The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
On Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m., the Nashoba Regional School District will have its annual budget hearing for the public to comment on the fiscal year 2027 budget, which covers the 2026-2027 school year. I encourage members of the public to visit the NRSD FY27 Budget Development page. This resource serves as a central hub for all presentations and materials shared throughout the FY27 budget process, from the initial FY27 Budget Workshop through the subsequent budget updates shared over the course of February. This page also includes dates and access to links for upcoming meetings and helpful resources such as our NRSD Building the Budget informational video.
Currently, the operational increase for the district stands at 3.72%. That proposed increase is the second-lowest operational increase over the last five years (FY25, 3.52%). We were able to achieve this increase while maintaining the excellent educational program that our students experience from the collective efforts of all of our dedicated employees in the district. Lastly, in contrast to last year, we have no position reductions within the FY27 proposed budget.
You can also learn how your local finance and advisory committees participated in the budget process by viewing the joint Finance/Advisory meeting held on February 26th. To view that meeting go to Bolton Access Television.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine tomorrow!
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Florence Sawyer School 8th Grade Civics students have been learning about the legal system and Judicial Branch over the past six weeks. Students were fortunate to have a presentation by Judge Revelli from Clinton District Court, joined by Chief Probation Officer Terrence Moran and Court Officer Marlin Santiago as part of Judicial Outreach Month.
Judge Revelli, Officer Moran, and Officer Santiago provided students with a window into their roles in the Massachusetts trial court system. Students previously had a presentation from Heather Powell from the Massachusetts Jury Commissioner's Office about jury duty and the role of the jury in the trial system.
These presentations provide opportunities for students to see the real world connection to what they are learning about in the classroom.
Innovation Pathways, Last Weekend to Apply!
This is the final weekend to apply for the Innovation Pathways Program at NRHS. The application deadline is March 1, 2026, and we encourage any students who are still considering applying to complete their submission before the weekend ends.
NRHS offers three Innovation Pathways: Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing, Business and Finance, and Information Technology. Each pathway provides students with meaningful coursework and real-world learning experiences designed to prepare them for college and career opportunities.
We encourage families to review the 2026/2027 Program of Studies, where we have updated the Innovation Pathways section to include a full outline of program requirements, course selections, and even sample schedules to help students plan their four-year experience. Additional information about this year’s offerings, experiences, and opportunities can also be found on 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).
FREE STEM Event For Children Aged 5-8! Tuesday March 3rd!
The Nashoba Community Partnership for Children is hosting a FREE STEM Event for families and children ages 5 - 8 years old. Ignite curiosity and creativity! Join us for fun hands-on STEM stations. The event will be facilitated by Barbara Jorda, Co-Founder and Program Director of STEM Beginnings.
When: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Where: Florence Sawyer School - Emerson Wing, 50 Mechanic Street, Bolton
Gymnasium (Enter through main doors under the brick arches)
Nashoba Community Partnership, FREE Weekly Playgroups
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!
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
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 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.
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings will be held on the following dates: 2/25, 3/,18, 4/29, 5/20, and 6/17. SEPAC Officers meet at 7pm followed by a Listening Session at 7:30. Open to anyone who wishes to discuss special education matters. All meetings are virtual and links can be found here (passcode: NRSDSEPAC).
Cold and Flu Season is Here, What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick?
The colder months are here and we have entered the peak season for stomach viruses, colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Here are the best ways for students and families to reduce their risk of contracting and spreading illnesses in school and within the community:
Key Points to Prevent Illness
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face.
Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
Stay home if you're sick.
Get vaccinated against common viruses like influenza, Covid, pertussis, and RSV.
To learn more about illnesses that are common during this time of year, please see the following links: Stomach Virus, Common Respiratory Illness, Strep.
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.
Nashoba Drama Presents Big Fish; Tickets Available Now!
Nashoba Drama is excited to present Big Fish as their spring musical this March. Based on Daniel Wallace's book and the Columbia Pictures screenplay written by John August, the musical follows a son trying to distinguish fact from fantasy in his father's larger than life tales.
Shows will run Friday 3/13 at 7:00pm, Saturday 3/14 at 7:00pm, and Sunday 3/15 at 2:00pm. Click the button below to grab your tickets now!
Florence Sawyer School Drama Rehearsing to Open High School Musical Jr!
Florence Sawyer School Drama proudly presents: Disney's High School Musical Jr. This family-friendly musical follows Gabriella Montez, Troy Bolton and the students of East High as they navigate friendships, challenge cliques, and discover who they really are. Tickets are available now!
Shows will run out of the Florence Sawyer School Auditorium on:
- Friday 3/20 at 7:00pm
- Saturday 3/21 at 7:00pm
- Sunday 3/22 at 12:00pm
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!
