Nashoba is excited to launch our new K-5 ELA literacy curriculum, Imagine Learning EL Education.

This selection marks the culmination of an extensive curriculum review process involving various stakeholders. The process included developing a districtwide instructional vision for literacy, field testing two high-quality programs, visiting classrooms in other districts, engaging in research, and evaluating data before ultimately selecting EL Education. Since the decision, our educators have been diligently learning the new materials and unpacking both the curriculum units and the many boxes!

The new curriculum supports evidence-based instructional practices and aligns with the Mass Literacy core instructional block guidelines. Students will access rich, grade-level text to build knowledge on topics such as "Tools and Work" (Grade 1) and "Poetry, Poets and Becoming Writers" (Grade 4) while integrating writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and language skills. This integrated approach marks a shift from the previous approach of Readers and Writers Workshop. Instead of teaching skills separately, skills are now combined, allowing students to apply what they read in their writing, and enriching the content they can write about.

In our K-2 classrooms, our strong foundational skills instruction, Wilson's Fundations, will continue. Fundations instruction will be strengthened by the addition of Fundations readers, decodable texts. Heggerty, a foundational phonemic awareness program, will further be added to our Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms this year.

Providing our families with an overview and more information about our new curriculum is essential to us. Nashoba's Instructional Coaches for Literacy will host a table to share some of EL's literacy resources and materials during upcoming school open houses. As part of our NRSD Family University, we will also offer the following opportunities for families to learn more:

Overview of New K-5 ELA Literacy Curriculum Sessions

Tuesday, September 17, 9:30-10:15 AM, In Person

Friday, September 20, 9:30-10:15 AM, Virtual

Monday, September 23, 7:00-7:45 PM, Virtual

To register for any sessions, click here by Monday, September 16. For those unable to attend, a recording of one of the virtual presentations will be made available after September 23rd.

High school students interested in learning more about how to earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 5:30-6:30pm. The meeting is open for both students and their families, and will occur in the back of the Nashoba Regional High School Media Center. Please find more information here. For students studying another language or for multilingual students, this opportunity is worth a look!

Our new Innovation Pathways Program kicked off its inaugural year with a Welcome Reception the first week of school! New Innovation Pathways Coordinator, Bridget Hannigan, started things off with an introduction, and NRHS and NRSD staff provided valuable insights into the program’s development.

Students had the opportunity to hear from and then meet with program partners who may become their future internship hosts, as well as connect with the dedicated staff who will guide them through their courses. The surprise guest speaker, Sophie Smith of College Contact, shared her career journey, offering advice and inspiration.

Paul Bessette, a parent of an incoming Pathways student shared, "Katelyn and I were excited to attend the Innovations Pathway Reception. It was a fantastic opportunity for her to learn more about the program and hear from several inspiring business leaders in the community. Katelyn is particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to connect her education with practical, real-world applications. We extend our gratitude to the Faculty and Staff for organizing such a wonderful event!"

Thank you to all who attended, and we're looking forward to a great first year!

We’re wrapping up week two of Whitsons in our kitchens, and rave reviews are pouring in from both staff and students! This summer, we welcomed Ms. Mayra Maldonado from Whitsons to the Nashoba team. A huge thank you to our incredible Nashoba Food Services staff and Ms. Maldonado for their hard work in bringing delicious, nutritious meals to our students.

Want to check next week’s menu? You've got options! Download the FD MealPlanner app, or visit the online menus at www.fdmealplanner.com and search for "Nashoba."

Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our school nutrition experience, including student menu tastings, improving recycling and composting practices, and launching a School Nutrition Advisory Board. For now, let us know what your favorite lunch has been so far!

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!

We welcomed students back across the district over the last two weeks with events that kicked off the new school year!

NRSD educators came together on September 3rd for an impactful keynote presentation by Dr. Kalise Wornum.

High school students had a blast at last Friday’s Wolf Day, choosing from a variety of teacher-led activities spread across the high school!

Nashoba welcomed new educators during its late August New Educator Orientation! Kim Rocha, NRSD Mentor Coordinator, hosted the event which offered new staff the opportunity to hear from Leah Vivirito, Chair of the School Committee, Superintendent Downing, Assistant Superintendent Friend and principals!

We had a fantastic summer filled with exciting activities and we enjoyed connecting with many new families. Animals adventures, DIY SIime and Bubbles, Kosmic Kelly and Kindergarten Meet and Greets brought many families together over the summer months.