The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

Earlier this month, we welcomed the Class of 2030 to Nashoba Regional High School during our annual Future Freshman Night. While many of our rising freshmen may have visited the high school before, this was likely the first time they did so with a focus on who they will become as members of our high school community.

The event focuses on giving incoming freshmen the information they need, including an overview of the scheduling process, a tour of the building, and graduation requirements. Just as importantly, it gives students the opportunity to begin practicing what they will be doing throughout their next four years: exploring courses, extracurricular activities, programs and teams, and imagining where their interests might take them.

While the transition from 8th grade to 9th grade may feel daunting, our high school team is here to support students and families along the way. In the coming months our Freshmen Program of Studies will be shared with families, and our NRHS Counseling team will visit each middle school to help build schedules that reflect our students’ interests and goals.

We are looking forward to watching the Class of 2030 settle in at Nashoba Regional High School next fall. High school is a time shaped by growth, discovery, and defining moments, and it really does go by faster than anyone expects. Before we know it, we’ll be writing the Class of 2030’s graduation message. Until then, we encourage students and families alike to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the path ahead.

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

Congratulations to Caleb Rawlinson, our FSS music educator! Earlier this month Mr. Rawlinson was selected to receive the 2026 Central District Massachusetts Music Educators Association (CDMMEA) New Music Educator of the Year Award!

This honor is awarded by the CDMMEA Executive Board through a nomination and voting process. Mr. Rawlinson was nominated multiple times and was unanimously chosen for this recognition, a true testament to his impact and dedication! Mr. Rawlinson will be formally recognized at the 2026 CDMMEA Junior District Festival Concert on Saturday, May 2nd.

We would also like to announce that Naomi Cohen, our Center School music educator, has been selected to present a clinic at this year’s 2026 Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) All State Conference. Ms. Cohen’s clinic builds off her recent Master’s work at Michigan State University. It focuses on reviewing existing research regarding language-based learning disabilities (LBLDs) and proposes specific strategies music educators can use in their own practice to accommodate students in the elementary general music classroom. Ms. Cohen began work on this presentation months ago, and was approved in mid-January by the MMEA Executive Board of Directors for room in this limited two-day conference.

We are incredibly proud of our Nashoba music educators, as they continue to be recognized both within our district and outside for their hard work and expertise! If you're interested in attending an NRSD Performing Arts event, the next opportunity is the Nashoba Jazz Night on February 10th. The event will take place in the NRHS Auditorium and will feature jazz students from across the district. For a full list of upcoming events check out the button below!

The Innovation Pathways application deadline has been extended to March 1st, 2026. This decision was made after hearing from students during our recent 8th grade visits, as well as from families at Future Freshman Night, who shared that additional time would be helpful to review course options. Extending the deadline allows students and families the opportunity to explore the 2026/2027 Program of Studies which will come out in February.

To learn more about our Innovation Pathways Program and this year's course offerings, experiences, and opportunities offered, please visit our Innovation Pathways website. If you have any questions about the application process or the program, please contact Innovation Pathways Coordinator, Bridget Hannigan (bhannigan@nrsd.net).

The Nashoba Community Partnership for Children is now accepting registrations for FREE weekly playgroups for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers. Playgroups will be held in Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow from January to June 2026. For more information on the Playgroup times, dates, and locations as well as the registration, click here, or on the button below.

These playgroups are funded by the Department of Early Education and Care’s CFCE grant and are designed to support young families in our communities with fun, hands-on learning and social opportunities. Spaces are limited!

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.

For additional opportunities and events offered by MassPAC check out their All-Access October Calendar below.

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.

Consider joining the Extended Learning Program February Vacation Enrichment Camp for four days of fun in February! The camp will offer an array of enrichment experiences including: Buildwave, Snapology, Art-Ventures, Drama Out of the Box and more! Our vacation camp is packed with activities designed to keep kids engaged, active, and learning!

February Vacation Camp will run between Tuesday February, 17th and Friday February, 20th. To learn more about our February Vacation Camp offerings, and to enroll you student click here or use the button below!

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!

MRE second grade students had a visit from a paleontologist and geologist, who is also an MRE dad! They learned about tools used by paleontologists. The presentation paired nicely with the current reading unit of study with a focus on fossilization, paleontologists and their tools.

Teachers from the NRHS Innovation Pathways Program along with NRHS Electives teachers spent time visiting eighth graders across the district this week. Their presentation focused on asking students to think about their own interests, before spending some time talking with teachers about their elective choices.

Ms. Rocha's Bestsellers and Blockbusters: Literature and Film students began work on their semester-long project this afternoon. The project requires students to select two books and three movies of their choice and through writing and video create five reviews. Digital Director of Innovation, Jed Stefanowicz, popped by to give students a tutorial on GoogleVids as a potential tool.

The Athletics Department hosted a Staff Appreciation Hockey Game!