The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
Next week, schools across the district will be closed for the annual April Vacation. This is a great time for students, staff, and families to take a well-earned break and recharge before the busy final stretch of the school year.
Whether you're staying local to enjoy the events surrounding the Concord250 anniversary celebration, traveling, participating in our Extended Learning Vacation Camp, or simply enjoying a slower pace at home, we hope your week is restful and enjoyable.
We look forward to welcoming students back after the break, refreshed and ready to dive into their learning for the final months of the school year.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Student Opportunity Act: Progress Update
The Student Opportunity Act (SOA), enacted in 2019, requires Massachusetts school districts to develop three-year plans aimed at closing opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved students. These plans must align with district-specific goals and evidence-based practices that enhance student outcomes. As with all districts in the Commonwealth, Nashoba developed a new three year SOA plan last spring. This plan was presented to the Nashoba Regional School Committee for approval in March 2024. As required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), districts must annually submit progress reports to demonstrate their plan's implementation and impact. Nashoba's 2025 SOA Progress Updates were presented to the Nashoba Regional School Committee last Wednesday and are available for review in the Superintendent's Report to the School Committee.
From Classrooms to Paychecks: NRHS Sophomores Explore Managing Money at The Annual Reality Fair
This month, the Nashoba Regional High School Guidance Department hosted its annual Reality Fair, an event designed to help sophomores explore real-world financial and life decisions as they begin to think about their own futures. Held on an early release day, the fair offers students a hands-on opportunity to step into the shoes of working adults.
In preparation for the event, sophomores work with the Guidance Department to choose entry-level career paths that align with their interests. Upon arrival at the fair which is held in the lower gym, students receive a mock salary based on their chosen profession. They then circulate through various stations staffed by community volunteers and members of the Rotary Club. Throughout the event, students are challenged to manage expenses such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, phone bills, giving, leisure, retirement, insurance, transportation, and more. They must also consider options like part-time jobs, financial investments, and whether to live with a roommate while staying within their budget.
NRHS Guidance Counselor, Dan Glover, who helps organize the fair said, "I have been helping coordinate the Reality Fair for over a decade now and each year it has never disappointed. Every year, the students walk away having had a really fun time while having received a glimpse into what 'real life' will be like once they are on their own."
At the conclusion of the Reality Fair, students take home the completed ledgers from their visits to each station. This allows them to share their experiences with their families and apply what they've learned moving forward. We would like to extend a huge shout out to our High School Guidance Department for their efforts to create this real-world experience for our students.
The Great Road: Supporting All Students with Cheryl Gallaugher
Get Ready to Ride!
We eagerly anticipate welcoming the remarkable class of 2038 into our school community with a series of enriching events and activities in the months ahead. Up next we'll be welcoming incoming kindergarten students to get ready to ride the bus! We encourage each of our families to save the date and to register!
📅 Mary Rowlandson Elementary School, May 8th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
📅 Florence Sawyer School, May 14th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
📅 The Center School, May 15th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Have Questions About Special Education? The NRSD SEPAC Can Help!
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 connected
Get in touch on Facebook or by emailing: SEPACchairs@nrsd.net
Each town has parent liaisons whose contact information names can be found on the district website at: https://www.nrsd.net/page/sepac-special-education-parent-advisory-council
Spring is Here – So Are Ticks and Mosquitoes! Staying Safe This Tick and Mosquito Season
Prevent Tick Bites
- Use EPA tick repellent
- Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when walking in the woods or grassy areas
- Stay on cleared trails
- Check yourself, gear, and pets for ticks before getting into your car or home
Check for These Common Tick Bite Symptoms
Many tickborne diseases can have similar signs and symptoms. If you get a tick bite and develop
the symptoms below within a few weeks, see your healthcare provider. The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include:
- Fever/chills. All tickborne diseases can cause fever.
- Aches and pains. Tickborne diseases can cause headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. People with Lyme disease may also have joint pain.
- Rash. Lyme disease, Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, and tularemia can cause distinctive rashes.
Don't Forget! Tick Checks!
One of the most important things you can do is check yourself for ticks once a day. Remember to check your children and pets, too. Remove any attached ticks as soon as possible.
Wolves of Nashoba Festival: Three Day Event, May 2nd - 4th!
