The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
As we approach the Spring MCAS assessments, which will begin at the end of March, I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of our students’ continued participation.
While passing the MCAS is no longer required for Competency Determination (CD) in Massachusetts or at the Nashoba Regional School District, state regulations mandate that all students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 who are educated with Massachusetts public funds participate in MCAS testing. Our school and district accountability ratings are tied directly to MCAS participation and results and offer data necessary to ensure our school and district meet state standards.
The MCAS assessment also provides us with information that helps us track individual, school, and district progress over time. This enables us to assess the effectiveness of our curriculum and instruction, allowing us to better understand our impact on student learning and student growth. MCAS provides valuable data that can help us continually improve our teaching practices and better support student learning. It is also important to note that students’ performance on MCAS may open up opportunities for scholarships, such as the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship or the Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery.
Although MCAS results are not tied to graduation requirements at Nashoba, they remain an important and necessary assessment tool. Your child's participation is key to ensuring we gather important data that helps us evaluate and improve our education practices and meet state accountability standards. We appreciate your support in this process as our goal remains to offer each student a comprehensive education that prepares them for future success.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Governor Healey and Secretary of Education Tutwiler Celebrate Innovation Pathways
Late last week, Principal Boynton and Innovation Pathways Coordinator, Bridget Hannigan, attended a press conference at Athol High School, where Nashoba Regional High School was publicly recognized as a recipient of the Innovation Pathways Planning Grant. This grant is part of a larger $1 million initiative, distributed among 29 school districts across Massachusetts, and was used to support the development of NRHS' Information Technology Pathway implementation grant, which was submitted in early February.
Governor Healey, who was present at the event, emphasized the importance of aligning education with workforce needs, stating, "In Massachusetts, we want to ensure that what students learn in school helps them get to where they want to go, while also meeting our workforce needs. That’s why we are invested in Innovation Career Pathways. Today’s funding will help expand these critical opportunities."
Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler also shared his thoughts, "We want to support our public schools to enable students to see the connection between what they are learning and what they will need to know in the future. Today’s Innovation Career Pathways investment promotes engaging STEM experiences for students, while deepening local connections with employers and future career opportunities."
The NRHS Information Pathways Team, composed of teachers, the head of guidance, and administrators, collaborated to develop an application for a third academic pathway. This new pathway integrates existing courses and curriculum while aligning with key sectors such as computer science, digital creation, and media production. If approved, it will provide students with expanded opportunities in these high-demand fields.
Looking ahead, the Innovation Pathways Program will be hosting virtual office hours on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. These office hours will focus on the incoming Class of 2029 and will provide an opportunity for families to ask questions about the application process, program structure, and what to expect during freshman year. To participate, please fill out the form below. For one-on-one meetings, you can contact our Innovation Pathways Coordinator directly at bhannigan@nrsd.net.
International Fest Returns to Nashoba for Third Year!
The NHRS International Club is thrilled to host their Third Annual International Fest, a celebration of the many cultures that make up our community. The event provides a space for students, staff, and community members to come together, share, and learn about different traditions. As club lead, Mrs. Hera, shared, “Everyone is just really proud of their own culture and is so excited to learn about and sample other people’s, it’s a great energy. Very happy, and positive, and curious."
Hadassah Kamau joined the club after moving into the district looking for a space that celebrated community. Now as the acting president, Hadassah expressed how meaningful it has been to receive support from both staff and students. This past week, the group worked together to spread the word, delivering colorful flyers to local community locations.
Upcoming Events for Nashoba SEPAC
Nashoba SEPAC offers virtual and in-person events to families. SEPAC stands for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. SEPAC is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians of students with disabilities or other special education needs in Stow, Bolton, and Lancaster. Up next, SEPAC will host their SEPAC Social on March 11th, 2025. The event will run between 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Check the 2024-2025 SEPAC Calendar of Events below to access the meeting link, along with all other upcoming events! To learn more download the flyer to the left.
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.
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!
