The Common

Dear Nashoba Families,

As we enter the sacred season of 2024, I want to offer my heartfelt respect to all members observing the religious traditions of Ramadan, Easter, and Passover. These occasions hold profound significance for many members of our community. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and spiritual connection.

I want to reassure our school community that the school system will be sensitive to time missed due to religious observances. Below is the text posted on and taken from our annual calendar.

Administrators and teachers will schedule events with consideration given to religious holidays and cultural traditions celebrated by our Nashoba community. Students who are absent as a result of their religious or cultural observances will not incur penalties due to that absence. Make-up privileges should be the same as the make-up privileges offered to a student who has an excused absence due to illness. Students and families are encouraged to communicate with teachers or their school principal in advance to make them aware of religious or cultural holidays that may impact their child’s attendance or ability to study or do homework during those observations. To view a list of religious, ethnic and cultural observances that may impact a student’s attendance or school work, please see the Calendar of Observances at www.adl.org/resources/tools-and-strategies/calendar-observances.

In the spirit of inclusivity and solidarity, let us embrace the richness of our religious diversity and celebrate the values that unite us all. As we honor these sacred traditions, may we also reaffirm our commitment to kindness, compassion, and service to others, embodying the timeless principles of love and goodwill that transcend cultural and religious boundaries.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Peace,

Kirk Downing

(He/Him)

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

The Department of Teaching and Learning is pleased to announce our upcoming full day of professional learning for our NRSD learning community on Friday, March 15: Pave Your Path II. The day will bring together speakers from within and beyond our NRSD community, offering 70 sessions to support our district work and strategic plan.

Nashoba's elementary classroom teachers, special educators, literacy specialists, and inclusion instructional assistants will participate in one dedicated expanded session on the science of reading, presented by Dr. Melissa Orkin, Crafting Minds. This session will feature the theories, research, and practices that support foundational reading development and will support a common framework and understanding for our K-5 literacy work and our new literacy curriculum adoption planned for next year.

Opening Session, Portrait into Practice Panel

As our work continues in support of our vision for learning and our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate, this year's Opening Session will present an interactive panel of seven guests from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and sectors across education and the workforce who will share their journeys and perspectives on the practical application of the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate. Their real-world stories will highlight the relevance of these competencies beyond our district and set the stage for the day of learning ahead.

On April 4, 2024, Dr. Larry Epstein will return to Nashoba to provide a virtual presentation for parents/caregivers from 6:30-8:00 PM. Dr. Epstein is a licensed clinical psychologist and health service provider with extensive experience in clinical and school settings. For the past 28 years, Dr. Epstein has worked with families, educators, and mental health professionals supporting children with a variety of social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Dr. Epstein presented last year to our Nashoba families and will return again in April to share his knowledge with parents about what works when supporting children who are struggling behaviorally.

Second Annual Nashoba InternationalFest, April 27, 2024

Mark your calendars for our Kindergarten Information Night! Explore our kindergarten program, meet our dedicated teachers, and learn about the exciting spring events ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to see what a day in our kindergarten looks like. Please note, this is an adults-only event geared towards preparing caregivers for the exciting year ahead! Please attend the information night hosted by your child’s future school. Questions? Reach out to Early Childhood Coordinator/Team Chair, Kristen Ryan, kryan@nrsd.net.

Take a moment to listen to the newly released second episode of our Great Road Podcast, "Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate." In this episode, we delve into the core competencies that define a Nashoba graduate and explore how these principles are shaping instruction and learning throughout our district and specifically at the high school level. Stay tuned for future episodes that will highlight our EMT program, Robotics, Drama, and Students for Social Justice initiatives.

Listen here! Or, on our District Homepage!

The Extended Learning Program is excited to host a variety of fun enrichment options this Spring, all tailored to your Enrichment Survey responses! We're confident there's something in the mix that every student will enjoy. These enrichment activities aren't exclusive to just our Extended Learning Program students; we're opening the doors to K-5 students across the district. Please note, students not currently in the ELP will need to be dropped off by their guardians right in time for the start of their enrichment. Check out our Extended Learning Program website for programming and registration!

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!

Bolton Police Officer Casey Hoole and Denny visit the Kindergarteners at the Florence Sawyer School

Center School first graders "dropping everything and reading" for DEAR Day on Monday the 4th.

NRHS Jazz Festival, March 7th

MRE, LBMS, FSS, Hale, and NRHS Jazz Ensembles join together to perform to a packed house

NRHS International Club

MIAA D3 State Champion, Caroline Collins

MIAA D3 State Champion, Connor Acierno