The Common
Dear Nashoba Community,
Each month, we proudly recognize students who exemplify the values and competencies defined by our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate. These students have demonstrated excellence in communication, creativity, empathy, perseverance, their pursuit of being culturally competent global citizens, and their focus on maintaining a learner’s mindset. Their contributions in both academic and extracurricular settings reflect a commitment to becoming well-rounded, engaged members of our community. We congratulate these exceptional students for their hard work and dedication.
Earlier this school year, Senior English classes piloted a new Digital Learner Portfolio, which is a tool intended to help track and showcase evidence of progress in our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate key competencies. These profiles were created over the summer by our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate Committee, led by NRHS Assistant Principal Jeanine Boulay and Director of Digital Learning & Innovation Jed Stefanowicz. Their primary goal is to allow students to upload and reflect on their work as they move through Nashoba.
Starting in December, students who participated in the pilot will help their peers in setting up and utilizing these portfolios during homeroom. Digital Learner Portfolios will support each and every student in tracking their interests, their growth, and their successes throughout their high school career, and will help to provide a tangible space for students to record the skills they have built to succeed in school, the workforce, and life outside of Nashoba.
I would like to extend a thank you to our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate Committee, their commitment and work were essential in both the creation of these Learner Portfolios and the continued emphasis on these competencies. I would also like to acknowledge our students, who each day bring these important competencies to life, improving Nashoba and the community that surrounds it.
Peace,
Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent
Changes Ahead for High School Graduation Requirements in Massachusetts
Last Tuesday, Massachusetts voters passed a ballot measure repealing the requirement that students must reach a specific competency level on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exam to graduate high school. Following this decision, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provided initial guidance to school districts, emphasizing the state’s commitment to high standards while transitioning to new graduation requirements. The November 2024 MCAS retests in English Language Arts and Mathematics have now concluded, allowing Nashoba students who achieve qualifying scores to fulfill the current graduation requirements. However, when the new law takes effect—potentially as soon as December 5, 2024—graduation standards will shift. Instead of MCAS scores, students will need to complete coursework that the district certifies as satisfactory. DESE has informed districts that further guidance on these new graduation criteria will be provided after the law takes effect. We will continue to keep families informed as more information becomes available to help students and families understand the practical implications of these changes as they develop. At Nashoba, our priority remains fully supporting our students and ensuring a smooth transition to the newly redefined high school graduation requirements.
Clever Portal & Student Resource Pages Offer Easy Access to Creativity and Standards-Aligned Skills!
NRSD students primarily access core classroom instructional software and digital resources through the Clever portal, a single, secure login for digital resources that centralizes
access for students to the various learning applications and content used in their daily lessons within the classroom. The elementary schools have also created customized resource pages. These customized resource sites offer students the opportunity to engage with a variety of enrichment and extension tools, from creativity-focused software to standards-aligned skills practice activities. K-5 families, please check out these resource pages from the Student Resources dropdown on your school's homepage! By blending the consistent and secure daily access of the Clever platform with the curated enrichment resources maintained at the school level, Nashoba is working to deliver a digital learning experience that engages students through a variety of approaches, K-12.
Thank You for Attending our Attendance Counts, Setting Students Up for Success Family University Session!
Thank you to those who attended our most recent Family University Session: Attendance Counts, Setting Students Up for Success! This session was led by Myriah Zwicker, Director of Health, Wellness and Safety. This presentation focused on the importance of school attendance and ways to support your child’s success. Topics included why attendance matters for students and families across all grade levels, helpful tips to encourage consistent attendance, resources available for caregivers, and a brief Q&A session for those in attendance.
For those who weren't able to attend, we have linked our presentation in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian here. You can access the full recording below! If you have additional questions and were not able to attend this session, please reach out directly to Myriah Zwicker, Director of Health, Wellness and Safety.
Up Next Virtually! Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility
Nashoba Special Education Parent Advisor Council (SEPAC) focuses on providing support, information, training and workshops related to special education to families of children with special needs. This December 12th webinar gives an overview of the complex special education laws and procedures and will focus on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Massachusetts Laws, Referral and Consent to Evaluate, Required and Optional Evaluations, Team Meeting Process, Eligibility Determination Process, Difference between IEP and 504 Plan, Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Parent/Caregiver's Response to IEP, and Procedural Safeguards. Register Here!
Pre-K Spaces Available!
Students in Bolton's Pre-K made "Exploding Apples" with hollowed out apples, baking soda and vinegar this week. What a fun hands-on science activity! There are still open spots remaining in our half day integrated pre-kindergarten programs for students who are 3 and 4 years old. Please reach out to Kristen Ryan, Director of Early Childhood at kryan@nrsd.net for more information.
Nashoba Drama Invites You to A Christmas Carol
Nashoba Drama is exciting to present A Christmas Carol this November! A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Tickets are available for Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 PM, Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM, and Sunday, November 24th at 2:00 PM. Check out the flyer below and click here or scan the QR code to get your tickets!
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!
