The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone in our community. This season offers us an important reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of a community that cares deeply for its students, its schools, and one another. I am grateful every day for the dedication, partnership, and spirit that define Nashoba.

I want to take a moment to especially recognize our teachers and staff, whose commitment to our students is evident in every classroom and every school across the district. Their hard work, compassion, and unwavering professionalism make up the secret sauce that is Nashoba. I am equally proud of our students, who continue to inspire us with their curiosity, resilience, and kindness.

If you're looking for a way to start the festivities early, Nashoba Drama’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream opens tonight at 7:00pm. Opportunities like this highlight how our community supports students’ passions, creating space for them to rehearse and perform, and celebrating their interests both inside and outside the classroom. A link to purchase tickets as well as additional show dates can be found in the Fine & Performing Arts section below.

As you head into the break, I wish all of you safe travels, great food, and meaningful time with friends and family. Whether you are gathering close to home or venturing farther away, I hope the days ahead offer rest, connection, and the chance to reflect on what matters most.

On behalf of the Nashoba Regional School District, thank you for the support you give our schools and for the trust you place in us. It is an honor to serve this community.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

Early last spring, we announced that the district would be reviewing and updating report cards for students in grades K-8. Since then, a dedicated team of educators from across the district has worked collaboratively to refine and redesign these tools, and we are pleased to share that the updated report cards are ready to launch for Trimester 1.

This work is important because it ensures our report cards more clearly reflect student learning and growth while aligning with the district’s ongoing curriculum development, adoption of high-quality instructional materials, and consistency across grade levels. The updates also include a revised Social Behavior and Work Habits section that now more closely mirrors the Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate competencies.

While much of the report card remains familiar to families, the Department of Teaching and Learning has developed a virtual NRSD Report Card Information Hub to help families understand what’s new within the updated report cards. This resource will be shared with all K-8 families prior to the distribution of the new report card on December 12th.

Please note, the initial December 5th distribution date has been shifted to December 12th to allow our teams the time needed to finalize the updated report card and ensure a smooth, accurate rollout for all families.

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.

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.

Bolton Roundabout Project

Concluded for the Season

Bolton, Across from NRHS

Construction of the roundabout at the Main Street/Forbush Mill Road/Green Road intersection has halted for the season. The new traffic circle is open to traffic. Vehicles should slow and approach the roundabout with safety. Motorists are reminded to yield to vehicles within the roundabout.

Forbush Mill Road

Ongoing

Bolton, Forbush Mill Road

Forbush Mill Road in Bolton will remain closed to through traffic until approximately December 4th, 2025 to allow for the replacement of the culvert near the Transfer Station driveway. The project is expected to continue through approximately Thanksgiving.

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.

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!

Students in the Journalism and Broadcast class at NRHS suited up before covering the new high school build for Wake Up Nashoba!

FSS students visited Washington D.C. earlier this year, and got the opportunity to tour and visit a number of historical locations and museums!

At MRE, students in Mrs. Zecker's second grade classroom created their own number lines from base-ten blocks and receipt paper, resulting in a new tape measuring tool for learning.

The FSS middle school Heart and Sole running group finished their first season by participating in a 5K at Polar Park!

Nashoba Drama students ran through their final dress rehearsal on Thursday. Their performances of A Midsummer Night's Dream begin tonight!

A group of NRHS students presented their project at the recent UMass Lowell DifferenceMaker Competition, the university’s incubator program for young entrepreneurs.

Cafeteria staff and district administrators served up a turkey lunch this week, complete with a choice of either apple crisp and pumpkin pie for dessert!