The Wolf Weekly

Week of December 23, 2025

Dear NRHS Community,

I hope this message finds you doing well. We are gearing up for our long awaited winter vacation and there is energy in the building for the students. vs. teachers volleyball game that will take place at the end of the day today. Winter sports are in full swing with several games scheduled for over the vacation. Our DECA students and Robotics team are both gearing up for competition season which begins in full after the new year.

As mentioned in the Superintendent's Update "The Common", the NRSD School Committee recently approved two new policies related to the high school. A summary of each of the policies is below:

Summary:

Policy IKF outlines Nashoba’s graduation requirements and affirms our commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and civic life. To graduate, students must complete a rigorous, well-rounded program aligned with MassCore expectations, earn at least 90 credits, and meet state and district competency requirements. The policy includes two key updates: a requirement for four years of mathematics and a two-year world language sequence in the same language. These expectations are designed to strengthen academic skills, promote healthy habits, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Academic advisors support students in planning a course of study that aligns with their strengths and goals while upholding the high standards of a Nashoba education.

Policy IKFE explains how Nashoba determines that students have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required for graduation following the voter-approved removal of MCAS as a competency determination requirement in Fall 2024. Rather than relying on MCAS, the policy establishes that students demonstrate mastery in English language arts, mathematics, and science by successfully completing district-certified coursework aligned with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, with U.S. History included beginning with the Class of 2027. Students show mastery by earning full credit in required courses and meeting established performance expectations through end-of-course assessments, capstone or portfolio projects, or other approved measures. This approach ensures that graduation decisions are based on a student’s body of work and demonstrated learning over time. The policy is intended as a temporary, gap measure to provide clarity and consistency while the Governor’s Office and state leaders develop a permanent, statewide competency determination framework for Massachusetts.

Important Dates:

December 24, 2025-January 4, 2026 - Winter Break
January 9, 2026 - Early Release PD Day
January 15, 2026 - Future Freshman Night
January 19, 2026 - No School MLK Day
January 20-23, 2026 - Early Release Days for Midterm Exams
January 26, 2026 - Beginning of Quarter 3 and Semester 2

Wishing you peace and joy during this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kate Boynton

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.