The Common

Hello Nashoba!

Beginning tonight, Friday, October 3rd, 2025, the Still River Bridge on Route 117 will be closed to through traffic as part of the scheduled MassDOT repair project. The closure is expected to last through October 17th, and will affect travel in both Bolton and Lancaster. Families should plan for increased traffic and delays, especially during school and work commute times.

Adjustments have already been made to our bus routes and were shared with impacted schools on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025. As always, we will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate closely with Town Officials, MassDot, and Dee Bus.

To help keep our community informed, we’ve launched a new Roadwork Updates section in The Common. In addition to Route 117 closure information, this week’s update includes information on other key projects, including: The Eversource work on Gleasondale Road in Stow, the upcoming Forbush Mill Road project in Bolton, and the ongoing Rotary project in Bolton. Be sure to check this section weekly for the latest construction and traffic updates that may impact our school community.

Finally, MCAS Individual Student Reports have been received and will be mailed home to families on Friday, October 10th, 2025. For more information on the reports and how to interpret them, please visit the Teaching and Learning section of The Common.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

Next Friday, October 10, 2025, Spring 2025 MCAS Individual Student Reports will be mailed home to families. The MCAS Individual Student Report provides families with their child’s results from the Spring 2025 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering and Civics, where applicable.

The MCAS assessment is designed to measure performance based on the Massachusetts curriculum standards and to report the performance and progress, or growth, of individual students, schools, and districts over time. It is important to remember that the MCAS assessment represents only one measurement of achievement. Information about your child’s achievement in the Individual Student Report should be considered alongside other assessments. At Nashoba, we have multiple assessment data measures to support our understanding of student learning needs.

As we look ahead, we will continue to work towards continual improvement for all students. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for the continued support of our families. The following site contains resources that may be helpful: MCAS Resources for Parents and Guardians.

We're closely monitoring several major construction projects impacting traffic and school transportation in our communities. Moving forward, this new section will provide weekly information on travel impact to our schools. Our goal is to help families and staff plan ahead by sharing timely, accurate updates in coordination with town officials and transportation partners. Check back each week for any new impact and updates.

Forbush Mill Road

Upcoming (Specific Dates TBD)

Bolton, Across from NRHS

A project on Forbush Mill Road in Bolton is currently in the planning stages. While specific dates and details have not yet been finalized, the district will be attending an upcoming construction information meeting. An update will be provided after we have additional details from that meeting.

Bolton Roundabout Project

Ongoing

Bolton, Across from NRHS

The Bolton Roundabout project is currently awaiting the completion of pole work by Verizon before any further progress in roadwork can be made. We are in close communication with the Town of Bolton and will continue to provide updates to our school community as new information becomes available.

Eversource Project, Gleasondale Road

Ongoing

Stow, Gleasondale Road

The Eversource project on Gleasondale Road is ongoing. Beginning this week, work has shifted to overnight hours, which has supported improved bus route timing for our schools in Stow. This project is expected to continue through mid-November. Given that the construction has shifted to overnight hours, we do not anticipate needing to provide a further update.

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 Department of Early Childhood is excited to share that our Nashoba Community Partnership for Children weekly playgroups began this week! These groups are a wonderful way for children to play, learn, and grow together while families connect with one another. For more information the groups, dates, times, and locations click here. Playgroups are made possible with support from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program.

The NRSD Performing Arts Department is excited to launch its 2025-2026 calendar of events. With over thirty performances scheduled throughout the school year, ranging from concerts to musicals, featuring students from elementary through high school, and taking place both in school and in the community, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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.

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!

Click here to tell someone they are Nashoba Notable!

Principal Blanchard surprised second grade students at MRE as the mystery reader. Superintendent Downing stopped by an MRE first grade classroom to read to the class and talk about tools in our work!

LBMS staff and students headed to Wheat in Clinton to complete community service hours and give back to the community together!

FSS sixth graders spent time finding the area of shaded regions and explaining their reasoning.

MRE hosted a Tool Museum today! First grade students had the chance to explore and learn about different types of tools with their classmates.

LBMS wasn't the only school to volunteer! A group of NRHS students used their Wolf Day activity periods to volunteer at Wheat Food Pantry in Clinton.