The Common
June 9, 2023
Superintendent Update
Dear Nashoba Community,
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new website. We began the process of updating our website roughly a year ago, with the intention of building a website that would allow for improved communication, streamlined access to information, and that would further engagement within district families and community members. With that in mind, we partnered with Apptegy, a software development company that works directly with school districts to help them build successful points of communication across their web, mobile, and social platforms. Apptegy focuses heavily on maintaining ADA compliance and easy to navigate pages.
The updated website will offer:
Streamlined home pages for each school, featuring: relevant quick links, school news, an events calendar, and a new and improved live feed; Expanded menu options for easier navigation; Easy access to school and district reports; Updated alerts system; Concurrent posting to website, mobile, and social platforms, and; Capability to add a companion app (Apple and Android) in the future for information access on the go.
The final stages of our content migration are in process now as we conclude the nearly year long website build. We look forward to announcing the official launch date towards the end of July 2023, at which point we'll invite and encourage district and community members to explore the new website, which will still be found at www.nrsd.net
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
News from the Department of Teaching and Learning
Curriculum Review Begins for K-5 Literacy
This Nashoba Regional School District's vision for learning is predicated on a commitment to providing rigorous, innovative, and clearly aligned curriculum that inspires, engages, and challenges every student. To this end, the Department of Teaching and Learning has developed an updated district Curriculum Review Cycle to provide a systematic approach to reviewing and updating Tier 1 core curricula in each content area, K-12. The process of reviewing curriculum and instructional resources regularly ensures that we are meeting the needs of all of our students and supports a framework for continuous improvement.
K-5 Literacy has been prioritized within our curriculum review cycle as a direct result of our district commitment to ensuring our classrooms are equipped with evidence-based, systematic, explicit instructional practices reflective of the Mass Literacy guidelines and the Components of the Core Literacy Block. Our goal is to ensure all students develop a strong foundation in literacy, a foundation that prepares them for academic success, cultivates joy in reading, and provides them with the literacy skills needed to fully realize their unique potential.
Nashoba currently uses Calkins Units of Study, K-5, and Fundations as core instructional materials for literacy. Phase 1 of the Curriculum Review Cycle is driven by the essential question: How do our current instructional practices, curricula, and materials support student learning?
The Department of Teaching and Learning is organizing a Curriculum Review Committee whose work will be guided by this essential question. Through a data-informed process, the Committee will identify priorities, needs, and next steps, aligning our District’s instructional vision for literacy and the components of the core literacy block.
As we move forward, we will keep families updated on the progress of the Committee's work through regular updates in The Common.
State Seal of Biliteracy Awards, Congratulations NRHS Students
The State Seal of Biliteracy is an award provided by state-approved districts that recognize high school graduates who attain high functional and academic levels of proficiency in English and a world language in recognition of having studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The State Seal of Biliteracy acknowledges the value of academic success and the tangible benefits of multilingualism. This year marks the first year the Nashoba Regional School District has participated in the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy. Graduating seniors who meet the rigorous requirements for the State Seal of Biliteracy will receive a seal on their high school transcript upon graduation. To date, nine students have earned the Seal this year, with more recipients to be named once Advanced Placement (AP) exam results are available in July.
Congratulations to the following Nashoba Regional High School students who have already earned the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy or The Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy With Distinction Award!
Grade 12:
Rangsima Meesat - Seal of Biliteracy With Distinction in Thai
Nicolas Cerioni - Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
Bella Cotter - Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
Celia Tripi - Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
Grade 11:
Ivan Roberts - Seal of Biliteracy With Distinction in Spanish
Claire Hohn - Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
Kevin Lai - Seal of Biliteracy in Chinese
Olivia Trottier-Mitcheson - Seal of Biliteracy in French
Olivia Trottier-Mitcheson - Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish
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!
News from the Pupil Personnel Services Department
SEPAC Meeting
Thursday, June 15, 2023 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/efi-kdib-rje
Or dial: (US) +1 406-686-2498 PIN: 632 235 954#
News from the Extended Learning Department
Registration Open for June Soccer Camp!
Kick your summer off the right way with the Extended Learning Program's June Soccer Camp! Camp will run from Monday, June 26th, through Thursday, June 29th, from 12:30pm-3:30pm. The camp is open to all students grades K-5! Players won't need to bring anything but themselves and a water bottle. Register Here!
This Week at Nashoba
Coach David Dillion coaching his last game at Luther Burbank MS.
Congratulations on your retirement !!
Florence Sawyer 1st Grader reading to friends and family at Author's Day
Fifth grade students learning about colonial life
Together, we inspire and challenge all learners to reach their unique potential and become active contributors to their community.