The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

As we approach another winter, I want to provide you with the snow day protocol we use to notify students, staff, and families in the event that school is delayed or canceled due to inclement weather.

Many factors impact the decision to call a snow day, like: weather forecast, weather conditions, road conditions, and conditions in surrounding towns where employees reside. In New England, we know weather forecasts don’t always match reality. Some storms may fall short of expectations, while others turn out to be more severe, requiring us to adapt quickly.

To ensure road safety, our Facilities Department works with the Departments of Public Works in all three towns, coordinating on road preparations and plowing effectiveness starting as early as 4:30 a.m. on days with anticipated poor weather.

I also stay in close contact with neighboring Superintendents to gauge whether they will announce delays or closures, which could impact our staffing as many employees live in those areas.

My goal is to keep the public informed and make decisions in a timely manner. If the forecast is clear and cancellations are imminent, I will announce a decision by 9:00 p.m. the night before. Otherwise, I will make the call by 5:30 a.m. the next morning. If you don’t receive a notification, please assume school will proceed as scheduled. We will also inform local media outlets by 5:30 a.m.

Deciding on a snow day involves careful judgment based on current conditions. While our priority is to keep students in school, we must also consider travel safety for families and staff. These decisions are not taken lightly, and our focus remains on what’s best for our students and staff as a whole.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate winter weather.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

We’re excited to announce that the Innovation Pathways application cycle will open on December 1st, 2025, and run through January 31st, 2026. The program is open to rising freshmen and current 9th graders, giving students the chance to explore one of our three pathways: Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing, Business and Finance, or our newest addition, Information Technology. The application for the 2026/2027 school year will be available on our Innovation Pathways homepage.

The Innovation Pathways Program gives high school students the chance to explore courses and career experiences connected to in-demand industries in Massachusetts. Over four years, students choose four related courses and complete either an internship or a capstone project during their senior year, all while accessing guest speaker events and related field trips. To see more of what current students are doing, check out our October 2025 Newsletter.

If you’re not sure whether the program is the right fit, join us for one of our Information Sessions. These sessions will offer families time to learn more about how the program works, including its pathways, opportunities, and benefits for students, and provide a chance to ask questions. Session links are available on the Innovation Pathways website.

We’ll be hosting virtual Information Sessions for families on:

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.

The district wants to reassure families that free breakfast and lunch will continue to be available to all students at every school, and these meals will not be affected by the shutdown.

In addition to school meals, families can access support through Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline, provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Hotline counselors are available in 180 languages to connect families with programs such as WIC and local food pantries.

The district’s Department of Health and Wellness has also compiled a list of local resources for families who need assistance or want to help others in the community. These resources include food assistance programs, holiday gift aid, general support services, and utilities help. The community has a strong network of partners dedicated to ensuring that no family goes without essential resources.

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.

Bolton Roundabout Project

Ongoing

Bolton, Across from NRHS

Construction of the roundabout at the Main Street/Forbush Mill Road/Green Road intersection continues to move forward. At the close of every day, traffic will be routed through the new roundabout. Please continue to plan for traffic delays. Staff and student drivers should allow extra time for travel and use caution when entering and exiting the high school campus. The district and bus company remain in good communication.

Forbush Mill Road

Ongoing

Bolton, Forbush Mill Road

Forbush Mill Road in Bolton remains 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. The road is coned, but there is adequate room to go around the cones to access the Transfer Station. Please yield for vehicles exiting Forbush Mill.
• From Main Street (Route 117): The roadway will be open only to #40 Forbush Mill Road.

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!

The NRHS Field Hockey Team wrapped up a phenomenal season with an impressive run to the Final Four! Congratulations!

Center School’s first and fifth grade Book Buddies teamed up to design “Cooperation” posters as they prepare to lead the upcoming All School Meeting. During the meeting, they’ll introduce a Day of Giving to support the Stow Food Pantry.

Third, fourth & fifth graders at MRE have been participating in the Girls on the Run Club, practicing for the big 5K run that will start at Polar Park and end on the baseball field, this weekend!

NRHS students in the Business and Finance Pathway visited Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) on Wednesday to tour the school, meet with current students, and to learn more about the school's FinTech offerings.