The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

Now that we have celebrated Thanksgiving, many people have turned their attention to preparing for the many religious celebrations that occur this time of year. Our community has diverse religious faiths that bring warmth and comfort to our homes. Each faith has unique traditions and a shared spirit of joy, love, and goodwill.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or other festive occasions, this is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. Let's use this time to unite in a spirit of unity, understanding, and respect. Reach out to your neighbors, colleagues, and friends to learn about their traditions and share the beauty of your own. Embrace the diversity that makes our community vibrant and strong.

During December, let's also extend a hand of kindness to those who may be feeling the weight of loneliness or hardship. Small acts of compassion can make a big difference in someone's life.

Our community believes in fostering a sense of belonging for all, and in that spirit, I wish you all a December filled with love, joy, and the warmth of community.

Peace,

Kirk Downing

(He/Him)

“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”

This week, the NRSD Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, Jed Stefanowicz, hosted a Student Advisory Forum at NRHS to open dialogue on the role of technology in students' school and life experiences. During this lunch and listen session, students were able to enjoy some free pizza and share their thoughts and ideas, providing insights into the role of technology in both their school and daily life.

The goal of the forum was to gather candid perspectives directly from students surrounding technology that impact their lives both inside and outside the classroom. A range of topics was explored, highlighting the need to advocate for online safety and digital wellness for younger learners, the role and impact of social media, as well as the implications and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, discussions included possibilities for content-creation with emerging technologies as we design the learning landscape of our new school building.

Incorporating student voice into the ongoing implementation of our instructional vision is one of our main priorities. This week's Technology Student Advisory Forum was a great example.

In the CLASS Connections program (Communication, Language, Academics, Social Skills), students in the book club who are reading Frindle by Andrew Clements participated in Comprehension Jenga! They pulled blocks with comprehension questions on them and answered the questions on post-its to help map out the plot as well as the fiction story elements! It was a fun way for the students to talk about what they learned, review the text to find evidence, and play a cooperative game in which they had a common goal!

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!

The Florence Sawyer School Student Council's Food Drive and Student-Faculty Flag Football Game. The FSS Community donated well over 1,000 pounds of food and supplies to United Way - Tri County WHEAT Community Kitchen.

The Florence Sawyer Robotics Teams have entered the competition phase of their season.

Hale Middle School Math students