Future Freshman: Class of 2029

Hello Nashoba Regional High School Class of 2029!

I am the proud principal of Nashoba Regional High School and it is my pleasure to welcome you to NRHS! As you transition from 8th grade into this exciting new chapter as incoming 9th graders next year, we are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community. Nashoba Regional High School is a place where curiosity, collaboration, and creativity thrive, and we are committed to supporting your academic and personal growth every step of the way. High school is an opportunity to explore your passions, take on new challenges, and form lasting connections with peers and educators who care deeply about your success.

Families, we value your partnership as we work together to create a positive and enriching experience for your students. Looking forward to seeing you soon at Future Freshman Night in January. Go Wolves!

Dr. Kate Boynton
NRHS Principal

We’re excited to introduce our team of administrators who are here to support you as you transition from eighth grade to NRHS! Whether you’re navigating your schedule, exploring new opportunities, or tackling challenges, our team is dedicated to making your high school experience the best it can be. As you explore the course options below, you’ll also meet our fantastic Department Heads, who bring expertise and passion to every subject area. They’re here to help you discover your interests, develop your skills, and achieve your goals. We’re all looking forward to working with you and can’t wait to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish!

Over the month of December Dr. Boynton, alongside Nashoba's Department Heads and some amazing high school volunteers, visited each of our district's three middle schools. In five interactive sessions, students had the chance to explore each department, learn about courses, our new Innovation Pathways Program, Athletics, and to discover what makes Nashoba such a special place.

We know the transition from middle to high school can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to helping our future freshmen every step of the way! To support this journey, we’ve planned a series of events and newsletters designed to make the process as smooth as possible.

Here’s what to expect:

🗓 Future Focus Newsletters:

• Edition 1 (this issue): Core Courses and the Course Selection Process
• Edition 2: Elective Offerings and the Innovation Pathways Program
• Edition 3: Athletics, Drama, and Extracurricular Opportunities
  
  

🗓 Future Freshman Night:

• Date: Thursday, January 9th, 2025 (More details coming soon!)

🗓 Guidance Department Visits

• Date(s): These will take place at each middle school in early 2025

Stay tuned for these resources and events to help every student find their place, their passion, and their path at Nashoba!!

Nashoba strives to offer students a diverse range of opportunities, both within and beyond the classroom. Our goal is to empower students to explore and discover their interests, laying the foundation for them to chart a meaningful path forward during their time at Nashoba.

Nashoba hosts 10 different departments all geared towards supporting every student in their academic pursuits. Take a minute to check out our departments and the dedicated staff who chair them below!

As you prepare to transition to high school, we’ve organized your available courses into two major sections: Core 9th Grade Classes and Offered Electives. In this edition of Future Focus we'll be focusing on your core 9th grade course offerings. Our next edition of Future Focus will break down your elective offerings. Please note, that each year our Department Heads and our teachers work to ensure that our courses remain engaging, which means some of these may change slightly as we finalize our Program of Studies.

Your current 8th-grade teachers will be there to guide you and answer any questions as you navigate this process. In addition, the high school Guidance Department will visit your middle school early next year to help you complete your course selections.

World History (CP, ACC, H)

Credits: 4.0

This course provides a foundation for the study of American history, literature, and the fine arts. Selected topics from both Western and non-Western cultures are studied from an economic, political and social aspect. The cultural legacy of Greece, Rome, the Renaissance, the Reformation and Imperialism will be studied in parallel with events in Asia and Africa.

Freshman English (CP, ACC, H)

Credits: 4.0

In this year-long course, students will practice essential English Language Arts skills, including elevating students' literacy skills for high school and continuing the development of a growth mindset. Students are introduced to diverse perspectives through literature and classroom interactions. In addition to literacy skills, in ninth grade, we work on various modes of writing with attention to structure, voice, and mechanics, yielding digital media, spoken presentations, and written end products. Through the reading and discussion of literature, we work to develop students’ empathy and understanding of a plurality of world views. Developing empathy within this environment fosters authentic relationships and healthy risk-taking as learners.

Option 1: Physical Science (CP, ACC)

Credits: 4.0

This course will guide students through the fundamentals of the physical world. Topics covered will

include motion, acceleration, forces, static electricity, work, power, energy and circuits. Physics principles will be explored through inquiry based laboratories, and authentic application projects. Although conceptual, there will be several opportunities to apply developing algebra skills throughout the coursework. Basic chemistry concepts will be introduced and applied in this course.

