The Common
Dear Nashoba Families,
This week, I would like to update the community on the important work we are doing in our school system to improve every day. Steeped in our core values are the ideals we believe all people in our community deserve. Our NRSD Strategic Plan outlines a framework wherein our students not only achieve academically, they grow personally. We want our graduates to become lifelong learners who develop a personal voice, grow to understand how choices have an impact beyond intention, and develop a strong sense of agency and responsibility. Those competencies thrive fully in safe, caring, and collaborative environments where a sense of belonging is felt by all. We strive to be an organization that fulfills our vision, "Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world." While we strive every day to be that organization, we know we can be better by closely examining our practice and engaging with the people we serve every day.
It's in the spirit of learning that I am sharing our plans for the equity audit which is already underway. The equity audit process is aimed at critically examining our policies, programs, and practices that impact students and staff, taking into account factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, language, disability, age, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion, and other sociocultural factors.
The focus of our equity audit is on ensuring fairness in student-centered programs and resources. We are asking important questions to guide this audit, such as whether we have specific policies, missions, and visions regarding educational equity and whether each student has access to high-quality and culturally relevant curriculum and instructional materials. We're also exploring the diversity of our teaching and leadership workforce, as well as the overall safety, discipline policies, and social-emotional learning opportunities available to our students.
Our equity audit will be a comprehensive process conducted in three phases. In the initial phase, data will be analyzed, including academic performance, discipline, achievement, attendance, social-emotional indicators, dropout and graduation rates, and more. This data will be disaggregated based on various factors, and we'll review existing policies and practices. Survey data from students, faculty, staff, parents, and caregivers will be collected. More information about the surveys, including the student surveys, will be shared in next Friday's Common.
Moving into Phase 2, we will engage in collaborative equity observation walks, conduct focus groups with parents, caregivers, students, and faculty/staff, and continue our analysis of survey data. This phase also involves a close examination of intervention support and student access to high-quality curriculum. Family and community engagement practices will be a key focus, emphasizing an asset-based approach. Noteworthy partnerships addressing the needs of our school community will be highlighted.
The final phase will see the drafting of a comprehensive report, which will be reviewed by key stakeholders, including the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and the DEARJ committee. This final report, ultimately presented to the Nashoba Regional School Committee, will include recommended strategies supported by research-based practices.
As stated at the beginning, It is our goal to provide each and every student with the education they need and deserve. As a learning organization, we will consider the findings with care to make careful and intentional decisions on the direction of our school system. Your participation in the process is important, and I hope you choose to participate.
Thank you for your commitment to the ongoing improvement of our District.
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
NRSD is excited to announce the launch of Great Road, our podcast designed to highlight the innovative and impactful learning experiences happening up and down Route 117. Episodes will focus on educators, leaders, and learners sharing the things that make the Nashoba Regional School District special.
Great Road will be featured on the district website and new episodes will be pushed out through the live feed as well as The Common. Hosted by Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Jed Stefanowicz, episode one features our first guest Stavros Andreopolous showcasing DECA in advance of the upcoming competition season.
Listen here! Or, on our District Homepage!
Nashoba Notable Award! Thank a Nashoba Employee!
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!
