The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Each year, the Nashoba Regional School Committee convenes to conduct a School Choice public hearing and decide on whether to enable students from neighboring districts to enroll in our schools through the school choice program. On Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, the Committee voted to approve my recommendation to close school choice enrollment for specific grades, while maintaining limited availability for others. This decision was reached after careful consideration of data presented during the school committee meeting on April 8, 2026.
The application window opened on Monday, May 4, 2026. It will remain open until 12:00pm on Friday, May 22, 2026. If a lottery is required, the lottery will be held at the Central Offices, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 11:00am. Families will be notified of their status shortly thereafter.
You can get an understanding of which grade levels are open to out-of-district school choice by going to the NRSD School Committee website, where all school choice presentations and discussions are available. For an overview of in-district and out-of-district school choice, please see our School Choice website.
Have a great weekend!
Peace,
Kirk Downing
Superintendent
NRHS German Exchange Program Celebrates 20th Year With 14 Students Traveling to Weilheim, Germany
The German Exchange program wrapped up its 20th year with a visit to Weilheim, Germany, from April 11th to 25th. Fourteen Nashoba students, ranging from grades 10-12, participated in the two-week experience, attending a local high school and staying with host families. The German host families and students visited Nashoba in the fall, and were excited to welcome their American partners in return.
During the week, Nashoba students attended school alongside their hosts, shadowing them in classes and fully immersing themselves in German school and family life. On weekends and during school excursions, the group explored several cultural and historical sites, including Munich, Augsburg, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Botanical Gardens. They also visited the Dachau Memorial Site, an important and reflective part of the experience.
While at school in Germany, Nashoba students were actively engaged in classes and were often sought out to contribute to discussions in history, politics, German, and English courses.
The group was fortunate to enjoy beautiful weather throughout their stay. In preparation for the exchange, students completed an extensive historical project, which helped them qualify for a German American Partnership Program (GAPP) grant. GAPP is a non-profit that supports school exchange programs.
This meaningful exchange was an incredible experience for all involved and reflects every value outlined in the Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate.
Nashoba DECA Receives First Place at International Career Development Conference
Last week’s DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, GA, was an exciting one! Competing against more than 26,000 students from across the United States and seven countries, our Nashoba DECA students delivered a truly historic performance. For the first time in Nashoba DECA's history, a team received 1st place and the title of International Champion!
Congratulations to Dulcie Chrystall-Dubois and Odile Berzonskis, who earned 1st place for their Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research, bringing home Nashoba’s first-ever Glass trophy.
In addition to the first place win, Nashoba DECA also had multiple students place among the top competitors in the world. Ryan Carr, placed Top 10 for his Community Giving Campaign, and Zain Khan and Malik Shannak placed in the Top 15 for their Independent Business Plan.
In total, Nashoba was represented by 22 outstanding student competitors, all of whom demonstrated professionalism, preparation, and pride in representing NRHSl on an international stage.
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 13th, at 6:30pm, and will take place in person. 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, April 29, 2026. A full video of the meeting is available here. The full April 29 meeting agenda and materials are available. Agenda items included:
- Consent Agenda (Vote) (Draft Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2026, Warrants for April 24, 2026, FY26 March Operating Budget Report, Policy 2nd Reading, first reading on April 8, 2026, Policy EFBA, Policy GBEBC, Policy KBE)
- NRHS DECA Donations
- School Committee Chair Update
- Massachusetts State Budget Update
- Food Services RFP Update
- Last Day of School Announcement
- SY26-27 District Physician Contract
- Specialized Programs Presentation
- Training for Superintendent Summative Evaluation
- NRHS School Building Committee Composition Review
- School Choice (Vote)
- Solar Contract Presentation (Vote)
- Master's Academy (Vote)
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!