Option 2: Physics with Engineering Applications (ACC, H)
Credits: 6.0

Physics with Engineering Applications takes a hands-on, project based approach in teaching the 9th grade physics curriculum. Lab work is the primary focus as teams of students use the engineering design process and the scientific method to design, build, test, and improve prototype devices. Students learn basic principles of physical science and explore engineering ideals like modeling of systems. Students learn the basics of instrumentation and data collection. Graphing and data analysis are stressed. Projects are based in physics, chemistry, and electronics.

Option 1: Algebra I (CP, ACC)

Credits: 4.0

In Algebra 1, instructional time and student learning will focus on five critical areas: (1) exploring relationships between quantities using numbers and variables; (2) creating and applying linear functions, equations and inequalities to model real world and mathematical situations; (3) expanding our understanding of functions to include exponential and quadratic relationships; (4) investigating radical and rational functions with their applications in geometry; and (5) discovering techniques for analyzing and applying statistical measures and probability. They broaden their understanding of the known and unknown in mathematics and use strategies to model the world around them in their quest to define and analyze quantities and mathematical relationships.

Option 2: Geometry (ACC, H)

Credits: 4.0

This course presents to the student a logical development of thought processes through the analytical study of two and three dimensional shapes and forms. Connections will be made to geometry in everyday life. Topics include deductive and inductive reasoning, parallel lines and planes, congruent and similar polygons, right triangle relationships, circles, area and volume, coordinate and transformational geometry. Individual and group projects may be utilized to help students with their understanding.

Option 1: French I (CP, ACC, H), German I (CP, ACC, H), Spanish I Novice (CP)*

Credits: 4.0

The first year of a modern world language focuses on listening comprehension and speaking, with an emphasis on learning to hear and reproduce the sounds unique to the language. Basic reading and writing skills are introduced. In addition, students develop an understanding of the target cultures and people through experiences with a wide range of supplementary materials. *Spanish I Novice is designed for those students who have no prior knowledge of Spanish.

Option 2: Spanish I Advanced (ACC)

Credits: 4.0

This class is designed for those students who have previously completed Spanish 1 at the 8th grade level in the Nashoba District. It is intended for those students who will benefit from additional foundational work to strengthen their skills before moving on to Spanish 2, and will be taught at an accelerated pace. The course is designed to reinforce skills and expand on prior knowledge. Students enrolling from outside the district will take a placement test to determine appropriate class and level. Waivers may be granted to students without prior knowledge of Spanish with the understanding that students will work independently to master review concepts that are presented. This course focuses on listening comprehension and speaking, with an emphasis on learning to hear and reproduce the sounds unique to the language. Reading and writing skills are reviewed and reinforced. In addition, students will continue to develop an understanding of the target cultures and people through experiences with a wide range of supplementary materials.

Option 3: Spanish II (ACC, H)

Credits: 4.0

The second year of language study continues to emphasize interpretive communication through listening and reading, as well as presentational and interpersonal communication through speaking and writing. Students will expand upon the basic grammar skills from level 1 to initiate communication in the past, present, and future tenses. Awareness of cultural diversity will continue through the use of supplementary materials.

Freshman Wellness

Credits: 2.0

This alternating day, yearlong course is designed to expose freshmen students to a wide variety of physical activities. Our belief is that the more activities a student is exposed to, the more choices they have later in life. Units of study include Hands Only CPR, Concussion in Sports Certification, Sports Strategies, Spirit of The Game, Achieving Fitness, personal fitness assessment, developing guidelines for appropriate lifelong exercise, and participation in a variety of seasonal physical skill activities. These include traditional sports and games, individual and team sports as well as tumbling, yoga, and more. This course lays the foundation for Junior and Senior electives. Some additional classroom instruction will include the introduction of health topics to be covered in greater detail in the Sophomore Wellness program. All students will be required to wear appropriate attire for participation.

In the next edition of Future Focus, we’ll guide you through tips on making the most of your elective options and showcase how these courses can shape your high school experience.

Freshman year marks the start of discovering passions and exploring new interests at NRHS. From art to technology, our wide range of electives offers something for everyone—just don’t forget to check prerequisites and plan backups!

We’ll also feature an in-depth look at our Innovation Pathways Program! Designed for hands-on learning, this program helps students explore career interests through technical and advanced-level courses, some of which offer college credit. The program culminates in a 100-hour internship or capstone project. Currently, we offer pathways in Business & Finance and Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing. Coming next fall, we’re excited to launch our Information Pathway, focusing on Computer Science, Digital Creation, Broadcast Journalism, and Sound Mixing. Stay tuned!