The Common

June 14, 2024

Superintendent Update

Dear Nashoba Community,

Today was the last day of school for our students in grades PreK-8. Our high school students will wrap up on Monday. Let me wish you all the best this summer as you enjoy time together with your friends and family. After taking some time for myself, I will return to the office after the 4th of July to begin preparations for the 2024-2025 school year. This will be the last Common of the school year.

We will send informational emails over the summer as necessary.

I look forward to seeing our students, faculty, and staff return at the end of August. Please mark your calendars for the first day of school for students on August 28th. Enjoy your summer!!!

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)

Superintendent

NRHS Groundbreaking Ceremony Highlights

In September 2023 our school year began with each of our towns coming together in support of the Nashoba Regional High School Building Project. Last Friday, as our school year neared its close, we celebrated a significant milestone with the NRHS Groundbreaking Ceremony, marking the official start of the building phase. This ceremony was a testament not only to the groundbreaking itself but also to the dedication and hard work of our district staff and students throughout the year.

Senator John Cronin, Senator James Eldridge, State Representative Kate Hogan, Senator Robyn Kennedy, and State Representative Meghan Kilcoyne joined the ceremony. These elected officials were part of an effort to secure additional grant funding for previously approved school projects impacted by inflation. As one of those previously approved projects, the Nashoba Regional High School Project received an additional $16 million in grant funding to lessen the final cost to our communities. Their presence at the groundbreaking was also an acknowledgment of their advocacy.

"This will benefit kids from Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow for generations."

Senator Cronin

The NRHS Band and Chorus opened and closed the ceremony with performances of The Star-Spangled Banner and New Era Fanfare. During the ceremony, special recognition was given to Nashoba’s EMT Crew Leaders, Max Libby-Grantham, Matthew Basteri, and Brayden Duprey, along with the EMT Program’s Faculty Advisor, Stephanie Hilliger. Hansika Kommanavancha (Class of 2024), Olivia Goegel (Class of 2028), and Maddie Caron (Class of 2031), represented the current graduating class, the first class to graduate from the new building, and the first class to attend all four years at the new high school, respectively.

Thanks to the efforts of our local public access stations, the ceremony is readily available for our community to view.

Watch Here!

News from the Department of Teaching and Learning

Nashoba Regional High School Awarded $75,000 Skills Capital Grant for Student-Centered Innovation Programming

On Friday, June 11th, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced that it was awarding nearly $15 million in Skills Capital Grants across 65 Massachusetts high schools, colleges, and educational institutions; $75,000 of which will be awarded to our own Nashoba Regional High School.

Skills Capital Grants fund various student-oriented and future-focused improvements, such as technology upgrades and expansions of career programming for high school students.The funds awarded to Nashoba Regional High School will support the school's new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Innovation Pathways Program through the purchase of high-quality, industry-standard equipment. Click here to read the Press Release.

Innovation Pathways - Learn More!

Hale Middle School Hosts Inspiring Career Day

Hale Middle School recently hosted its first Career Day. Students from 6th to 8th grade enthusiastically participated by sharing their career interests through surveys. They were then thoughtfully paired with passionate volunteers from the Nashoba community. The lineup of volunteers was diverse, featuring talented individuals such as graphic novelists, dedicated police officers, microbiologists, occupational therapists, and a myriad of other fascinating professionals. It was a day filled with exploration, learning, and endless possibilities for our students to consider as they journey into paving their own path.

Great Road Podcast, Episode 9

Nashoba's Outstanding Music Program

This year’s final episode of the Great Road NRSD Podcast is live! This episode joins Amy Belhumeur and Joe McCarthy, two of Nashoba's outstanding music educators, to bring all the great musical happenings in and around our Nashoba schools. Hear about the inaugural Great Road Music Festival, the amazing trips and performances our musicians experience, and learn how and why NRSD received recognition as a Best Community for Music Education! Tune in!

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!