The Common

Hello Nashoba Community,

It’s hard to believe that we are already in November, and that we’re fast approaching another winter - especially with the beautiful weather we’ve had this week! Each year around this time I like to remind our community about the inclement weather protocol that we follow, as well as how we notify our students, staff and families in the event that school is delayed or canceled due to weather conditions.

When faced with incoming weather, we closely monitor the weather forecast, and also consider road conditions of not only our own towns, but also of the surrounding towns and towns where our employees reside. Our Facilities Department works closely with the Departments of Public Works across our towns to coordinate on road preparations and plowing effectiveness starting as early as 4:30am on days with anticipated poor weather. I also work closely with neighboring superintendents so that I am aware of delays or closures which may impact our staffing.

If conditions allow our buses to travel safely and cautiously, it is generally assumed that students who drive themselves to school can do so as well. However, the decision to drive in less-than-ideal weather conditions is a personal choice. If we are in session and a student does not feel comfortable driving due to weather conditions, I would encourage them to take advantage of our district bus transportation or make alternative transportation arrangements with a parent/caregiver. Now is a good time to discuss alternatives at home, and to make sure your student is aware of their bus number, so that you are ready for the winter season.

Our goal is to keep the public informed and make decisions in a timely manner. If the forecast is clear and a delay or cancellation is imminent, a decision will be made by 9:00pm the night prior. Otherwise, a call will be made by 5:30am the morning of.

During delays and closures we use a variety of methods to make sure our community is aware. For each delay and closure we reach out to local media outlets and post a banner on our district and school homepages. In addition, we use Thrillshare, our district’s communication platform, to send out delay and closure notices. These notices will come through as text messages, voice calls, and emails.

Deciding to call a delay or a closure involves many factors, and we do our best to prioritize keeping students in school, while maintaining the safety of our students, staff, and families.

Thank you for your flexibility as we head into the winter.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

Nashoba Regional High School students enrolled in Fashion Foundations made an impact outside of their classroom with a recent project that saw students create approximately 30 handmade fidget boards that were donated to River Terrace in Lancaster, a rehabilitation and health care facility.

Designed for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the fidget boards feature a variety of hands-on activities and materials that encourage interaction, keep hands occupied, and provide opportunities to practice fine and gross motor skills. Each board incorporates different textures, fasteners, and interactive elements, giving students the opportunity to apply their sewing and construction skills in a creative and purposeful way.

Introduced this school year, Fashion Foundations focuses on the creative, technical, and cultural sides of the fashion industry. Through hands-on sewing projects, design exploration, trend analysis, and fashion history, students develop foundational skills while learning how clothing and personal style connect to individual identity and culture. This project offered a meaningful extension of that learning, challenging students to think beyond traditional fashion projects and consider how their developing skills could be used to meet a need in their community.

Registration is open for free weekly playgroups for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. For more information on playgroup time, locations, and dates, please click the button below. The playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care's CFCE grant and are designed to support young children in our communities by providing fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Space is limited.

The 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.

There are many ways to participate:

• Attend an executive session
• Attend a SEPAC Event
• Send an email at SEPACchairs@nrsd.net
• Follow SEPAC on Facebook
• Complete the SEPAC Caregiver Survey

Check out the SEPAC page on the district website for more information about scheduled events.

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, at 6:30pm, and will take in person in the Superintendent's Conference Room. You can learn more about the items being discussed on the School Committee Planning Calendar. To watch the meeting live, click here.

The most recent School Committee meeting took place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The 11/4 School Committee Meeting Recording and the 11/4 School Committee Meeting Materials are available.

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!

NRHS Innovation Pathways students visited the MA Skills Trade Expo last week. The event featured a variety of businesses that work in the engineering, manufacturing, and trade spaces across Central Massachusetts.

Last week, Whitsons' milk vendor visited an Emerson lunch block. The team handed out coloring sheets, pencils, stickers, and cow ears, making lunch nutritious and fun!

NRHS tenth grade students visited the Pucker Gallery on Newbury Street to view the work of Samuel Bak, a Holocaust survivor.

An MRE student saw outside workers building on the recess space and decided to acknowledge them with an MRE Husky Card for a job well done!

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