The Common
February 2, 2024
Superintendent Update
Dear Nashoba Families,
After a thorough review of applications and interview process, I would like to announce the two finalists in our search for the 2024-2025 Director of Student Services position. Both candidates are highly qualified educators who bring a wealth of experience and expertise.
Roann Demanche
Ms. Roann Demanche has held several positions within the Fitchburg Public Schools, each with increasing responsibility. She is currently the Director of Pupil Services where, in addition to providing special education supports, she also oversees guidance and counseling, nursing and health, and early childhood programming.
She was the Director of Special Education for six years, where she had full oversight of the special education department. She began her career in public education as an autism specialist.
Roann has earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Keene State College, and a Masters in Education from Fitchburg State College.
Maria Reardon
Dr. Maria Reardon has worked in the Natick Public Schools in several positions of increasing responsibility. She began as a School Psychologist, then was a TEAM leader and later, a Special Education Coordinator.
Her current position is Student Services Coordinator. She coordinates special education policies, procedures and mandates, and manages district assessment needs in areas including budget, evaluations, training, data collection, and programming recommendations.
Maria earned her Doctorate in Psychology from William James College, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology from UMass Boston, a Masters in Education in Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from UMass Amherst.
District Visits
On February 6th and 7th, each candidate will return to the district to meet with personnel, visit schools, and participate in a community forum. Ms. Demanche will visit on February 6th and Dr. Reardon will visit on February 7th.
Community Forums
The community forums will be hosted at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom the days of the site visits. I encourage parents/caregivers, faculty and staff who can participate to tune in. The Nashoba SEPAC has submitted questions for the candidates to consider and you can submit additional questions for consideration by filling out the form linked here. Please note, parents will not be able to ask questions of the candidates directly, which is why it is important to submit your questions in advance. The questions submitted will be aggregated and asked of the candidates by our Human Resources Director, Ann Marie Stoica. During each forum, a digital feedback form will be provided for parents to provide input about the candidates. Forms will only be collected during the candidate forum and must be submitted within 15 minutes after the candidate has concluded. Use this link to join the candidate forum.
Thank you in advance for engaging with our candidates and providing your feedback as we engage in this very important decision.
Peace,
Kirk Downing
(He/Him)
“Be your best self. Pave your path. Impact the world.”
News from the Department of Teaching and Learning
K-5 Literacy Curriculum Review, Field Testing Update
We are excited to share the latest developments in our curriculum review process for K-5 literacy. As a reminder, the district has been engaged in the curriculum review of the K-5 English Language Arts/Literacy curriculum since Spring 2023 with the goal of implementing new curriculum in the fall of 2024.
Most recently, the K-5 Literacy Curriculum Review Committee has been deeply involved in the examination of high-quality instructional materials for the purpose of field testing materials. As a result of this examination, the Committee has recommended two knowledge-building curricula for field testing this winter/spring, Imagine Learning EL Education and Wit and Wisdom. Both curricula have been identified as high-quality, research-informed instructional materials by EdReports, an independent nonprofit designed to improve K-12 education.
The field testing process provides an opportunity for teachers and students to experience a unit in a curriculum to learn more about it, try out the instructional routines and assessments, and use the materials and platforms to assess their efficacy, impact, and usability. Representative classrooms across the district will be engaged in the field testing process at Nashoba this winter and spring. Imagine Learning EL Education will serve as the first field test with the following units selected:
Kindergarten: Learning through Science and Story: Weather Wonders
Grade 1: What’s Up in the Sky? A Study of the Sun, Moon, and Stars
Grade 2: Learning through Science and Story: Fossils Tell of Earth’s Changes
Grade 3: Exploring Literary Classics
Grade 4: Researching to Build Knowledge and Teach Others: Animal Defense Mechanisms
Grade 5: Researching to Build Knowledge and Teach Others: Biodiversity in the Rainforest
The K-5 Literacy Curriculum Review Committee presented an update to the School Committee on December 13, 2023. Click here for this update.
Student Surveys for Equity Audit, Reminder
Next week, we will administer surveys to students in grades 6-12 to help inform our Equity Audit. Similar to the Parent Caregiver Survey, these surveys are anonymous, and no personally identifiable information will be collected. While our goal is 100% participation, parents/caregivers may choose not to have their child participate. The survey is voluntary; your child can skip any question or choose not to participate. If you prefer your child not to participate in this survey, please complete our Opt-Out Form by the end of the day today, Friday, February 2nd, 2024. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to sharing what is learned from the Equity Audit with our Nashoba community. As a learning organization, we will carefully consider the findings to make intentional decisions for the improvement of our school system. Hearing from our families, students, and staff is crucial.
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 Kindergarteners recess snow building fun
A first grade class at Center School corresponds with other first grade classes around the country to share "snowman" letters with each other. The letters are a form letter where they fill out their basic demographics, and collect letters from different states to make a display/collection.
Florence Sawyer Grades 6-8 Spelling Bee
Together, we inspire and challenge all learners to reach their unique potential and become active contributors to their community.