Hello Nashoba!!!

This week, I want to reach out and share some thoughts on civil discourse relative to how our students participate in conversations about politics and policy. I am proactively bringing this to you today to prepare our hearts and minds for educating our students on what it means to be engaged in political discourse. As a public education institution, we encourage students to engage in political discourse to grow their civic engagement and define how their thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes are shaped within their social circles. It is American to debate, discuss, think, and solve problems that are local, across the nation, and around the world. It is also American to talk about politics with respect and peace toward others, while remaining true to individual beliefs and core values. Our charge in public education is to teach civil discourse to our students as the means by which we educate ourselves about the decisions we make at the ballot box. As the November election approaches, we should all prepare for how our young learners process what they see and hear on television and social media, at the dinner table, in social conversations, and at school. At Nashoba, we are committed to fostering a culture of care and concern for our students by promoting age-appropriate civil discourse. We will encourage respectful dialogue and an appreciation for differing opinions, ensuring a supportive environment for each and every student.

Our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate identifies six key competencies we believe will strengthen civil discourse skills. These six competencies play pivotal roles in having constructive and respectful dialogue. A learner's mindset encourages individuals to approach discussions with curiosity and openness, with a willingness to understand differing viewpoints. Perseverance helps participants stay engaged in challenging conversations, allowing them to navigate disagreements while staying true to their thoughts and values. Effective communication ensures that ideas are expressed clearly and respectfully, promoting understanding and reducing conflict. Creativity allows for innovative approaches to problem-solving and can lead to new perspectives in discussions. Empathy enables individuals to truly listen and consider the emotions and experiences of others, fostering a sense of connection. Finally, being a culturally competent global citizen ensures that one appreciates and respects the diverse cultural backgrounds present in any dialogue, creating an inclusive environment where all voices are valued.

If you are looking for age-appropriate resources to facilitate conversation with your student at home, here are two suggestions:

“Fostering Civil Discourse: How Adults Can Support Teens in Talking About Issues That Matter,” Harvard Graduate School of Education

“17 Tips to Steer Kids of All Ages Through the Political Season,” Common Sense Media

Join us in fostering a learning environment where civil discourse is encouraged and embraced. By doing so, we can stay true to the values we hold true and do so with the respect our friends, neighbors and children deserve.

Have a great weekend.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent

Nashoba is now in its third year of implementing universal screening assessments through Renaissance Learning, using Star Early Literacy, Star Reading, and Star Math. These adaptive online assessments allow us to systematically assess students from grades K-9 three times per year. By using Star Assessments, Nashoba educators capture real-time data, which is then combined with classroom dat, to guide targeted instructional decisions.

Our use of Star Early Literacy and Star Reading in grades K-3 helps us identify students at risk for reading challenges early on. It also ensures that our district complies with the universal early literacy screening requirements set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), effective as of July 1, 2023. These regulations mandate that students in kindergarten through third grade are screened at least twice a year using a DESE-approved, developmentally appropriate early literacy tool. The regulations also require addressing the needs of students who fall significantly below benchmarks within the general education setting, along with timely notification and follow-up with families.

This fall, our assessment window coincides with parent/family teacher conferences in early November. Families will receive their child’s assessment results during these conferences. For families of students in grades 1-3 who cannot attend the conferences and whose screening results fall significantly below grade-level benchmarks, the school will notify families with a phone call and follow-up letter outlining the results and next steps the school will take to support the student's reading progress. Students in grades 1-3 will be screened this fall and again in the winter, while kindergarten students will be screened in the winter and spring.

As outlined by the Massachusetts Early Literacy Screening Guidance, "Early literacy universal screening is proactive and designed to gather information on the most predictive literacy skills, making it possible to identify each student's risk of experiencing reading difficulties."

For more information on Early Literacy Screening and Nashoba’s process, check out our Explainer Video from members of Nashoba's literacy team.

Our Innovation Pathways Program is looking for professionals from a wide range of industries to share their experiences and insights with students. While all speakers are welcome, the program is especially interested in speakers with expertise in the sectors that line up with our Pathways Programming: Business & Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing.

Our goal is to give students real-world insights into the different career pathways available to them within their pathways. As a speaker, you would share your personal journey -- highlighting the key decisions, experiences, and skills that shaped your career. This is an opportunity to inspire the next generation by offering students practical advice on how they can navigate their own educational and career paths.

If you are passionate about helping young people understand the real-world applications of their learning and guiding them toward future opportunities, we would love to have you participate!

The Department of Early Childhood Education is hosting FREE fun-filled weekly playgroups designed for caregivers and children to learn and explore together! During each session, you and your child can enjoy open play time with optional centers like crafts, painting, playdough, dollhouses, cars, blocks, and water play. We’ll also have a brief circle time featuring music, movement, and a short story, with outdoor play when the weather allows. Plus, it's a perfect opportunity to connect with other parents in the community.

Dates and Locations:

Stow Playgroup

Location Pompositticut Community Center, 803 Great Road, Stow

Mondays, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Bolton Playgroup

Location: Emerson Building, FSS, 50 Mechanic Street, Bolton

Thursdays, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lancaster Playgroup

Location: Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road, Lancaster

Fridays, 9:00 - 10:30 AM

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!

Literacy Coach, Julie L'Abbe, and Math Coach, Ellie Cowen, met with families and shared curriculum resources at The Center School Open House on Tuesday evening.

The Florence Sawyer School hosted an Art in the Park event on Saturday, September 14th for students in kindergarten and first grade. Art teachers, Beth Warner and Liz Scudiere, prepared nature-themed art activities for students to enjoy and explore. Students showcased their immense creativity! Thank you to all who made this event possible.

MRE First Graders Celebrated Dot Day!

A kindergarten class at Center proudly presented their end-of-unit activity from our new literacy curriculum. The unit focused on the concept of 'play,' and their letter to Principal Zavalick explained everything they learned.

Students and teachers are enjoying the new five day full day integrated preschool classroom at the Florence Sawyer School. All of the districts preschool programs have had a smooth start to the school year and we are thrilled to offer expanded five day programming across the three towns

Nashoba Regional High School students participated in the NRHS Activity Fair this week

Opening home game for Nashoba football filled with Nashoba spirit!