The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and had meaningful time with friends and family. Hard as it is to believe, we’re now just a few weeks away from winter break and the start of a new year.
As we enter the holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes for peace and joy to everyone in our community. Our Nashoba families celebrate a variety of religious and cultural traditions during this time of year, and I hope your annual traditions bring happiness to your homes. Our community is strengthened by the expressions of love, empathy, and connectedness that these traditions teach us. May those values be elevated and celebrated as you gather with loved ones.
Wishing you all the very best this holiday season.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Family Information Hub Live! Highlights New K-8 Report Card, NRHS Reporting Timeline, and Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate Work
We’re excited to announce that our new Family Information Hub, developed by the Department of Teaching and Learning, has officially launched! This resource provides families with clear and easily accessible information about our curriculum, reporting tools, Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate, and Family University, making it easier to find what you need.
In the hub, families can:
Access NRSD Curriculum Guides
Find information about K-12 reporting of student progress
Explore our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate competencies
Access Family University presentations and resources
Highlights include:
K-8 Report Cards: A full walk-through of the new report card, including what’s changed, why, and a guide to reading your child’s report card.
9-12 Reporting Information: Key dates, timelines, and PowerSchool guidance to support high school families.
Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate: An overview of competencies and how they are integrated across K-12.
This resource will continue to grow throughout the year, serving as a central hub to connect families with Teaching and Learning resources.
K-8 Report Card Reminder: K-8 report cards will be delivered digitally on Friday, December 12th.
Innovation Pathways Application Now Open! Upcoming Innovation Pathways Information Sessions
If you’re not sure whether the program is the right fit, join us for one of our Information Sessions. These sessions will offer families time to learn more about how the program works, including its pathways, opportunities, and benefits for students, and provide a chance to ask questions. Session links are available on the Innovation Pathways website.
We’ll be hosting virtual Information Sessions for families on:
Tuesday, November 25th, 5-6pm
Tuesday, December 16th, 5-6pm (Previously 12/10)
Tuesday, January 6th, 5-6pm
If you can't make one of the virtual sessions, you can reach out anytime to our Innovation Pathways Coordinator at bhannigan@nrsd.net.
Integrated Monitoring Review of Nashoba Regional School District, January 5th
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Nashoba Regional School District during the week of January 5, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards.
Nashoba Regional School District will be undergoing a Group A monitoring review that focuses on special education student identification and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity. For additional information please also see Integrated Monitoring Parent and Family Orientation.
The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, a review of student records, policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.
The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents /guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.
Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may call Charles Agong, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3753 or Charles.O. Agong@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the (district or charter school) with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.
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
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.
Forbush Mill Road Open to Through-Traffic
Forbush Mill Road
Concluded for the season
Bolton, Forbush Mill Road
Forbush Mill Road has reopened for through-traffic. The contractor constructing the culvert replacement completed their work on December 1 for the season. They will be returning in the spring to complete the project. We will share additional information in the spring if necessary.
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!
