting registrations for FREE weekly playgroups for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers. Playgroups will be held in Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow from January to June 2026. For more information on the Playgroup times, dates, and locations as well as the registration, click here, or on the button below.
These playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care’s CFCE grant and are designed to support young families in our communities with fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Spaces are limited!
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
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.
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings will be held on the following dates: 2/25, 3/,18, 4/29, 5/20, and 6/17. SEPAC Officers meet at 7pm followed by a Listening Session at 7:30. Open to anyone who wishes to discuss special education matters. All meetings are virtual and links can be found here (passcode: NRSDSEPAC).
Free Breakfast and Lunch Will Continue, Community Support and Resources Available
The district wants to reassure families that free breakfast and lunch will continue to be available to all students at every school, and these meals will not be affected by the shutdown.
In addition to school meals, families can access support through Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline, provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Hotline counselors are available in 180 languages to connect families with programs such as WIC and local food pantries.
The district’s Department of Health and Wellness has also compiled a list of local resources for families who need assistance or want to help others in the community. These resources include food assistance programs, holiday gift aid, general support services, and utilities help. The community has a strong network of partners dedicated to ensuring that no family goes without essential resources.
Nashoba Drama Presents Big Fish; Opening Night TONIGHT!
Nashoba Drama is excited to present Big Fish as their spring musical this March. Based on Daniel Wallace's book and the Columbia Pictures screenplay written by John August, the musical follows a son trying to distinguish fact from fantasy in his father's larger than life tales.
Shows will run Friday 3/13 at 7:00pm, Saturday 3/14 at 7:00pm, and Sunday 3/15 at 2:00pm. Click the button below to grab your tickets now!
Florence Sawyer School Drama Rehearsing to Open High School Musical Jr!
Florence Sawyer School Drama proudly presents: Disney's High School Musical Jr. This family-friendly musical follows Gabriella Montez, Troy Bolton and the students of East High as they navigate friendships, challenge cliques, and discover who they really are. Tickets are available now!
Shows will run out of the Florence Sawyer School Auditorium on:
- Friday 3/20 at 7:00pm
- Saturday 3/21 at 7:00pm
- Sunday 3/22 at 12:00pm
LBMS Drama Preparing for Alice in Wonderland Jr.!
LBMS Drama is excited to present Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr.! The show is based on the 1951 Disney film Alice in Wonderland and the Lewis Carroll novels: The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
Shows will run in the Mary Rowlandson Elementary School Auditorium on, Saturday, March 21st, at 6:30pm, and Sunday March 22nd, at 2:00pm.
Tickets will be available at the door ($8 for seniors, $10 for students and adults).
Hale Drama Prepares for Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion
Sure, you think you've seen this type of murder mystery before. A cast of eccentric characters meet at a mansion, only to become suspects of a murder that a singular genius detective will eventually solve. But what happens when all the suspects are the detectives? Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, Miss Marple, The Scooby Doo Gang, and Batman are just a few of the guests. Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion is a whodunnit that will leave you laughing and guessing right until the very end!
Shows will run in the Hale Middle School Auditorium on, Thursday, March 26th, at 7:00pm, Friday, March 27th, at 7:00pm, and Saturday March 28th, at 11:00am.
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!
