The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
In 1644, the town of Dedham, Massachusetts decided to create the first publicly funded school system to serve its greater community. For 382 years, communities all across the commonwealth have provided the support our public institutions need to grow and sustain an educated citizenry that is the foundation of our democracy. Communities that value the contributions schools make in the growth and development of young people are the communities that produce thoughtful leaders, creative thinkers, strategic problem solvers and artistic visionaries. Our three towns once again showed their support for the public education system by resoundingly passing the school budget in all three towns.
That being said, we cannot have a great school system without great teachers. Nashoba is fortunate to have great teachers who are knowledgeable and care about the learners in front of them. As public servants, they are committed to the growth and development of young people. Our teachers are the people who have stepped forward to continue the long standing tradition of delivering a high quality public education to each and every child raised in our community.
I would also like to take a moment to recognize the many other professionals who help shape and support our school community. Our Instructional Assistants, counselors, social workers, food and nutrition staff, before and after school staff, custodians, nurses, administrative assistants, secretaries, principals, assistant principals, and deans. Each of these positions play a unique and impactful role in the daily lives and success of our students.
Nashoba Educators, you are amazing! Thank you for everything you give to the students and families of our schools. Every day you show up to be your best for our students and we are grateful for that! We honor you, we respect you, and we hold you in high regard. You make a difference every day!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
22 NRHS Students Receive the 2026 Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction Award
Nashoba Regional School District is proud to announce the 2026 Seal of Biliteracy and Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction award recipients. Our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients!
Seventeen NRHS students received the 2026 Seal of Biliteracy Senior Award. Fourteen students received the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, these students included: Jillian Allen Scannell, Enzo Cardoso, Diana Ceron, Cordelia Chrystall-Dubois, Nelson Diaz, Olivia Edmond, Antoine Hubert, Mackenzie O’Brien, Renee Mitchell, Ryan Mitrou, Deirbhile Nagl, Kelly Rickard, Emerson Peterson, Caterina Romano. One student, Maria Fernandes, received the Seal of Biliteracy in Portuguese, while two students, Nadyah Demosthene and Gwennyn Smith, received the Seal of Biliteracy in French.
Five NRHS students received the 2026 Seal of Biliteracy With Distinction Senior Award. Two students, Enzo Cardoso and Bruna de Carvalho, received the award in Portuguese. Antoine Hubert received the award in French. Abigail Fantana received the award in German, and Brady Mignault received the award in Spanish.
Nashoba Robotics Finishes Season at FRC World Championship; Team 1768 Ranked Fifth in World
The 2026 season has officially come to a close for Nashoba Robotics following an exciting run at the FRC World Championship in Houston, Texas. The championship brings together 600 teams from around the world, divided across eight competitive fields of 75 teams each. Competing on the Galileo Field, Team 1768 finished qualification matches ranked fifth despite a challenging schedule.
Heading into the elimination bracket, Nashoba served as captain of the fourth-ranked alliance, selecting Team 2231 OnyxTronix from Israel, Team 8159 Golden Horn from Istanbul, Turkey, and Team 3082 Chicken Bot Pie from Minnesota to compete with. After running into some difficulties, the alliance was eliminated from the elimination bracket in the semifinals.
The team also earned the Autonomous Award, recognizing the robot’s autonomous, pre-programmed performance during competition.
Throughout the 2026 season, Nashoba Robotics earned four championship banners, winning the URI and WPI District Events, their field at the New England District Championship, and securing another win at the New England District Championship Finals. In addition, the team received the Quality Award at NEDCMP, the Innovation in Control Award at both the URI and WPI events, and the Excellence in Engineering Award at the Minuteman District Event.
The team would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the team this year, the success seen on the field is only possible with community backing.
Writing Credit: Abby Fantana, NRHS Student
Parent Feedback on the Handbook Meeting
Date:Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Format: (Virtual)
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) invites all parents and caregivers to attend an open meeting focused on gathering feedback about the current school handbook. Your voice matters, and your input will help shape improvements that better support our students and families.
Nashoba Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Programs for 2026-2027 School Year
The 2026/2027 Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Application was available to families throughout January. At this time, all programs with the exception of Lancaster's Half-Day Afternoon class are full. If you are interested in being added to Nashoba's Pre-Kindergarten waitlist, or in the Half-Day Afternoon class available in Lancaster, please use the button below.
If you are opting to be added to the waitlist, you will be notified if the selected program becomes available.If you have questions, please contact the Student Services Office at 978-779-0539 3023.
Helpful Tips for Allergy Season
With the seasons changing, many of us are dealing with the "sneezes and wheezes." While the school nurse is always there for emergencies, there are plenty of ways you can manage mild allergy symptoms on your own so you don't have to miss out on class or hangouts.
Below is your quick guide to staying comfortable and "allergy-smart".
How to Manage Your Symptoms
You can take charge of your comfort with these simple habits:
The "Fresh Air" Lock: Keep windows closed if the pollen count is high.
Hydrate: Drinking water helps thin out mucus (gross, but true!) and keeps your throat from feeling like sandpaper.
Hands Off: Try your best not to rub your eyes. It actually releases more histamines, which makes the itching worse.
The Quick Rinse: If you've been playing outside, splash some cool water on your face at the sink to wash away pollen.
Morning Prep: Talk to your parents about taking a long-acting allergy medicine at home before school starts so you’re protected all day.
When You SHOULD See the Nurse
While itchy eyes are annoying, some symptoms are serious. Please head to the Nurse's Office immediately if you experience:
- Trouble breathing or a tight chest.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
- Dizziness or feeling like you might pass out.
- A sudden rash or hives spreading across your skin.
The Extended Learning Program is Hiring!
Join the Extended Learning Team! Whether you're a high school student looking to build their resume, or an adult looking to share their interests and time with the students of our district, there's a place for you!
The program is looking for Extended Learning Aides, and has part time positions available in Bolton, Stow, and Lancaster. To learn more about the hours and to apply click here. If you have questions, please reach out to the Extended Learning Program Coordinator, Michael Ellam (mellam@nrsd.net).
This section will be regularly updated with upcoming meeting dates, links, and the recording of the latest School Committee meeting.
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27th, at 6:30pm, and will take place virtually. 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, May 13th, 2026. A full video of the meeting is available here. The full May 13 meeting agenda and materials are available. Agenda items included:
- Consent Agenda (Vote): Draft Meeting Minutes of April 29, 2026 b) Warrants of May 8, 2026 c) SY26-27 District Physician Contract d) School Building Committee Composition e) Last day of school Center June 22, 2026 to be an early release f) NRHS Donation from KyleCares g) LBMS Washington DC Trip Donation
- School Committee Chair Update: Town Meeting Reflection
- Announcements: Hale DC Final Travel Form, MRE Outdoor Classroom Final Form, Update: Program Monitoring Reviews, ESSA Federal Grant Programs & English Learner Education, ESSA Federal Grant Program Monitoring (Titles I, IIA, and IVA), English Learner Education, Targeted and Focused Monitoring Review, Capital Submittal Update, Treasurer Appointment
- Strategic Work: PRISM I Early Literacy Update and Teaching and Learning Grants
- New Business: NRHS Student Handbook SY26/27, NRHS NEASC Update, Policy First Reading (POLICY KBG – PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILS (PAC’s), POLICY ECAB – ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, POLICY JJE – STUDENT FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES, POLICY KI VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS, POLICY JKAA - PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION OF STUDENTS)
- Superintendent Evaluation Presentation
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!
