The Common

Dear Nashoba Families,

Today, I am writing to inform you about an upcoming presentation by Dr. Larry Epstein regarding the Calm Compassionate approach to working with students who have social/emotional skills deficits.

Dr. Epstein will be presenting to the Nashoba Regional School Committee on Wednesday, March 27th, where he will provide a summary of the Calm Compassionate methodology. This approach aims to address negative behaviors by recognizing them as stemming from skill deficits that hinder individuals' ability to navigate social norms effectively. Through this methodology, Dr. Epstein assists faculty and staff in anticipating challenging moments and breaking the cycle of negativity by employing calm and compassionate strategies.

Following his presentation to the School Committee, Dr. Epstein will be conducting a more in-depth session for the community on Thursday, April 4th, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event will explore the Calm Compassionate approach in greater detail, offering attendees valuable insights into supporting students with social/emotional skills deficits. Specifically, the focus will be on how the pandemic has adversely affected the development of crucial skills such as emotion regulation, flexibility of thinking, and problem-solving, leading to an increase in negative behaviors, notably non-compliance and emotional dysregulation. During the session, Dr. Epstein will dedicate time to outlining problem-solving techniques aimed at addressing these behaviors in a manner that reinforces these vital life skills.

I encourage you to attend either or both of these presentations to gain a better understanding of the Calm Compassionate methodology and how it can positively impact our school community.

When: April 4th, 6:30-8:00 PM

Where: Virtual, Zoom Link

Peace,

Kirk Downing

(He/Him)

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

Next week, our high school will administer student engagement surveys as part of our effort to solicit student voice and measure the impact of efforts taken this year by the high school to improve student engagement across all departments.

The engagement surveys should take students 10 - 15 minutes to complete, and students will complete the surveys anonymously. We hope to have all of our students participate in survey administration. While our goal is 100% participation, parents/caregivers may choose not to have their children participate. The surveys are voluntary; your child can skip any question or decide not to participate. Should you have any questions about the surveys, please reach out to Dr. Boynton directly. If you would prefer your child not to participate in these engagement surveys, please complete this Opt-Out Form by 11:59 PM, Sunday, March 24, 2024.

The Department of Teaching and Learning's annual district-wide professional learning day, Pave Your Path II, a day devoted to growth and innovation, was a success! Pave Your Path II brought together inspiring presenters to offer practical insights and perspectives. With over 75 interactive workshops and hands-on learning opportunities, educators and administrators explored new ideas, techniques, and practices to deepen understanding and instruction aligned with our district's strategic plan.

Our Pave Your Path model of professional learning provided NRSD educators with a choice in content and learning format along seven learning paths: Pave Your Own Path, Curriculum Design and Alignment, Universal Design for Learning, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Belonging, Social Emotional Learning, Digital Tools to Support Learning, Multi-Tiered System of Support, and Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate

Nashoba's elementary classroom teachers, special educators, literacy specialists, and inclusion instructional assistants participated in one dedicated expanded session on the science of reading, presented by Dr. Melissa Orkin, Crafting Minds. This session featured 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.

As our work continues in support of our vision for learning and our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate, this year's Opening Session presented an interactive panel of guests from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and sectors across education and the workforce who shared their journeys and perspectives on the practical application of the competencies outlined in our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate. Attendees were thrilled to offer a warm welcome back to panelist and recent Nashoba graduate, Ailin Oberlies!

Important feedback from the day indicated that the panelists' real-world stories and personal connections highlighted the relevance of our portrait competencies beyond our district and set the stage for the whole day of learning ahead.

Second Annual Nashoba InternationalFest, April 27, 2024

The latest episode of Great Road: The NRSD Podcast has dropped.

Episode 3 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!

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!

Luther Burbank Principal O’Shea representing NRSD

Mass Partnership for Diversity Education Career Fair

NRHS Concert Band

The Drowsy Chaperone

NRHS Drama