The Common

Dear Nashoba Community,

Every four years, the people of our country face challenges and uncertainties tied to the results of the presidential election. Election results affect us all differently based on our beliefs and the current issues that matter most to us. Today, we are sitting in that experience once again and how we proceed as a learning organization in the coming days, weeks, and years will say a lot about how we live our core values.

Young people in our school system are not much different than adults in that they have been inundated with information about political positions and candidates for months, if not years. Sometimes, in the post election environment, the expression of their opinions can be clumsy or even hurtful to others. This is no different than many adult interactions I have observed regarding the elections. Young people will replicate what we model for them. That is why it is so important that we conduct ourselves with dignity and empathy when discussing issues that are so closely tied to our core values. Democracy does not exist without different opinions of how governance should work, and navigating these differences is not easy. Dignified discourse requires pause, reflection, and self-regulation, even when it seems impossible. A system where we all agree is called an autocracy and that is not America.

I contend that it is possible to live in a community where we have dignity in the expression of thoughts. If we model that core value, our young people will walk through the doors of our schools with empathy and care for one another even when they disagree. That will foster school environments where students feel safe and have a strong sense of belonging.

Together, we can have a school community where everyone feels safe to express who they are with dignity and respect. I believe.

Peace,

Kirk Downing (He/Him)
Superintendent

Thank you to all the families who joined us for student conferences this week. These conferences are an important part of building strong partnerships between our schools and families. Our teachers appreciate the chance to talk about your child’s progress, celebrate their strengths, and discuss areas for growth. Whether you attended online or in person, we hope you found the conferences helpful and informative.

To better understand your experience, each school will be sending out a Fall 2024 Student Conference Survey. Principals will be sending these surveys out, and you can expect to receive them in your school newsletters. Please complete one survey per child. We appreciate you taking the time to complete these surveys. Your feedback will help us identify what is currently working and areas where we can improve for future conferences.

Finally, a special thank you to our teachers for their hard work and commitment to these conversations. We appreciate everything you do to build strong connections with families and students. Thank you!

The Health, Wellness and Safety Department is hosting the third installment of our Family University series! Join Myriah Zwicker, Director of Health, Wellness, and Safety, for a short and informative session on the importance of school attendance and ways to support your child’s success. Topics include why attendance matters for students and families across all grade levels, helpful tips to encourage consistent attendance, resources available for caregivers, and will wrap up with a Q&A to address your questions. This virtual session will take place on Wednesday, November 13th at 6:00pm. For those who can’t make it, materials and a recording will be available in The Common.

The Student Services Department, SEPAC, and the Nashoba Community Partnership for Children have an exciting lineup of virtual and in-person events planned in the coming month! Take a look at the offerings and register below!

Join Mister Vic and Kristen Ryan, Director of Early Childhood & CFCE Coordinator, for an exciting interactive event that highlights the remarkable benefits of music in fostering child development. This FREE family enrichment event is designed for children aged six and younger.

This event will take place Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at 6:15pm, and will run out of the Florence Sawyer School (Emerson Building Gym). Register here!

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!

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 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!

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!

Madison Oxnard of Lancaster was awarded the Massachusetts Association of Superintendent's Certificate of Academic Excellence. Congratulations Madison!

Students at MRE got a lesson in fire safety and a chance to check out a fire truck from Lancaster First Responders!

Seventh graders at Florence Sawyer made elephant toothpaste as they explored how matter can transform from one substance into another. Check out the video here!

Visiting French Exchange students put on an engaging and impressive Freedom Prize Presentation for NRHS students and staff. The Freedom Prize invites young people aged between 15 to 25 years old from France and around the world to choose an inspiring person or organization, committed to an exemplary fight for freedom.

Extended Learning Program students and staff took advantage of the nice weather and squeezed in another game of soccer!

First graders at FSS created a product that fulfils a need or solves a problem within their classroom in small groups. Then, they wrote a description of what their group created, why they created it, and the tools they used to create it!