The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
There are two important items I am communicating to you this week which need your attention.
The first being that on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 I will present the first draft of the FY26 budget to the Nashoba Regional School Committee. Each and every year we bring forward the best budget we can develop in order to provide our students with the best education we can deliver while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This year we will be faced with obstacles that we will need to think creatively about in order to overcome challenges in funding the educational program.
You can tune in and watch the budget presentation by clicking the link in the Nashoba Regional School Committee Agenda for January 15, 2025, which is available on our School Committee page. Next week’s meeting will be posted to the website on or before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Earlier this week we alerted you that we had received notice that hackers accessed PowerSchool SIS, which we use to manage student records, grades, attendance, and enrollment, using a compromised credential. PowerSchool has confirmed that the stolen data primarily contains contact details such as names and addresses. We sent out an initial communication on Wednesday, January 8th, and a second update this afternoon. All communications will be available on our District website. We encourage you to look at both and reach out with any questions. We will continue to keep our community updated via email and our District website as we receive additional information.
We remain extremely concerned about this breach and the initial lack of transparency by PowerSchool. The company has promised to share a completed third-party investigation by the end of next week.
Thank you for your patience as we work to learn more about this situation.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Panorama Survey: Winter 2025 Follow Up
Last spring, we administered surveys to students in grades 3-8 to learn more about their self-perceived social-emotional needs and feelings of belonging within our school communities. This helped inform school improvement goals within each of our district schools over the following months.
This month, we will reassess our students in grades 3-8 with a winter survey to check in with our students and to gauge the efficacy of the supports put in place following their spring results. Our 9-12 students will receive a separate survey this spring. The upcoming winter survey will also include a Sense of Belonging element, and should take students 10 - 15 minutes to complete. As they did last spring, students will complete the survey anonymously.
Our Winter Surveys will be administered the week of January 20th. Following our survey administration, school principals will summarize their respective school results and share the survey findings with their school communities and the next steps.
We hope to have all of our students participate; each and every voice is important. While our goal is 100% participation, parents/caregivers may choose not to have their children participate. The survey is voluntary; your child can skip any question or decide not to participate. Should you wish to preview the survey in its entirety, please reach out to your building principal directly. The Gr. 3-8 survey will be available for previewing on Monday, January 13, 2025. If you would prefer your child not to participate in this survey, please complete this Opt-Out Form by Friday, January 17th, 2025.
Future Freshman Night Amps Up School Spirit: Welcome Class of 2029!
Last night, we proudly welcomed the Class of 2029 and their families to our Future Freshman Night! The evening kicked off in the auditorium with a spirited introduction led by our student Spirit Officers and the NRHS mascot, Nashy. Families jumped right into school pride, learning some of our most well-known spirit calls — check out a video from the night here!
Dr. Boynton and student speakers from across all four grades took the stage to highlight what makes our high school a special and supportive community, followed by Jodie Specht, our Head of Guidance, who gave an overview of the course selection and scheduling process. To wrap up the presentation, department heads introduced themselves and provided insight into their robust course offerings.
Following the presentation, families were invited to take a self-guided tour around the school, stopping by interactive displays and stands run by teachers and department heads, who were ready to answer questions and showcase their programs. In the upper and lower gyms, students took the lead by hosting tables to promote their clubs, teams, and organizations. From robotics and theater to sports and volunteer groups, there was something for every rising freshman to get excited about.
It was a night of connection and community, and we’re thrilled to see so many families eager to join our high school family. The future looks bright for the Class of 2029!
February Vacation Camp: Spaces Still Available!
Consider joining the Extended Learning Program February Vacation Enrichment Camp for four days of fun in February! The camp will offer an array of enrichment experiences including: Sports, Lego's, Theatre/Drama, and more! With half-day and full-day options, there truly is something for every camper to enjoy. Our vacation camp is packed with activities designed to keep kids engaged, active, and learning!
February Vacation Camp will run between Tuesday February, 18th and Friday February, 21st. Use the Vacation Camp Registration Form, or the button below, to enroll your student. Don't wait too long, registration will close on February 7th. We hope to see you there!
Kindergarten Pre-Registration is Now Open!
Kindergarten pre-registration is now live! If your child will be turning 5 on or before September 1, 2025 please fill out the pre-registration form below to help us get started. Families who complete the form will receive important updates and next steps. Our official registration will open in Spring 2025.
Be sure to submit the form by Monday, February 3, 2025, so you don’t miss any time-sensitive information. We'll use the contact information you provide there to send out updates on events, screenings, and registration. We’re excited to have your family join our school community. To learn more check out our NEW Kindergarten page!
Join Us for a Pre-Kindergarten Information Session!
Learn about our 2025/2026 Pre-Kindergarten program and meet our wonderful teachers during an upcoming information session on January 15, 2025. We’re offering two convenient formats: a virtual session at 10:00 AM and an in-person session at 6:00 PM at Florence Sawyer School. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore what our program has to offer for your little one! If you have questions please reach out directly to Kristen Ryan, Director of Early Childhood at kryan@nrsd.net.
Register here to reserve your spot today!
Illness Season is Here, What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick?
The colder months are here and we have entered the peak season for stomach viruses, colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. We've listed the best ways for students and families to reduce their risk of contracting and spreading illnesses in school and within the community below.
Hygiene Practices
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face.
Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
Stay home if you're sick.
Vaccination:
- Get vaccinated against common viruses like influenza, Covid, pertussis, and RSV.
To learn more about illnesses that are common during this time of year, please see the following links: Stomach Virus, Common Respiratory Illness, Strep Throat, and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. Please reach out to your child’s School Nurse with any further questions or concerns.
Additionally, COVID tests are available for home use at each of our schools. If you are interested in picking up an at-home test, please reach out to the Main Office at your school.
More On Nashoba SEPAC's Upcoming Events
Nashoba SEPAC offers virtual and in-person events to families. To learn more about upcoming events and to access important meeting links see the download below.
Coming up next! SEPAC will be hosting a SEPAC Social at the Lancaster Community Center on January 14th, 2025 between 6:30-8:00pm. It's a great chance to socialize with SEPAC officers and other parents/caregivers!
Positions Available!
Are you looking for a way to earn extra income while maintaining a flexible schedule? Do you want a role that aligns with your child's school hours, or are you a former teacher looking to stay connected to education?
Consider becoming a substitute—opportunities are available! Thank you for considering this meaningful way to support our school. Learn more here!
Nashoba Notable Award! Thank a Nashoba Employee!
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!
