The Common

May 24, 2024

Superintendent Update

Dear Nashoba Community,

I would like to take this opportunity to notify the district community at large of how we are managing the elevated levels of manganese in the well water at Nashoba Regional High School. Previous notifications have been sent to current high school families and families of our incoming freshman class. We also provided information to our school committee at the May 22, 2024 meeting through the Superintendent’s Report. Only the high school’s well water detected elevated levels of manganese. All other schools’ water samples were within normal ranges.

This process began on May 7, 2024, when we were given notice by Whitewater Water and Wastewater Solutions, our water servicer, that slightly elevated levels of manganese were detected in the ground source water from samples taken on January 8, 2024, and March 19, 2024, during the district's routine well water sampling. Previous levels of manganese had all been within normal limits. District administration met with MassDEP regarding notification, and the corrective action process, and continues to be in contact with our representative within that agency.

MassDEP indicated two requirements in their communication on May 7, 2024. First, the school district was required to notify the community of the findings within 30 days of the May 7, 2024 letter. The notification was sent to the community on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Second, the district must develop and submit a corrective action plan to MassDEP by August 1, 2024. Our facilities department will take the lead on working with Whitewater Water and Wastewater Solution on this corrective action.

Consumption of the water from the bubblers and water fountains in the high school is safe in moderation. Please note, that the school district is taking the added precaution of having the filtered bottle filler stations tested for consumption and will produce those reports. Bottled water is available for any students and staff in our cafeteria and snack shack from 7:30 am until 12:45 pm. Bottled water is available for any students and staff in the main office from 12:45 pm until the end of the school day. Our nurse's office also has bottled water and filtered water for any students or staff during normal school hours when the health office is open. We are also making adjustments in the preparation of food at the high school. Although prolonged and high levels of exposure to manganese can cause harm, it is a naturally occurring mineral necessary for the human body to function, and it is a vital part of our nutritional intake.

As the district works on the plan to rectify the elevated levels, we will continue to keep our community informed. Should you have further questions regarding the health implications of manganese in water, please contact Myriah Zwicker at ezwicker@nrsd.net.

I hope you have an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend!

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

News from the Department of Teaching and Learning

Update: K-5 ELA/Literacy Curriculum Review Process and Selection of New Curriculum

Today, we are pleased to share an update on our K-5 ELA/Literacy Curriculum Review process with our Nashoba families and announce the selection of our new elementary literacy curriculum, Imagine Learning EL Education, which will be implemented next school year.

Just over a year ago, the District began a comprehensive review of our K-5 ELA/Literacy programming to ensure students receive equitable, evidence-based instruction in foundational skills, reading, writing, speaking, and listening, in alignment with the Massachusetts Core Literacy Block A cross-representative committee worked collaboratively, meeting 16 times, examining survey information from educators, families, and students, completing multiple forms of assessment of potential curricula, meeting with curriculum publishers, reviewing curricular rubrics and online resources, completing training in curriculum, visiting four different school districts, field-testing units in 15 different classrooms, and welcoming observations from district educators. All of this work helped to draw conclusions about the best next steps to meet the needs of Nashoba students and educators and align with the Instructional Vision for Literacy established by the Committee.

Committee members examined a wide variety of feedback sources and reviewed the established priorities and the Instructional Vision. This work led to the field-testing and evaluation of two high-quality curricula: Imagine Learning EL Education and Wit & Wisdom. After thorough field testing and reaching consensus among members, we are pleased to announce that Imagine Learning EL Education has been selected as Nashoba’s new K-5 ELA/Literacy curriculum. Imagine Learning EL Education is a knowledge-building curriculum that integrates reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language standards with engaging topics, explicit and systematic instruction, authentic literary and informational texts, and opportunities for all students to develop deep background knowledge while building skills.

Nashoba will continue to utilize Wilson Fundations for Foundational Skills curriculum. Nashoba is committed to successfully implementing Imagine Learning EL Education and strengthening and growing our current Fundations practices.

Additionally, we are excited to share more about the new curriculum with families. Stay tuned for further information and opportunities this fall to learn more. More information about the K-5 ELA/Literacy Curriculum Review Process may be found in the NRSC meeting materials from May 22, 2024. Click here

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Nashoba Hosts Inaugural Great Road Music Festival!

The Nashoba music faculty hosted their inaugural "Great Road Music Festival" today! The event aimed to provide students with a supportive, educational, and competitive experience, while also celebrating and strengthening the district's music programs.

Throughout the day, ensembles from Mary Rowlandson, Luther Burbank, Hale Middle, Florence Sawyer, and Nashoba Regional High School participated in either competitive or comments-only performances. Each group performed two pieces and then received a clinic from a highly skilled music educator. Ensembles that opted for adjudication were awarded plaques and medals to recognize their achievements!

Faculty members were thrilled to introduce this event to Nashoba, which offered students the opportunity to perform outside of their buildings, celebrate other ensembles in the district, and receive high-quality evaluation and feedback. Congratulations to our musicians and music faculty!

Great Road Podcast, Episode 7

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Episode 7 of The Great Road Podcast features The Future Leaders Club at Hale Middle School, started by educators, Lauren Lappas and Emily Champagne. The club provides Hale students a global perspective of the world, designed with the goal of real-world career exploration, awareness, and immersion. Hear from the advisors and three students who walk through the creation and mission of the club, the impact on the participants, Career Day, and the diverse range of guest presenters who have connected with the club. Give a listen and prepare to be inspired by these future leaders.

Listen here!

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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!

Click here to tell someone they are Nashoba Notable!