The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
It’s been a year of progress as we move forward with the construction of our new Nashoba Regional High School. From the early groundwork to the rising steel framework, each phase brings us closer to a state-of-the-art facility that will serve both our students and the broader community for many years to come.
Significant progress has been made over the past several months. In September and October, construction teams focused on preparing the foundation and soil to support the new building. By early March, the steel framework began to take shape, with cranes visible from 117 as steel workers assembled the structure. The transformation is now clearly visible, and our vision for the new school is becoming a reality.
To celebrate this exciting phase, we invite you to join us for a Beam Signing opportunity on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. This special event will offer former students, district staff, and community members the chance to sign one of the final beams that will be placed in the building. This beam will serve as a lasting symbol of the collective effort and dedication that has gone into bringing this project to life.
While current NRHS students and staff will have the opportunity to sign the beam during school hours over the coming months, we invite all members of our school and town community to join us on May 17th and add their names to this important part of the building's structure.
We remain grateful for the ongoing support from our community. Your commitment to prioritizing students and providing them with a modern, safe, and inspiring learning environment is helping ensure that each and every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Student Campaigns and Real-World Politics: The FSS Race to the Presidency Hosts Senator Robyn Kennedy
Today, FSS 8th-grade students participated in the final debate of their Race to the Presidency project, a hands-on assignment tied to their civics curriculum. The annual project requires students to research important political issues, develop their own stances, and collaborate in campaign teams. Throughout the project, students worked to lobby school district members, representing various companies and organizations ranging from Big Pharma to the teachers union, in order to secure support and funding for their campaigns. A key part of their efforts involved creating campaign materials, including billboards displayed on bulletin boards throughout the school, as well as designing flyers and buttons to promote their political parties.
The project culminated today with a debate in the FSS auditorium, where the final two presidential and vice presidential candidates presented their positions to their peers. The candidates, who were assigned fictional political parties, addressed a range of issues relevant to students and the broader political landscape. Their thorough research and quick thinking allowed them to impressively navigate the debate, especially when responding to questions from their classmates.
Adding to the excitement, the event featured a panel of special guests. School Principal, Mr. Bates, acted as the debate moderator, while Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Laura Friend and Senator Robyn Kennedy asked questions representing different news networks. After the debate, students had the opportunity to engage directly with the visiting Senator, asking about her motivations for running for office, her daily responsibilities, and key political issues in Massachusetts. This real-world interaction gave students a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with actual political processes and people!
To learn more about the Race to the Presidency project, and to hear directly from previous students, check out The Great Road "Episode 4: Race to the Presidency".
Anatomy and Physiology: Circulatory System Learning
This week during Anatomy and Physiology, students actively engaged in a dissection of a sheep heart, providing them with a hands-on opportunity to explore the intricate structures of the circulatory system.
Throughout this dissection, students focused on three main learning objectives. First, they aimed to be able to identify and describe the major components of the circulatory system, including the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) and blood, and explain their roles in transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body. Second, students explored how the heart maintains its own rhythm through a series of specialized pacing cells and tissues, gaining insight into the electrical impulses that regulate its function. Finally, students identified the significance of functioning heart valves in maintaining homeostasis by ensuring proper blood flow and preventing backflow, which is essential for efficient circulation.
Through this hands-on experience, students were able to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world anatomy, deepening their understanding of how the circulatory system supports the body's overall function.
Get Ready to Ride!
We eagerly anticipate welcoming the remarkable class of 2038 into our school community with a series of enriching events and activities in the months ahead. Up next we'll be welcoming incoming kindergarten students to get ready to ride the bus! We encourage each of our families to save the date and to register!
đź“… Mary Rowlandson Elementary School, May 8th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
đź“… Florence Sawyer School, May 14th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
đź“… The Center School, May 15th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Upcoming Events for Nashoba SEPAC
Up next, SEPAC will host their SEPAC Business Meeting on April 8th, 2025. The event will run between 6:30pm - 8:00pm. SEPAC stands for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. SEPAC is a volunteer organization made up of parents/guardians of students with disabilities (IEPs and 504 plans) or other special education needs in Stow, Bolton and Lancaster. Check the 2024-2025 SEPAC Calendar of Events below to access the meeting link, along with all other upcoming events!
Helpful Tips for Seasonal Allergies
As the Cold and Flu Season winds down, the Allergy Season is gearing up. Health Offices do not have allergy medications as standing orders, so if your children take medications for seasonal allergies, they will need to be taken at home. But, medication is not the only intervention against allergies!
Below are some tips that may help to Nip Seasonal Allergies in the Bud!
Reduce exposure to allergy triggers by:
Wearing a light layer outside and removing it when you come inside
Washing your hands and face after being outside
Keep an eye on high pollen counts
If pollen counts are high, consider masking while outside
If counts are up, consider closing windows and doors to keep pollen outside
Rinse out the sinuses
Consult your medical provider about additional treatments if current treatments are not working
For additional information on seasonal allergies please see the resources provided by The Mayo Clinic.
THIS WEEKEND: FSS Presents The Addams Family
This past weekend, LBMS Drama impressed audiences with their performance of Annie Jr.! From the talent to the set, it was a must see show! Couldn't make it to The Little Mermaid or Annie Jr.? We've got more shows coming! Learn more about each of our upcoming shows below and from their flyers.
📅 Florence Sawyer’s Drama Group will perform The Addams Family this weekend! Shows will run on April 4th at 7:00 PM, April 5th at 7:00 PM, and April 6th at 12:00 PM. This musical tells the story of Wednesday Addams, who shocks her eccentric family by falling for a “normal” boy, leading to a night filled with comedy, secrets, and spooky chaos! You can preview the show with the pictures to the right, and get your online tickets here!
đź“…Hale Middle School will cap off the spring drama season with Jolly Roger and the Pirate Queen, set to perform on April 10th at 7:00 PM, April 11th at 7:00 PM, and April 12th at 11:00 AM!
Don’t forget to check out the "What’s Next?" section below, as each of our schools’ band and chorus groups have exciting upcoming performances you won’t want to miss!
Extended Learning's April Vacation Camp: Registration Closing Soon!
Join the Extended Learning Program for four days of fun during their April Vacation Camp! This April's camp will offer amazing enrichment experiences with sports, Lego's, theatre/drama, and more!! Each vacation camp is packed with activities designed to keep kids engaged, active, and learning, and with half-day and full-day options, there truly is something for all campers to enjoy.
Camp will be offered on Tuesday, April 22nd through Friday, April 25th. Please utilize the Vacation Camp Registration form below to enroll your student, but don't wait too long, registration will close on April 11th.
Positions Available!
Are you looking for a way to earn extra income while maintaining a flexible schedule? Do you want a role that aligns with your child's school hours, or are you a former teacher looking to stay connected to education?
Consider becoming a substitute—opportunities are available! Thank you for considering this meaningful way to support our school. Learn more here!
Nashoba Notable Award! Thank a Nashoba Employee!
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!
