
The Common

March 29, 2024
Superintendent Update
Dear Nashoba Families,
This week, I am writing to inform the community of an update to guidelines in our schools regarding the management of COVID-19. This past week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health aligned with the CDC’s COVID-19 recommendations which were issued on March 1, 2024. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) adopted these recommendations, and in turn, Nashoba Regional School District will begin implementing these guidelines immediately.
Moving forward, those diagnosed with COVID-19 or any other respiratory virus may return to regular activities based on their improved symptoms and will no longer have to remain in isolation for five days.
Updated guidelines recommend that anyone with respiratory virus symptoms stay home until they either show and feel an improvement of their symptoms or have remained fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Following a respiratory illness, additional precautions should be taken for five days if seeing others indoors. These precautions can include good hygiene, masking, physical distancing, and testing.
Nashoba Regional School District’s Respiratory Virus Guidelines Document explains all changes in detail and is available for families and community members. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the District Nurse Leader, Myriah Zwicker, ezwicker@nrsd.net, or your school's nurse.
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
News from the Department of Teaching and Learning
Innovation Pathways Programming, Family Zoom Meeting, April 2, 7:00 PM
Families of current 8th and 9th grade students interested in learning more about our proposed Innovation Pathways programming are encouraged to join us virtually on Tuesday evening for an Informational Zoom Meeting. Registration for the Zoom Meeting can be found in the flyer below or at this Innovation Pathways Student Interest Survey link.
Dr. Larry Epstein Virtual Presentation for Parents and Caregivers, April 4, 6:30 PM
On April 4, 2024, Dr. Larry Epstein will host a virtual session for parents and caregivers from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. As a licensed clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience in both clinical and educational environments, Dr. Epstein has dedicated the last 28 years to assisting families, educators, and mental health professionals in supporting children facing various social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Having previously engaged with our Nashoba families last year, Dr. Epstein will once again share his insights on effective strategies for aiding children experiencing behavioral difficulties.
Next Thursday's presentation will address the impact of the pandemic on children's development of key skills such as emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving. For some, the impact of the pandemic has led to an uptick in challenging behaviors, including non-compliance and difficulties in managing emotions. Dr. Epstein will offer problem-solving strategies that address these behaviors and bolster essential life skills.
When: April 4th, 6:30-8:00 PM
Where: Virtual, Zoom Link
Save the Date
Second Annual Nashoba InternationalFest, April 27, 2024
News from the Health Services Department
Eclipse Viewing Safety
As many know, on Monday, April 8, 2024, Massachusetts will be experiencing a solar eclipse from 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM. The peak of the eclipse for our towns will be at approximately 3:29 p.m. after all schools have dismissed. This is a very exciting event that many in our community will be engaging in. We hope that these solar eclipse viewing tips will promote safe viewing throughout our community as we experience this natural phenomenon that will not take place again until 2044!
Viewing a solar eclipse is very exciting. However, looking at the sun, even during a total eclipse can cause damage to your eyes. All students who participate in school sponsored viewing activities will be provided protective glasses. Athletic practices and games are being adjusted to reflect MIAA guidance. Although staff will be covering eclipse viewing safety as part of the curriculum if the students will be viewing at school, we encourage all families to reinforce these discussions with their children, as the eclipse will still be taking place after school is dismissed and students are heading home.
Here are some basic, safe and effective Do’s and Don’ts during an eclipse viewing:
DO
Use eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standards (sometimes written as ISO 12312-2:2015).
Take breaks and give your eyes a rest, even with the eclipse glasses on. Staring continuously can be harmful.
Use your hands to cast shadows on the ground. Cross your hands with fingers slightly spread to create a waffle pattern. Look down and you will see the spaces between your fingers project a shadow image of the sun in a crescent shape during the partial eclipse stages.
Look at shadows on the ground, such as beneath a leafy tree, during the partial eclipse to see the crescent sun shadows projected by the spaces between the leaves.
DON'T
Look at the sun directly.
Stare continuously at the sun. Even with appropriate eyewear damage can occur with continual watching of the sun.
Use damaged eclipse sunglasses or solar viewers. If they are torn, scratched, punctured, or coming out of the frames- do not use them. Throw them away.
Use anything other than eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standards to view the eclipse
Examples of eyewear that are NOT strong enough for eclipse viewing include but are not limited to: homemade filters, regular sunglasses, welder's glass, a camera viewfinder, binoculars or a telescope.
View through binoculars or a telescope without the proper solar filter.
Do not view the telescope using your eclipse sunglasses.
We hope that the weather is in our favor and that safe viewing is able to be enjoyed by all.
Additional resources:
MA DESE Guidance: Click Here.
NASA: Solar Eclipse Safety Tips
NASA's website for comprehensive information about the eclipse.
Exploratorium website contains information about various cultural eclipse narratives and histories.
Great Road Podcast, Episode 3
Episode 3 of the Great Road Podcast focuses on the EMT program at the high school. Hear from Crew Chiefs, Matt Basteri, Brayden Duprey, Max Libby Grantham, who describe the Cadet program, the skills and experiences our own NRSD students share, and the impact within and beyond their academic life. Be prepared to be inspired by these young leaders!
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!
This Week at Nashoba
Writer/ Performer Bill Harley presenting his writing process to Florence Sawyer School students
Kindergarteners investigating rainbows
Together, we inspire and challenge all learners to reach their unique potential and become active contributors to their community.