The Common
Dear Nashoba Families and Community Members,
Over the past several years, our district has worked diligently to balance our financial realities with our unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Together, we have navigated challenges thoughtfully and responsibly, always with the goal of maintaining high-quality programs that serve our students and families well.
As part of this continued effort, we are entering an exploratory phase to better understand the operational and fiscal impact of two important areas: Food Services and Extended Learning. This exploration is a proactive step that will not result in any immediate changes. Rather, it will provide the data and insight needed to make well-informed decisions for the long-term benefit of our students, families, staff, and residents.
To do this work effectively, the district will conduct a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for both services. The RFP process allows us to carefully evaluate qualified vendors based on their ability to meet our operational needs, uphold our fiscal responsibilities, and support a positive experience for students and families.
The district currently contracts with a food service management company solely for the position of Food Services Director. Our next step is to solicit proposals that will help us better understand the potential benefits and implications of contracting the entire Food Services program. This process is guided by strict state regulations and will follow the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) approved RFP and contracting procedures.
Our Extended Learning program is currently operated in-house, providing before and after-school care for many families across the district. As with Food Services, we are exploring whether a contracted model could provide additional efficiencies or benefits for our community. A top priority throughout this process is ensuring that any potential provider can meet existing enrollment needs and maintain the same high-quality care and consistency that families have come to expect from Nashoba.
It is important to emphasize that no decisions or recommendations have been made. This is a study phase, an opportunity to take a closer, data-driven look at how we operate these programs to ensure their continued success and sustainability.
District administration will continue to update the School Committee as this process moves forward and will keep staff and families fully informed along the way.
We understand that these programs are deeply connected to our students, families, staff, and the broader community, and that they play an important role in supporting our students. We are committed to transparency every step of the way, as we strive to identify the best outcomes for our district.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
We would like to congratulate Sara Albanese on her acceptance of The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Award for Academic Excellence. This annual award is given to high school seniors who excel in the classroom and make positive contributions in their community. Guidance Counselor, Katherine Kuykendall, has written, on the behalf of Nashoba Regional High School Educators, the following acknowledgement of Sara’s accomplishments.
Sara Albanese has excelled in some of our most rigorous courses, dedicating herself to hard work, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. Her powerful communication and leadership skills are evident both on the ice hockey rink—where she mentors younger players and leads with confidence—and in the Robotics Club, where she guides her team with strategy and vision. Her creativity and learner’s mindset extend beyond the classroom, as she dedicates her spare time to writing a book as well as projects such as crochet, origami, and art. With empathy and a global perspective, she also gives back to the community through her volunteer work at the library and local food drives. Today, we celebrate a student who embodies perseverance, creativity, empathy, communication, cultural competence, and a true love of learning—a remarkable student in every sense.
DESE Office of Language Acquisition Conducting Tiered Focused Monitoring Review; Beginning December 1st
During the week of December 1, 2025, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE’s) Office of Language Acquisition (OLA) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of the Nashoba Regional School District. The Office of Language Acquisition reviews each district’s and charter school’s ELE program every six years to monitor compliance with federal and state English learner education laws and regulations. Areas of review will include English learners’ student assessments, identification of English learners; what programs English learners are placed in, parent and community involvement, curriculum and instruction, student support services, licensure requirements for faculty, staff and administration, program plans, and evaluation and recordkeeping.
In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The district will send a survey to the parents of students whose records the review team examines. The survey focuses on key areas of their child’s English learner education program. Survey results will be reviewed by OLA and they will contribute to the monitoring report.
For additional information please see our full press release, DESE Office of Language Acquisition Conducting Tiered Focused Monitoring Review.
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
Free Breakfast and Lunch Will Continue, Community Support and Resources Available
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.
Caring for Kids Dental Program: Visiting 11/13 & 11/14
Caring for Kids Dental Program will be visiting for their first of two visits this year on November 13th and 14th. The Caring for Kids Dental Program is no cost to you. Every school-aged child regardless of insurance status or ability to pay is eligible to participate. If you are interested in signing your child up for the program, it is not too late.
To sing up see the Caring for Kids website, or use the button below to learn more about the program!
Massachusetts Partnership for Youth (MPY) Parenting Solutions Library Available
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.
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.
Updates for the Week of November 10th
Bolton Roundabout Project
November 3rd - November 18th, 2025
Bolton, Across from NRHS
Construction of the roundabout at the Main Street/Forbush Mill Road/Green Road intersection is underway. At the close of every day, traffic will be routed through the new roundabout. Construction is expected to continue through Tuesday, November 18th. Please 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.
Forbush Mill Road
October 20th - November 21st, 2025
Bolton, Forbush Mill Road
Forbush Mill Road in Bolton is currently 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.
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!
