
The Common

January 5, 2024
Superintendent Update
Dear Nashoba Families,
Last month, Nashoba Regional High School's Head of Guidance, Jodi Specht, delivered a powerful message to middle school students: "High school isn't just about a transcript; it's also about you." This sentiment echoed loudly last night as Nashoba Regional High School welcomed rising freshmen and their families during the annual Future Freshman Night. This event not only marked a formal welcome but provided an opportunity for current eighth grade students to envision their academic and personal growth throughout their upcoming four years at Nashoba Regional High School.
The event centered around showcasing the diverse array of academic and extracurricular opportunities awaiting them. As students toured the building, dropped into art open houses, discussed tryouts with current student athletes, learned about our new Innovation Pathways Program with Mr. A, and more, they had the chance to step into their futures, and see the possibilities for who they may become at Nashoba.
We are excited to welcome the Class of 2028 to the Wolf Pack next August!
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
News from the Department of Teaching and Learning
Call for Panelists: Real-World Insights on Nashoba Graduate Competencies
The Department of Teaching and Learning invites members of our Nashoba community to participate as panelists in an upcoming event!
We are excited to announce that our team is diligently preparing for this year’s district-wide full day of professional learning, Pave Your Path II, scheduled for March 15th. A key feature of this event will be the Opening Session, which includes an interactive 45-minute "Portrait into Practice" Panel discussion.
This panel discussion aims to showcase diverse perspectives, including those of students, staff, and industry professionals. The focus will be on how Nashoba’s Portrait of a Graduate competencies - Communication, Creativity, Empathy, Culturally Competent Global Citizenship, Learner’s Mindset, and Perseverance - not only influence students during their time at Nashoba but also continue to impact them as they transition into college and their professional careers.
We are interested in real-world stories and experiences that highlight the relevance of these competencies beyond our district. If you're willing to contribute your expertise and experiences in our panel discussion, we invite you to complete the attached form linked HERE.
We aim to assemble a diverse panel, representing varied backgrounds, experiences, and sectors in higher education and the workforce. Selection of panelists will be based on the responses received and in alignment with the objectives of the panel's composition. We look forward to hearing from you and to the rich discussions that will ensue at Pave Your Path II. The Department of Teaching and Learning will be in touch with all interested panelists by January 19, 2024.
K-5 Literacy Curriculum Review - Update
We are excited to share the latest developments in our curriculum review process for K-5 literacy. As a reminder, the district has been engaged in the curriculum review of the K-5 English Language Arts/Literacy curriculum since Spring 2023.
This fall, the K-5 Literacy Curriculum Committee completed Phase 1 of the curriculum review, which included assessing current curricular materials, surveying educators, deeply examining student learning data, and gathering feedback from K-5 families about the aspects of literacy instruction that are most important to them through the use of the tool ThoughtExchange. The culmination of these efforts has led to an updated instructional vision, a vision shaped by the comprehensive insights gathered from the process to date: "Our vision is for our students to develop a strong foundation in literacy that prepares them for academic success, cultivates joy in reading and writing, and provides them the literacy skills needed to achieve their unique potential."
As a result of the analysis to date, the committee unanimously decided that a new high-quality literacy curriculum is necessary to actualize this vision for students. As a result, the committee has moved on to Phase 2 of the process, the selection of new materials. The committee presented an update to the School Committee on December 13, 2023. Click here for this update.
The committee will be engaged in Phase 2 for the remainder of this school year, focused on the essential question, "Which materials will best support the district in realizing its instructional vision?" The next steps for the committee include examining high-quality instructional materials, conducting field tests of materials, and visiting other districts that have implemented high-quality instructional materials. This work will allow the committee to make a determination this spring as to which high-quality instructional materials will best meet the needs of our district. We will continue to keep families updated on our progress. Please stay tuned.
Great Road: An NRSD Podcast
NRSD is excited to announce the launch of Great Road, our podcast designed to highlight the innovative and impactful learning experiences happening up and down Route 117. Episodes will focus on educators, leaders, and learners sharing the things that make the Nashoba Regional School District special.
Great Road will be featured on the district website and new episodes will be pushed out through the live feed as well as The Common. Hosted by Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Jed Stefanowicz, episode one features our first guest Stavros Andreopolous showcasing DECA in advance of the upcoming competition season.
Listen here! Or, on our District Homepage!
News from Department of the Pupil Personnel Services
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
Florence Sawyer School Eagles welcomed cross district rivals Hale Middle School
NRHS English Class - Of Mice and Men Student Projects
NRHS Statistics Class - Student Work
Florence Sawyer and Hale Middle Schools joined by the NRHS Boys Varsity basketball team
Together, we inspire and challenge all learners to reach their unique potential and become active contributors to their community.