The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Tonight is always a night of celebration in Nashoba as we intersect our arts programs with athletics for Nashoba District Band Day at the Nashoba Regional High School football game. We have over 250 middle school musicians primed to join our high school band, along with members of our 6-8 and 9-12 choir groups, ready to perform at the game to highlight their musical talents as they support our team.
Knowing it is a long weekend, if you are in the region we hope you can attend to show your support of our students. Be advised, this is the highest attended game of the year! I would suggest carpooling if that is available to you.
Finally, we have referenced our upcoming NRSD Family University event, AI at NRSD, in the last few issues of The Common. Earlier this week, we sent out an invitation to parents/caregivers to join us on Monday, October 19, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Florence Sawyer School Cafeteria to learn about our AI work, review recent survey results, and discuss next steps in developing our AI Policy. Parents/caregivers must register by Wednesday, October 14, all grade levels are welcome to attend. You can register for our AI at NRSD event here.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate: Communication, Reflection, and Recognition
Each month, students focus on one of the district’s competencies, beginning with Communication this month. During their October Portrait Period, students will reflect on how they demonstrate communication skills through academic, extracurricular, community, and real-world experiences. This reflection aims to help students recognize their strengths and understand how these skills prepare them for life beyond Nashoba.
In addition, NRHS is also expanding this work beyond reflection to include recognition. Throughout each month, teachers will look for opportunities to highlight students demonstrating strong competency skills. At the end of the month, one student will be selected and celebrated for an exemplary moment that demonstrates the monthly focus.
In Grades K-8, students are introduced to and supported in developing these competencies through explicit instruction and consistent feedback tied to classroom learning and work habits, as reflected on our updated K-8 Report Cards. At the high school level, the focus shifts toward helping students take ownership of these skills and recognize how they apply across different areas of their lives. To learn more about the Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate competencies, visit our Family Information Hub!
Nashoba Regional School District, Music and Drama Calendars Available!
Nashoba Regional Music and Nashoba Drama are excited to launch their 2026-2027 performance calendars. With over thirty performances scheduled throughout the school year featuring students from elementary through high school, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. To see the full year's offerings please check out the calendar buttons below.
Nashoba Community Partnership, FREE Weekly Playgroups
Registration is open for free weekly playgroups for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. For more information on playgroup time, locations, and dates, please click the button below. The playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care's CFCE grant and are designed to support young children in our communities by providing fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Space is limited.
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
The 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.
There are many ways to participate:
- Attend an executive session
- Attend a SEPAC Event
- Send an email at SEPACchairs@nrsd.net
- Follow SEPAC on Facebook
- Complete the SEPAC Caregiver Survey
Check out the SEPAC page on the district website for more information about scheduled events.
SEPAC Listening Session, October 20
The Nashoba Regional School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) would like to invite parents and caregivers to join us for the first listening session of the school year on Tuesday, October 20, from 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Community Room of the Randall Library.
The primary goal of listening sessions is to gather feedback, ideas, and concerns from families to identify patterns and trends that can drive systemic changes in the school district’s special education programs. We aim to provide a supportive environment for families to speak candidly about what is working and what is not.
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Community Room of the Randall Library, 19 Crescent Street, Stow MA 01775
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, 2026 Vaccine Clinic Schedule
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has released their 2026 Vaccine Clinic Schedule. Vaccines offered include Flu, COVID, and RSV. Vaccines will be available for ages 6 months and up. The registration processes are different this year depending on the pharmacy administering the clinic. Please see the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health website for specifics.
Upcoming clinics in our community include:
- Lancaster: Thayer Memorial Library, Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Stow: Pompo Community Center, Saturday, October 24, 2026
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30pm, and will take place virtual. 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, October 7, 2026. The 10/7 School Committee Meeting Recording and the 10/7 School Committee Meeting Materials are available.
Open for the 2026/2027 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!
