The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
Today, I want to address the rights and protections of individuals within our school community and the role that school districts play in immigration enforcement. In light of recent federal policy changes, our commitment to our core values – as both an educational institution and a district – remains unwavering.
At Nashoba we see the value in each and every person who lives and works in our school community. It is our daily mission to ensure those individuals get what they need in a safe and caring environment. The information provided to you today is simply to point out how under state law and district policy we protect individuals and their information accordingly.
It’s important for our community to know that the school district does not permit any level of law enforcement to enter the school buildings without proper court ordered documentation to arrest, detain, or interrogate individuals, students or staff regarding immigration status. The following information was developed through close collaboration with our district administrators, the police chiefs of our three towns, our district’s legal council, and the Office of the Attorney General.
Along with our existing policies, Nashoba’s legal counsel, Murphy Hesse Toomey & Lehane, has provided guidance that we will use to navigate these updated Department of Homeland Security policies. This guidance is available to our community on their website and covers ICE Visits to Schools, School Records and Student Privacy, and Procedures Regarding School Records and Personally Identifiable Information.
While we can't advise individuals regarding immigration, the Massachusetts Attorney General has provided us with information and resources to share with our families. Additionally, our district has reviewed and maintained our communication policies and protocols with school personnel in the event that immigration officials arrive at the schools.
State and federal law ensures equal access to education for all students, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or immigration status. More importantly, we believe that the true foundation of education lies in celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of every student and ensuring that all have access to the supportive and inclusive environment they need to succeed. We will continue to provide this to our students.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
PRISM I Grant Awarded to the Nashoba Regional School District
The Department of Teaching and Learning is excited to share that Nashoba is one of only 15 school districts statewide to receive the Partnership for Reading Success in Massachusetts (PRISM I) grant. The PRISM I grant is part of the Commonwealth’s Literacy Launch Initiative.
The PRISM I Grant, as outlined, will provide substantial funding and intensive support to participating school districts over multiple years. Action steps will include collaboration with a PRISM Leadership Coach, the conducting of a Literacy Systems Scan, and the development of an action plan to create equitable early literacy experiences for all students, including partnerships with local community preschools. PRISM I will launch this spring with planning, self-study, and the formation of the Nashoba PRISM team.
Our community’s engagement and support of our literacy work and the purchasing of high quality literacy instructional materials, paired with the efforts of our dedicated Nashoba teaching staff were instrumental in our reception of this grant. We look forward to continuing the important work of improving literacy outcomes for each and every student as we implement this grant funding and support, and will keep our community updated each step of the way.
Business & Finance Pathway and Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing Pathway: Application Opening Monday 2/3!
Our Innovation Pathways Program will begin accepting applications from the Class of 2029 (rising freshmen) for the Business & Finance and Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing pathways on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 4:00pm. The online application will be accessible through the Innovation Pathways homepage. Each graduating class can accommodate 20 students per pathway. Applications will be accepted from February 3, 2025, through March 31, 2025. The Innovation Pathways program uses a lottery system to select students. Families will be notified of their status during the first week of April.
To learn more about our Pathways Program check out our last issue of The Common, or our Innovation Pathways website!
We Are Gonna Take It! MRE Chorus Gets a Surprise from Dee Snider
Earlier this year, MRE's Chorus began rehearsing "We're Not Gonna Take It" for their Winter Concert. Along the way, they hit a snag when students couldn’t agree on a section of the harmony. Determined to settle the debate, Trish O'Toole, the chorus director, took an unexpected step—reaching out directly to Dee Snider himself! To everyone’s surprise, Snider responded, kicking off an incredible exchange over the next few months. Their back-and-forth even included a special video message from Snider, sent just for the students to clear things up! Watch below to see his message and, even better, hear MRE’s chorus sing "We're Not Gonna Take It," with surprise guest performer Chris McKaughan!
Important Nashoba Regional High School Athletics Information for 2025-2026
We are excited to have you become a part of the Nashoba Regional High School Interscholastic Athletics Program. Nashoba Athletics is rich in pride and tradition. NRHS offers 50+ teams across 26 sports!
Participating at the high school level requires a greater commitment compared to a club or recreational team. Members of a team are expected to attend all practices and competitions. Weekend practice sessions may vary by sport and should be anticipated. In addition, teams do practice and compete over vacations and many holidays (i.e. Columbus Day, Veterans Day, etc.).
Prior to the start of each season, the high school will host a meeting for students and their parent(s)/guardian(s). These pre-season meetings serve as an opportunity for coaches to provide information about their program, team philosophy, expectations, and more.
The athletics office will send out information via email prior to each season, but we wanted to share information ahead of time for all potential incoming ninth graders. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Tania Rich, Director of Athletics, at trich@nrsd.net. To learn more, check our the NRHS Athletics Site, the NRHS Coaches Directory, and the NRHS Team Schedules - ArbiterLive.
Pre-Kindergarten Registration Open: Deadline TODAY!
The Nashoba Regional School District will offer five day programming across the district in both full day and half day formats. Submission of the below form will enter you in the Nashoba Regional School District's preschool lottery for the 25/26 school year. Please complete one form for each child you would like to enter the lottery for. Nashoba Regional School District began accepting preschool lottery applications on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The deadline for applications will be Friday, January 31, 2025. Families will be notified of their selection via email in early February.
Our program is designed for students who are 3 and 4 years old. To learn more about our program, please see our Informational Slides. For any additional questions, please contact Kristen Ryan, Director of Early Childhood at kryan@nrsd.net or 978.779.0539 ext. 3008.
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!
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!
The Nashoba Ski team has kicked off their fund-raising promotion with the Wachusett Ticket Sale Donation Program. For every ticket sold online that uses their coupon code: DON-NRSKI, Wachusett will donate $10.00 to the Ski Team. To purchase a ticket click here, all you'll need to do is select your date and time and add in the above code! Members of the Ski Team field a great deal of cost in their participation. All who participate must cover their Wachusett pass to train, race day tickets, and equipment upkeep.
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!
