The Common
January 26, 2024
Superintendent Update
Dear Nashoba Families,
Last week, we shared updates with our community on the important work we are doing in our school system to improve every day. A cornerstone of this effort involves gaining deeper insights into the school experiences of the families, students, and staff our district serves. To achieve this, we've developed a series of surveys for caregivers, students, and faculty to help inform our district Equity Audit. Today, we are launching our first survey, tailored specifically to parents and caregivers.
This survey aims to gauge the sense of belonging and cultural awareness within our schools from the perspective of parents and caregivers. Drawing on questions from the Panorama Family-School Relationship Survey by Panorama Education, the survey is designed to be anonymous. No identifying information will be collected. We will be sending Parent/Caregiver Surveys directly to our families via email this afternoon with a close date for the survey of February 9, 2024.
The next crucial step involves hearing from our students about their experiences and perceptions. To gather student voices to help inform our Equity Audit, student surveys will be distributed to students in grades 6-12 during the week of February 5th - February 9th. Participation will be voluntary, and students may skip any question or choose not to participate. Similar to the Parent Caregiver Survey, these surveys are anonymous, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. While we will not be surveying students below grade 6, opportunities for our younger students to participate in student focus groups with their parents/caregivers will be made available in the coming weeks. Opportunities to participate in focus groups for our older students, families, and faculty/staff will additionally be made available.
If you prefer your child not to participate in the student survey, please complete our Opt-Out Form by Friday, February 2nd, 2024. Questions in the student survey are similar to the questions asked in the Parent/Caregiver Survey. Should you wish to view the survey in its entirety, please feel free to reach out to your building principal directly before February 2nd.
Our ultimate goal is to provide each student with the education they need and deserve. As a learning organization, we will carefully consider the findings to make intentional decisions for the improvement of our school system. Your participation in this process is crucial, and we hope you choose to engage with us.
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
News from the Department of Teaching and Learning
STEM Challenge in Grade 1 and Grade 4 - Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate Competencies in Action
First graders and fourth graders at MRE paired up for an exciting STEM Challenge! Given pipe cleaners, scissors and masking tape the students needed to create a tall, freestanding structure that would hold one marshmallow on top. Both teachers coached the teams into following the engineering process. Students practiced collaboration, creativity, and perseverance and had a lot of fun while working. Engagement was high and students learned The importance of making a plan, trying it out, learning from it and trying again. Excellent work!
AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
We are pleased to share that the Nashoba Regional High School has been awarded the 2023 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. This award recognizes schools that have furthered women’s access to AP Computer Science Principles (CPS) and equal gender representation. Nashoba was one of only 834 schools recognized nationally.
Research has shown that female students who take AP computer science are more likely to major in computer science in college compared with matched peers. Diversifying computer science education helps to prepare students for the in-demand jobs of the future and give them the opportunity to help solve some of society's most challenging problems.
Great Road: An NRSD Podcast
NRSD is excited to announce the launch of Great Road, our podcast designed to highlight the innovative and impactful learning experiences happening up and down Route 117. Episodes will focus on educators, leaders, and learners sharing the things that make the Nashoba Regional School District special.
Great Road will be featured on the district website and new episodes will be pushed out through the live feed as well as The Common. Hosted by Director of Digital Learning and Innovation Jed Stefanowicz, episode one features our first guest Stavros Andreopolous showcasing DECA in advance of the upcoming competition season.
Listen here! Or, on our District Homepage!
News From The Extended Learning Program
February Vacation Camp: Registration Open!
Looking for an exciting and enriching experience for your student this February Vacation? Look no further! Our February Vacation Camp is the perfect blend of fun and learning, offering full-day and half-day options to fit your schedule.
From art and drama to STEM and sports, we offer a diverse range of activities that cater to every interest. Let your student explore their creativity, develop new skills, and make lasting memories with our team of experienced and enthusiastic instructors and counselors!
For full descriptions of our offerings and registration see the Extended Learning Program page!
Location: Center School, Stow MA
Dates: Tuesday (2/20) - Friday (2/23)
Morning Half Day: 8:30am-12:00pm
Afternoon Half Day: 12:45pm-4:00pm
Full Day: 8:30am-4:00pm
News from Department of the Pupil Personnel Services
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!
This Week at Nashoba
Florence Sawyer School students learning about rhythm
Congratulations to the Hale Middle School students of the month
Center School second graders enjoying Wacky Hair Day.
Congratulations to Anna Hera, winner and Matthew Gleason and Logan Samuelson, runner ups of the Luther Burbank Spelling Bee.
Florence Sawyer Spelling Bee
Together, we inspire and challenge all learners to reach their unique potential and become active contributors to their community.