The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

As we strive to always be better in our communications of district information, I would like to introduce you to the NashobaRSD app for your mobile devices. This app has important information posted to our web page as well as communication announcements for regularly scheduled events and emergency notifications.

You can download the App by going to NRSD.net, scroll down to the bottom of the home page and click on the App Store or Google Play links.

Peace,

Kirk Downing

(He/Him)

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

The Nashoba Regional School District Curriculum Review Process is a structured approach used to regularly evaluate and update our current curriculum to ensure it remains effective and relevant for our students. Last year, the Department of Teaching and Learning updated and revised Nashoba's curriculum review process to comprehensively review all content areas and grade levels every five years.

In June of last year, we informed our families that the K-5 literacy curriculum would enter Phase 1 of this review process during the current school year. We are happy to report that this work is now fully underway. Currently, Nashoba utilizes Calkins Units of Study and Fundations as the primary materials for teaching elementary literacy in grades K-5.

A literacy curriculum committee has been formed, comprising educator representatives from all K-5 grade levels. This committee includes classroom teachers, special educators, literacy specialists, instructional coaches, English language learner specialists, and principals. The committee is charged with reviewing our current curriculum to ensure its effectiveness and relevance and to ensure that we are meeting the needs of all learners. The K-5 ELA Curriculum Review Committee's work during Phase 1 is focused on two essential questions. How do our current instructional practices, curricula, and materials support student learning? What is our instructional vision?

Earlier this month, the committee began examining the key components necessary to ensure literacy for all students. This week, the committee collaborated to create an instructional vision for K-5 Literacy at Nashoba, aligning it with the Massachusetts Core Literacy Block, including foundational skills, engaging with complex text, writing, speaking, listening, and language.

Over the coming weeks and months, through a data-informed process, the committee will identify priorities, needs, and next steps. This work will align our District's instructional vision for literacy with the curriculum, instructional practices, and materials needed to ensure high-quality literacy instruction for all Nashoba students. We will continue to keep families updated on the progress of the committee's work through regular updates in The Common. We are also actively exploring ways for our families to contribute to our curriculum review process by providing opportunities to share thoughts and ideas as we move forward. Stay tuned!

K-5 Literacy is not the only content area entering Phase 1 of the curriculum review process this year. K-12 Music and 9-12 science will also enter into Phase 1. Please be on the lookout for more information in the weeks ahead.

Following a report of a mosquito testing positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Ayer and ongoing reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-positive mosquitoes in the southeastern part of the State, we are reaching out with a general reminder to stay vigilant and protect yourself from mosquito bites. It may be September, but mosquito season isn’t over yet! With this summer’s wet weather, we have more mosquitoes than usual, so it’s extra important to exercise precautions.

To avoid mosquito bites, use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wear clothing that reduces exposed skin, drain standing water and repair window screens. Remember that mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.

Stay informed on when and where WNV and EEE activity is occurring in Massachusetts and get more information on protecting yourself and your loved ones: https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases

FLU VACCINE CLINIC

Stay healthy, get your flu shot!

When: Mon. 10/16/23, 3 PM to 6 PM

Where: Nashoba Regional High School (Gym), 12 Green Rd, Bolton, MA

Who: All Ages

Pre-Registration is Required. Visit https://www.nashoba.org/calendar for full clinic schedule, registration links and FAQ. Bring Insurance Card if you have it

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!

Load Money On Your Account Virtually with MySchoolBucks!

Check Out What Else Is New With The Food and Nutrition Program Here!

NRSD Facilities created this beautiful outdoor dining area on the Florence Sawyer campus

Nashoba Regional High School student activities fair

Luther Burbank MS 7th Grade Science students hard at work

The Nashoba Field Hockey team traveled to Leominster for a game that meant much more than the numbers on the scoreboard. The team wrote notes of support and made baked goods for the Leominster Field Hockey team. In addition, the team and families made donations to the Leominster Relief Fund to help the families affected by the flood. It’s much more than a game and NFH demonstrated their program is a class act.

The Center School's CARES/core values banner!

Superintendent Downing reading to the 1st grade students at Mary Rowlandson ES this morning. The students enjoyed listening to the Big Hungry Bear and learning about the Superintendent and his job.