The Common
Hello Nashoba!
This week I’m excited to share that Nashoba Regional High School has officially been awarded the Innovation Pathways Implementation Grant! The announcement was made on Tuesday during an event celebrating STEM Week, highlighting schools and programs across Massachusetts.
This grant allows us to continue growing our Innovation Pathways Program, which helps students explore their interests, build career ready skills, and engage with real world learning, all in high demand fields identified by the state of Massachusetts.
Last school year, we officially launched our Business & Finance and Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing Pathways. This fall, we introduced our newest addition, the Information Technology Pathway, following our official state designation last spring. With these three pathways, Nashoba is now part of the 30% of eligible Massachusetts high schools offering this kind of career connected learning.
So far this school year, our students have truly jumped into their learning by participating in a guest speaker series that connects them with industry professionals while tackling sector-specific challenges like sustainability redesigns, design thinking pitches, and building brand identity through graphics. Beyond the classroom, students have had opportunities to attend the local Youth Remodeling Career Day, tour the new NRHS construction site, and participate in multiple college tours and alumni meetings that help them think about their future. In addition, our first round of students are gearing up for internships and capstone projects, a key part of the program that every enrolled student completes during their senior year.
As is our process, we look forward to presenting this grant announcement to our School Committee at their next meeting for formal acknowledgment and approval. We’re excited to continue this important work and look forward to sharing more stories as our students explore what’s possible.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Imagine Learning’s Illustrative Mathematics (IM): Video Overview Now Available!
As part of our work to ensure that our families have access to information about our new Imagine Learning’s Illustrative Mathematics (IM) curriculum we held several virtual Coffee Hours as part of our Family University Series.
Thank you to those who were able to attend our latest session of Family University. For those who were unable to attend but would like to learn more about Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics, the new math curriculum for grades 6-8 and Algebra 1, you can click here. You can also access the information through the slides here. We hope you find the information helpful.
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
What is NRSD SEPAC?
The NRSD 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.
SEPAC Does This By:
Listening to families, our students and caregivers
Participating in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district's special education programs
Advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities
Providing family-to-family support and networking
Hosting presentations
Making recommendations for professional development
Why explore SEPAC? SEPAC welcomes everyone. We strive to build a community of support for those on the special education journey. Get in touch by emailing SEPACchairs@nrsd.net. Each town has parent liaisons whose contact information names can be found on the district website.
For additional opportunities and events offered by MassPAC check out their All-Access October Calendar below.
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) offers families free access to the Parenting Solutions Library, created in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions.
This online library includes short, expert-led video trainings focused on helping parents build positive relationships and support their children’s success at home and school.
The resources are available to all families, and no logins or passcodes are required. The library can be accessed directly through the MPY website. The library is also available in Spanish.
Middle School Band Night and Zip Trip Nashoba Music Recognition!
Middle School Band Night was a success, bringing together more than 270 student musicians from across the district for an evening filled with music, spirit, and community! Families, staff, and students came out in full support, cheering on both our talented musicians and our student athletes during the home football game against Shepherd Hill. It was a wonderful showcase of Nashoba pride.
We’re also proud to share that our Fine and Performing Arts Director, Joe McCarthy, represented Nashoba Music on the rescheduled Boston 25 ZipTrip last Friday, highlighting the strength and enthusiasm of our music program. It was an exciting week for Nashoba Music and a reminder of the creativity and connection that define our school community. To check out the video segment click here.
Nashoba Drama: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Get ready for an enchanting evening of magic, mischief, and mayhem! Nashoba Drama is excited to bring Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the stage this November. Don’t miss your chance to see this timeless classic performed by our talented cast. The show will run Friday, November 21st at 7:00pm, Saturday, November 22nd at 7:00pm, and Sunday, November 23rd at 2:00pm.
Need-to-Knows for the Week Ahead
Bolton Roundabout Project
Ongoing
Bolton, Across from NRHS
The Bolton Roundabout project is currently awaiting the completion of pole work by Verizon before any further progress in roadwork can be made. We are in close communication with the Town of Bolton and will continue to provide updates to our school community as new information becomes available.
Forbush Mill Road
October 20th - November 21st, 2025
Bolton, Forbush Mill Road
On Monday, October 20th, Forbush Mill Road in Bolton closed to through traffic to allow for the replacement of the culvert near the Transfer Station driveway. The project is expected to continue through approximately November 21st, 2025.
During the closure:
- From Still River Road (Route 110/Forbush Soccer Field): The road will remain open only up to the Transfer Station.
- From Main Street (Route 117): The roadway will be open only to #40 Forbush Mill Road.
Lunchroom Monitor Positions Available at Each of Our Elementary and Middle Schools!
Our district is looking for friendly, caring Lunchroom Monitors to help make lunchtime a positive experience for our elementary and middle school students!
Lunchroom Monitors play an important role in helping students enjoy a safe, welcoming, and well-organized lunch period. They greet students as they enter, provide support as they go through the lunch line, and lend a helping hand when snack packaging is hard to get into! Monitors also help keep the cafeteria running smoothly by organizing clean-up and dismissal.
This is a paid, part-time position (approximately 2–3 hours per day), perfect for anyone who loves working with kids and wants to contribute to our school community.
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!
