The Common
Hello Nashoba Community,
Last night, multilingual learner (ML) families from across our district came together in Lancaster for our annual ML Family Night! The event rotates between our three towns each year, bringing families together to learn more about our ML programming and providing an opportunity to connect with our staff, other families, and helpful community resources.
Families began the event with a pizza dinner before parents/caregivers attended a presentation led by our ML educators. Our ML educators shared information on a number of topics including, ML program terminology, curriculum, score reports, translations services, and the Seal of Biliteracy opportunity at Nashoba Regional High School.
While parents/caregivers learned about the ML program, principals, administrators, and teachers from across the district welcomed students in the gym, giving them an opportunity to play and connect with peers from across the district.
After the presentations families and students took a look through our book station which offered a range of books in different languages to all levels of readers.
We were also glad to welcome members of our school and local communities, who ran informational tables that covered library resources, translation information, local support, and NRHS language opportunities. Thank you to the educators, administrators, and community members who help make this event a welcoming and informative evening for our families!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Unreal Snacks COO Visits NRHS Product Development and DECA Students at NRHS
Students in Nashoba’s Product Development for Entrepreneurship course recently welcomed Jim Barch, Chief Operating Officer at Unreal Snacks, for an inside look at product development and the path of an idea to a product on store shelves.
Mr. Barch shared insights from his career at Unreal Snacks, Ben & Jerry’s and other companies. He also explained how his work spans product development, supply chain management, logistics, food safety, and bringing new products to market. After his presentation during the school day, Mr. Barch volunteered his time after the day ended to meet with DECA students working on projects related to similar topics. This additional time gave students a more informal opportunity to ask questions, learn from his professional experience, and explore their own ideas, all while enjoying some Unreal Snacks!
Nashoba Community Partnership, FREE Weekly Playgroups
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.
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
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.
SEPAC Listening Session, October 20
The Nashoba Regional School District Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) would like to invite parents and caregivers to join us for the first listening session of the school year on Tuesday, October 20, from 6:30 - 7:30pm in the Community Room of the Randall Library.
The primary goal of listening sessions is to gather feedback, ideas, and concerns from families to identify patterns and trends that can drive systemic changes in the school district’s special education programs. We aim to provide a supportive environment for families to speak candidly about what is working and what is not.
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 6:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Community Room of the Randall Library, 19 Crescent Street, Stow MA 01775
SEPAC Learning Circle, October 22
Join Us for a Virtual Workshop: Understanding School Refusal
Is your child struggling to attend school? Are you a parent, caregiver, clinician, or professional supporting a child experiencing school refusal?
Join us on October 22, from 6:00-7:30 PM, for an informative virtual workshop exploring school refusal, its underlying factors, and practical strategies to help children overcome attendance challenges.
Topics will include:
- School Phobia/Refusal vs. School Truancy
- Acute vs. Chronic School Refusal
- Types of School Refusal
- Behaviors Associated with School Refusal
- Risk Factors
- Practical Strategies: Things You Can Do to Help
Whether you are navigating school refusal at home or supporting a child professionally, this workshop will provide valuable information, insights, and strategies to help you better understand and respond to these challenges.
Virtual Workshop: Understanding School Refusal Registration
Understanding School Refusal Additional Information
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, 2026 Vaccine Clinic Schedule
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has released their 2026 Vaccine Clinic Schedule. Vaccines offered include Flu, COVID, and RSV. Vaccines will be available for ages 6 months and up. The registration processes are different this year depending on the pharmacy administering the clinic. Please see the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health website for specifics.
Upcoming clinics in our community include:
- Lancaster: Thayer Memorial Library, Tuesday, October 20, 2026
- Stow: Pompo Community Center, Saturday, October 24, 2026
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30pm, and will take place virtual. 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, October 7, 2026. The 10/7 School Committee Meeting Recording and the 10/7 School Committee Meeting Materials are available.
Open for the 2026/2027 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!
