The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

I want to follow up with the community regarding the safety-related incident that occurred at Nashoba Regional High School this morning.

I want to acknowledge that today’s event was unsettling for all of us. The report that came to our administrators and dean was acted upon swiftly and decisively. They were able to address the issue and determine that students and staff were safe within minutes of the report.

All further details on the investigation will come from the Bolton Police Department, who are conducting an active and ongoing investigation. As noted in the Bolton Police Department Press Release, “The juvenile involved was removed from the school and will be facing charges.”

Some community members have inquired about the status of our School Resource Officer. Since January 1, 2026 our SRO has been assigned on a part-time basis to Nashoba Regional High School. Both the district and the Bolton Police Department share the priority of having a full-time SRO stationed at the high school, and have been working together to determine how to make this possible as new officers join the department. Today’s incident further emphasizes the importance of moving this initiative forward. We will continue to keep our community informed as we move through this process.

The safety and the support of our students have been and will continue to be our greatest priorities at Nashoba. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the Bolton Police Department while ensuring that all students have access to support. We will be available to meet with any student who wishes to speak as they return to school next week.

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

Late last year, we launched our NRSD Family Information Hub, designed to give families quick and easy access to Teaching and Learning resources. Today, we are sharing that a new section on SchooLinks has been added. The SchooLinks section provides a deeper look at the platform and how it is used across our middle schools and high school. The Hub offers an overview of SchooLinks, explains how it connects to our MyCAP work, and breaks down its use by grade level.

The 2026/2027 Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Application is now open. All families interested in enrolling their child in the Pre-Kindergarten program must submit an application by Monday, January 26th. Families will be notified of lottery results by email no later than Friday, January 30th, 2026. Applications submitted after the lottery deadline will be considered for enrollment on a space-available basis. If you have questions, please contact the Student Services Office at 978-779-0539 3023.

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!

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.

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.

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!