The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Last evening, members of the Nashoba Regional School Committee and the NRHS Building Committee donned their safety gear for a tour of the ongoing construction project. The group, made up of community members, teachers, and administrators, saw a much different space from their last visit in December of 2025.
What once seemed like any other active construction site is now beginning to resemble the future home of Nashoba Regional High School students. Walls are being put in place, and classrooms, breakout spaces, and other learning areas like our media center, auditorium and gym are all starting to take shape. With each stage of construction, it becomes easier to see the ways in which these thoughtfully designed spaces will further support the learning, growing, and successes of our students. Additionally, I am happy to report that we are on schedule and within budget.
You can keep up with the progress on our NRHS Building Project website, which features images from throughout the project and drone footage of the build.
I hope you all have a great long weekend!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
NRSD Teachers, Middle School Special Educators, and Middle School Instructional Assistants Come Together for Collaborative IM Mathematics Implementation PD
We are pleased to share some of the wonderful professional learning our educators have experienced this year! Throughout the school year, math teachers in grades 6-8, Algebra 1 teachers, middle school special educators, and middle school instructional assistants came together for a series of collaborative professional development sessions centered on the implementation of Illustrative Mathematics. These meetings took place during early release professional development, horizontal meeting times, and onsite in-classroom coaching.
Under the guidance of our consultant, in coordination with Director Kandice McBrearty, our educators engaged in meaningful learning experiences covering unit unpacking, lesson internalization, research-based instructional practices, and strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners. Teachers were given dedicated time to apply their learning directly to upcoming lessons, ensuring that students benefit from these improvements in real time.
Throughout the year, feedback has been gathered from educators regarding the implementation. As a mid-year check-in, we more formally surveyed the educators implementing IM, and the students in those grade levels. That information was analyzed to help guide professional learning for the rest of the year and discussions about ways to make the experience for students even better. We have sent out surveys to educators and students, similarly, for the end-of-year feedback, which we will use to help in planning for next year. Additionally, we now have a Thought Exchange Survey for families of students involved in the implementation to take. If you could take 5-10 minutes to fill it out, we would greatly appreciate it. Your voice matters as we forward plan.
We are proud of the dedication and thoughtfulness our staff has brought to this work, and we look forward to seeing it continue into next year as we enter Year 2 of implementation. This ongoing commitment to professional growth is a true reflection of our educators' passion for providing the best possible experience for every student.
LBMS Wind Ensemble Performs at MMEA Hill Day at Massachusetts State House
This event is in its second year and is organized by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association with help from many state leaders. LBMS Wind Ensemble performed a diverse program of repertoire, including an Irish-inspired piece, a Spanish march, a Bach Aria, and a modern piece written by the young composer Adrian B. Sims.
After the business within the house, our students were able to explore the house and take pictures in the same spot that President Kennedy gave a speech just prior to his inauguration. Representative Kilcoyne brought civics to life for our students and took the time to answer all of their questions about her work in our government.
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!
