The Common, Edition #10

Last Friday, PreK-12 faculty and staff engaged in the first districtwide early release professional development session of the 2022-2023 school year. Each of this year’s professional development activities has been intentionally designed to support the strategic objectives outlined in the 2022-2027 NRSD Strategic Plan. This year's professional learning activities range from professional development in support of our K-5 Bridges in Mathematics implementation, to the further development of skills related to the integration of social emotional learning, to curriculum alignment and mapping across domains and grade levels. Our curriculum mapping work is supported through a distributive leadership model with grade level sessions facilitated by teacher leaders. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of our teachers and our teacher leaders as they engage in the further refinement and development of learning experiences for our students that integrate our Portrait of a Nashoba Graduate competencies within the context of rigorous and rich lessons and units.

This year, we are excited to share that the Nashoba Regional School District will participate in the State Seal of Bilteracy program for the first time. The State Seal of Biliteracy program recognizes students for language proficiency in English and proficiency in a second language. Students of all language backgrounds, including English learners, former English learners, heritage speakers/signers of world languages, and students from monolingual English-speaking homes who have acquired world languages at school or in the community, are eligible for the State Seal of Biliteracy and the State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction should they meet eligibility criteria. Graduating seniors who meet the rigorous requirements set forth for the State Seal of Biliteracy will be formally recognized and receive a seal on both their transcript and diploma upon graduation. NRHS Juniors or Seniors interested in pursuing the State Seal of Biliteracy, should complete this survey. Please be aware that this survey is intended to garner interest and does not require a commitment at this time.

Feeling sick can be especially concerning these days. Could your sniffles be caused by COVID-19? Or the flu? A cold? Or maybe allergies? Or RSV?

While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses typically circulate during the fall and winter during what’s known as the flu season. The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October. NRSD is experiencing higher volumes of flu cases over the past few weeks. NRSD staff continues to follow our disinfecting protocols. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May. Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the timing and duration of flu activity has been less predictable. For more information on Flu season: CDC Flu Season

For more information of COVID: Flu vs COVID

Like flu and COVID-19, colds are also caused by viruses and can be passed to others.

Symptoms of a cold tend to be mild. You may have a runny nose, cough, congestion, and sore throat. But you won’t usually have the aches and fever that are common with COVID-19 and flu. Often, you’ll feel better in a couple of days. There’s no cure for the common cold. Typical treatments include rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines.

Unlike COVID-19 and flu, seasonal allergies aren't caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens. Allergies can cause a runny nose and sneezing. But they’re not contagious. If your eyes, nose, or ears itch, that also could be an allergy.

CDC surveillance has shown an increase in respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV detections and RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in multiple U.S. regions, with some regions nearing seasonal peak levels. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. For more information on RSV: CDC - RSV

Healthy Habits

• Wash your hands well (and often).

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose.

• Get vaccinated for COVID and Flu.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Get plenty of sleep.

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!

Middle School Band Night at the Homecoming Game!

Emerson Picture Book Perfect Pumpkin Show