The Nashoba Symphonic Band, a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music, supported by the local Arts Councils of Bolton, Lancaster, Stow, Berlin, Clinton, Ashby and Lunenburg, is planning an exciting series of events on May 2nd and 3rd, climaxing in a gala symphonic band concert at 3pm on Sunday, May 4th in the NRHS Auditorium. Keep reading to learn more about each of the events!
Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m. “The Devil and Daniel Webster”
On Saturday evening, May 3rd at 7 pm, the Festival offers a radio-play version of Stephen Vincent Benet's classic one-actor, The Devil and Daniel Webster (with permission of Dramatists Play Service) 'broadcast' by the Little Wolf Players. The cast includes NRHS students, Jane Dailey, Alyssa Poch, Zain Khan, Ishaan Adhikary, Jacob Paul, Melody Robin and Audrey Blesik. The play tells the story of the nearly-local, Daniel Webster's clever courtroom defeat of none-other-than Old Scratch (guess who!). The 'broadcast' is given in the form of a old-time radio play.
Also on the program is the NSB Chamber Ensemble performance of a rousing instrumental suite from the 1952 comic opera The Good Soldier Schweik, by Robert Kurka, based on the satirical novel of Joseph Hasek. A pre-performance concert will begin at 6:15, featuring selections by the NSB Brass Choir, including the Fanfare from La Peri by Paul Dukas and one of the first performances of Three Miniatures for Brass Quintet by William Nicholson.
Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m. “The Wolves of Nashoba” Festival Concert, World Premiere of work by Robert Sheldon
The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, will present the World Premiere of “The Wolves of Nashoba,” commissioned for the band by eminent composer, Robert Sheldon. Other works on the program include music by Persichetti's Chorale Prelude: Turn Not Thy Face, Freischutz Quickstep by Grafulla, Elgar's Nimrod and Alfred Reed's setting of the music from Mary Poppins, as well as marches by Sousa and W.Paris Chambers. Also expect a guest appearance by the Stow Colonial Fife and Drum Corps!
SPECIAL PRE-CONCERT LUNCHEON! in the NRHS Auditorium lobby from one until two-thirty, consisting of sandwich makings, salads and light desserts. The cost is $15 for adults, $10 seniors and students. Reservations are highly recommended which we will be accepting through Sunday, April 27th. Please send individual names or a group planning to attend (with a check made payable to NRHS Friends of Music) to Nashoba Friends of Music, Nashoba Regional High School, 12 Green Road Bolton MA 01740. Please include an email address so we can confirm the reservation. Tickets will be waiting at the door.
Please note that all “Wolves of Nashoba” events are wheelchair accessible. It is recommended that you notify us if you require additional seating consideration for any of the events so we are able to best serve your needs. Please address all questions and concerns to David Bailey dbailey@nrsd.net.
Nashoba vs. Clinton at Polar Park! 5/12!
Nashoba Athletics is excited to invite you to a special night of baseball and community spirit as the Nashoba Wolves take on the Clinton Gaels at Polar Park in Worcester! This is going to be a great opportunity for our team and a fun community event!
Date: Monday, May 12th
Time: 6:00 PM (Gates open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Polar Park, Worcester
Entry: All spectators must enter through Gate D
Nashoba Section: 3rd base side
Ticket Information:
Adults (18+): $5.00
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online here
- NRSD Staff: Free with school ID at the box office
Students & Children under 5: Free
High school students must show their school ID at the box office to receive a free ticket
Concessions:
The concession stand will be open starting at 5:30 PM
Special Highlights:
Superintendent Downing will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at 5:55PM
Principal Bates will be announcing the game
This will be our Mental Health Awareness Game in partnership with the KyleCares Foundation
Let’s pack the stands and show our support for the Wolves!
The Fountain Fundraiser, This Saturday 4/19!
The Nashoba Wolves and the Clinton Gaels are teaming up to play against each other at Worcester's Polar Park! Gather your friends and family for a SWEET fundraiser at The Fountain! 20% of sales in store go directly to the Nashoba Baseball team as they fundraise their way to play at Polar Park! Shop for candy, Easter basket stuffers, enjoy our baseball themed ice cream and drink menu, and support the Wolves!
📅The Fountain Fundraiser, Saturday, April 19th, 1:00-5:00pm
📅 Wolves vs. Gaels @ Polar Park, Monday, May 12th, 6:00pm
